Due to lack of response, I don't feel like writing. Still here is the next chapter for those who like my stories. ❤

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Alvaro's POV

“Bro, when will you introduce your wife to the family?” Draven asked me sipping his drink.

Draven is my maternal aunt's son, my cousin, who is also working alongside me in the company.

We were currently sitting in some bar where he chose to have some chill outside our work.

Since the time of my marriage, I have made it a habit to return home on time, if I am not out of the city for work. Therefore, not going out with my group for some good drinks has become a norm for me.

I don't remember when was the last time I called any place a home. Earlier, it used to be a place to keep my belongings but since my little kitten entered into my life, any place can be called home as long as she is there with me.

“Bro, are you daydreaming?” Draven's voice brought me out of my thoughts. He was in front of me waving his hands.

I slapped his slap and adjusted my non- creased shirt to avoid the embarrassment.

“Ouch bro, easy” Draven acted coyly and his side chick who was accompanying him started blowing his hand.

I frowned. Disgusting!!! These boys and their side flings.

“If you're here to satisfy your carnal desire, then take your chick and get lost.” I snapped.

I hate this. Women are always a trouble and I hate associating myself with them.

“Don't be a bummer bro,“ He started but my look told him to stop before I kicked him out of the room.

“Ok okay, don't be like this. Babe, next time. You can leave now, we don't need your services.“ He told the blonde.

She was reluctant to leave but walked out of the room on compulsion.

“Bro, now she is gone. Tell me, when will you let your wife meet your fam... “He asked again.

“Don't call them a family.” I replied with a bitter taste in my mouth.

“My bad. Let me rephrase this. When will you throw your wife in front of the wolves". He mused.

I gave him a cold glance.

“Sorry bro, don't give me that look. I am only stating the truth.“ He said in a playful manner.

I know he is correct. To face them, my little kitten needs to become a lioness. That's why I have started grooming her so that she won't be left behind.

To be honest, I don't want to mingle her in this conspiracy where her life may get in danger but I won't let that happen.

To reach my little kitten, anyone will have to rush over me.

“Bro, At least, you can introduce her to us? Us, as in Mom, Dad and Granpa? They would be delighted to meet their daughter-in-law.” He enquired.

I gave a deep thought to his words. Should I do that?

“See, I am tired of your silent treatment, that's why I took the matter in my hands.” He replied sheepishly. I can smell some mischief in his words. 

“What did you do?“ I asked sternly.

“I met her on my own.” He declared.

“When?“ I asked with a frown.

It's not like I don't want her to meet my family or friends, but first of all, I want her to be comfortable with me.  Also, I am sceptical of her reaction. What if she doesn’t like the idea? As for her, this is a forced marriage.

"Today," Draven replied nonchalantly. "I saw her on our floor. Got to know about her promotion. So, I just went ahead to congratulate her. Had to introduce myself, couldn’t miss the opportunity."

My expression hardened.

Draven shrugged, though I could see a flicker of amusement in his eyes. "She’s sweet, man. But nervous. I didn’t stay long. Just said hi, nothing more."

“Stay away from my wife”, I declared.
Draven raised his hands in surrender.

"Got it. It's just a formal interaction between employees. Why are you getting hyped?" He raised his hand in surrender.

If it would have been in my hand, I would have kept her with me all the time, away from the eyes of other men. It’s not like I don’t trust Draven but the sight of any other men gazing at her repels me. Call it my possessiveness or my dominance, it doesn’t matter to me. The only thing that matters the most is that no one can snatch her from me, not even her.

This reminds me of the argument from this morning, I just wanted to warn her without being obvious. I know she won’t appreciate my possessive side as she is nowhere in the process of liking me. She always keeps a maintainable distance, which I am trying hard to erase.

As expected, she didn’t listen to me, has her own opinion, which is good. But for God's sake, I meant well for her. That guy, I have seen them getting along.

Her smile, which should be reserved for me, is radiating for everyone except me. I can see the look he gave to my wife, to say, I am jealous, would be an understatement. I want to gauge the eyes, gazing at her, she is mine, only mine.

I am utterly possessive of my things and she is not my thing, a person, my person, only mine!!! 

F*ck!!!

I gulped my drink to control my utterly possessive side. I don't want to scare her. Though I love to see her scared yet confident radiating face when facing me.

Draven’s voice brings me to the present.

“Well bro, I am amazed to see you devoted to a woman.” He started being noisy again.

I ignored him and continued sipping my wine.

If not for her coming late tonight, as informed by Rex, I wouldn't have to listen to his nonsense.

Well, in our group, he is the most immature and playful in nature. Don't take things seriously. Usually, others take care of him.

“Big Bro, I was think...“ He started again.

“Can you stop being noisy?“ I, at last, stopped him.

“You're such a boring person. I don't know how others enjoy your company.” He muttered under his breath.

I again ignored him.

I turned my gaze to the dance floor below. People dancing to their heart out. I don’t understand why people love to move their body, clinging to another one, drenched in their own sweat yet laughing their heart out. I am alien to such feelings.

After a while, I stopped my lingering gaze and thought to head back home.

Thinking of my personal pillow, a smile crept on my lips. I look forward to sleep these days, as in literal meaning, just to enjoy the only time I can touch her. She sleeps like a log. She never wakes up when I pull her into my arms.

Though good for me, yet, sometimes I wonder, would it be the same case in the presence of another male in the same room as her. I cannot even imagine the scenario.

“I am leaving” I announced to Draven who also stood up with me to leave.

As we walked out of the door, I saw Ben standing there.

“I told you to leave, Ben” I reminded him.

“It is my duty to protect you, Boss.” He told me.

“I don’t need your protection.” I hissed.

Apart from being my assistant, he is also my security head. No one can imagine seeing him that he can excel in martial arts, shooting or what not.

“I know, boss. Still, my responsibility doesn’t end here.” He replied.

Yeah, I know, being with me is not easy. Sometimes, I also don’t like these restrictions but my background doesn’t allow me to be careless. Enemies are everywhere.
 
“Hmm” I just hummed and started climbing down the stairs.

As I was descending, some commotion on the dance floor caught my eyes. The scene in front made me fume in anger.

I hurried my steps to torn down someone.

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Vedika's POV

Later that evening, we arrived at “The Hive”, a trendy and luxurious club known for its vibrant atmosphere and great music.

As I stepped inside, the energy of the place was palpable, with people dancing and laughing all around.

We chose a booth near the back, isolated from the crowd.

The club's neon lights reflected off the glossy surfaces, creating a kaleidoscope of colours that danced across the room.

The bass from the speakers pulsed through the floor, reverberating up through my feet. I was determined to relax and enjoy myself, to let go of the stress of the day.

We ordered our drink. I opted for a mocktail.

"Vedika, this is your night! Let’s make it unforgettable." Lisa chirped.

Neil gave me a nod, raising his glass. "Congrats again, Vedika. I knew you were going to do well from the moment you walked into the office."

"Thanks, Neil," I replied, feeling a warm glow of appreciation. "I couldn’t have done it without you guys. Your support means the world to me."

"Enough talk," Lisa said, grabbing my hand and pulling me onto the dance floor. "Let’s celebrate!"

As we danced, I felt the tension of the day melt away. The music was infectious, and soon I found myself laughing and moving to the rhythm, lost in the moment.

It felt liberating to let go, to be in a place where nothing mattered but the beat and the camaraderie of friends.

It’s such a pure bliss to let go of all the tension and dive yourself into the moment. I never understand why some people don’t like it. I can never say no to it.

After a while, we returned to the booth, breathless and exhilarated. Neil ordered another round of drinks, and we toasted to a new beginning.

By now, Lisa started getting tipsy.

“I am coming back in a while” Lisa suddenly said making me frown.

I saw her going to the dance floor and started dancing with a guy.

I felt a twinge of concern as I watched Lisa, now visibly tipsy, head off toward the dance floor without hesitation.

She was always the liveliest person even in the office, but her carefree attitude sometimes pushed the limits of safety.

Still, I knew she could take care of herself, and with Neil by my side, I tried to relax and enjoy the night.

Neil leaned back in his seat, eyes scanning the room casually. "She's wild, isn't she?" he remarked with a chuckle.

I nodded, taking a sip of my drink. "But that’s what makes her so fun," I replied with a small smile. Still, I couldn't shake the nagging feeling of unease.

“So, Vedika, you never told me about your family.“ He asked a question that I am not comfortable to share with.

“umm...,” I said unsure how to proceed.

As if sensing my hesitation, he started talking about his family.

“Let me tell you about mine. I live with my parents and my younger sister. She is the apple of our eyes. Currently, she is studying Business Administration in the University of Milan” He informed.

“She must be the pampered one.” I said reminding myself of my younger self when I was a teenager.

“Yeah, she is. And mind you, she takes advantage of this fact all the time." He complained and i laughed.

As the night wore on, we had our conversation on random topics. Neil is such an easy going person and i really liked his company.

In front of him, I won't have to think before talking. We have a common interest and I can say he will be one of my good friends by the end of the night.

As the club's energy intensified. The music was louder, the lights more disorienting, and the crowd thicker.

In between our conversation, I kept stealing glances toward Lisa, who was now dancing with a guy I didn’t recognize.

It wasn't unusual for her to meet new people, but something about the way the man was hovering around her made me feel uneasy.

"Neil, I think I should go get her," I said, my voice uncertain.

He glanced over at the dance floor, then back at me. "Relax, Vedika. She's having fun. You need to loosen up a bit too. Let's go to the dance floor." He urged.

“Umm, okay” I accepted as i wanted to make sure that my friend is alright.

I may sound noisy but i could see that Lisa is drunk and she may not be aware of the situation.

As we reached the dance floor, Lisa moved towards me, she rounded her hands over my shoulders.

“Vedikaaa, my dear friend Vedikaaa, congrats.“ She slurred in her speech.

I could smell a high amount of alcohol from her.

“Let's take you home, Lisa” I tried to get her out of here.

“No, I want to haveee fun” She said.

I facepalmed mentally. I really don't know how to handle a drunkard.

“Lady, let me handle her” Man who was dancing with Lisa held her in his arms.

“Vedikaaa, met my newly made boyfriend, Mark” Lisa introduced him.

She made him her boyfriend very quickly. I frowned at the thought.

Mark. I looked at him closely, assessing his intentions. He had a casual smile, but something about the way he held Lisa made me uneasy.

My instincts were telling me to get her out of here as soon as possible.

"Nice to meet you, Mark," I said cautiously, though my eyes were fixed on Lisa. "But I think it's time for her to head home."

Mark tightened his grip slightly on Lisa, almost possessively. "Oh, come on. We're just having a good time. She's fine."

Neil stepped in, sensing the tension. "Vedika's right. We’ve had a great night, but maybe it's time to call it quits."

Mark's smile faltered, and for a moment, his gaze hardened. "She's not a child. She can decide for herself."

“I wantt to stay heree with Mark” Lisa replied in her drunken state, pecking Mark on his cheeks.

As Lisa replied, Mark turned around with her, leaving us.

“Let them be, Vedikaa. We should enjoy too. ” Neil suggested.

I sighed and thought to leave them as they wanted.

When I turned, my hand was held by Neil.

I looked back in questioning. He left my hand and closed the distance between us.

“Vedikaa, I want to... to confess something” Neil started off...

I felt my stomach twist as Neil’s words hung in the air. His expression had shifted from casual to something more intense, and I suddenly felt the weight of the moment.

“Neil, what are you—” I started to say, but he cut me off.

“I’ve been meaning to tell you for a while,” he continued, his voice quieter now, as though he were trying to keep his confession between the two of us despite the chaos around.

“You’re incredible, Vedika. From the moment we met, I knew there was something special about you.”

I stood frozen, unsure how to respond. Neil was a good colleague, someone I could talk to easily. But this... I wasn’t expecting this. Not tonight, not ever.

“Neil, I think you're not yourself right now. We can talk about it once you're sober” I tried to escape the situation.

“No Vedika, I am completely in my senses. I have been trying to convey my feelings for a long time. Today, I finally got the opportunity” He continued.

Before I could say anything to stop him, Neil suddenly grabbed my hand.

I was startled, to see him down on one knee. My heart dropped.

"Neil, what are you doing?" I asked, my voice laced with disbelief.

He held onto my hand tightly, his eyes filled with an intensity I hadn't seen before.

“Vedika,” he began, his voice unsteady, “I know this might seem sudden, but I can’t keep it inside anymore. I’m falling for you. Be with me. Be my girlfriend.”

The weight of his words felt like a punch to the gut.

I froze, stunned and embarrassed. People around us were starting to notice, a few curious glances aimed our way.

Some even started hooting for us. I could hear the crowd saying “Say Yes”...

But this wasn’t what I wanted. Not here, not now, not ever. I may be bound in a contract marriage but that marriage is real.

I cannot accept proposals from anyone, at least till the time i am married.

I pulled my hand away gently, my mind racing for the right words to diffuse the situation. “Neil, please stand up. This isn’t right. I can’t—”

But before I could finish my sentence, Neil stood up and hugged me tightly in his embrace making me frozen.

Suddenly, I felt a sudden shift in the air around me—a cold, dark presence that sent a shiver down my spine. I was roughly pulled back from his hug and my head landed onto something solid.

“Stay away from her” A familiar voice said followed by a loud grunt. I turned around only to see Neil with blood running down his nose.

My eyes widened with the sight of blood. I tried to reach Neil to help him but certain someone wrapped his arm around my waist to stop me.

“Mr. Parker, please—” I started, while trying to wiggle out of his arms, but he ignored me.

His eyes were locked onto Neil, dark and threatening. “You dare propose to my wife? Right in front of me?” His voice was quiet, but that made it even more terrifying.

I widened my eyes in alarm as he disclosed our marriage in public, which should not be the case.

I could see that Neil was on the verge of collapse after a punch from Alvaro.

“Neil... “ I screamed when I saw him fainting on the ground.

I felt the grip on my waist more prominent that it started hurting me.

I grabbed Alvaro’s arm, trying to pull  back. “Mr. Parker, stop. Let go.”

For a moment, he didn’t move, his intense gaze still fixed on Neil.

“Ben, handle this.” With this, he turned towards exit pulling me with him.

I saw Ben helping Neil, who was already unconcious. I tried locating Lisa but Alvaro pulled me out of the club, his grip around my waist tightened, anger still radiating off him in waves.

The cold night air hit us as we stepped outside, but it did nothing to cool the fire burning inside him.

I was still processing what had just happened, tugging at his arm again.

"Mr. Parker, stop! You can’t just drag me out like this!" I voiced with frustration, but I also felt a deep sense of embarrassment from the scene that had just unfolded inside the club.

“Why not?“ He said dragging me with him.

“Let me go, I need to check Neil. He was bleeding... “ I urged him to let go as Neil's bloody face was coming in front of my eyes.

He paused but didn’t let go. His jaw clenched, his eyes dark and unreadable as he turned to face me.

“Ben will handle him. We need to go.“ He uttered and started dragging me with him.

“Bu... But” I tried to reason out but he stopped me in between.

"You don’t understand, Vedika. That guy was crossing a line. Proposing to you—my wife—in front of everyone. Do you think I could just stand there and let that happen?" He said with the anger in his voice and eyes.

My eyes flashed. "You didn’t need to punch him! I could have handled it." I pushed against his chest trying to maintain distance, but he barely budged.

His grip on my waist loosened slightly, but stayed there, as if he couldn’t bring himself to let go completely.

"Did I not warned you about him? Still you went out with him, all alone to the club?“ He growled.

I shook my head, trying to push down the rising frustration.

“So what? What is with you, if I went out with him. We were not doing any crime. It was just a night out.“ I screamed as he was getting on my nerve.

“Don't forget your marital status” He hissed.

This statement made me loose control over my emotions and i snapped at him.

“Why are obligations of marital status only on me? I am just your contracted wife, not a real one. You can’t treat me like an object. I’m not some possession for you to cage me in your world. I can make my own choices, and I’m capable of handling things without you swooping in and acting like some overprotective knight." I said.

My words struck him, and instead of extinguishing his anger, it rose to a higher level.

He pushed me to the car door and hovered over me.

His face was too close to mine. His minty breathe along with the smell of wine lingering on my nose. Instead of feeling disgusted, I find it quite pleasant.

“I have already told you and let me repeat it once again. You're my wife, not the contracted one, but a real one. And i won't tolerate you, being close to any man other than me” He uttered making my eyes widen with his possessiveness.

I stared at him, my heart pounding in my chest, my breath catching in my throat. His words echoed in my mind: "You're my wife, not the contracted one, but a real one."

The possessiveness in his voice sent a chill down my spine, yet I couldn’t ignore the intensity of his gaze, locking me in place.

For a moment, I forgot where we were. The cold night air mixed with the lingering warmth of the club, and the world seemed to shrink down to just the two of us—his body looming over mine, pinning me against the car door.

His closeness was overwhelming, suffocating, yet a part of me couldn’t look away.

I tried to collect myself, willing the tension in my body to ease, but the way he was looking at me—like I was his and no one else’s—made it hard to think clearly.

My mind raced, trying to make sense of the conflicting emotions swirling inside me. I wanted to push him away, to remind him that he had no right to claim me like this, yet his declaration had stirred something in me I couldn’t quite understand.

"Mr. Parker, you need to stop this," I said, my voice trembling slightly, trying to keep my composure.

"This… possessiveness, this control—it's not healthy. You can’t just decide how I live my life. Also, you know that, our marriage is a deal. It would be better if we don't involve our feelings into it" I clarified him.

His jaw clenched, his hands pressing against the car door on either side of me, caging me in.

His eyes darkened, but there was something else in them too—something almost desperate, though I couldn’t be sure.

"What if I want to involve our feelings in this marriage?“ He posed a question to me.

I wanted to push him away, to remind him that he had no right to claim me like this, no matter what the terms of our marriage were.

But there was a part of me, deep down, that was stirred by his possessiveness, the intensity in his eyes.

I shook my head, trying to break free from the confusing emotions swirling inside me. “Mr. Parker, we should keep our deal as it was decided initially. There is no need to involve ourselves with each other. You can’t keep controlling everything in this deal.”

His grip tightened slightly, his jaw clenched. “You’re my wife, Vedikaaa. Imprint this in your mind, whether you like it or not." His words irked me.

He is dominating me, his possessive side is scaring me.

"And You don’t get to flirt with other men or let them put their hands on you.” He continued.

“I wasn’t flirting with him!” I shot back, my voice rising in frustration. “Neil is a friend. Nothing more.”

He scoffed, his gaze darkening. “A friend who just proposed to you in the middle of a club, right in front of me? Is that what you call friendship?”

I opened my mouth to respond but closed it again. I had no explanation for what Neil did tonight.

It had caught me off guard just as much as it had Alvaro. But I wasn’t going to let him twist this situation to justify his jealousy.

“You don’t get to punch people just because they like me. You don’t get to decide who I can and can’t be around.” I hissed.

His eyes flared at the sound of his name. He leaned in closer, his voice dropping to a dangerous whisper. “I’m not deciding anything. I’m protecting what’s mine.”

“I’m not yours!” I finally snapped, shoving against his chest, trying to put some space between us.

“You are and i will prove it to you now.” He said and covered the distance between us.

I felt his lips on mine and it made my body froze.

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How was the chapter? I hope you guys like the development of their relationship. Please give your honest reviews.

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Love,
Piaa