Page 22 of Obsession

Seeing both their thunderous expressions, the waitress hurried away.

“Fine, I agree to your terms,” Mihir said. “You and I do need to let go of the past and move on. Let’s end our marriage how we had begun—quietly, without anyone knowing. Also, if by seeing you and I getting along brings our siblings the happiness to plan their weddings, then I’m all for it.”

“I’m glad we’re finally agreeing on some things,” Ananya said, her tone sharp.

The waitress came with the bill and the card machine. Once he was done paying, she stood. He rose as well, and they left the restaurant together, their bodyguards following close behind. Spotting her Lamborghini SUV, Mihir nodded at the men. They waited behind as Mihir walked her to her car. He assessed their surroundings, looking satisfied once he’d deciphered that they were relatively hidden between her SUV and the one next to it. He really took security and safety seriously.

“We need to get started on our plan ASAP,” she told him once he faced her. “Which means one of us needs to host a dinner or lunch or something to get the whole family together. Then we can announce to them that you and I have buried the hatchet.”

Mihir made a face. “I’ll do it. My brothers are perpetually in your house, attending your events. They will be happy to have you all over. I’ll figure out the details and text you. Just remember, once they are married, then this…” he waved a finger between the two of them, “…ends. No more pretense.”

That was what she wanted too, isn’t it? Then why was her heart feeling heavy? Why did she feel that this bargain would cost her more than she was prepared to give?

Still, she nodded. It was for her sisters. She was doing this for their happiness. Mihir turned to leave. A sudden thought crossed her mind.

“Wait,” she said. He faced her, brows raised in question.

“Last night, how did you know I was following you?” she asked.

He shrugged, not replying.

She studied him. She’d pondered over the question for a long time. Each time, she had come up with only one plausible conclusion. His silence was further proving it.

“You have someone following me,” she announced.

The gold in his eyes flared and his jaw flexed. It was enough of an answer.

She moved closer to him, and poked his chest. “How dare you? You have no right, Oshnov. I already hate it that my brother has Adam dogging my footsteps always.”

“Who you conveniently seemed to have ditched last night,” he taunted.

She glared at him. “That is none of your business.”

“It sure is,” Mihir replied. “I’m certain you know that simply by being affiliated with my brothers and me, your entire family is at risk. Rajiv did the sensible thing by putting security around you. Don’t take it for granted, Anna.”

“Fine, I won’t,” she replied. “What I don’t understand is why you have your watchdog tailing me.”

Again, he kept silent.

“Oh wait…” She tilted her head. “Youhaving someone following me simply reeks ofyourobsession withme, Oshnov.”

“I amnotobsessed withyou,” he shot out. “Having Anton guard you was just an added safety measure. You are wild and impulsive. And although I regret it, I did marry you. If my enemies ever learned that…”

Her heart stuttered. She had never considered that possibility. But they weren’t even together. She had nothing to fear. He was merely being cautious, as was his nature. Most likely, he was doing this for her brother and sisters. They all would be devastated if anyone tried to hurt her. That was it. It was definitely not because he cared about her. He’d made it amply clear over the last years that he didn’t.

She looked at him and saw the scorn in his eyes for her. God! At one time, she’d only seen love shining on his face for her. And while she kept telling herself that she didn’t care for him, that she wanted him out of her life, this situation still hurt. A tear fell from her eyes before she could stop it. She had to get away from him before he saw how he affected her. She spun around. He caught her elbow, stopping her. He slowly turned her to face him.

More tears leaked down her eyes. She brushed them away with the back of her hand. He held her elbow tighter.

“Let me go,” she said.

Mihir kept looking at her face, transfixed. He caught a tear with a finger, staring at it. “For years, I thought that seeing your tears would give me the greatest joy. I thought breaking the strong, infallible Ananya Mehra would be my biggest victory.”

Fresh tears fell down her face. She was such an idiot to be giving him exactly what he wanted, but once the barrage had broken, it just wouldn’t stop.

“I need to go,” she said.

He tilted his head towards her. She pressed her lips together to stop their quivering. His gaze drifted from her eyes to her mouth. His finger dropped to the edge of her lips, tracing their shape. She ought to push him away, but her limbs wouldn’t move. Only her chest rose and fell as every emotion she had only ever felt around this man came to life. Only whenhewas close to her.

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