The room felt suffocating, even though the windows were half open and the wind outside fluttered the curtains like ghostly whispers. The door had just shut behind Mike, his hurried footsteps fading. Silence filled the space, but it was not peace—it was rage simmering, pain pulsating.Mia stood there for a second, her chest rising and falling with fury. Her eyes were still locked on the door Mike had vanished through, as though she could scorch him with a glance alone. Then, with a breath that sounded more like a growl, she stormed toward the nearby table and dropped herself onto it, the wooden edge groaning beneath her weight.Her fist clenched the edge tightly. Knuckles white. Nails digging into her palm.“I think it’s time,” Mia hissed, barely looking at Hema.Hema sat still, her expression calm—too calm. Her fingers clutched the sides of the chair she sat on, back straight, chin lifted. Her eyes, though blank, had a heaviness to them. As if they had seen too much.She didn’t ask fo
It was supposed to be the most extravagant day of their lives.The grand ZN mansion was lit up like a kingdom from a dream. Glittering chandeliers swayed softly above golden drapes, and the aroma of exotic flowers filled the halls. High-profile guests, business tycoons, and media elites buzzed about the engagement of Mia Zayden, CEO of ZN, to Mike, her charming business partner. Everything was perfect. Except… Hema was missing.Zayden adjusted the cuffs of his blazer , staring into the mirror. He was waiting—restless.“Where is she?” he muttered under his breath. “She should have been here by now.”Turning around, he found Mia fixing the folds of her lehenga, the crimson red heavy with embroidery. She looked up at him, seemingly calm, even offering a gentle smile. “She said she went up to pick a thread,” Mia said softly, “something about her dress tearing a little.”Zayden gave a small nod. Hema had been living with him for six months now—her quiet demeanor, her calm, obedient aura… h
In a hidden room beneath the east wing of the mansion, Hema sat on a wooden chair, her hands shaking, her mind an inferno of conflicting thoughts. The weight of the ring on her finger felt heavier than ever.Across from her, Mia stood tall, her sharp features unreadable. Her silk robe shimmered under the dim light, but her expression held nothing soft.Mia asked , “Are you ready?”Hema nodded slowly. Her eyes were tired, rimmed with sleeplessness and the remnants of tears thinking about the baby future.Mia looked at her—long and hard. Then she turned and opened a hidden compartment in the wall. Inside, passports, cash, and an unregistered phone sat neatly stacked in a leather pouch.“I never wanted it to end like this,” Mia said. “But Mike crossed the line. He tried to hurt you… and for that, he dies instead.”The Day of the Wedding“Where’s Hema?” Zayden asked, adjusting the golden cuff on his sherwani. His eyes were calm but curious.Mia smiled, holding his arm gently. “Her dress r
In the tranquil coastal village of Kovalam, nestled along the southern shores of India, Hema sought solace and anonymity. The village, renowned for its crescent-shaped beaches and swaying coconut palms, was a stark contrast to the tumultuous life she had left behind. The rhythmic cadence of the waves and the distant chimes of temple bells provided a soothing backdrop to her days, allowing her moments of peace amidst the storm of emotions within.A New BeginningUpon her arrival, Hema rented a modest, whitewashed cottage perched on a gentle hill overlooking the Arabian Sea. The cottage, with its terracotta-tiled roof and blue wooden shutters, exuded a rustic charm. A small veranda adorned with potted jasmine plants became her favorite spot, where she would sit for hours, feeling the sea breeze and listening to the distant calls of fishermen.The villagers, with their warm smiles and simple lives, welcomed her without prying into her past. To them, she was Aaradhya, a young widow seekin
In the aftermath of Hema’s presumed death, Zayden’s world crumbled. The once-formidable mafia leader withdrew from his empire, entrusting its operations to his sister, Mia. As Zayden spiraled into despair, Mia seized the opportunity to consolidate power, while Hema, alive and hidden away, embarked on a journey of healing and self-discovery.Zayden’s Descent into DarknessThe grand halls of the ZN mansion, once bustling with activity, now stood silent and somber. Zayden confined himself to his chambers, the weight of grief rendering him a shadow of his former self. Days blurred into nights as he sought solace at the bottom of liquor bottles, the intoxicating haze offering a temporary escape from his torment.Alcohol, a depressant, exacerbated his depressive state, impairing his judgment and intensifying feelings of sadness and hopelessness. His dependence on alcohol not only affected his mental health but also manifested in aggressive outbursts towards the household staff. Once a respe
Zayden sat on the edge of his king-sized bed, the fabric of Hema’s dupatta clenched tightly in his fist, the scent of jasmine long faded but hauntingly familiar. His unkempt hair fell over his eyes, and the stubble on his jaw was days old, maybe weeks — time was a blur now. Sunlight barely filtered through the thick curtains of his massive bedroom, casting long shadows across the floor strewn with empty whiskey bottles and shattered glass.He dragged himself off the bed and stumbled across the room, stepping over a broken photo frame. The picture inside, once a perfect memory of Hema smiling beside him at a beach house, was now scratched, bloodied by shattered edges. Zayden barely blinked.His foot accidentally knocked over an ornate wooden box — the one he had custom-designed for Hema’s VR headset. It hit the floor with a dull thud and lay there wide open. Empty.He froze.The haze that had dulled his senses for weeks suddenly lifted, as though a cold gust had slapped him in the face
In the sterile confines of St. Raymond’s Hospital, the rhythmic beeping of monitors underscored the gravity of the situation. Zayden lay motionless on the hospital bed, his once formidable presence diminished by the ravages of alcohol and despair. His skin was pallid, stretched taut over prominent cheekbones, and his eyes, though closed, bore the weight of sleepless nights and relentless torment.Mia sat beside him, her posture rigid, hands clasped so tightly her knuckles blanched. Tears streamed down her face, leaving glistening trails on her cheeks. The doctor’s words echoed in her mind, a cruel refrain: “His liver has failed. He doesn’t have much time.” The finality of the prognosis was a punch to the gut, leaving her breathless and reeling.She reached out, her fingers trembling as they brushed against Zayden’s cold hand. The sensation was jarring, a stark contrast to the warmth he once exuded. Her voice, when she finally found it, was a fragile whisper.“Zayden,” she began, her t
Mia, his fierce and calculating sister, had just revealed a truth that none could have foreseen: Hema was alive. For a heartbeat, grief had shrouded them both in desolation. Then, in a sudden and startling change, Zayden, with an intensity that seemed almost otherworldly, rose from his bed.He stood up so abruptly that all the intravenous lines and ECG leads were yanked from his arms and chest. His sheet, hastily cast aside, pooled around his legs like tattered remnants of what used to be comfort. Clad in nothing but his hospital gown and a heavy shirt hastily pulled on over his emaciated frame, he now towered over the bed as if reclaiming a throne. His eyes burned with a mix of anger and bewilderment, and the transformation was so dramatic that those present couldn’t decide whether to applaud or recoil in horror.Mia, who had been sitting rigidly beside the bedside, still trembling from her earlier despair, could barely believe her eyes. Just minutes ago, she had been weeping inconso
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