Chapter 10
Aditya
“What the hell just happened?”I mutter to myself, staring at the café door Sana just disappeared into. The day had started off so well—running into her at the gym, then coming here, hoping I would finally break through that wall she’s built around herself.
But then, that damn phone call ruined everything.
Now, I’m fucking stuck wondering how to fix this, how to explain myself when I know she won’t even give me the chance. My thoughts spiral, frustration tightening in my chest, when my phone rings again. Annoyed, I pull it out of my pocket, only to see Raima’s name flashing on the screen.
Perfect. Just the person responsible for ruining everything.
My grip on the phone tightens as I continue to stare at her name on the screen. It’s time to give her a piece of my mind. With that, I swipe to answer.
“Hey, handsome. Why did you hang up earlier, calling it a wrong number?” she purrs through the phone. “Do you want me to book a hotel room for us tonight? Remind you just how well you know me?”
I scoff, gripping the phone tighter. “Listen carefully, Raima. That was a one-time thing. A mistake. It won’t happen again.”
“Oh, don’t be like—”
“Delete my number,” I cut her off, my voice icy cold. Before she can get another word in, I end the call.
Slipping the phone back into my pocket, I exhale sharply, trying to release the tension coiled inside me. There was a time when life was simple—just drinks, fun, and no strings attached relationships. One-night stands were nothing new to me. It was just a way to let out some steam—something I’m not exactly proud of. But now… now I want to put an end to it.
And damn Sana for having this kind of effect on me.
After taking a moment to collect myself, I draw in a deep breath and head toward the coffee shop. I can’t let any doubt linger in Sana’s mind about me. Now that it’s clear she’s the one who matters, it’s important—too important—that she doesn’t see me the wrong way.
As I push open the door, my chest tightens at the sight before me.
She’s behind the counter, her fingers flying over the keyboard, completely lost in whatever she’s working on. There’s a tiny crease between her brows, her lips pressed together in quiet concentration. I just stand there, watching her.
As if sensing my presence, she looks up at me and frowns, her expression unreadable.
“Please, not again. I’ve had enough of you for one day.”
“Sana, just hear me out.” My voice comes out low and husky as I stop a few feet away from her.
“I’d really appreciate it if you stopped forcing your way into my life. I have no desire to see you again.” Her voice is steady, cold even, but I don’t miss the way her throat moves as she swallows. I don’t know if she’s holding back tears or pushing down her nervousness. Regardless, her words cut deeper than they should.
“That’s not happening.” My voice comes out firmer than I intended, but I don’t waver. I meet her gaze head-on. “I’m here to explain myself because I have no intention of walking away from something that matters to me.”
She rises from her seat, crossing her arms tightly over her chest, her eyes burning with disbelief. “Afterthatcall, you still expect me to believe your words?”
“I told you that call meant nothing,” I say through clenched teeth, my hands curling into fists at my sides, not out of anger but from the sheer effort it takes to hold myself back. Because all I want to do is close the distance between us—grab her, taste her, consume her, claim her. To make her see how much she’s started to mean to me. “It’s you I want,” I add softly.
Sana scoffs, her eyes flashing with anger. “Youwantme? Just like you’ve ‘wanted’ every other woman who was dumb enough to fall for your charm?” She shakes her head, arms still crossed. “Spare me the act. I’m not interested in being another name on your list.”
“You’re right. I’ve had a list of women—more than I care to admit. And no, I’m not proud of it.” I take a step closer to her. “But I’m not that guy anymore, Sana. I’m done with meaningless nights and hollow names. You’re the only one I want. And that scares the hell out of me, because this, what I feel for you, is something I’ve never felt before.” I meet her gaze, unflinching. “Believe it or not, but I’m not toying with you. Not now, not ever.”
Her mouth opens, then closes, but no sound comes out. She just stares at me, as if searching for something—an answer, a lie, a reason to push me away.
But she gives me nothing. No words. No reaction.
I keep waiting, but the next moment, her phone rings, shattering the silence. She breaks eye contact and turns to grab her mobile from the desk.
“Hello,” she answers, pressing the phone to her ear.
I don’t know who’s on the other end, but the moment she hears the voice, all the colour drains from her face.
