A/N - The most waited chapter for the readers. See I have uploaded the chapter even before the target is complete. So if you guys want the next chapter asap then complete the target of this chapter . Target 400+ votes 150 comments.

Author pov,

Two months later.

Eshana Shekhawat, the formidable CEO of Shekhawat Industries, sat poised in her sleek, modern office, her sharp eyes glancing occasionally at her husband cum secretary , Armaan , who was organizing documents for the upcoming meeting. The morning sun streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows, casting a glow on Eshana's meticulously styled hair and the soft silk of her tailored suit. She was preparing for a crucial discussion with Nihira Sharma, a rival in the business world whose disdain for Eshana was matched only by her ambition.

Nihira Sharma entered the room with a confident stride, her presence commanding attention. She was every bit Eshana's equal in beauty and stature, yet her eyes betrayed the simmering rivalry she felt towards Eshana. Nihira's gaze flickered briefly over Eshana before settling on Armaan. A predatory smile spread across her lips, hinting at her intentions for the meeting. A deal with Shekhawat Industries is life changing therefore she is here even when she only hates Eshana to the core , and also she had her eyes on Armaan for years and today she didn't intend to lose both the opportunities.

"Good morning, Eshana," Nihira said, her tone polite but cold. "And good morning to you, Armaan."

"Good morning, Ms. Sharma," Armaan replied, offering a courteous nod.

Eshana forced a smile, masking her irritation. "Shall we get started?"

The meeting began with discussions of market shares, potential collaborations, and competitive strategies. Throughout the conversation, Eshana noticed how Nihira's attention continually shifted towards Armaan. He was trying his best to maintain professionalism, but it was clear he was uncomfortable under Nihira's relentless gaze.

"So, Armaan," Nihira said suddenly, interrupting a technical discussion about logistics. "How long have you been working with Eshana?"

Armaan glanced at Eshana before answering, "I've been with Shekhawat Industries for almost two years now."

"Two years," Nihira mused, her eyes twinkling with interest. "You must be very good at what you do to be trusted by someone as successful as Eshana."

"He is," Eshana interjected, her voice firm. "Armaan is indispensable to this company."

Nihira ignored Eshana's comment, her focus unwavering on Armaan. "What do you do when you're not working, Armaan? Any interesting hobbies?"

Armaan shifted in his seat, clearly uneasy. "I enjoy reading and almost spend my time working ."

" workaholic ," Nihira repeated, her smile widening. "That's lovely. It's so rare to find someone so much dedicated towards their work, these days."

Eshana's patience was wearing thin. She could see where this was going, and she didn't like it. Nihira's obvious interest in Armaan was infuriating, and the way she disregarded Eshana's presence was downright disrespectful.

As the meeting continued, Nihira's flirtation became more blatant. She leaned closer to Armaan, her hand occasionally brushing his arm, her laugh a little too loud and her compliments a little too personal. Armaan, to his credit, tried to maintain a respectful distance, but it was clear he was uncomfortable with the attention.

Finally, the meeting drew to a close. Eshana was relieved, but her relief was short-lived. As they stood to leave, Nihira stepped closer to Armaan, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

"Armaan," she said softly, "I was wondering if you'd like to join me for dinner tonight. I'd love to get to know you better."

Before Armaan could respond, Eshana's jealousy and anger surged to the surface. She stepped between them, her eyes blazing with possessive fury.

"Armaan is my husband," Eshana said, her voice icy and unmistakably clear. "And I don't appreciate anyone trying to come between us."

Nihira blinked in surprise, her smile faltering. "Your husband?" she repeated, her voice wavering.

"Yes, my husband," Eshana reiterated, stepping closer to Armaan and linking her arm with his. "We keep our personal and professional lives separate, but make no mistake, Armaan is mine. He's my partner in every sense of the word, and I won't tolerate anyone disrespecting that."

Armaan looked at Eshana, his eyes wide with surprise but also a hint of gratitude. Nihira's face flushed with embarrassment, and she took a step back.

"I'm sorry, Eshana," she said quietly. "I didn't know."

Eshana's gaze softened slightly, but her stance remained protective. "Now you do. I trust this won't happen again."

Nihira nodded, her demeanor subdued. "Of course. My apologies. Can we continue the left over meeting after a break? "

" sure. " Eshana replied.

With that, she turned and left the office, her confidence visibly shaken. Eshana watched her go, a mixture of satisfaction and lingering anger in her eyes. She turned to Armaan, her expression softening.

"Are you alright?" she asked, concern replacing the earlier fury.

Armaan nodded, a small smile playing on his lips. "I am. Thank you for standing up for me."

Eshana sighed, her shoulders relaxing. "I couldn't stand the way she was treating you. You're more than just my secretary, Armaan. You're important to me."

Armaan's smile widened, and he reached out to gently squeeze her hand. "And you're important to me, Eshana. Always."

Eshana's heart swelled with warmth, and she squeezed his hand in return.

" But even though she doesn't know that I am your Hired Husband still she tried doing those stunts, which is really disgusting , but I don't get it why you are getting angry and all possessive over me, it shouldn't matter you right? I can be with anyone my heart will desire. " Armaan

" I'll carve my name in your heart in such a way, so that every beat of your heart will remind you that you are mine-and mine alone my dear husband. You only desire for ME. "

You don't even know my Little Quinn, I let you burn me out in your flames. You're the greatest risk I've ever taken, also the greatest reward I achieved. I know you will give me your thorns, but I ready to make my hands bleed. I am ready to do anything if it's makes you mine forever. Armaan said to himself in his mind.

" aaggghh I go and bring the presentation I have prepared for the meeting from my cabin ." Armaan said, while Eshana nodded and he left.

~~~

Armaan walked briskly to his personal cabin, his mind focused on finding an important presentation needed for the next meeting. The atmosphere in the office was still charged with the aftermath of the earlier confrontation with Nihira Sharma. He sighed, running a hand through his hair, hoping the rest of the day would pass without further problems .

As he rifled through the papers on his desk. Then he remembered he had made a backup of the document.

Armaan rummaged through his wallet, searching for the emergency backup chip of the important presentation. As he shuffled through the contents, an old photo slipped out. He picked it up, smiling at the image of a young Eshana from her college days, her cute doe eyes bright with ambition and determination.

Just then, his phone rang, breaking the moment. He answered quickly, his thoughts still on the photo.

"Hello, Armaan here," he said, his tone cold and distant.

" Sir when you will be back ur presence is needed here ," the voice on the other end stammered, clearly nervous.

Armaan's expression hardened. "I can't come before one more month. Manage there and don't call me ever in this time."

" Sorry sir it's really important."

" you know me well . And know my believes. THE GREATEST TRICK THE DEVIL EVER PULLED WAS CONVINCING THE WORLD, HE DIDN'T EXIST. And don't worry I will manage everything. "

The person on the line hesitated, then meekly replied, "Yes, sir. Understood, thank you, have a good day."

Armaan ended the call, his face a mask of resolve. He tucked the photo back into his wallet and headed out of his office, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

The door to his cabin swung open. Armaan looked up, surprised and a bit annoyed to see Nihira standing in the doorway.

"Ms. Sharma," Armaan said, trying to keep his tone neutral, "this is my private cabin. If you need something, please schedule a meeting or wait in the common area."

Nihira stepped inside, ignoring his request. She closed the door behind her, a predatory glint in her eyes. "I came here to talk to you, Armaan. Just you and me."

He rolled his eyes mentally , he is irritated by her now.

" Don't you have manners that you should enter without knocking." Armaan's unease grew as he continued . "Ms. Sharma, please leave. This is inappropriate, and I have work to do."

Nihira sauntered closer, her smile turning sly. "Why are you acting like this? You should be grateful for the attention I'm giving you. Not everyone gets this chance."

Armaan's jaw tightened, but he kept his voice calm. "I don't want or need your attention. I'm happily married to Eshana, and I'm here to work. Now, please leave."

Nihira's smile faded, replaced by a sneer. "Married to Eshana for her money, no doubt. Don't think I can't see through your act, Armaan. You're just a gold digger with an ulterior motive."

Anger flickered in Armaan's eyes, but he maintained his composure. "That's not true, and you have no right to make such accusations. Now, please, leave my cabin."

Nihira stepped even closer, invading his personal space. "You're lucky I'm interested in you. Most people in your position would be jumping at this opportunity. You're nothing without Eshana's money and influence just a mere secretary ."

Armaan clenched his fists at his sides, his frustration mounting. He was determined not to stoop to Nihira's level, but her words stung. He opened his mouth to respond when the door suddenly opened.

Eshana stood in the doorway, her eyes blazing with fury. She had been wondering what was taking Armaan so long and decided to check on him. The sight of Nihira standing so close to Armaan, and the look of distress on his face, told her everything she needed to know.

"What is going on here?" Eshana's voice was cold and commanding.

Nihira turned to face Eshana, her sneer still in place. "I came here to apologize to Armaan, but it seems he was giving me the wrong signals. He practically invited me here."

Armaan's eyes widened in shock, but he didn't get a chance to defend himself.

Eshana stepped forward, placing herself between Nihira and Armaan. "I know Armaan, and I trust him completely. He would never do what you're accusing him of."

Nihira scoffed, crossing her arms. "Oh, please. You're blinded by your affection for him don't go for his innocent look. He's just using you for your money."

Eshana's eyes narrowed, her anger palpable. "I won't stand here and listen to you insult my husband. You've crossed a line, Nihira."

Turning to the intercom on Armaan's desk, Eshana pressed a button and spoke into it. "Security, please come to Mr. Roy's cabin immediately."

Nihira's bravado faltered slightly as two security guards appeared moments later. Eshana faced them, her expression stern. "Escort Ms. Sharma out of the building. She is no longer welcome here."

The guards nodded and stepped forward to flank Nihira. She glared at Eshana, then at Armaan. "You're making a big mistake, Eshana. You'll regret this."

Eshana didn't flinch. "The only mistake I see is trusting you to be a professional. The deal with Sharma Enterprises is cancelled. Effective immediately."

Nihira's face flushed with anger, but she had no choice as the guards began to escort her out. "This isn't over, Eshana. You'll regret crossing me."

As the door closed behind them, silence filled the cabin. Armaan exhaled slowly, the tension draining from his body. Eshana turned to him, her expression softening.

"Are you okay?" she asked, her voice gentle.

Armaan nodded, gratitude evident in his eyes. "I am now. Thank you for believing in me."

Eshana stepped closer, taking his hand in hers. "I'll always believe in you, Armaan. We're a team, and no one can come between us."

Armaan squeezed her hand, a smile spreading across his face.

Eshana smiled back, her earlier anger dissipating. " Remember Armaan I trust you a lot for which I have chosen you for our marriage contract . Let's put this behind us and move forward. Together."

Armaan nodded, and they left the cabin hand in hand, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead. Their bond, forged in trust and mutual respect, was stronger than any external threat. Together, they were unstoppable.

Eshana's grip on Armaan's hand tightened as they walked out of his cabin. The adrenaline from the confrontation with Nihira still coursed through her veins, and the reality of what had just happened began to settle in. They reached Eshana's cabin , and as soon as the door closed behind them, she turned to face him, her eyes burning with a mix of emotions.

"Eshana..." Armaan began, but before he could say more, Eshana stepped closer, her hands cupping his face with an intensity he hadn't seen before.

"I can't stand the thought of losing you," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion. "You're mine, Armaan. Mine."

Without giving him a chance to respond, Eshana leaned in and pressed her lips to his. The kiss was desperate, a release of all the possessiveness, jealousy, and fear she had been holding back. Armaan's initial surprise melted away, and he responded, wrapping his arms around her and pulling her closer.

The kiss deepened, their mouths moving together with a fervor that spoke of long-suppressed desires. It was a collision of passion and hunger, each kiss more demanding than the last. Eshana's hands slid into his hair, tugging gently as she poured all her emotions into the kiss. Armaan's hands roamed her back, pulling her even closer, their bodies melding into one.

They kissed with an urgency that bordered on frantic, as if trying to make up for all the time they had spent denying their feelings. The air between them crackled with electricity, every touch sending shivers down their spines. It was a kiss that spoke of attraction, liking, and the deep connection they shared.

When they finally broke apart, both were breathless, their foreheads resting against each other's. Eshana's eyes were bright, her lips slightly swollen from the intensity of their kiss.

"Armaan," she murmured, her voice soft but resolute, "I won't let anyone come between us. Ever."

Armaan smiled, his heart pounding in his chest. While in his mind, "I feel the same way, Eshana. We're in this together, no matter what."

They stood there for a moment longer, basking in the afterglow of their first kiss, knowing that their bond had just become stronger and unbreakable.

As Eshana went back to her chair to continue her work to avoid the awkwardness. While his mouth drops open in surprise and he had to blink a couple of times to make sure that it was real and he haven't fallen asleep and it's not some fantasy or dream.

She kissed me it's our first kiss. He replay it again in his mind.

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