The house had never felt more alive than it did that day. Zayden had become a different man—if only for a moment. Sunlight streamed through tall glass windows, warming the marble floors where their clothes lay scattered. The mansion, usually pulsing with movement and guarded like a fortress, was eerily still. No footsteps echoed, no voices called out, and no servants bustled through the halls.Zayden had dismissed them all.Because today was for her.For Hema.They had made love in every corner of the mansion—the living room couch, against the kitchen counter, in the hallway where golden frames hung crooked from where she’d clutched at them. She had stopped resisting. Not because she had forgotten what he was—but because part of her had begun to understand who she was when she was with him.And that frightened her more than any locked door ever had.Later, they collapsed into the sheets again, tangled in sweat and silence, their hearts pounding together.Zayden traced the curve of her
Days passed like petals falling in slow motion—delicate, deceptive, and just as easily crushed.After that day of passion and unexpected reconciliation with Mia, Zayden’s demeanor had subtly shifted. Not in ways that were loud or dramatic, but in the quiet way a storm gathers behind a perfect sky. His affection hadn’t vanished—it was still there, in the possessive touches, the stolen kisses, and the soft “I love you” murmured against Hema’s skin. But his presence had reduced.And Hema noticed.She always noticed.Zayden left earlier now. Took more calls during meals. He no longer lingered in the bathtub with her or insisted they dine together. And when he came back, he was tired—drained by endless meetings, documents, and most of all, Mia’s sudden need to be “involved” in everything.To fill the growing void, Zayden did something that surprised Hema more than anything: he gave her a laptop and a mobile phone.Hema blinked at them on the table like they were ticking bombs.“These are f
Zayden leaned back in his leather chair, fingers tapping on the polished surface of his desk. Papers were scattered in front of him, but his attention was fixed on the woman standing across the room—his sister, Mia.She stood near the window in his office, sunlight painting golden stripes across her sharp profile. Dressed in a deep blue blazer, her arms were folded, her eyes carrying the same determination he remembered from when they were kids. But now, it was layered with something darker.“I just want to take her out,” Mia said, her voice surprisingly soft. “To talk. To… connect. She’s your wife. That makes her my sister-in-law.”Zayden’s brows lifted slowly. “You’ve never asked for this before.”Mia sighed and dropped her arms to her sides. “Because I didn’t care. But maybe that was my mistake. I want to try now. Don’t I get that chance?”He stared at her for a long moment, as if trying to read beneath her skin. “If anything—and I mean anything—happens to her, Mia…” His tone shift
Hema emerged from the bathroom, her damp hair cascading over her shoulders, droplets tracing paths down her arms. She wore a simple white robe, loosely tied at the waist, revealing glimpses of her collarbone.Her movements were hesitant. She paused at the threshold, her gaze fixed on the floor, as if the polished wood held answers to unspoken questions. Her shoulders were slightly hunched, and her arms wrapped around her torso—a protective gesture, shielding herself from an invisible threat.Zayden, seated on the edge of the bed, had been scrolling through his phone. The rustle of fabric drew his attention. He looked up, his sharp eyes immediately noting her posture. Setting the device aside, he rose, the mattress sighing in relief.“Hema?” His voice was gentle, laced with concern. He approached her slowly, not wanting to startle her. “Is everything alright?”She flinched at his words, a barely perceptible reaction, but one he didn’t miss. Her eyes darted to his briefly before settlin
The golden lights of the chandelier dripped like honey over the grand ballroom of the Haveli, casting shimmering reflections over the polished marble floor. The place was adorned with fresh orchids and lilies, filling the air with a soft floral scent. The stage at the far end was set for the announcement everyone had been waiting for — Mia’s engagement to Mike , her new business partner and now fiancé.Three months ago, Mia had met Mike during a tense merger discussion. He was charming, sharp, and disarmingly polite — a rare blend of confidence and calm. He hadn’t flinched once while locking horns with her in negotiation, and that very quality had pulled her attention. She had flirted first, something unusual for her, especially after the chaos with Zayden. Aryan had matched her energy, the chemistry undeniable, and soon, their partnership had turned personal.Here’s a detailed, emotionally rich flashback scene that explores the dynamic between Mia, Zayden’s sister, and Mike Arden—on
Zayden’s breath was hot against her cheek as he closed the distance, towering over her like a storm about to break loose. His arm caged her against the wall, and the other hand slid around her waist, resting just above the curve of her hips.“Let it go,” he whispered, voice dark and low, eyes locked on the blouse she clutched tightly against her chest. “Drop it.”Hema’s breath hitched. Her fingers trembled on the fabric. “We… we’ll be late.”He leaned closer, his lips brushing her ear. “You think I care?” His voice was like a threat laced with longing. “You wear this and expect me to just tie a knot and walk away? Not happening.”Her chest rose and fell rapidly, caught between nervousness and burning desire.Zayden’s hand gripped her hip firmly, pulling her flush against him—so close that there was nothing between them but the silk of her saree and the knot of his towel. She gasped, feeling the hard length of him pressing against her clit. Her knees weakened.“Zayden…” she whispered,
Hema’s fingers deftly dabbing concealer over the purplish marks that adorned her neck and collarbone. The cool touch of ice had done little to reduce their prominence, and now, time was slipping away. The engagement party was already underway, and they were unforgivably late.As she blended the makeup to mask the evidence of their earlier passion, Zayden emerged from the bathroom, a towel slung low around his hips. His gaze settled on her reflection, a smirk playing on his lips.“Why hide them?” he murmured, moving to stand behind her. His hands rested on her shoulders, fingers tracing the edges of the fading bruises. “Let them see you’re mine.” Hema met his eyes in the mirror, a flush creeping up her cheeks. “It’s not appropriate for an engagement party, Zayden.”He chuckled, the sound low and possessive. “Appropriate? Since when do we care about that?” Leaning down, he pressed a kiss to the nape of her neck, his breath warm against her skin.She shivered, both from his touch and th
The secluded café sat nestled in the folds of the misty hills, far from the city buzz. With glass walls and dim golden lights, it overlooked a silent valley below. A few couples scattered across the space, soft jazz humming in the background. The two women seated by the edge—Mia and Hema—seemed like any other pair of elegant friends enjoying an afternoon escape.But their eyes told another story.Mia sat with one leg crossed over the other, her leather boots polished and sharp against the rustic wood of the café floor. Her fingers curled around her wine glass, tapping it gently every few seconds, eyes scanning Hema as though deciphering a secret code. Her red lipstick matched the tension on her lips—silent, deliberate.Hema, on the other hand, sat calm. She wore a soft beige kurta with jean, her dark hair braided loosely over one shoulder. Her hands rested in her lap, the watch barely moving even as she stirred her coffee.“I want to know,” Hema said quietly, voice as smooth as the st
The hospital lights were far too bright for Zayden’s comfort, but nothing about this day was supposed to be comfortable. He paced the hallway outside the operating theater, Ira cradled carefully in his arms. She looked up at him with those curious eyes, still too young to understand why her usually composed father was walking in frantic loops across polished tiles.Across the hall, Mark looked equally stricken. His face was pale, and his fingers drummed nervously on the side of the chair as he watched the double doors of the maternity wing like a man waiting for a verdict.“Mommy will be here soon,” Zayden muttered, adjusting Ira’s blanket answering her,Zayden nodded. “You think Mia’s okay?”“Mia is okay but I am not,” Mark fired back, trying to force a grin but failing. “Mia threatened to castrate me if I faint during delivery. So yeah, my brain is doing backflips.”Just then, the double doors opened.A nurse walked out, pulling off her mask. “Mr. Zayden?”He stepped forward, heartb
He crashed his mouth to hers—hard, needy. Her hands tangled in his hair as he pressed his body against hers, her thighs wrapping around his waist instinctively. His kiss was urgent, deep, the kind that made her forget where she was. He pulled back just enough to yank her top over her head, exposing her soft breasts, nipples already hard.Zayden groaned at the sight of her and buried his face between them. He licked, kissed, nipped—lavishing each breast with slow, deliberate attention. Hema arched into him, her fingers gripping the bedsheet. His mouth worked her expertly, moving from her breasts to her neck, sucking gently, leaving a trail of wet heat down to her belly.By the time he reached between her legs, she was trembling. His fingers teased her clit, slow circles that made her moan into the air. He loved watching her unravel under his touch—loved seeing her lose control.“Zayden…” she gasped, her thighs twitching. “I need you… inside me.”His lips made a curl. “ you are losing y
The drive stretched endlessly, winding through green hills and coastal turns, the golden hue of the sun bathing the road in warmth. Zayden had planned this break meticulously—no calls, no business, no parenting duties. Just Hema and him, for five full days. Their daughter Ira was safely with Mia, and for the first time in over a year, Hema felt… untethered.She sat in the passenger seat, hair loosely tied, her eyes half-lidded as she stared at the moving landscape. The windows were down just enough for the wind to tousle her strands. Zayden glanced at her sideways, and the way her lips parted ever so slightly—it stirred something primal in him.“You know,” he said, reaching over to entwine his fingers with hers, “I’ve been imagining this trip for weeks.”Hema looked over, already smiling. “I can tell. You’ve been grinning like a maniac since we left.”“I just missed having you to myself,” he said, his voice dropping. “No diapers. No meetings. No interruptions.”She giggled. “And what
The following evening, the golden light of sunset poured into the wide windows of the mansion. Ira was curled up peacefully in her little crib beside the cushioned couch, her tiny hands resting near her face, making gentle sleepy sounds as she dreamed. Hema sat cross-legged on the plush rug nearby, brushing out her hair while Zayden sat beside her, lazily scrolling through photos of Ira’s first steps with an affectionate grin plastered on his face.Mia strolled into the room in her usual confident gait, dressed in her casual yet elegant loungewear, holding a small gift box in one hand.“For the little queen,” she said, placing the box near Ira’s crib and kneeling to press a soft kiss on the baby’s forehead. “I still can’t believe she walked. I missed it!”Hema smiled warmly, setting her brush aside. “She’ll walk into your arms next time. Or maybe run.”Mia’s eyes twinkled as she looked at Hema. “She better. I’m planning to bribe her with toys and secrets.”Zayden chuckled, “Spoiling h
The grand mansion buzzed with life as little Ira, now a spirited one-year-old, filled its halls with her infectious laughter. Her tiny hands and knees propelled her swiftly across the marble floors, making her the darling of everyone—from the seasoned housekeepers to Zayden’s meticulous assistant, Mark. Each had succumbed to her charm, their days brightened by her presence.One particular afternoon, Ira’s curiosity led her on an unexpected adventure. The distant sound of raised voices echoed through the corridors, drawing her attention. Recognizing her mother’s voice, she set off, her crawling turning into determined steps as she clung to walls and furniture for support. The babysitter, momentarily distracted, turned to find Ira missing from her side. Panic surged as she began her search, only to spot the child making her way toward the commotion.Inside the master bedroom, tension crackled. Hema stood her ground, arms crossed, eyes blazing with frustration. Zayden, looking remorseful
The grand black gates of the mansion opened slowly, the familiar creak echoing through the long driveway lined with blooming jasmine. The late afternoon sun bathed everything in golden light as Zayden stepped out of the sleek black SUV, carefully cradling Ira in one arm, while holding Hema protectively with the other. Hema’s steps were slower, her body still weak from the birth, but her heart was full—this was a different kind of return. One not born out of pain or escape, but healing.Mia stood at the entrance, wearing a simple beige dress and a soft, rare smile on her face. Her sharp eyes shimmered the moment she spotted Ira. She rushed down the stairs barefoot, arms extended. “There she is—my little angel!” Mia’s voice trembled with emotion.Zayden grinned as he gently passed Ira into her arms. “She missed her aunt, didn’t she, baby?” he murmured, planting a kiss on Hema’s forehead.Hema chuckled softly and nodded. “We named her,” she said, watching Mia’s eager face.“Oh?” Mia rais
Hema lay curled up beside Zayden, her body still sore from the C-section she had just a week ago. Their baby girl, Ira, was sleeping peacefully next to her in a bassinet . Hema and Zayden had been through so much together, and now, with their little family complete, they felt like the luckiest people in the world.Hema caught him staring and gave him a coy smile. With a mischievous glint in her eye, she slowly reached up and unzipping her kurti, exposing one of her full, heavy breasts."Have a taste," she purred seductively, her voice low and inviting. Zayden's breath hitched as he took in the sight of her perfect breast, the nipple already engorged with milk. His cock instantly hardened, straining against his boxers. He swallowed thickly, desire burning in his veins.Zayde arched an eyebrow. "Are you sure, my love?"Hema nodded with a smile,Zayden's eyes darkened with lust. "I'll be gentle. I promise."In one swift movement, he leaned over her, pressing soft kisses along the swel
The tarmac glistened under the late afternoon sun as Zayden led Hema gently toward the sleek, private jet waiting for them. The sound of soft wind mixed with the distant hum of the plane’s engines. Zayden had one arm securely wrapped around Hema’s waist, supporting her as they walked slowly, while the other held baby Ira against his chest with practiced care.Behind them, two of Zayden’s men followed with their luggage, handling everything swiftly without a word. The elderly couple had waved goodbye, tears in their eyes, just a few minutes ago. Now, as they approached the jet’s steps, Zayden helped Hema up first, handing the baby over for a moment so he could lift her easily.“You don’t have to carry me every time,” Hema mumbled, half-blushing, half-teasing as he lifted her as if she weighed nothing.“You say that as if I’m going to stop,” Zayden smirked. “Let me enjoy being your crutch for a while longer.”He helped her to the spacious cabin of the jet, where a luxurious bed had alre
Zayden stood by Hema’s side as she slowly made her way down the hospital corridor, holding tightly onto his hand. Every step she took was careful, her body still sore, but determined. She didn’t complain. Her grip on his hand tightened whenever the pain in her abdomen throbbed, but she said nothing—only looked ahead, her face slightly pale but strong.Zayden, ever watchful, didn’t take his eyes off her for even a second.“You don’t have to push yourself,” he said gently, adjusting his arm around her waist.“I’m not pushing,” she whispered. “I just want to feel normal again.”Zayden chuckled softly.They reached the end of the hallway, and Hema paused near the window, looking outside at the golden morning sun spreading across the hospital lawn. She took a breath, soaking in the warmth. But the next moment, her knees buckled slightly.“Hema!” Zayden immediately pulled her close.She didn’t fall. She collapsed forward—right into his chest, her forehead resting just above his heart. Her a