SHE HAD TO tell him.

She had to tell him tonight.

She was moving to India. She had made her decision the moment she had hung up after her mother's call from two days ago. She had to be there for her. She wanted to take care of the woman who couldn't love her right.

But God, her mother loved her.

And she did too.

But Ryker. She didn't know how she was going to tell him. How do you tell the person you love that you're going to be on the other side of the globe for who knows how long?

Her eyes had pooled with tears when they were dancing together. She didn't know how to bring it up but for now, she was going to enjoy being with him. He had done so much for her, she had to give him a couple more moments of happiness before she broke his heart.

The rehearsal dinner was almost over. Laavanya and Ryker were grabbing their coats to leave when Mr. Morris appeared in front of them. Ryker immediately straightened his back. They were of the same height—meeting eye to eye. They were distorted versions of each other. Anyone could confuse them as siblings because no matter how old Mr. Morris was—he aged well.

"I am flying to London tomorrow for a business meeting. I guess I wouldn't be meeting you until—I don't know when. I just wanted to say goodbye."

"Goodbye, dad." Ryker squeezed Laavanya's hand.

Mr. Morris stayed silent for a while. "That's all you want to say?"

"What else do you expect me to say? Should I thank you for being a shitty parent or for never supporting my dreams?" Ryker's voice was calm but she knew he was just holding his anger to not create a scene.

"You gave up on your calling for some stupid passion project!"

"Honey, not now—" his mother interjected.

"You've stayed silent my entire life, mom. It's best if you do the same now," Ryker barked at her and turned his head back to his father. "Swimming was never my dream. You wanted me to be like you but I am not, dad. At least I am a better father than you ever were. I won't ask my daughter to be me because I hate myself for being your son."

Laavanya looked at Mr.Morris.

"Daughter?" His voice softened. "I am a grandfather? And you never told me?"

"No, dad. You are not her grandfather. You gave up any right on me or anything that belongs to me when you gave me that scar. So, goodbye, dad. I hope I never cross paths with you again."

Ryker walked away. And Laavanya followed him. She didn't say a word. She grabbed his hand and took him towards his car. She made him sit in the passenger's seat and slid into the car. She hadn't driven in years but she managed to take him to his apartment. They walked into the apartment and watched Ryker slowly walk towards the bedroom.

He sat on the edge of his bed and stared at the floor. Laavanya took a deep breath and sat beside him. She rested her head on his shoulder and traced circles on the back of his hand. He didn't say a word. He was silent. The only sound in the room was of their breathing.

"I don't want to feel this way," he murmured. "I don't want to be sad." She breathed and got down on her knees in front of him. She rubbed his shoulder before began to unbutton his shirt. He gulped audibly, his eyes watching her move slowly."What are you doing?"

She looked at him innocently. "Trying to make you happy."

She stripped down his shirt and tipped her head ahead to kiss him. It started off as a soft kiss. She wanted to tell him she loved him despite everything that had happened and what was going to happen. He sunk his hand around her neck and pulled her closer, intensifying the kiss. She frantically unbuckled his belt and pulled his pants down. She broke the kiss and looked at his cock. The mere sight of him made her ovaries melt. She took it in her hands and gave a light stroke. He immediately recoiled his neck. She leaned down and gave the tip a slow lick.

"Laav..." he moaned. "You're doing so good."

***

He watched her as she smoothly ran a finger over the valley of his chest. The scar wasn't as prominent as it was years ago but anyone would make out an uneven brown line sloping down his chest. The pad of her index finger was hovering over his skin. He tightened his arm around her shoulders and smiled as she continued to look into his eyes.

He wanted this forever.

"Move in with me," he said.