Viaan’s POV:-I glanced over to my left, only to see my wife sleeping soundly. She was merely a hand away from me. I’m sure she must have felt me twisting and turning in the bed since then because some frowns kept coming and going on her face. I sighed inaudibly before adjusting the duvet on her properly.We had slept quite late, and it was unfair on my part to disturb her sleep already. After that pondering question remained unanswered, Ryan asked all of us to get some sleep, as it was already late and we needed rest. I especially like what he said. He suggested we should talk about it tomorrow with a fresh mind. Thus, even when we didn’t have any answer, we all called it a day. They were staying here for tonight, so they went to their respective rooms, while Kiara asked me to sleep for a while. My wife, realizing my headache, also gave me a head massage until she herself fell asleep.Little did my Kia know that the pain and stress I had in my mind were not going to leave my side eas
Viaan’s POV:-My breath caught in my throat. Heartbeats accelerated at an abnormal speed. I stilled in my place. The burning cigarette in between my fingers made a smoke trail around us."You're smoking, Viaan?" The voice, one I never wanted to hear at this moment, reached my ears.The grip on my arm tightened, grounding me in the reality I wished to escape. The world seemed to halt as I turned slowly to face the unexpected intruder.There she stood, my wife Kiara, shock and disbelief etched on her face, eyes locked onto the burning cigarette in my hand. I never wanted her to find me in this state, unraveling layers of my demeanor she hadn't glimpsed before. But here, one more time, my stars backstabbed me.A cast of unknown emotions spilled over her face. The initial shock painted her expression, her lips slightly agape, her other hand involuntarily clutching the edge of her nightgown.A torrent of emotions swirled within her; Concern mingled with shock, and a trace of hurt flicker
Viaan’s POV:-“Do you realize you have an acute migraine? It tends to trigger the worst. And cigarettes are potentially the strongest promoter of it. How could you do this to yourself, Viaan?” Her low-toned yell reverberated through the room as she shook me, a vivid reminder of my past episodes of acute migraines.I nodded in response, acutely aware of the detrimental effects of smoking, especially in my case. The truth was that smoking had played a role in triggering migraines at the tender age of twenty. It was only after the diagnosis that I began to reduce my reliance on cigarettes.I don’t want to accept this, but the weaker side of me, never actually could leave it completely. That was why in extreme situations, I still take its shelter. And that kind of resort is today standing like chaos in my relationship with my wife. She was hurt and disappointed to learn about this side of her husband. “Of course, you knew it. Still, you continued.” I came back to the moment when she left
Viaan's POV:-The next thing I knew, my heart was doing somersaults because Kiara grabbed my face and neck, pulling me into this intense, fiery kiss. I had to consciously calm my heart down because it decided to take a wild ride on a romantic rollercoaster.As her hand glided upward, fingers intertwining with the strands of my hair, a delicious shiver raced down my spine. The intensity of the kiss heightened as she tugged playfully, a soft, throaty grunt escaping me, swallowed by the magnetic pull of her lips.The tactile sensation of her lips against mine was an exquisite dance of silk and velvet, a symphony of textures that awakened every nerve in my body. The subtle tickle of her breath beneath my nose created an intoxicating rhythm, amplifying the magnetic force that bound us. My fingers instinctively threaded through her hair, a seductive exploration that mirrored the rhythm of our synchronized breaths.Our kiss unfolded in a passionate whirlwind, time seemingly suspended as we l
Writer’s POV:-Adams Villa,The rain, which had been relentless for over four hours, finally ceased its symphony of droplets on the windowpane. Viaan and Kiara, cocooned in the warmth of each other's arms, lay in blissful oblivion, undisturbed by the world outside.As the first light of dawn filtered through the curtains, painting the room in a soft glow, Viaan and Kiara remained lost in the serenity of sleep. The rhythmic rise and fall of their chests mirrored the tranquility that enveloped the room. The storm outside had subsided, and a newfound peace settled in. Viaan snuggled closer to her when the cool breeze brushed past them, and Kiara hid himself more in his warm chest.Meanwhile, the day had begun for the rest of the group. Ryan, Maya, Leo, and Rachel had freshened up and gathered at the dining table by 8 a.m. The absence of Viaan and Kiara raised mild surprise, but attributing it to their exhaustion from the late-night discussions, the group decided to let them sleep a littl
Adams Corps:-*GRACE Corporation in Freefall: Major Investors Abandon Ship!* *GRACE in Crisis: Investors Abandon Ship, Future Uncertain.**After Adams Corps, now GRACE faces a major setback and is bigger than the former.**From Stability to Strife: How the Fall of GRACE Draws Parallels with Adams Corps' Turbulence.**GRACE's Plummet: Stock Values Hit Rock Bottom as Investors Flee!**Adams Corps: Shares go down exponentially following the exit of six shareholders.*The relentless headlines blared across every media outlet, casting a shadow over Adams Corps. The news of shares plunging exponentially after the departure of six shareholders had spread like wildfire, engulfing social media in an uproar. Heated debates echoed through every channel, magnifying the clash between the two rival companies.Inside Adams Corps, the usual hum of activity persisted, but an undercurrent of weariness and dread pervaded the atmosphere. They didn’t have enough time to contemplate the fallout of their r
GRACE:-The day unfolded for the employees of GRACE like a tumultuous rollercoaster ride. Following the departure of investors, a group of concerned employees gravitated toward Robin, seeking clarification about the incident. In the midst of the uneasy atmosphere, Robin found himself facing the challenging task of assuring his team that, regardless of who withdrew their support, the company was resilient and not on the brink of collapse.Robin, standing amidst the swirling uncertainties, addressed the gathered employees with a calm and reassuring demeanor. "I understand this situation has raised concerns, but let me assure you that GRACE is built on a solid foundation. We've faced challenges before, and we will navigate through this as well. Just trust me.” His words were met with a mix of skepticism and hope from the gathered employees. No matter what the company’s history of getting to the peak in a certain field in just four years, the people were still skeptical of the current sc
Kiara’s POV:-I dialed Viaan's number from her phone, handing the phone to Maa. Concern etched across her face. She held the phone to her ear, waiting for him to answer. Then I don’t know what came to her mind, and she kept it in speaker mode."Hello, Maa," Viaan's warm voice echoed through the phone. “Hello, Viaan! Where are you, son?” She sounded so sweet, asking about his whereabouts. Their bond always brings a smile to my lips."In the office, Maa. What happened? Everything alright?” Concerned laced his voice.“Yes, everything is alright. I was just worried about you and was missing you, too.” Maa answered in a low tone. I can understand her sadness. We have been late in waking up today and even after that Viaan didn’t get enough time to spend with Maa as he had to go to the office."I'm sorry I couldn't spend more time with you today. Work has been hectic." Viaan said apologetically. "It's okay, son. Just make sure to take care of yourself and not overwork. Your health is more
Writer’s POV:-Mr. Moore wiped the sweat off his forehead while waiting for the call to be received.“Hello!” The reply came as soon as the call was received.“I have done my work. Now give me my thing back!” He said over the call.“I am impressed with your quickness, Mr. Moore.” a masculine heavy voice was heard from the other side. “I thought you would still take a few more days. But no. You proved why this is priceless to you. Excellent, old man.” With a dark chuckle, the man added. The words were more like a mocking of Mr. Moore’s efforts, and that made the elderly man clench his fingers.Mr. Moore’s entire body shook with rage. At that moment, he wanted nothing but to thrash everything around. To get the man in a chokehold and punch him straight across the face for making him dance on his fingers. However, the helplessness of the situation had him holding from behind. He can’t act repulsive. Not at this stage when he is so close to the one thing that he has been finding for sever
Viaan’s POV:-I helped Maa get down from the car, supporting her gently as she stepped onto the gravel path. As soon as her eyes fell on the scene in front of us, she froze. Her fingers tightened around my palm, clutching mine with a grip that spoke volumes.“Viaan, this…” She began, her voice trailing off as disbelief washed over her.Not believing what she saw, she was struggling to find the right set of words. Her lips wobbled putting an impromptu pause. She looked back at me, her gaze searching for confirmation, her body trembling slightly.That was my cue to confirm her doubts.With pride and emotions lacing my own voice, I squeezed her shoulders and nodded. “Paradis d’Amour, Maa. Our dream.” I announced, taking my mother in a half hug from sideways, holding onto her as tightly as I could.She averted her gaze back to the property. With a dip in her brows, she looked at me once again, “Huh?”I knew, I knew she was getting the meaning of my words but the yearning self of hers want
Writer’s POV:-“Where are you taking us, Viaan? At least tell me now.” Leena asked for the nth time, getting annoyed at her son’s silence over the matter.Viaan, like the previous times, smiled mischievously and answered without looking back. “Patience, Maa, patience. You’ll come to know soon.”Leena scoffed audibly, narrowing her eyes at her son’s mischief, and scolded him lightly. “That ‘soon’ of yours has not come since the last three and a half hours of our journey. How long more would you keep it a secret?” Her eyes wrinkled at the corners while her nose flared in annoyance.Her anger didn’t seem to affect Viaan a bit as the man chuckled loudly. “As I said, it is a surprise, Maa. I’m not telling you to spoil the fun already.” He refused to reveal, making his mother smack his arms from the backseat.“You have become too naughty these days.” She said through her gritted teeth, only to get a burst of hearty laughter from her son.Huffing, she crossed her hands across her chest and s
Writer’s POV:-“Thank you so much, Guys.” An emotional Viaan expressed his gratitude to the two of the constant pillars of his life.Receiving brotherly pats on his back as a response, he reluctantly broke the hug. His dull face was uplifted with the pure essence of their support throughout his life.“You —” Ryan started to speak, but then his eyes narrowed as he studied Viaan’s features more closely. “Were you crying, Viaan?” His eyes scanned Viaan’s face with concern.On cue, Leo also took a closer look. “Yeah, you look off!” He exclaimed, pointing out the obvious signs of distress.Viaan stilled. His smile dropped into a thin line. Immediately, he averted his eyes away from them and looked everywhere around.How come Ryan observed that? His shoulders tensed once again.“No. Why would I cry?” He chuckled nervously shrugging his shoulders, not wanting them to read his face further.“Then why are your eyes red and moist?” Ryan scoffed, narrowing his eyes. “Don’t lie through your teeth
Back in the present time, The PenthouseViaan’s POV, :Looking at the keys, I fisted them tightly. I was in my penthouse where I had come just an hour ago to get freshened up. Last night, I had to lie to Kia and Maa as I had spent entire hours in planning for the surprise for Maa. Then this morning the leftover documentation took my time while I also went to check for last-minute preparations. I just happened to come here one hour ago as I can’t go directly to home. And as soon as I came here, the first thing I did was to call Maa. She deserves the surprise the most.All through this while, I also kept myself reassured that this was not a dream anymore but a reality.A beautiful reality.A certain kind of peace filled my heart. I felt the cores of my eyes moistening up. Our dream was finally completed.“Paradis d’Amour is finally ours, Papa. I completed your and Maa’s dreams.” My voice choked with emotions as I looked at the picture frame on my desk while placing the keys reverently b
Writer’s POV:-“Did Viaan tell when will he come?” Leena asked Kiara who was serving her breakfast.Her hands stopped in the air and she raised her head to her mother-in-law. “No, Maa. He had just dropped the text last night that he wouldn’t be coming home tonight as he had an urgent meeting and some important work. So, he is perhaps staying at the penthouse itself.” Kiara sighed, continuing to fill Leena’s plate.Leena nodded recalling the text Kiara showed her last night. Viaan had specifically mentioned to tell Leena about it, he himself didn’t text her thinking she must be asleep by then.It was around eleven in the morning. Both the ladies were having a late breakfast today, as Kiara was nauseous and not feeling good this morning; thus she had delayed her meal.Although Leena had something light earlier as she had to have medicines as well, she still joined Kiara in the late meal.It was Leena’s assistance that she was even eating, lest she was all ready to ditch the breakfast to
Writer’s POV:-“And the man said that Mr. Adams is ready to meet at the earliest possible date,” Daniel revealed, sounding serious and firm.Hunter sat straight with a jerk, his brows dipping in. “How come he agreed this early? Didn’t he and his lawyer want time?” The question triggered his mind, he inquired in a disbelieving tone.The frown went deeper on his face; his eyeballs moving constantly as he tried to figure out Viaan’s step. One thing was crystal clear neither Viaan nor his lawyer saw this proposal as a simple invitation to get rid of legal troubles. Hence it was very much acceptable for his rival to seek time to agree or even deny.That’s why, even when this frustrated Hunter, he was ready for any secret investigation Viaan did on him. But little did he expect, that his acceptance would come this early and fast.He heard Daniel huffing from the other end and came out of his thoughts. “I have no idea, Sir. But if they are ready then why not proceed? This was the plan after
Writer’s POV:-“Kia, calm down. Ryan said that he won’t reveal anything to Viaan.” Sophie tried to calm her down, but the girl was far from calming down.A ready havoc was created in her mind and heart and she had no idea how to deal with it.“But he didn’t even give me any time, Soph. All he allowed me is tonight.” Kiara retorted, holding her breath in apprehension.She can hear her heart pounding in her ears, and sweat beads adorning her temples even after the decreased temperature of AC.Her words followed a silence before Sophie sighed audibly. “You have taken more than you should, Kia. You can’t avoid it any longer. Dr. Ryan was right when he said the more delay you are making the harder it would be to make Viaan understand.” Sophie indirectly quoted Ryan’s words from the last evening.“Out of all people, you should be understanding my dilemma, Soph.” Kiara clicked her tongue, getting annoyed at not finding any solution. “I didn’t wait for Tyler to just wake up, but I needed to k
Writer’s POV:-“Not only this but also the fact that Aaron is Tyler and Sophie’s son!” Ryan’s voice was steady, but there was a hint of solemnity in his tone.As Ryan dropped the bombshell, Kiara and Sophie froze, their eyes widening in shock. The words hung in the air, heavy with the weight of the revelation.A revelation that Kiara least expected today.The room fell into a stunned silence. The only thing audible at that moment was the ticking of the clock and the lazy evening wind coming through the open windows of Ryan’s cabin.With a composed face, Ryan watched the two women in front of him, trying hard to digest the truth he just disclosed.He knew this was going to be their reaction once her tells them the truth, but still watching them doing so, made him amused.Did they really think they would keep this massive truth away from him?Did they seriously think he wasn’t going to find it out, ever? He was a doctor, for God’s sake. It was impossible for this truth to be a secret fr