MIRA'S POV:

As the cold chills shot up in my spine I sat there with a blank confused face. What the fuck he just said, right now? I must be dreaming, right?

"You own Colman and Co?" I asked to ensure that I understood correctly. I didn't believe my own hearings or voice. They both could betray me right now.

A few beats pass when I keep staring at him, like someone who just heard that her she got robbed. Well, not technically, but he kinda robbed my sanity. I've never imagined that I am sleeping with someone who owns 'The Colman & Co." It is insane as much as breaking spaghetti before boiling.

Alex had that sneaky smug proud grin on his face. He knew, that I had a mini shock wave regarding his self-introduction. I've seen that smile before. It comes often, when he fucks me so good, that I almost lose my mind between space and matter, forgetting my existence.

This bitch is well aware of his abilities.

The same beautiful waitress came up there, breaking the thin ice between us. I was honestly shocked. I mean I actually deserve to know all this. But then do I? The contract terms clearly state that no personal questions. Maybe I got played in my own game. While I was thinking all the bullshits over my head, Alex's had a calm composure. She leaned a little and greeted us with a smile. " Good evening, Mr. Connors. And Miss, Malhotra. What can I get for you, tonight?"

Alex turned his mused gaze away from me to look at her. "I would like to have a glass of Château Lafite and Bistecca Alla Fiorentina for tonight. What do you want Mira?" he asked casually. His tone holds a grip of little hesitation or nervousness I could say. He knew he has to pay later for doing this to me.

I still didn't recover from the shock from earlier so I found my voice not supporting me as well. But still, she was waiting for my answer. "I think I will have the same," I said swallowing a dry lump in my throat.

She nodded and left, writing down our order. I mean, Colman and Co. have this exclusive line of restaurants only for the exquisite people. I surely wasn't one of them. I mean I was just a counsellor, at NYU. I was getting paid moderately and I had no complaints about that. But this place wasn't for me. This restaurant only takes reservations one week before, and the price is so high, because of the exquisite menus, it isn't affordable for common people. They do have high-end membership that allows their members with a few explicit facilities.

I was thinking what should I say to him now? Technically he is a....

He noticed that I was a little faded when he asked cutting me from those thoughts, "you, okay?"

Do I look like I am okay? I mean should I be okay to know that you are technically you are a multimillionaire or something...?

Is this a joke? This has to be a joke.

Am I on camera?

I looked around to see any hidden cameras around us.

"What's wrong? You don't look like you are okay..." His voice trailed humour and concern at the same time.

"Well, no. I am not. I just found out the guy I am... dating or whatever you call this... who I thought... was a mere college student, turned out... to be the owner of the biggest multinational company." I gulped water to calm some of my nerves.

What the fuck!

He chuckled looking at my probably pale face, before he said in a lazy tone, "well, I am not the exact owner. My grandpa is. I mean on paper it's mine, but he runs the company."

Isn't that the same thing?

"Wait, I am confused. Would you prefer to enlighten me a little, please?" My brows scrunched up in confusion.

He chuckled dryly as he replied, "Okay... So, my grandpa, Charles David Colman Connors developed and built 'The Colman and Co' group of companies back in the '50s... At first, he started only with motels and lodging stations. Later with his hard work, now it includes major public sector businesses in hotels and hospitals around the world. He always had the thought that one day his son would take over his empire. But after my grandma gave birth to my father, she met with a severe accident and could never conceive again. So, my grandpa had only one hope and brought up my dad to become like a successor so he would take over his empire."

He paused to look at me to see if I was listening to him attentively, and I didn't even blink this time. I was intrigued. He looked a little sad or uncomfortable but he continued further after a beat, "but he had a different opinion about his life. He chose a different path than what my grandpa set for him. My grandpa was devastated when my father refused to take over the business. All the hard work he did, seems to fade away." He paused again, inhaling a big chunk of air.

"He saw no hope but he never gave up. Then my dad met my mom... and I happened." He laughed casually, but I could feel the humourless sarcasm behind his laughs. As if he's hiding something.

"My grandpa thought, that he might change after I and mom came into his life, but he never did. So, grandpa inherited his company to me, as his last wish." He completed with a dry smile.

The little information that he withheld all this time literally hooked me. It was kind of some film or story. I couldn't still believe it. He is the fucking heir of the multi-million-dollar company Colman Co. And here I just think of him as a mere college student I am fucking.

None of this makes any sense.

Not fucking my student, or him being the multimillionaire. But it is what it is. The biggest proof is I am sitting inside one of the private lounges of Colman and Co. with Alex. Fuck. I wonder what would Nina's reaction if she hears this.

I bet she over exaggerate or would laugh pitying my condition.

Throughout my life, I've avoided any limelight. And now not only I was discovering tempting sins, but also getting myself into something, I could only guess the reaction.

Okay now, it is pretty much clear, from where he can afford all these expensive cars, a fucking penthouse and that expensive thousand-dollar gifts. But the question is if he is a fucking multimillionaire, why is he into medicines then? I mean that has no relation with each other at all.

I couldn't control my curiosity. I have to ask him a few questions to get my head clear up. "If really you do own 'The fucking Colman & Co. then why are you pursuing medical?" I was intrigued and curious. "I mean, isn't it completely irrelevant?"

He sighed with a frown. "This is something I wanna pursue myself." He replied with a not-so-happy face. "Even though I couldn't say no to my grandpa, I had my own dreams. I had always dreamt to be a doctor when I was young." His face scrunched up in pain. "My dad... He wanted me to be a doctor..." His voice still trails with disappointment and I hate to see him like that.

He always had a charming character. And I am not used to seeing him like this. I wanted to take him in my embrace and caress him until his face again lit up with those mischievous smiles. That suits him better.

"But what about your dad? Where is he?"

His face frowned a little before he replied, "Let's say he's someone who likes to rebel. Right now, all grandpa has is me and my mom. And I cannot hurt him the way dad hurts him. He already survived two heart attacks. And I don't want to become the reason for the third if I turn him down too."

His story already started making my stomach churn a little, even though I haven't had any food yet. I could feel how hurt his voice sounded. I could only feel it.

Till now, I've only heard this kind of story in books and films. But being wealthy does have many secrets and turns that aren't shown to the eyes of this big wide world. I mean I do know, you have to sacrifice something, to get something. But sacrificing his whole life is too much for me.

While our conversation, the waitress brought our food and wine, and we had to pause for some time. To my surprise, he didn't leave me hanging with some food, that I haven't heard of before. He knew my choices and thus, there was a plate of Fettuccine Alfredo.

I couldn't suppress a small smile, knowing he is probably the best man in the world. I never thought I'd say that ever. But I did. He was attentive, caring, and have every other quality that a girl would kill to get.

But lucky I am, he is spending this beautiful evening with him.

I've never known there was a hidden phase of Alex's behind that mask of his goofy face. He was so much more than what I know. A puzzle that keeps making me attracts more every day towards him.

Another curiosity led me to ask him, "What about Singh in your middle name?" I have always wanted to ask him that. But that was against rule no. 5.

He chuckled and replied, "The 'Singh' was my mom's last name. I took that from her after my father left." His voice dropped dry humour. "I mean that only felt reasonable when she is doing both the responsibility of my dad and mum."

"Aren't your mom and dad, like, together?" Another personal question. But since he was already doing this, one more question wouldn't hurt, right?

I agree, I haven't been interested in anyone's life before. But seeing Alex is like those layers filled with thrills and excitement that I wanted to dig further, no matter how much it is with the reg flag.

"Ummm let's say that mom's job kinda affected their relationship and dad gave up. But my mom couldn't just give up on her family. She took over his place in the family."

"What did your mom do...?"

"She was in the military before they met. She met my father, on one of her tours to Italy. My father went on a trip. They were young and in love and they get married. She left her position to look after our family," he said. His head dropped a little in some agony when he continued, "only she didn't one."

"Wow... she's such an inspiration. And I am sorry... I didn't know..." My voice was almost shocked and surprised by the story.

"Yeah... she is." His face lit up at the mention of his mother. He must love him so much. "You don't have to be sorry; it was a long time ago. We've learned to be happy without him," he said. Although he sounded to be okay, I could feel he was not.

He took a sip of his wine before he turns, he lightens his face again with a charming smile, that I have missed all this time. "I would like you to meet her someday. I know she would love you," he said casually taking a bite of his whatever the fancy dish was named, that I never get the hang of.

Now, this is something that scares me. Involving parents and growing relationships. I was never a fan of these things. I know I have accepted to go forward giving a chance to the relationship to see where this stands, but I've never expected him to involve our parents in this. I am not sure even if I am doing the correct thing.

I did not know how to answer him, so I prayed quietly to avoid this question. I gave a small smile before pushing that pasta into my mouth to stop myself from saying anything unusual tonight.

Luckily the waitress came again and this time, he had my favourite dessert. Brownie with a vanilla scoop and chocolate syrup. I didn't know this kind of restaurant had this menu.

"Remind me once again, why is this restaurant empty?" I shoot an obvious question that stuck in my mind since we came here. "'Cuz as far as I know this happens to be the busiest restaurant in Manhattan."

He chuckled while taking a sip of his wine again. To be honest, this version of Alex is getting me drenched in my undergarment. His relaxed figure reminded me of how he looked under that suit of his.

Okay... focus ... horny ass.

"I booked it for us tonight." He said so casually that I forgot to breathe for a moment. I mean... Butterflies started dancing this time and I can't make them stop!

I was again left speechless as I could only stare blankly. His eyes stared deep into mine showing the waves of emotions that have always scared me. But it oddly made me feel calm to see them in him like this tonight. Something about him has started to move me day by day. As much as I am tempted by him, he was also making me feel these bundles of emotions that I'd never known existed in me.

To be honest, I wasn't sure where this would be leading us. But I know it is dangerous enough for me. A part of me wanted to run as far as possible right this moment, so I couldn't keep getting involved anymore. But the other part didn't let me move an inch.

What was he doing to me?

Am I really falling in...?

No... I can't. I just can't. I am pretty sure this is just the temptation that is invading my thoughts and insecurities. Something more yes, but not... Love.

But at the same time, I cannot deny that his presence didn't make any difference. All these years, I was just living. But with him, I feel alive, I feel joy. I feel emotions, that make me feel something I don't know, whenever I am around him.

He surprisingly makes me laugh and giggle that was never like me, but something has changed since he walked into my life. He makes me happy. With any other person, my magnetic pull was never as strong as it was with him. I felt a whole new era of feelings and emotions.

Thus, I am confused and I need to know what is fucking wrong with me!

But at the same time, I do not want to ruin this by overthinking everything as I do. For the first time in my life, I wanna feel complete and let go. And I feel it only when I am around him.

So, I smiled pushing every other thought on my head into a tiny box of metal, and throwing it in the darkest corner of my mind, shutting it down for the night. I want to smile and enjoy the rest of the evening with him.

While the world seemed to take me to the very edge, I knew he was slowly becoming my anchor.

AUTHOR'S NOTE: Happy Reading. 😊 <3