We supervise the loading of the chandelier together, and I don’t take my eyes off it for even a second. It’s wrapped in layers—bubble wrap, foam, protective sheets, cardboard casing—and still, it feels fragile.
Like one wrong move and everything will fall apart again.
“Careful,” I say for the third time, my voice sharper than I intend but I don’t bother softening it.
The workers nod quickly.
Aryan doesn’t say anything. He just stands beside me, watching the process, his presence steady instead of intrusive for once.
That’s new.
When it’s finally secured in the back seat, I exhale slowly, my shoulders dropping a fraction.
“Drive slow,” I tell him as we get in.
“Define slow,” he smirks casually.
“As slow as you humanly can without causing traffic.”
He grins. “Noted.” I quickly text Kamlesh to be at the site by six with the labourers, my fingers moving automatically as my mind runs through timelines, contingencies, backup plans.
The engine starts and we pull out. For a few minutes, there’s silence again. As if he can sense my peace, he opens his mouth again, “What’s your dream?” he asks.
I blink.
Of course he starts like that.
I inhale slowly, buying myself a second. “Wow,” I mutter, staring straight ahead. “Starting off strong.”
He doesn’t respond, just waits. I hate that he does that. Gives space. Doesn’t rush. Makes me fill it. “I want to open my own interior designing firm,” I say finally. “A proper one. Not freelance chaos.”
That part is easy.
That part is safe.
But then—A thought slips in. Uninvited. Unwelcome.Build a family.
It hits me so suddenly I almost gasp.What the hell.
I frown slightly, shaking my head as if that will physically remove the thought. I don’t do that anymore. I don’t think like that. I don’t—“It’s always been about work,” I add quickly, correcting myself before he can notice anything.
He glances at me, his eyes a little too observant.
“No marriage? Kids?” he asks, raising an eyebrow.
I mirror him instantly. “Is that your second question?”
He sighs, leaning back slightly. “You’re impossible.”
I smirk faintly. My stomach growls. Loud, breaking the brief silence and I freeze. He turns to me slowly.
I close my eyes for half a second.
Great.
Perfect timing.
“Let’s eat something,” he says casually, like he didn’t just witness that.
