"Sorry," I muttered, shifting slightly to my left and glancing at the man behind me.

My heart began pounding, and heat rushed to my face. What did I just see? I mean... who did I just see? The man smiling at me, making me even more nervous, looked like he could be a damn model.

I silently thanked my lucky stars that I had stepped off the plane looking somewhat presentable. I had brushed my teeth before landing, and as soon as I got off, I rushed to the restroom to fix my hair, apply a touch of makeup, and spritz a bit of Curious by Britney Spears. Thank God. I can only imagine what this moment would've been like if I hadn't.

Just then, the elevator finally arrived.

"After you, since you seem to be in such a hurry," the man said with a soft laugh, making the heat in my face burn even brighter.

I smiled and stepped inside, pressing the button for the eleventh floor before wheeling my luggage toward the back of the elevator. I couldn't help but stare at this Greek god as he followed me in and pressed the button for the fourteenth floor. He stood near the control panel, scrolling casually through his phone.

He was dangerously attractive. His sharp jawline enhanced his fierce features. He had to be over six feet tall, while I stood at a modest five-six. His broad, well-built shoulders tapered down to a narrow waist. The royal blue sleeves of his shirt were rolled up to his elbows, outlining his biceps in a way that was honestly distracting. This was a sight to admire. I wouldn't be surprised if he had a six-pack under that shirt. Maybe even an eight-pack.

His light pink lips looked soft and dangerously tempting.

And yet... he looked familiar somehow. But I was sure I had never met him.

Why are we strangers? Why won't he say something?

But why would he? The way he dressed screamed money. He was probably filthy rich, staying here because this hotel was pocket change to him. He likely had supermodels orbiting him daily.

Why is he so sinfully good-looking?

He suddenly looked up and caught me staring.

I instantly dropped my gaze—to his black Italian leather shoes of all places.

Damn it. Anywhere else would have been better.

He probably thinks I was checking him out.

My heart felt like it was about to burst through my ribcage. My cheeks burned with embarrassment.

When is my floor coming? Why is this taking forever?

Suddenly, the elevator jerked violently, pulling me from my thoughts.

"What's happening?" I gasped as a harsh grating sound echoed through the confined space.

"I'm not sure, but I think—" he started, but the elevator came to an abrupt halt before he could finish.

The lights flickered once. Twice.

Then everything went pitch black.

"Oh no. No, no, no. This can't be happening," I blurted, panic rising in my chest. I wasn't claustrophobic, but I was terrified of the dark. And right now, there wasn't a single source of light.

"I can't stay here. Oh my God."

My breathing grew uneven as panic clawed its way up my throat.

"It's okay. Stay calm," he said firmly. "The emergency lights will turn on in a few seconds—ah, there we go."

A dim red light flickered above the elevator doors, casting an eerie glow throughout the space.

It didn't help much, but at least it was something.

"Oh God. Please help us," I whispered.

"Don't worry. I'm here," he said softly.

His words alone made my eyes sting. Tears spilled before I could stop them.

"Hey. No, don't cry," he said gently, cupping my face.

The moment his hands touched my skin, a surge of electricity shot through me. My body reacted before my mind could process it.

"Crying won't help the situation," he added sympathetically.

I pressed my lips together as more tears slipped free. He didn't know the real reason I was crying. It wasn't just the elevator. It was everything. His simple words—I'm here—hit something fragile inside me.

I stepped back quickly, trying to regain control, and moved toward the control panel.

He followed, standing behind me.

I searched frantically for the emergency button, but in the dim red light, I couldn't find it. Frustration built inside me, and I began pressing random buttons. Nothing happened.

Then I realized my right hand was touching something else.

Something it absolutely should not have been touching.

My eyes widened in horror.

"Oh my God! I'm so sorry!" I exclaimed, jumping back after accidentally brushing against a very inappropriate part of him.

"It would be nice if you just stood still," he said, his deep voice edged with irritation.

I froze immediately, mortified.

Why is this happening to me? Haven't I dealt with enough in Punjab?

I was certain he regretted being trapped in an elevator with me. Maybe he was on his way to meet someone. Some gorgeous woman waiting upstairs. Or maybe he was heading to change before meeting her.

I blinked rapidly, forcing my tears to stop.

Why did I let my guard down like that? I was strong in India. I handled everything without breaking. So why did I cry in front of him? A complete stranger. And on top of that, I touched him.

I hoped he knew it wasn't intentional.

A bell suddenly began ringing somewhere inside the elevator, pulling me from my thoughts. He must have found the emergency button I couldn't locate.

"There. That will alert hotel management that we're stuck," he said, turning to face me.

"O-okay... thank you," I stammered.

I just wanted to be in my room after this disaster.

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Hello! I hope you enjoyed this chapter! 

Man, getting stuck in an elevator must be scary. Poor Shraddha!! And what did she do?! How embarrassing can that get?

I hope no one ever gets stuck in an elevator like this. 

Please do vote and comment your reactions :) also feel free to DM me any suggestions. 

I am sorry that it's a bit long but please do bear with me. I will try to shorten up the chapters. 

Thank you!