Vedika's POV

Throughout the dinner, I focused only on my food. Neither I nor him, uttered a single syllable.

“I heard you've moved your belongings to another room.” His questioning voice breaks the prevailing silence in the dinning room.

I gulped a mouthful of water before answering.

“Yup... I found another room much more to my liking, hence the shift,“ I came up with a lame excuse.

He raised his eyebrows at me.

“It is more comforting to live there...” I continued, stopping myself just before adding “without your presence,” lest I awakened the devil in him.

“Hmm...,” He replied with a simple syllable, much to my surprise.

I had expected him to reject the idea and order me back to our previous arrangement. But, good for me though.

“Well, good night!!!” I greeted him quickly to escape from his presence and reach within the safety of my room.

Thankfully, he just nodded and i left the room.

After reaching my room, I called my family and talked with them for an hour. I was happy that Pa was coming out of the trauma and humiliation faced by him.

Even after he came out of the prison without being proven guilty, the stigma still clung to him. It's heartening to see that he is beginning to recover, but I know the road ahead is long.

As I hung up the call, I felt a mix of relief and sadness. The conversation with my family was a brief respite from the tension surrounding me, a reminder of the love and support waiting for me.

Yet, it also brought a surge of guilt for the choices that led to my current predicament. Still, I am happy that i was able to help him clear his name.

I glanced around my new room. It was indeed more comforting, with its warm lighting and cozy decor—a stark contrast to the cold, unwelcoming atmosphere of my previous room.

Here, I felt a semblance of peace, away from his overbearing presence.

I sighed deeply, my thoughts drifting back to dinner. His unexpected acceptance of my move was unsettling.

He was usually insistent, unwilling to let go of control. Why did he agree so easily this time? The question lingered, adding to my unease.

Determined to make the best of my solitude, I decided to take a long shower, hoping it would wash away the day's anxieties.

As the warm water cascaded over me, I tried to push aside my worries, focusing instead on the promise of a fresh start tomorrow.

After dressing in my pink shorts and a sky blue tee, I walked out of the bathroom to have a good night sleep. 

I walked up to the mirror, I picked up the moisturizing cream to apply it on my body.

Then, I picked up the comb to run it through my hair, untangling the day's knots. As I watched my reflection, I couldn't help but notice the fatigue etched in my features.

Sighing, I set the comb down, as I turned to look into the mirror for the last time, I noticed a figure on the bed staring at me.

“Ahhh!!!,” I screamed loudly, turning around only to see Mr. Devil sitting leisurely on my bed.

“Y... You” I stuttered after relaxing my racing heart.

I came out of my initial shock and put up a question in front of him.

“What are you doing here?“ I asked as I took a step towards him.

He was looking at me continuously while I was thinking about how come I didn't notice his presence earlier.

How long was he sitting here?

“I wanted to see for myself,” he said, his tone calm and unsettlingly casual, “why you preferred this room over ours.”

“There’s nothing special here,” I stammered, desperately trying to maintain a semblance of composure.

“I just... I just needed a change.”

“Is that so?” He leaned back, making himself even more comfortable on my bed, his gaze never wavering from mine.

“You seemed quite determined to leave.”

“Yes, I did,” I said, trying to sound assertive, though the tremor in my voice betrayed me.

“And you agreed. So why are you here now?”

“I agreed because it doesn't make any difference to me, where we are sleeping.” His lips curled into a half-smile.

I was shocked at his words.

“W...we???“ I asked him dumbfounded.

He sat up on the bed, held my wrist and pulled me towards him.

I landed squarely in front of him. I was jolted by the intensity in his eyes. The sudden proximity made my heart race.

His grip on my wrist was firm, but not painful, yet it held an unspoken power that left me trembling.

“Yes, we,” he repeated, his voice dropping to a whisper that sent chills down my spine.

“You didn’t think you could escape me so easily, did you?”His words, spoken so softly, felt like a threat and a promise all at once.

I tried to pull away, but he held me in place, his eagle eyes locking onto mine with an almost predatory glint.

“As I told you earlier, I can give you as much time as you want,” he continued softly, “but if you think you can live without my presence, you're mistaken. You’ll live as I want you to. And no, I'm not taking away your freedom, not in the way you fear.”

His words slowly entered into my mind.

“That means yo...you want to sleep with me” I asked him innocently.

“Not that I mind, but...” His smirk told me that he took my words altogether in a different way.

“No... I didn't mean that” I hurriedly explained myself hiding my heated cheeks in process.

“What you didn't mean, huh” He asked teasing me further.

“Nothing” I said before shifting to the other side of the bed.

If he wants to sleep here, let it be. Not that, I can do anything in this regard. I thought that as I tucked myself in the blanket.

I turned my back towards him as I tried to sleep despite my unwanted thoughts of his presence behind me.

I could feel as he turned off the lights and lifted the blanket to sink in it.

“Use your own blanket” I said as I tried to grab the other side of the blanket to tug it beneath me.

I stiffened as he settled in next to me. The warmth of his body so close sent a shiver through me. I clutched the blanket tightly, trying to create as much space between us as possible, though I knew it was futile.

"I don't have any other in this room," he said, his voice a low murmur in the darkness.

I could hear the smirk in his tone.

"Of course you don't," I muttered under my breath, more to myself than to him.

He shifted closer, and I could feel the mattress dip under his weight. My heart pounded in my chest, and I kept my eyes squeezed shut, hoping he would just fall asleep quickly and leave me in peace.

A few minutes passed in silence, and I began to hope that he had drifted off. But then I felt his breath on the back of my neck, warm and unsettling.

"You’re tense," he observed quietly.

I didn't respond, focusing instead on keeping my breathing steady. I couldn't afford to show him how much his presence unnerved me.

"You don’t need to be," he continued, his tone surprisingly gentle. "I'm not here to make you uncomfortable."

"Then why are you here?" I asked, unable to keep the edge out of my voice. I turned slightly, just enough to glance at him over my shoulder.

"To remind you," he said, his eyes dark and unreadable, "that you are not alone. And that running from me won’t change anything."

I swallowed hard, feeling a mixture of anger and fear bubbling up inside me. "I’m not running," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. "I just needed space."

"Space from what? From me?" His gaze bore into me, and I felt exposed, vulnerable.

"From everything," I replied, turning back to face the wall. "I just needed to clear my head."

He sighed softly, and for a moment, I thought he might get up and leave. But instead, he stayed where he was, his presence a heavy, oppressive weight on the bed.

"Fine," he said finally, his voice softer now, almost resigned. "Take your space. But remember, Vedika, I'm not your enemy."

I didn't respond, closing my eyes and willing myself to sleep. His words lingered in my mind, a confusing mix of warning and reassurance.

The night stretched on, filled with the uncomfortable awareness of his proximity. I lay there, trying to calm my racing thoughts, but sleep remained elusive.

This is the second time we are sharing the same bed, yet this time I am more aware of his presence than the last time.

At some point, I must have drifted off, because the next thing I knew, I was waking up to the soft light of dawn filtering through the curtains. I felt a weight across my waist and realized with a jolt that his arm was draped over me, holding me close.

Panic surged through me, and I carefully slid out from under his arm, trying not to wake him. My heart pounded as I slipped out of bed and stood by the window, staring out at the early morning light.

What am I doing? I wondered, feeling a wave of helplessness wash over me. I had sought distance to reclaim a sense of control, yet here I was, entangled in his presence once more.

I glanced back at him, still asleep, his features softened in the morning light. Despite everything, there was a certain vulnerability to him in sleep, a contrast to the domineering persona he usually wore.

As I stood there, watching him, I felt a confusing blend of emotions—fear, anger, but also a strange, unbidden curiosity about the man who had upended my life.

I sighed before walking into the bathroom to get ready for the day.

Alvaro's POV

As I heard the loud bang of the washroom door, I opened my eyes. I looked towards the door where she entered.

I woke up by the dawn, yet I could not make myself get up from bed. I don't know when she shifted towards me in the night.

Yet, she was lying on me, her head resting on my shoulder gave me a sense of calmness in my stirring heart.

As I looked down towards her, I placed my arms around her waist, in between pulling her more towards me.

I took a deep breath to calm the raging heat in my body.

She might be feeling tortured, but the real torture was to me, to only look at her.

It was like I had the food in front of my eyes but couldn't take even a bite of it.

I ran my fingers over her cheek, being careful not to wake her up. As I saw her rosy lips, a desire to kiss her erupted my mind. Yet I couldn't do it, not in her unconsciousness.

As I roamed my eyes below her chin, her neck enticed me to bite her, to suck her supple skin.

Her disheveled clothes gave me a view of her cleavage, and the fact that she was not wearing anything underneath her tee opened some sinful thoughts in my mind.

She may forget what she was wearing, but one glance at her, and I know it will be very difficult for me to stay here.

Despite my wild thoughts, I kept a playful expression on my face throughout our conversation.

Rex had informed me of her decision to move rooms almost immediately. I had anticipated it, yet it still hurt—a dull ache in a place I had thought was long dead.

As I lay there, the morning light filtered through the curtains, I thought about the night.

Her tension had been palpable, her attempts to distance herself almost endearing in their futility.

Despite her attempts to create a barrier, her vulnerability was evident. She had no idea how her defiance only fueled my determination.

Hearing the shower running, I decided to wait. I wanted to talk to her without the tension of last night hanging over us.

Perhaps in the light of day, things would be different. I hoped to reach some understanding, even if it was just a truce in our silent battle.

She emerged from the bathroom, steam trailing behind her, dressed in a simple, modest outfit that somehow highlighted her grace. Her eyes widened slightly when she saw me awake, but she quickly masked her surprise.

“Good morning,” I said, my voice calm, watching her every move.

She hesitated, clearly wary, before responding. “Morning.” She glanced towards the door, clearly contemplating her escape.

"Vedika, we need to talk," I said, sitting up in bed. "I think it's time we clear the air."

Her posture stiffened, but she didn't flee. Instead, she stood by the dresser, her back to me, her fingers nervously fiddling with a hairbrush.

"About what?" she asked, her tone guarded.

"About us. This arrangement. You moving to another room," I replied, swinging my legs off the bed.

"I understand why you wanted to move. I don’t blame you for wanting space."

She turned to face me, her eyes searching for mine. "If you understand, why did you come here last night? Why didn't you let me have my space?"

"Because," I said, standing and walking towards her, "I needed you to know that distance won't change anything between us. I want us to find a way to coexist. I’m not your enemy, Vedika."

She swallowed, her eyes narrowing slightly. "It feels like you are sometimes. You’re always in control, always making decisions for me. I need to have some say in my own life."

I nodded, acknowledging her point. "I understand that. And I'm willing to give you more autonomy. But you have to understand that my actions are driven by my desire to get you ready for the near future.“ I paused to give her the time to take as much as she could.

“It won't be a walk of roses with me but a thorn placed at every moving step. And I want to protect you from any impending danger." I warned her.

She is not aware but I know whom she will meet in the future. Those people will make every effort to take a dig on me, on her, just to hurt me.

But I won't let it happen. She won't be the next broken butterfly in my life.

Her expression softened slightly, but the wariness remained. "Protecting me or controlling me? There’s a fine line between the two."

I sighed, running a hand through my hair. "Maybe I've crossed that line more than I should have. But it’s because I... I care about you, Vedika. More than I should."

I struggled to express my thoughts but I did it, as I know I need to take the first step in our relationship, if I want it to be in my favour.

Her eyes widened at my admission, her lips parting slightly in surprise. "Care about me?" she echoed, disbelief coloring her tone.

"Yes," I said firmly.

"I know it’s hard to believe, given everything. But it's the truth. You’ve become important to me in ways I didn’t expect."

She looked away, clearly struggling with my words. "I don't know what to say to that," she admitted quietly.

"Say that you'll give me a chance to show you that things can be different," I urged, stepping closer but keeping a respectful distance. "That we can find a way to coexist without constant conflict."

She met my gaze again, her eyes searching for mine for sincerity. After a long moment, she nodded slightly. "I'll try," she said softly. "But I need time. And I need space to figure things out."

"I can give you that," I promised, relief washing over me. "Just... don’t shut me out completely."

She nodded again, and I felt a small glimmer of hope. Perhaps, with time, we could find a way to navigate this complicated relationship. For now, it was a start.

Vedika's POV

I watched Alvaro closely as he spoke, his words surprising me. His admission of caring for me was unexpected, and it left me feeling off-balance. The sincerity in his eyes was undeniable, and for the first time, I saw a glimpse of the man behind the domineering facade.

As he promised to give me space, I felt a tentative sense of relief. Maybe, just maybe, things could be different.

I wasn’t ready to fully trust him yet, but his willingness to listen and compromise was a step in the right direction.

“I’ll try,” I said, my voice was soft but firm. “But I need time. And I need to know that my choices will be respected.”

“I understand,” he said, nodding. “I’ll respect your space and your choices. Just don’t shut me out completely.”

I nodded, feeling a mixture of apprehension and cautious optimism.

His words seemed genuine, yet I knew trusting him completely would take time. But I know, I have to give in to his demands to some extent, as this is what we initially agreed.

We stood there in silence for a moment, the weight of our conversation lingering between us.

Finally, I took a deep breath, breaking the silence. "Thank you," I said quietly, meeting his eyes. "For understanding."

He nodded, a small smile tugging at his lips. I noticed how his lips curled, added more to his handsomeness.

“I will go to our room to get ready” He stated as I nodded my head.

My thoughts lingered on the word ”ours”. How easy it was for him to say words like these whereas I am still struggling to get used to his presence in my life.

Instead of going out, I saw him taking a step closer to me.

His hand rose to my face making me take a gulp.

He tucked my hair behind my ear, his finger touching my earlobe as he gave a gentle caress to it.

I felt a slight itch starting from my ear to my head.

I took a step back from him maintaining the required distance.

He took his hand back and turned around to walk out without saying a word.

As I heard the noise of the door close, I walked to the bed and settled on it to calm down those strange feelings arising in my heart.

After an hour, when I descended the stairs, I found Alvaro seated at the dining table, engrossed in his phone. The sight of him in his black Armani suit was striking; it seemed almost unreal how effortlessly he combined elegance with an intimidating aura.

Instead of being a businessman, he should have opted for the modelling.

He would be giving competition to the hottest actors across the world.

Suddenly, he glanced up before I could avert my eyes, his gaze locking onto mine.

"Good morning,young madam.“ Uncle Rex's voice broke our eye lock as I averted my eyes from him.

"Morning Uncle, " I replied, managing a faint smile.

“Come, have your breakfast before leaving for your work” Uncle Rex said.

I nodded as I approached the table.

Mr. Devil set his phone aside, gesturing to the chair across from him. "Be comfortable?"

I nodded, taking the seat. The table was laden with a variety of breakfast options, and I helped myself to some toast and fruit, keenly aware of his eyes on me.

As I buttered my toast, I couldn't help but reminiscing the scene when he ate the food I offered him, just to annoy me.

Today, I won't repeat the same thing.

I started munching the toast, while sipping the warm milk from the glass.

I can still feel him eyeing me, and I don't understand what is there to gaze at?

Well, I finished my food in a hurry so that I won't be late for the office.

As I finished off my last bite, I took my handbag and hurried towards the door. Alvaro's voice halted me mid-step.

“Vedika,” he called, his tone soft yet firm. I turned, meeting his gaze with a mixture of curiosity and apprehension.

“Yes?” I replied, my fingers tightening around the strap of my handbag.

“Would you like a ride to work?” he asked, his expression unreadable.

I hesitated, considering his offer. Sharing a car ride with him was the last thing I wanted, but rejecting him outright might lead to more conflict.

“Thank you, but I can manage,” I said, trying to keep my tone neutral.

He nodded and i turned around to go. But then I remembered I forgot my phone in the bedroom.

When I walked out of the main door after collecting my phone, I was short of breath due to continue running around.

“Get in the car” I heard his voice. I realized I was leaning towards his car window to catch my breath.

I looked up, startled to find Alvaro watching me through the rolled-down window of his car. His expression was unreadable, a mixture of concern and impatience.

“Get in,” he repeated, his tone leaving little room for argument.

I hesitated, torn between the desire for independence and the practicality of his offer.

My resolve wavered as I glanced at my watch and realized I was running late.

"Fine," I muttered, opening the back seat door and sliding in beside him.

As the driver drove, Mr. Devil opened the cap of the bottle and offered it to me.

“Thanks” I muttered before taking the water bottle from his hand.

After having a mouthful of water, I relaxed a bit.

“Sorry for the inconvenience,” I muttered as he had to give me a ride.

“Last time I remember I was the CEO of your company” He asked raising his brows.

I frowned not understanding, of course I am aware of the fact.

“What inconvenience, when our destination is always aligned,” he finished, his voice smooth and unruffled. His gaze lingered on me, unreadable yet piercing.

I swallowed, realizing the significance of his words. He wasn’t just talking about the ride to work; he was referring to our lives, our goals.

Despite my efforts to distance myself, he was intent on keeping us bound together.

The car ride continued in silence, the weight of his presence making the air feel thick.

As we neared the office, I stepped out of the car before the intersection, as I don't want my colleagues to gossip about us coming together.

"Thank you," I said, my voice steadily despite the turmoil inside me.

He nodded, his eyes following me as I walked towards my destination.

As I entered the office, I couldn’t shake the feeling that, despite the physical distance, his influence over me was far from diminished.

I just hope I come out of the inner turmoil and things would be better from now on.

___________________________________________

How was the chapter?

Pls do give your genuine feedback. It would help to write further.

I will try to continue and give you the updates on time.

Thanks for your patience and faith in me❤

Love you,
Piaa