“Where are you going?” Roy asked.
“Kitchen…” I replied, waving him off with all the grace of a sleep-deprived sloth, disappearing toward the kitchen before he could ask more questions. My head felt like it was full of bricks, and coffee wasn’t even close to fixing it.
And that’s when I saw him.Manav Oberoi.Seriously, does this guyeverlook tired? Meanwhile, I’m over herelooking like an octopus. It’s offensive.
“How are you feeling?” He asked, his trademark frown settling across his face like he was inspecting me for damage.
Fantastic. Exactly what I needed to start my day.
“Like I’ve been hit by a truck,” I admitted, rubbing my temples, hoping that honesty might speed up the interaction.
“Need any help?” He flashed a cute frown that should’ve been illegal.
No, I donotneed help from this creature of unfair perfection. What I need is a portal to a universe where I don’t have to face him first thing in the morning.
“I will manage,” I muttered, pretending to be very busy opening a random cabinet just to avoid looking at him. This day was already way too complicated, and it wasn’t even 9 a.m. yet.
“So,” he said, his voice laced with mockery, “How does it feel after drinking gallons of wine last night?”
I froze, gripping the bottle tighter.Don’t react. Don’t react.
“Did you take the medicine I sent?” He spoke again.
I turned to face him, a water bottle clenched tightly in my hand as I glared. “Yes, I did. Thanks,” I muttered, slamming the fridge door with a little too much force.
Manav silently poured the juice into a glass. “Good. You might want to eat something.”
I rolled my eyes, walking past him, “Don’t you have somecontinentto purchase today?”
He didn’t even look up. His focus was entirely on whatever masterpiece he was creating. “Give me your plate—your breakfast is ready.” He still wasn’t looking at me, which somehow made it worse.
“I am nothungry.”
“That was not a request…” he said, his tone deliberately casual as he returned to the chopping counter. “You should be thankful that you’re Roy’s sister.”
“Else what?”
He didn’t answer, just shook his head slightly, refusing to meet my gaze, and somehow, that irritated me even more.
“Not that it even mattered, but you could’ve at least pretended I wasn’t a complete fool last night.” I blurted, my voice rising slightly. “I mean… not that I wanted you to kiss me or anything. But it’s incredibly rude to reject a girl.” I crossed my arms, glaring at the back of his head.
Why am I eventalkingabout this?
Did I want him to kiss me?No.
Did I want to kisshim?Absolutely not.
But drunk Kiara had a moment, and he just dismissed it like it was nothing!
He paused mid-chop, his shoulders tensing for a brief second before he turned to face me, leaning casually against the counter. “Noted,” he said, as he turned back to his chopping. “I’ll work on my manners.”
Manav Oberoi was officially the most infuriating man I’d ever met.
And Drunk Kiara… we need to talk.
Spotting a stool, I dragged it over and climbed up, reaching for the pack of noodles someone had oh-so-kindly stored on the highest shelf.
Who even designs kitchens like this? Giants?
