Page 30 of She will Always be Mine

It’s also why I know that he’s calculating and putting the pieces together behind my double-crossing. Few months ago, he came up to me with an investment proposal in a venture that could be beneficial to us both. He had come up with a business modal to open an exclusive gentlemen’s club in Pune, which would have all the amenities catering to their every whim and desire, virtuous by day and full of debauchery by night.

His plan was solid and he never lost his composure while answering all of my questions, and he already had the prime location in mind. With my database of affluent and influential clients, who are always demanding something more unique than the norm, plus Zain’s expertise when it came to the nightlife while working with various club owners, it was the perfect collaboration for us. The only hurdle was Manav Singh, who was his direct competition and had his eye on the same location.

After a month of these meetings with Zain, I did my own research and sat down with my financial advisor who approved of the investment. I had connections with the right people in this business and soon enough, I was able to buy the building by giving an offer the owner couldn’t refuse. I kept my brother out of the loop so I could surprise him on his twenty-fifth birthday.

Then, he went and ruined everything.

One cardinal rule I have is to never go into business with people I can’t trust. Unfortunately, I just never imagined it would be him.

“You heard me,” I answer with a cruel sneer. “The building is off the table and so is our deal, brother.”

“I understand you not wanting to invest but to sell it to Manav without letting me know, that’s deceiving.”

“Oh yeah.” I curl my lip at him. “Well, I understand you being against me loving Nyra, but to send her mom to catch us, now that’sbetrayal.”

Surprise flickers on his face only for a second before he gives a mirthful laugh and shakes his head. It’s like he knew I would soon learn about his actions and he doesn’t even look ashamed or guilty as he remains standing tall.

Roughly running his hands through his hair, he taunts, “Of course, it’s about her. So this was retaliation, hmm?”

“Did you think I wouldn’t find out?” I taunt accusingly. “I thought you had my back and I thought I could trust you.”

“I did it to protect you.”

“No!” I roar, my fist connecting with the table with a loud bang, making the paper ruffle and causing the stationery to fall to the floor. Rising up, I put both my fists on the desk and lean forward. “You stabbed me in the back instead.”

“It’s because you can’t see it and live in this fucking fantasy land you created in your head where you and her walk into the sunset,” he snarls. “You and Nyra will never end up together.”

Why does everybody think they have the right to decide that? First, Nyra and now him.

“It wasn’t for you to decide.”

“Maybe,” he says. “But now you know how Mom and Dad are going to react when they learn the truth.”

“Why don’t you go ahead and do that as well?” I reply sardonically.

“Oh, trust me, I’m tempted,” he growls as he crushes the documents in his hand. “Especially after you ruined my dreams for your own selfish reasons. It’s your loss too, Riaan.”

“Actually, it’s not. In fact, I’ll get a sweet return since I’m a partner in his venture now,” I answer smugly. “So, if by a miracle you do find a willing new investor and a location, I’ll be your competition.”

His muscles bulge and he grinds his jaw in rage while glaring at me as we stand opposite each other. I know he’s fighting an inner battle to not lunge at me and I’d be lying if I said I’m not hungry for a fight, but neither of us like losing control. Since I have got nothing more to say, I turn around and give him my back.

“Get the hell out of my office, Zain,” I order.

I expect him to leave immediately but then he speaks, “At least my intentions were good. Too bad you can’t say the same.”

“I only have one intention,” I say. “Nobody hurts Nyra and gets away with it.”

“I hope she’s worth going against your own family.”

I listen as he walks away and the door closes behind him, leaving me alone with his words echoing in my head. If he ever paid close attention, he would know…

Nyra will always be worth it.

Chapter Twelve

NYRA

There’s a saying… how can someone so wrong, feel so right.

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