“But I’m really too tired to even force food down my throat.” I slump onto the fluffy bed as he settles beside me.
“Then let me feed you.” He lifts his eyebrows playfully, and I find myself momentarily lost in his intoxicating gaze.
“No need. Let’s order first.” Within minutes, we dial the intercom connected to the restaurant, ask about local dishes, and place an order. The food arrives surprisingly fast.
“Come on, grab this pizza slice, or should I feed you?” He holds it out with a teasing glint in his eyes. I snatch it instantly, shaking my head in protest. He laughs softly before taking a bite of his own.
Suddenly, a memory surfaces: Aditi ignoring me that morning while I was leaving for the Delhi airport. The quiet unhappinesson her face, as if she sensed something was wrong. But why didn’t she even wish me luck for the international trip? Why did she walk past me so silently?
“Is everything alright between you and Aditi?” Reyansh chokes abruptly, coughing as I rub his back and hand him a bottle of water. After a few sips, he steadies himself.
“You didn’t answer my question,” I say gently. He looks at me with visible nervousness, the kind that suggests something isn’t right.
“Rey?”
“We’re doing well. I spoke to her before coming here.” He avoids my eyes, and he only does that when he’s lying. Is something wrong between them? Should I call Aditi? No. That would feel like invading their space. I decided to let it go.
“Alright.” I change my expression, not wanting him to think I’m prying into his relationship.
“Since we’re done with dinner, are you leaving now?” I ask plainly. A wave of disappointment flickers across his face.
“Why are you so obsessed with pushing me away when I’m literally dying to spend time with you?” The sincerity in his deep tone silences the room. I take a moment, absorbing the weight behind his words.
“Because I’m scared,” I admit quietly. “If I get comfortable with your presence, I might start craving it more, and that’s something I can’t afford.”
Our eyes lock, neither of us able to look away. Then realization hits me like a bullet, embarrassment flooding my senses. How could I let my true feelings slip out so easily?
“What?” he whispers, confusion laced with something else, hope, maybe.
“I mean—” I rush to correct myself, “getting too comfortable might distract us from the international work tomorrow, which we can’t afford.” My words tumble out as his expression falls, colour draining from his face.
“Oh. I see.” He forces a small nod. “It sounded… different. Anyway, I should leave and revise tomorrow’s schedule. Good night, Ames.” He turns abruptly, already halfway to the door.
I let him go. Maybe this is for the best. When there’s no emotions, there would be no distractions.
*****
We step into the prestigious waterfront conference hall at Marina Bay. Glass walls rise from polished stone, opening the interiors to the skyline beyond, Singapore standing tall, efficient, unmistakably global. From the moment attendees enter, the space feels curated rather than crowded.
No banners screaming for attention. No aggressive branding. Only refinement.
Soft instrumental music hums beneath conversations spoken in multiple accents. The air carries a subtle blend of bergamot and white cedar, grounding, deliberate. This is where global brands come to be noticed without asking to be seen.
The conference floor fills steadily with executives from boutique hotel chains seeking differentiated wellness partnerships, international spa directors evaluating future-forward luxury experiences, corporate wellness consultants focused on sustainable, science-backed offerings, and global lifestyle andhospitality media observing quietly, notebooks rarely visible. People move with purpose. Introductions are brief. Curiosity is selective
This isn’t a space where anyone sells. This is where credibility is assessed. Coming to B&T Corp’s new product line, B-Live Aura, under its sub-brand B-Live. Instead of a conventional stall, B-Live Aura occupies a softly enclosed sensory showcase positioned away from the main aisle, intentionally understated.
No raised voices or LED glares, just calmness!
The showcase booth captures the essence of a luxury hotel suite transformed into a wellness sanctuary.
Inside, a sleek marble counter features adaptogenic teas, poured and described in soothing tones. A circular ritual station offers essential oil inhalation—one blend for focus, another for emotional calm. Silk sleep accessories are elegantly displayed on a perfectly made bed, inviting gentle touch. Minimalist aromatherapy candles burn softly, their calming presence felt more than seen.
Visitors do not merely browse; they pause, allowing B-Live Aura to work its magic.
Our booth quickly garners attention, sparking invite-only discussions in nearby lounges. Panel sessions delve into future wellness trends, luxury personalization, and sleep science. The media observes reactions discreetly, making B-Live Aura a key point of interest.
During a brief panel on emerging global wellness brands, Reyansh speaks not as a founder promoting a product, but as a voice for intentional luxury. His address is composed. Brief. Grounded. Then he says it, almost in passing:
