“It’s almost a reflex, Ames—to put you before myself. I can’t help it,” I mumble, my voice strained. She pulls away abruptly and stares at me in shock.
“That’s madness, Rey. You should never place another person above yourself.” Her face flushes red, her mocking tone mirroring her expression.
“For you, I would do anything, Ames. I swear I’m not exaggerating.” A dry chuckle escapes me, but she only looks confused.
“This attitude of yours scares me, Rey.”
Without waiting for my response, she gets back into her car and drives away.
How did I miss being this madly in love with her all these years?
*****
“What do you think the meeting is about?” I whisper near Amyra’s ear, and she glances back at me as we are presently summoned to the Chairperson’s cabin.
“Have you forgotten about the international conference?”
“Oh.” It clicks instantly. “So releasing our new product line on a global online platform is linked to that.”
“Obviously. Now keep quiet, our fathers are watching us,” she murmurs.
I mime zipping my mouth, catching Karan glaring at us from the other side. I ignore him and stare straight ahead.
“Good evening, children. Before we conclude today, we’d like to share a meaningful update.
B-Live Aura has chosen to delay its global online launch—not out of hesitation, but intentionally. In three days, we’ll be stepping into the Singapore International Wellness and Luxury Lifestyle Conference, bringing together boutique hotel chains, global spa directors, corporate wellness consultants, and international lifestyle media.
This conference isn’t about selling. It’s about presence, credibility, and alignment. B-Live Aura will be introduced through a sensory showcase—quiet, immersive, and true to what the brand stands for, before launching on a global e-commerce platform.
As you can already see, preparations are underway behind the scenes. You’ll be leaving shortly to bring this vision to life, so be prepared with the necessary requirements. Your mentors will be accompanying you, so stay focused and confident. All the best. You may leave now.”
Dad explains everything in one steady flow. A flicker of nervousness creeps into me at the thought of attending an international conference, but knowing our mentors will be with us and seeing the groundwork already in motion eases my mind.
As we step out of the cabin, our reactions couldn’t be more different. I feel hopeful. Amyra looks anxious. Karan appears tense.
“We need to give our best at our first international conference,” Amyra says, lost in thought. We both nod silently.
There are just three days left, which means we’ll be leaving for Singapore tomorrow.
A new country. A new ambience. A new place. It feels like the perfect setting for a new beginning, one that includes my love confession to Amyra.
But before stepping into that phase, I need to end things with Aditi. We’re meeting later this evening, and it has to happen today.
Still, doubt creeps in.
What if Karan thinks the same and makes a move toward Amyra?
And what if she responds positively and accepts him?
No. I need to trust Amyra’s words, her clear disinterest in entering a relationship.
One thing I’m certain of—no matter what circumstances life throws at me, I won’t bend. I’ll fight back and make sure I win Amyra’s heart in the end.
All I need to focus on is the path ahead, whether it’s smooth or rough.
This international trip could change our lives. And I’m ready to face it.
Chapter 27
