Jia's POV:
I could see it—behind her forced smile, a storm was raging. Her swollen eyes were proof of how much she had cried, how much she was hurting. And all I could do was be there for her, silently, unwavering. Soon, I got ready for the office, my mind already bracing for what awaited me there. After everything, I would have to face that infuriating, maddening man—Mr. Vihaan Mickelson. How could someone be so cruel? How could he make her suffer like this?
"Cruel… monster," I muttered under my breath, shaking my head.
Adrian arrived soon after, and after saying a quick goodbye to Ama, we left.
"How is Ama now?" Adrian asked, his eyes fixed on the road, voice gentle but concerned.
"Trying her best to hide the pain behind a smile," I answered, my own heart tightening at the thought.
I gripped the steering wheel a little tighter, shaking my head at the thought. "I swear, Adrian… if I have to see Vihaan today, I might just lose it."
Adrian glanced at me, a small smile tugging at his lips. "You mean your boss? Or your sister's ex?"
"Both!" I snapped, exasperated. "He's my boss, but right now… he might as well be the world's biggest villain. The way he treated Ama—ugh! I can't even. I might strangle him with my own legal briefs if he dares cross my path today."
Adrian chuckled softly, reaching over to squeeze my hand. "Okay, okay. Deep breaths, Jia. You'll survive. And you're not alone."
I let out a long sigh, resting my forehead against my hand. "Survive? Adrian, I have to survive for Ama. But also… I really want to tell him off. Professionally, of course."
"Professional or not, you're allowed a little inner rant," Adrian teased. "Just… maybe keep it in your head until you get home."
I snorted, smirking despite myself. "Yeah… easier said than done. I'm literally shaking thinking about walking past him in the office. Every time I see him now, all I'll hear in my head is 'Amara… I never imagined you'd come back.' Ugh! That smug, fake smile…"
Adrian laughed, and for the first time since the morning, a small warmth spread through me. "You'll get through this, Jia. And after today, maybe we can plan something fun—get your mind off him."
"Fun? Hah! My mind will be in battle mode all day. But… thanks, Adrian. I really need you right now," I admitted softly.
He leaned over and kissed my temple. "Always. You don't even have to say it."
The office building loomed ahead, familiar yet suddenly suffocating. I gripped my bag tighter, mentally bracing myself. Every step toward the entrance felt heavier than the last.
As I walked through the lobby, I caught sight of him—Vihaan. Standing by the large window in the corner office, papers in hand, completely absorbed in his work. He didn't notice me. Not even a flicker of recognition.
I've been working here for nearly two and a half years, and I know him well enough to understand how he notices people. But if he paid attention to anyone besides Ama, it's not obvious. Watching him now, even standing beside his secretary, I realized he wouldn't notice her at all. If something happened to her, if anyone asked him to describe her face, he probably couldn't name a single feature.
I've seen him smile countless times during their calls—voice or video—smiling at Ama like she was the entire world. But that warmth? He never shared it with anyone else.
And yet… here he is, capable of doing something so unthinkable to the one person he loved most. I couldn't reconcile the Vihaan I knew with this version standing before me. How could someone so deeply in love… hurt their partner like this?
Amara's POV:
I had spent an entire week within the four walls of my home, letting the city and its chaos exist without me. Today, I forced myself out—an interview awaited, and despite everything, life had to move forward. The conversation had gone well—my confidence had returned, just a little, and for the first time in days, I allowed myself a small smile.
I decided to take a detour through the park before heading home, needing a few moments of fresh air, a chance to untangle the knot of thoughts swirling in my mind. The late afternoon sun warmed my face, and the gentle rustle of leaves seemed almost therapeutic.
I found an empty bench and sat down, closing my eyes briefly, letting myself breathe. For a moment, I imagined life could be simple again, just me and the quiet hum of the world around me.
And then… I noticed her. Olivia. Sitting on a nearby bench, flipping through a magazine with that same casual, self-assured air. My stomach clenched, a familiar rush of tension and anger mixing with the ache that never fully went away.
Olivia looked up, her eyes catching mine immediately. A small, polite smile curved her lips, though it carried an edge I had long learned to recognize.
I considered turning away, walking off as if I hadn't noticed. But something in me made me stay—steady, strong, determined not to show fear. I would not run.
"Alone, Amara? I didn't expect you to actually step outside," Olivia smirked, leaning against the bench. "Thought you'd hide in your little cocoon forever."
I met her gaze evenly. "Funny. I didn't realize you were the spokesperson for where I should or shouldn't be."
Her smile widened. "Oh, come on. You really think you can act all strong after what happened? Everyone saw you faint!"
I didn't flinch. "And yet, here I am. Standing. Breathing. Smiling. Unlike some people, I don't need to prove my worth by hurting someone else's."
She tilted her head, mockery in her tone. "Bold words for someone who's clearly heartbroken."
I stepped closer, letting my voice sharpen. "Heartbroken? Maybe. Weak? Never. And you? You should learn that arrogance and cruelty don't make you strong—they just make you pathetic."
Her smirk faltered, a flicker of surprise in her eyes. "Wow… I didn't know you had it in you."
I shrugged lightly. "You didn't know me at all. And now you do. So if you're done mocking me, I have a life to live. One you'll never touch."
She opened her mouth, then shut it, realizing I wasn't wavering. I turned and walked past her, feeling every step lighter than before.
Olivia's eyes flicked toward the park entrance, and I followed her gaze.
"Look who decided to show up," she said, smirking. "Vihaan, perfect timing as always. See? Even he came to watch you crumble."
My chest tightened for a heartbeat—he was there, standing near the fountain, papers in hand, completely absorbed. My heart ached, but I refused to let it show.
I faced Olivia fully, letting my voice ring clear. "Using him to scare me? That's pathetic. You think dragging him into this changes anything? Newsflash: it doesn't. You've always relied on others to make yourself look bigger, Olivia. But I don't need anyone's approval—or protection—to stand tall."
Her lips twitched. "Oh, so you're fearless now? You think you can just throw words at me and it'll sting?"
I leaned in slightly, voice low but deadly calm. "Not words, just reality. You've built your power on illusions and fear. I've built mine on truth. And right now? You're exposed."
Vihaan's presence made my hands shake for a second, but I swallowed it. "If you wanted to see me weak, you've failed. If you wanted to see me falter… congratulations, Olivia. You've seen only what you were meant to see—a stronger me, standing exactly where I choose to be."
Olivia faltered, the smirk fading. For a moment, I saw frustration, maybe even fear, in her eyes.
I straightened, back rigid, eyes blazing. "So take him, drag him into your little games, and see where it gets you. I won't run. I won't crumble. And I sure as hell won't let you define me."
I turned away, leaving her standing frozen, while my heart, though still fluttering at the sight of Vihaan, reminded me: I am stronger than I've ever been. And he—Vihaan—he'll notice, when he dares to look.