[A/N-THE NEW CHAPTERS ARE ADDED TO "WILTING ROSE" ON INKITT PLEASE CHECK IT NOW AND LEAVE YOUR FEED BACK...(check the first link in bio)😭😭😭

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NANDINI POV

"Morning Ma'am!" my staffs greeted me with a big pleased smile noticing my good mood when I entered the office building. Something looks awfully odd as I passed them they were all passing me a secret smile but I blamed it all on my good mood I have been since last night date and of course because my best friend is back in town.

I stepped out from the elevator after reaching my floor and walked inside the office with my secretary following behind filling me in about my schedule and meetings but when the one thing she added I halted in shock and fear suddenly only for her to bump direct into me.

"Sor..." before she can finish I interrupted least caring about her apology.

"What did you say?" I asked skeptically wanted to confirm what I heard.

"Sorr.."

"Nope! before that."

"Oh! The Duke has asked you to accompany him after lunch for a meeting with the head designer to New Hampshire ." she finished.

"Why sudden meeting with the head designer? And why the hell are we visiting her instead of her coming to us herself?" I asked pissed off and surprised.

"I don't know ma'am. His Highness! said its important and he expect you to be ready." She stated monotonously.

"Okay, I think I will confront him myself then. You can leave now." I said politely dismissing her but her Eyes widen in shock.

"Ma'am! I don't think it's right time. The Duke is in a bad mood since he arrived early this morning. He even fired 3 employees; two of them for being 3 and 5 minutes late and the third one for gossiping at work hours."she instantly filled me with the news.

"What the hell! Its my office!" I yelled in anger and Sophia jumped in fear. "How can he fire my employees for such stupid reasons just because His Grace! himself is in a bad mood. Now we seriously need to talk, Its my office not his fucking palace." I snapped before storming out of my cabin marching into his like a furious lioness. I knew it that controlling asswhole can never change.

"What the hell is wrong with you, Your Highness ?" I snapped angrily mocking his title after flinging the door open to his office. He was caught off guard with my sudden visit and immediately stood up looking a little nervous and instantly walk to the dustbin crumbling and throwing a paper and locked his hands on his back which confused me as if he was hiding something but well that's not my concern.

"Don't you know how to knock Miss Murthy?" He gritted his teeth angrily in annoyance and this is the first the acknowledged me with my last name which no one knows. It means he was really doing something serious before I came here.

"Its just Nandini!" I stated monotonously and he looked amused. I cleared my throat before telling my purpose to come here. "And well no, I don't ! just the way you think you own my employees its only fair if I should start doing the same. Being the CEO of this company makes me the owner of the building as well; practically I own your cabin too." I replied sassily with a victorious smirk only to ride him up and his jaws are now clenched in anger. "So tell me now why did you fire my employees?" I asked calmly and I was anything in that moment but calm. Especially when he looks so perfect with his hairs a mess as if he ran his fingers through it multiple times in frustration and the black dress shirt he is wearing tightened on his biceps because he has his arms still locked behind his back and chest pulled and stretched in pride.

Nandini focus!

Don't judge me; I know he cheated on me and its not fair to find him attractive but I'm girl and now a successful business woman. I appreciate every good thing but it doesn't mean I buy them and seal the deal instantly without getting the full information because in business world everything that glitters isn't gold. And Manik Malhotra is that glitter for me. I perhaps appreciate his looks and find him irresistibly attractive sometimes but it doesn't mean I'll fall for him again. Nope! Never!

"You really wanna know why I fired them?" his low angry voice snapped me out only for me to realize now he is standing just a feet away from me. I took a step back to creamore distance before nodding stiffly in reply without looking at him.

"I didn't know you pay your employees for coming late and gossiping about their bosses on working hours" he stated gritting his teeth.

"Excuse me!" I stared "are you telling me that I don't know how to run a company? Your Highness! if you think firing them for coming 5 minutes late
makes me a bad boss then I really don't know what to expect from you and this merger. Its New York for God sake! People stuck in traffic sometimes.I f you keep firing people for such ridiculous excuse then soon this company will be employee less." I said feeling even more irritated and he's just unbelievable!

"Those were no ridiculous reason!" He yelled on top of his voice angrily but took a long breath to calm himself down before adding next part calmly " I fired Mr A.J Smith for being late 28th time in a single month for no valid reason and Mr Wilson Garrett was fired for same reason but he was 5 minutes late because he was busy screwing the waitress from the cafe across the building in his car in the office parking when I was coming here. So you still think my reasons are ridiculous?" He asked raising his brows and I have nothing to say now because yes his reasons were undoubtedly right. He didn't waited fmy reaction and turn around to do something and added again "beside I still can fire whoever I want because I'm one of your biggest benefactor and Mrs Boston won't be happy about this." He turn around to look at me with a smirk because he knows he is right.

I didn't say anything thing nor waited for him to continue I just decided to leave his cabin before his voice again stopped me "I hope your secretary told you about the meeting with head designer. Be ready we will leave together for New Hampshire." He finished off and I turn around to ask about it.

"May I know why I'm getting informed about this new meeting today just after reaching the office?" I asked sternly not pleased with his idea of sudden meeting. And now he turn around to face me leaning on his desk confidently and his both palms clutching the rim of the desk tightly. He is now staring right back at me with his deep eyes and a dark aura surrounding him.

"Its not sudden , I came to your office last evening to inform about the meeting but you left early last day and I thought I can inform you through the call last night but you never received it and then I sent you a mail regarding the meeting but guess what you were too busy somewhere last day to even check it, careless about your responsibility. So please miss don't blame your tardiness on me." He said gritting his teeth. His voice was low and venom filled.

"I was out for some personal affairs and left my phone at home maybe that's why. " I said feeling guilty.Well it wasn't an entire lie. I actually left my phone at home and when I came back I was busy catching up with Haim and never realized that I don't have my phone with me until Haim dropped the bomb that why Manik was calling me and how does he know I'm in NYC and where did he find me? I told him about everything even the mirror. Haim was mad is just an understatement. He was ready to jump from the balcony of my apartment just to reach Manik sooner so that he can kill me for once and all and it took my all strength to stop him.

"Whatever,just be ready this time." He added nonchalantly. I nodded and finally walked out coming back to my office before stopping on my secretary'desk.

"Sophia, Go to Duke's aid. His palm of the right hand is hurt and bleeding and don't tell him that I told you or sent you there." I said monotonously and her eyes widen before she left with the first aid in her hand immediately.

Well he thought I won't notice but I did when he was clenching the edges of his desk his right hand palm was suddenly started leaking red liquid and my suspicion was confirmed when few drops dripped down on the clean white tile floor and the inside of his palm was crimson red. Then it clicked me he was hiding his injuries and was doing it quite well until his hands were locked behind his back.

Anyways I started to finish off my pending work for today quickly in attempt to finish it off before time so that I can balance the schedule and can leave for New Hampshire without any worry.

"So someone went on a date last night,mhm!" A familiar feminine chirpy voice made me look away from laptop with a wide grin to see a beautiful blonde girl with the most green like emerald eyes I've ever seen in her best stylish sand color chic dress and I without wasting any minute jumped from my chair running towards her to pull her in a bone crushing hug.

"My God Mel! Good to see you back in town." She laughed hugging me back.

"Missed you too girl!" We both have that same silly smile plastered on our face.

"When you came back? You really was gone for a long time." I pulled her with me on couch so that we can talk comfortably.

Melanie Stone is one of my closest friend from university just like Elle. I last saw her after graduation where she told me she got her dream job.I and Melanie were so happy for her. Melanie always wanted to tour the world; She was a travel freak so this is now she does. She is working for TLC (traveling and living channel) she is always traveling to new places in every new episode that I hardly watch due to all the work load whereas I and Elle are stuck in business world.

"Just last night and thought to surprise you and Elle first thing in the morning but guess what It was me who got surprised by you. Like really? You were actually on a date! "She freaked out with her eyes so wide and bright in pure delight "Finally you are getting somewhere in your life." She hugged me excitedly.

"Okay! Okay! but how did you find out?" I asked curious because except Haim no one knows about it.

"Geez Girl!" She stared at me like I have grown two horns suddenly"Don't tell me you didn't check today's newspaper; Page3 column, specifically." She said scrutinizing me.

"Of course I did but you know already that I don't read that celebrity gossip column." I said rolling my eyes.

"Of course!" She scoffed "Wait.." she showed her pointer finger before digging into her purse and pulling out the newspaper handling it to me. "Read it for yourself." She said with a big devilish grin. I stared at her weirdly before checking the newspap er only for my eyes to get bigger.

-NEW YORK TIMES HEADLINES-

Is the new beautiful CEO finally is out of the market and someone finally caught her attention ?

Manhattan. The New young CEO of the leading fashion industry ' Elegance ' Miss Nandini , was spotted having a cozy dinner in one of the NYC most lavish Italian restaurant with a mysterious gentleman who according to our sources is one of Miss CEOs business associate but his identity isn't verified yet by any other sources.

Our sources also have filled little details about how they just didn't have cozy dinner with few sweet touches here and there which seem quite intimate but also they went for a walk on the nearby bridge and that's not just end here they were spotted holding each others hands through out the walk.
So,the CEO really had a romantic night with the mysterious lover who happen to caught her attention when there are already many heirs, celebrities and industrialist have boldly talked about her before in many interviews that how they would really love to date the new CEO and there is no doubt she is a true beauty and any men will be lucky to have her.

So should we start to think that Miss CEO finally found her prince who happen to be the lucky guy according to the previous interviews from several heartthrobs.

"What the fuck!" My jaw is now touching the floor. "Oh God they just wrote about me and how not even a single thing about Mikhail!" I stated feeling annoyed. The whole artical was focusing on me when Mikhail is far bigger face than me.

"wait.. what did you say? Mikhail? Is he the guy you were on a date with?" She asked again getting excited for nothing when I'm here freaking out. "Is he hot? Is he rich? Was he a really a gentleman? Do I know him?" She is now bouncing on her seat.

Why Oh why I have such overbearing friends?

"Nandini Tell me! I want details?" she stated grinning widely holding my arms to get my full attention.

"No I guess you don't." I gave her a little smile. "Its Mikhail Deniz Shaikh." I told her waiting impatiently for her reaction and exactly it was what I have expected. Her jaw was touching the floor and her eyes were coming out from the socket, her mouth ws opening and closing like a fish and I couldn't help but laugh loudly at her expression.

"Where the hell did you get your hands on him?"She exclaimed "I mean he lives a really reserved life even after all the money and status pouring out from his pocket. He is literally a King in business world without the crown. Just handful of people have seen him, maybe that's the reason he isn't mentioned in here with you and I have heard he is devilishly handsome, is he?" She started blabbering still too shocked. I chuckled before answering him.

"He is Haim's cousin ." I told her the basic information.

"Oh my God that handsome rich bastard !" She shrieked "He have another of his devil rich brother hidden and never care to tell us. " She is frustrated now "I'm telling you his family is full of good looking people. So anyone is still there available for me or should I keep trying to seduce Haim which looks like have no effect on him" She said making a sad pout and I giggled. Well Mel here has the biggest crush on Haim since she first laid her eyes on him,I can't blame her though that guy is literally the Mr sex on legs. The girl was literally crazy for him always doing stupid things just to get his attention even coming to Haims place with silly excuses almost every mid night in her skimpiest night suits when I was living with him.She even used to hide his clothes and lock his closet just to rile him up and well.. to drool on his hot body, that's her own words not mine. And the most hilarious one always bursting inside his room intentionally excusing it "oh! I thought its Nandi'room" Seriously? The place weren't even that big!
Sometimes I felt like she is friend with me just because of Haim.

"I think you should really move on from him now because the guy is engaged now." I stated feeling bad for her and my heart literally went for her when I saw her face covering in shock and the flash of hurt passing through her eyes. I was really surprised by the new realization Maybe it wasn't just a crush for her then. I now am feeling bad for breaking the news to her but maybe be this has to be happen at some point.

"Oh well good for him." She chirped masking her emotions. She is always been that way always full of life and looking happy. "I think I will see you soon. Let's catch up the three of us at my place." She invited and I nodded with a smile and she rushed out of the room not once looking back.

So Love hurts everyone!

"Ma'am! His Grace said to be ready you guys are leaving in 30 minutes." My secretary knocked before informing me and I nodded finishing last of my work and packing up everything before changing into one of my spare dress I always keep here for emergencies. Its one of my white dress pant and a blazer with a tank inside.

I reached office parking where I was told to meet the Duke. Whenever I heard someone calling him that i mentally scoff rolling my eyes. His royal ass! As if I give two shits. I was busy mentally cursing him when suddenly a rose gold Ferrari stopped just a inch before hitting me and I shrieked feeling my heart in my throat in fear.

"What the hell!" I stated pissed opening the passenger side door to see the devil himself sitting on driving seat with his eyes covered with raybans and I stared him in confusion.

"You are driving? Where's your driver?" I asked confused.

"Of course I wouldn't be here driving if my driver have been with me. I gave him the day off now sit." he ordered arrogantly and I stomped my feet; I know very mature and finally slipped inside. I'm feeling irritated by his mood swings what the hell he thinks of himself, last night sends me a mirror with romantic note, dancing with me in ball like a true lover and well not to forget before that he pretended like he didn't know me at all. Duke of Bipolars suit him much better!

"Why are you so arrogant?" I mumbled tying my seat belt. "And where the hell are your guards? They are 24*7 around you." I asked looking out of the window to find no one.

"I gave them day off as well." he replied monotonously. So Mr Almighty really isn't in a good mood today.

"Anyways drive then "I said in dismissing tone and finally his Royal carriage roared to life. I mean a rose gold Ferrari? Too much for not grabbing attention when you don't even have guards with you. I mentally rolled my eyes feeling sarcastic.

We were riding in very awkward silence for an hour now almost when his voice snapped me out from my city view gazing from the window. The weather is cloudy and really windy today.

"By the way thanks for this." Did he say something politely and thanked me about something.

I turn around to look at him in confusion and he pointed his bandaged palm.

"Why are you thanking me for this?" I asked feeling amused to hide my nervousness.

"I know you sent your secretary to my aid." He said plainly staring out the car focusing on road and I gulped before clearing my throat.

"Why would I tell her something like this besides I realized just now that you're injured." I lied professionally, tapping my back feeling impressed.

"I know it was you, no need to lie about this and you were the only one who saw it first before it was your secretary coming inside my office with first aid." Well I guess now I have nothing to say.

"Its no big deal!" I shrugged answering with the most stupid thing and saw his lips twitched upwards lifting for a smile but he hide it well.

Bipolar!

"Atleast you still care." He mumbled audible enough and I snapped my head in his direction with such speed that it didn't detach from my neck is still a surprise. Is he really talking about it now,after all this time.

"Don't think too much into it. It was just a human instinct." I stated nonchalantly. He chuckled.

"And I thought you really have changed..." he said it to himself in a relieved tone.

"Yes I have very much changed,I don't really care what you think or what you do." I snapped.

"Its good to know one of us has finally moved on." He mocked. Oh my god ! No I don't want to relive my past,h having him around him and behave like he never broke my heart is already too much. Why the hell is he talking about it now? Out of all the time and days why its now?

"Excuse me? There was nothing for me to stuck up for something." I said gritting my teeth. And what does he mean by one of us? He is the one who cheated on me, whoring around with different women. He was never with me to ever start with. He himself have moved on a long ago.

"So you are finally happy with that boy.Huh?Now I really can comprehend why your family never even once crossed your mind." He asked amused and his hands clenching on stairing wheels and did I sensed hurt in his voice. Nope,that can never happen. He wasn't guitly ever!

"Manik why out of all the time you are bringing our past like this now?" I snapped gritting my teeth. I really don't want to have the conversation right now, not ever.

"Why what's the problem if we are going to talk about it now?" He snapped furiously, danger evolving in his eyes. "Are you afraid that your little world of lies will crumble down? The world where you think you are happy without your loved ones, surrounded by foreigners in a foreign country unrevealing your full identity. Where you had shut down your past as if it never happened and you think that you have fucking moved on!" He yelled hitting his already hurt hands on steering. "Nandini you are not just fooling your family, the guy you were with last night but most of all you are fooling yourself. I was quite all this time because I thought one day you will come around and atleast not about me but you will ask about your family that you never did!" He yelled angrily again and my tears now have no bound. He is again here to break me. I knew it, he is doing all this to break me. But I will not let him.

"Mr Manik Malhotra if you have really a weak memory than let me remind you I left because of you. If I'm away from my family is all just because of you. If I never contacted them before is also because of you. Because I HATE YOU MR MANIK MALHOTRA!I hate you so much that to avoid you I can abandon my own family." And here I said it and this time he didn't try to hide hurt in his eyes.

"Hate me all you want but in whirl of hate don't hurt someone who doesn't deserve it and stop leading people on if you aren't at least sure about it. Dont turn into me!" He finished emphasizing each and every word challengingly.

I UNDERSTAND YOU PEOPLE ARE LAZY TO COMMENT BUT ATLEAST TRY TO HIT THE STAR AFTER READING IT. THANK-YOU!

A/N This chapter is dedicated to those who enjoyed every bit of the story and patiently waited for Manik. Love you people!💕💕💕