The following week, Ruhaan found himself sitting in a high-end café in one of Mumbai’s posh neighborhoods, the kind of place that exuded exclusivity with its minimalist décor and overpriced menu. He glanced at his watch, feeling a pang of irritation at how much time this was wasting. 

The café door swung open, and in walked Ria Agarwal, dressed to the nines in a designer outfit that screamed money and privilege. Her perfectly styled hair and practiced smile were all part of the image she had crafted for herself—an image Ruhaan had no interest in being a part of. 

“Ruhaan Sharma,” she said, approaching him with a smug grin. “The cricket sensation. And here I thought you were too busy for people like me.” 

Ruhaan stood briefly out of politeness and gestured for her to sit, ignoring her flirtatious tone. As she took the seat across from him, her eyes scanned him like she was sizing up a trophy. 

“Let’s get to the point,” Ruhaan said curtly, leaning forward. “I don’t have much time.” 

Ria raised an eyebrow, leaning back in her chair. “Wow, no pleasantries? You really are all business.” 

“This isn’t a social visit,” he said firmly. “I’m here to set some ground rules. If you can’t stick to them, this conversation ends now.” 

She tilted her head, feigning amusement. “Ground rules? For what, exactly? I thought we were supposed to be dating.” 

Ruhaan’s expression hardened. “We’re not dating. And we’re never going to date. Let’s get that clear right now.” 

Ria’s smile faltered for a moment before she recovered, crossing her arms. “Then why are you here? If you’re not willing to play along, you’re wasting my time—and my father’s.” 

“I’m here to make a deal,” he said, his tone unyielding. “You want fame. You want brand deals, endorsements, your face on billboards. I can help you with that. I’ll connect you with my network, make sure you get the contracts you want. But that’s all I’m offering. No fake dates, no public appearances together, no personal involvement. This is strictly business.” 

Ria leaned forward, narrowing her eyes. “And why would I agree to that? The whole point of this was to be seen with you, Ruhaan. Cricket’s golden boy. The endorsements come naturally when people think we’re together.” 

Ruhaan’s gaze didn’t waver. “You’ll get the same endorsements without the façade. My name will be behind the deals, and my reputation will ensure they follow through. You don’t need the drama of fake dating for that. In fact, it’ll work better for you in the long run—clean, professional connections, no strings attached.” 

Ria hesitated, tapping her manicured nails on the table. “And what do you get out of this?” 

“Nothing,” he said bluntly. “Except for you and your father staying out of my career.” 

Her lips curved into a sly smile. “You’re smarter than I thought, Sharma. But tell me, why not just go through with the whole dating thing? Wouldn’t it be easier?” 

Ruhaan’s jaw tightened. His mind flashed to Roohi, the thought of her finding out about something like this. The pain it would cause her, the betrayal it would feel like. No, he couldn’t do that—not even for the sake of appearances. 

“I have someone in my life,” he said finally, his voice quieter but firm. “Someone who matters more to me than this entire career. I won’t compromise that for anything.” 

Ria raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “Someone, huh? You’ve been very good at keeping her hidden. No one knows anything about this mystery woman.” 

“And that’s how it’s going to stay,” Ruhaan replied sharply. “You’re not going to ask about her. You’re not going to dig into my personal life. This arrangement has nothing to do with her, and I’ll make sure it stays that way.” 

For a moment, Ria studied him, her expression unreadable. Then she sighed dramatically, waving a hand. “Fine. I’ll play along. I’ll take the deals, and you can keep your little secret. But don’t think for a second that this makes you untouchable. If you cross my father again, no amount of talent will save you.” 

Ruhaan didn’t flinch. He had faced far worse in his life than the empty threats of entitled people like Ria and her father. He stood, signaling that the conversation was over. 

“You’ll get what you want,” he said, his voice calm but laced with finality. “But don’t forget—I’m not the one who needs this arrangement. You are.” 

Ria’s eyes flashed with annoyance, but she stayed silent as Ruhaan turned and walked out of the café, his head held high. 

As he stepped out into the sunlight, Ruhaan exhaled deeply, the weight of the meeting pressing down on him. He had done what needed to be done, but the thought of keeping all of this from Roohi gnawed at him. She had been his pillar through everything, and now he was forced to carry this burden alone to protect her. 

Still, as much as it hurt to keep her in the dark, Ruhaan knew it was the right thing to do. He couldn’t risk Roohi sacrificing her happiness for his career. She was his sanctuary, his peace in the chaos of his world. 

And he would do whatever it took to keep her safe from it all.