Mia

I was in the middle of enjoying my breakfast when Rohan called me.

"What's up Masrani?"

"Good morning to you too, Varenna." His deep voice greeted me.

"So tell me, how are things in Bali?"

"It's going well, we have already started rebuilding our lobby again. We also came up with new designs for the villas, spa and other amenities in the hotel."

"That is wonderful to hear Rohan." I sipped on my coffee.

"This wouldn't have been possible without you actually and your dad for being so understanding about my situation."

"It's nothing to worry about. I trust our boys have already landed to start on their work at the hotel."

'Yes, they landed here yesterday."

"Good, now I'm in the middle of enjoying my breakfast Rohan, you have a great day and I will talk to you soon. Oh and tell Ananya I said hi." I smirked.

I heard some noise in the background before Rohan responded back to me.

"Will do, enjoy your breakfast, bye."Rohan gave me a curt reply and ended the call.

I ate my breakfast in peaceful silence after that. Once I was done, I bid Nina and the boys goodbye and left for the office. Raymond dropped me off in front of the building and I walked through the posh lobby and took the last elevator on the left and headed straight up to my office. When the elevator doors opened again, I walked towards my room and saw Karan sitting behind the huge concierge table. He looked shocked and angry? He was looking down at his phone.

"Good morning, Karan." I greeted him.

"Ms.Young, I'm so sorry I didn't see you there."He looked up and jumped from his seat to greet me.

"Is everything alright, you look a bit angry?"

"No, uhm my cat just stole a snack from the counter. I was watching him through the pet cam'.

"Haha, ah your pet cat. Must be quite a handful."

"He is Ms.Young." He didn't look happy when he said that.

"Shvan and Toffee try to do that sometimes, I know that feeling."

"Yeah... Anyways Ms.Young there is something I wanted to give to you."He bent down and took out something from his bag.

"This is for you." He handed me a wrapped gift."

"Karan you shouldn't have."I took the gift from him and eyed the meticulously wrapped piece of paper.

"It's not a problem at all, just a small gift from me... hope you like it." He gave me a small smile. That is the first time I have honestly even seen him smile.

"Thank you Karan."

"Welcome Ms.Young."

"Come into my room Karan, there is something important I need to discuss with you. Bring your laptop with you as well."

"Alright, Ms Young."

We walked into my room and I took a seat in my chair and Karan sat opposite me.

"Karan, I will email you something, can please read and see if there is anything fraudulent or any potential risks you can detect."

I forwarded the will Aryan sent me the other day to Karan and he scanned the contents of it carefully. Karan was an ex-lawyer and that too a criminal lawyer. He used to practise law in Japan at Anderson Mori & Tomotsune, one of the largest and well known law firms over there. I'm not sure why he quit practising and came here and just decided to be my PA instead. I never got a chance to ask him about it but I will one day.

The reason why I sent him the will was because I wanted Karan to double check everything for me. I needed to consult with Karan to know what his honest opinion would be in regards to this matter and if there is anything I or Aryan overlooked. I didn't want to put him in any potential danger or allow Annie to throw him under the bus by asking him to sign of her will.

I know Annie was just trying to provoke her entire family and the Board of Directors by doing this. If there is one thing I know about the Shen family, they have been caught in many scandals, though Annie and her husband weren't involved in any, the other family members were and I know they are just waiting for her to die so that they can have the wealth for themselves. I cared about Aryan more than anything in this world and I would be damned if someone tried to hurt him or manipulate him to do something he doesn't want to and then he ends up facing massive problems due to that.

After Karan scanned the will thoroughly, he said he couldn't find anything malicious in it however he didn't look too happy about it either.

"There is something you should know before you ask Doctor Vedanshi to sign this Ms.Young."

"Go on Karan."

"Doctor Vedanshi should be aware of the potential risks that he might face upon signing this will."

"What kind of risks are we looking at?" I raised my eyebrow.

"There might be people who will contest the will due their suspicions about Mr. Vedanshi. Family members or other beneficiaries might argue undue influence, claiming that Doctor Vedanshi manipulated Annie into leaving everything to him. Even if those claims are unfounded, they can still cause significant legal trouble and damage to his reputation."

"Hmm, that isn't good." I knew it, I was right. Aryan could be roped into unnecessary legal problems because of this will. Fuck why did Annie have to do this?

"Do you think his life could be in danger?"

"In professional terms, he might face legal disputes from said parties but as an experienced criminal lawyer, my take on this is that Doctor Vedanshi's life could be in danger if he signs the will. Those people will not go down without a fight and they will drag him down and will hurt him if they need to. We have to protect Doctor Vedanshi at all costs."

The thought of Aryan getting hurt caused my heartbeat to race. Cold sweat ran down my spine causing me to shiver a little. I couldn't imagine seeing him in pain in any way ; I would die if something happened to him. He was the light and love of my life. A world without Aryan was truly a dark one and I have been in that dark place before and I couldn't go back down that road again. I finally found peace, love and happiness and I wasn't going to risk it over some stupid will.

"Karan, will you follow me to the hospital today?"

"Yes, Ms.Young." Karan adjusted his glasses.

We arrived at Queen's Court and Raymond dropped us off at the lobby. I was supposed to meet Aryan at 1p.m. at Annie's room today to discuss about the will. I texted Aryan and he was already waiting for me. He told me to come up to the 5th floor and walk all the way straight and come into the last room located at the end of the hallway.

I entered the huge room and the first thing I noticed was Aryan in his blue scrubs and white coat. He had his glasses and mask on. Next to him was an old Chinese lady with short white hair, lying down on her bed. There was also another guy in a black and white suit. He was tall and had jet black hair. I couldn't properly see his face as he was also wearing a mask.

"Good afternoon everyone." I greeted as I walked in with Karan trailing behind me.

"This is Karan by the way, my PA and an ex lawyer. He is here to discuss something important in regards to Annie Shen's will."

I noticed Aryan's facial expression changed from neutral to confused. I got Karan to explain everything to them and by the time he was done. Everyone looked more confused than they were before except for the other guy in the room. He didn't even move a muscle. He just stared ahead with a flat look on his face.

"Ms. Shen, is there any way you can amend your will?" Karan questioned her.

"I don't know? Avinash, can you do it?"Annie looked at the other guy. I'm guessing he is her lawyer.

"It is possible, but you need to let me know how you would prefer me to change it." Avinash finally spoke up.

Annie was quiet for a moment and I glanced at Aryan, he was looking at me with a concerned look in his eyes and all I could do was give him an assuring smile. I wanted to walk over to him and hug him so badly but I don't think it would be appropriate right now.

"Liquidate my assets, properties, jewellery, those ridiculous paintings in my house and all of my husband's cars and give that money to Aryan."

We were all silent for a moment before Karan spoke up again.

"The risks still remain the same regardless."

"Well what else am I supposed to do? I dont want my family members to take over anything, they are bunch of horrible fuckers. They will use that money only for bad things and waste my husband's hard earned wealth.''Annie was growing angrier by the second causing her monitor to start beeping and Aryan had to immediately calm her down.

"What do you suggest we do, Karan?"I questioned him with a quizzical expression.

"I have few solutions in mind. Firstly, we get a medical examiner to cross check her mental health ensuring she is making these decisions soundly and voluntarily. Secondly, we can record Annie reading out said will as evidence and have her sign the will in presence of witnesses who can later testify to her state of mind and intent. Finally, we can consider setting up a trust instead of a direct bequest in the will. A trust managed by a professional trustee can help manage the assets according to Annie's wishes and can be structured to protect Doctor Vedanshi from immediate tax burdens and other financial risks."

"Okay that sounds like a good plan. Annie, are you willing to liquidate your said assets and properties including cars, jewelries and paintings and then transfer all the money to Aryan?" I asked her

"Yes I am." She nodded her head at us.

"How about the position as one of the board of directors?"Avinash questioned and we were all silent again.

"Aryan, do you still want to be part of the company?"

"Annie.... I really want to help you but that is a field outside of my expertise and I wouldn't be able to voice out any beneficial opinions in regards to the company because I don't understand anything. I prefer not to mess things up in any way."

"I understand Aryan. Avinash, amend my will again and we need to have a discussion about who will take over my position as one of the Board of Directors."

Avinash nodded at her and I sighed in relief when Annie finally agreed to change her will. I was so happy Karan was able to change her mind last minute. I made a mental note to increase his salary as well as take him out for a treat soon.

Karan, Aryan and I walked out of the room leaving Annie to discuss important things in regards to her will with Avinash. When I walked out I noticed a man in a hoodie looking at us but the moment he saw me looking at him, he turned away. Hmm that's odd.

"Thank you Karan for saving me back there." Aryan tapped on his shoulder.

"It's alright Mr. Vedanshi. It's my job." Karan gave him a nod.

"I hope you feel much better now, Doctor Aryan?" I smirked at him.

"I actually do. Thank you Ms.Young."

"Don't thank me. Thank Karan he is the one who saved the day."I pointed towards him.

"Darling he was only able to save the day because you told him about the will in the first place. You thought about the risks and you consulted with him. That was a smart move. You could have easily asked me to sign it but you didn't. It takes a great leader to be able to see things others can't."

"No you actually need a Karan to see things you can't." I chuckled.

"And yes you definitely need someone like Karan too." He smiled at me and pushed a strand of hair out from my face.

I looked behind Aryan and saw Karan eyeing us but he didn't say anything. Fuck Karan doesnt know the nature of my relationship with Aryan has changed. I moved away from Aryan and looked at Karan.

"Karan.....I that was...."

"Ms. Young, I know you two are dating. I won't tell anyone, especially Mr.Young."

"Thank you Karan... But wait, how did you know?"

"You hated him at first and now he is calling you darling. I just put two and two together."

That was a good observation from Karan. That is why he is a lawyer.

"Ha I see.... Well uhm Aryan, I will see you at home later and Karan lets go." I waved back at Aryan and we all left in the opposite direction.

"Karan, I'm feeling really hungry, are you hungry too?"

"Yeah I think I feel a little hungry too." He rubbed his belly.

"Then let's go have lunch."I put on my Gentle Monster sunglasses and we walked towards my car.

I brought Karan to this Sri Lankan restaurant at the country club that served amazing Tamil cuisines. When we walked in we were immediately greeted by a warm, inviting atmosphere. The decor blends traditional and contemporary elements, with vibrant tapestries depicting lush landscapes and ancient temples adorning the walls. Wooden furniture, hand-carved with intricate designs, adds a rustic charm, while soft, ambient lighting creates a cosy and intimate setting.

The staff were friendly and helped us to get seated at the corner of the restaurant where we had an amazing view of the garden. We ordered an array of tasty dishes consisting of fragrant rice, curry platters and kottu roti (chopped roti with stir fried meat and vegetables). Each dish is beautifully presented, bursting with vibrant colours and flavours. Karan and I enjoyed our lunch to our hearts content and boy he can really eat. He looked so thin all the time but he ate like a fat cow.

"Karan, can I ask you something?"

"Yes Ms. Young?"

I hesitated to ask him a question that has been swirling in my mind the whole day but I really needed to know.

"Why did you quit becoming a lawyer?"

I noticed his body stiffened when I asked him the question and he placed his fork and spoon down and wiped his mouth with a napkin.

"Because I was framed and got kicked out, Ms.Young."

"I'm sorry, what now?" I was confused by his answer.

"It's a long story. I never spoke about it to anyone before." He stared ahead into the garden, recalling his past, sadness was evident in his eyes.

"We don't have to talk about it, Karan. I don't need to know anything. Let's just enjoy lunch." I tried to change the rather sad vibe into a better one.

"No It's okay Ms.Young, you deserve to know it."

"I was actually born in Japan. My mom was a graphic designer from India who got a job offer in Japan and my dad just graduated at that time. They met at a party and they fell in love, got married and had me. But just like all marriages, their time together also came to an end. When I was 5 they got a divorce and my mom moved back to India with me. When I turned 18, I applied to study in Japan so that I could be with my father again. It was the best 4 years of my life. I finally felt like I fit in. Back in India, I got bullied because I looked different and also because I had a Japanese surname."

"Your surname isn't Malhotra?" This was news to me.

"No, it's actually Mizuno."

"Wait Mizuno... As in Mizuno corporation. The Japanese alcohol manufacturers?"

Karan just shook his head. Mizuno corporation is the largest alcohol manufacturer and exporter in Japan. They manufactured and exported their alcohol to all over the world. My hand was on my mouth and I stared at Karan in shock and he expression remained neutral.

"Karan, who the hell are you?And what are you doing here working as my PA when you are the heir of a multibillion dollar company?" I almost yelled but toned my voice down.

He chuckled at me and looked down. He didn't seem thrilled about my question.

"Life happened Ms.Young that is why I am here. After I completed my law studies, my father insisted I work for him, though I studied criminal law but I agreed regardless. I only worked for a few months until that bitch......"Karan jaw clenched hard and his fingers folded into a fist.

"Until Akira, my dad's second wife fought with him and said I shouldn't be working there because I pose a threat to her son. She told my dad that I was silently plotting to take over the company. The argument became huge and she started spreading rumours about me to everyone about my 'intentions'. So I quit to avoid any problems and I didnt want my father to have his reputation tarnished because of her."

Karan took a sip of water while I Iistened to him intently.

"After I left I joined Anderson Mori & Tomotsune as a criminal lawyer and I practised for the next 4 years. I was minding my own work. I was happy, I had my own place and life felt better again. But all good things come to an end. Akira couldn't stand my success and was out to get me once and for all and that is when she framed me for malpractice. She and a client of mine worked together to take me down. They planned it in such a way that I couldn't even defend myself, some of my friends tried to help but my reputation was too far gone by then. I was in a terrible state of depression and I even attempted to end my life but I knew nothing good was going to come out of killing myself so I just packed my things one day and moved here. I had no plan at all at that time. I didn't know what I was going to do but I started one day at a time. Rented a place, started working out again, took up some fighting classes and even some shooting lessons for fun. Got my life back on track and started applying for jobs and then I met you." He smiled when he said the last part.

His story was so painful and sad. That Akira bitch did a number of horrible things to him and she just got away with it. I cursed under my breath and Karan noticed.

"Don't worry about anything Ms.Young, no one can hurt me anymore."

"Have you ever wondered if Akira might hurt you again or something?"

"If Akira tried anything funny anymore, I would personally fuck her up so bad she wont be able to live a single day peacefully after that. I know how to handle that bitch. I am keeping my tabs on her. I was weak and helpless back then but I'm not anymore."

"Now that is the Karan I know."I crossed my arms and leaned back in my chair smiling proudly at him.

"Karan, if you ever need any help, just let me know. I would gladly take her down with you."

"Thank you Ms.Young your kindness is much appreciated, but you have already done so much for me and I have no intention of dragging you into my problems."

"Offer still stands regardless."

"I will always remember that."

It was already 8 by the time I was back home. I just finished another workout session at the gym with Sharmila and I was pretty proud of myself for being able to keep up. My stamina has improved and I was able to cope better. I took a long warm shower, had dinner and was in my study doing some work. Russo Group has already started their first phase of the housing project and Lucian's PA always kept me updated. After replying to her email. I scrolled down further and read the next email and it was from Rohan, he was updating me about the work that is being done at his resorts in Bali. I quickly replied to him, made a few phone calls and called it a night.

I walked back to my room and that's when I heard Shvan and Toffee barking really loudly while standing on the balcony. I followed their voices and stood out with them on the balcony and tried to see what they were barking at. I couldn't see anything pass the high walls and tall trees. Was someone standing there? But I can't see anyone. There were a few lampposts illuminating the backyard and I could only see the shadows of the tall trees.

Maybe I should call the guards or Ragnar. I contemplated with myself but I just wanted to make sure no one broke in.

I pulled my phone out from my pocket and was about to call Ragnar when I realised he would be on the way back here with Aryan. So I called the guards instead and they said no one has entered the premises but I still asked them to walk around in case they find anyone or anything suspicious. They called me back 10 minutes later and told me there's nothing to worry about, but they did find a few squirrels running around. I sighed in relief when they told me that. That's why Shvan and Toffee were going crazy, they hated squirrels so bad. They were their biggest enemies.

I forced them to come back into the room, Toffee obliged but Shvan just sat at the balcony and didn't move an inch. I swear this boy is too much sometimes. I brushed my teeth and came back and lied down on my bed ready to go to sleep and I noticed Shvan was growling this time and jumped on the balcony railings.

"Shvan, mommy is trying to sleep, baby. Come inside now." I called out to him but he just continued barking.

I let him be and tried to sleep but my mind was at an unease. I felt uncomfortable . 'What if there was someone out there and they probably snuck in'. No that can't be it, they were just squirrels and that's why Shvan is going crazy'. I battled with my mind until I started feeling sleepy and my eyes slowly closed and I fell into a deep sleep.