Page 81 of The Ruin I Chose

“What happened after I left?”

“Nothing. He congratulated us and said he hoped we’d collaborate again.”

I lied with ease, because the truth would’ve cracked the foundation we’d built. I couldn’t risk jeopardising Studio Rasa—or the partnership Sahil and I had built over the years.

I knew Lorenzo was going to squeeze me to get to Marcello. But I didn’t know if I should call him. Didn’t know if he’d care. I had to prepare for the worst.

The first thing I did was ask Vihaan to take Kyra to his parents for some time. He’d been asking for weeks, and it felt like the perfect opportunity. Not because I didn’t want her near me—but because I needed to become someone else for a while.

Someone who could take hits and not flinch. Someone who could bleed in silence and still show up smiling.

Vihaan was thrilled and agreed almost immediately without suspicion.

The raids came in the following week. Tax authorities. Legal notices through an anonymous tip.

News circulated about Studio Rasa’s ‘questionable affiliations’ with certain shadowy figures. The kind of whispers that stain reputations before facts can speak. I knew exactly where they were coming from. Lorenzo’s reach was long, and his venom subtle.

Some new clients backed off. Others suddenly decided our studio didn’t align with their vision. They didn’t say it outright—but the message was clear. They no longer wanted to be associated with us.

Both Sahil’s and my homes were raided—simultaneously, along with Studio Rasa. My mother held the fort at home while I handled the studio, showing every document, every transaction, every receipt. The raid at Sahil’s place ended quickly. He returned to the studio equally furious and confused. I was sitting in the conference room, eyes red, trembling. Trying to hold myself together with nothing but breath and will.

“Are you ok?” he asked.

I didn’t say anything, looking down, trying to calm my hands from shaking.

“We’ve done everything by the book since we began,” he asked. “How do you think this happened?”

“Lorenzo…”

“Who?” Sahil blinked, confused.

I spoke slowly. Told him everything. Marcello’s connection to Lorenzo. How he cornered me in Florence. How he showed up at Mr. Gulati’s office—uninvited, smug and dangerous. How he touched me, threatened me. How he wanted to use me to get to Marcello.

Sahil looked at me in disbelief.

“Roxy… You’ve gotten us into some deep shit. You should’ve told me earlier.”

“I didn’t know how. I didn’t want to drag you into it,” I sobbed.

“Didn’t want you to see me like this. Didn’t want to need anyone.”

“Well, too late for that. We’re partners, for God’s sake, Rox.”

“I’m sorry,” I croaked.

He pulled his chair closer and hugged me.

“It’s okay,” he said. “We’ll get through this. Priya’s dad somehow offered to help. I had a word with him.”

I looked at him, stunned.

“Just… tread carefully,” I said. “I don’t want Priya dragged into this.”

“Don’t worry,” he replied. “Her dad’s handled worse. He’s got some of the best lawyers in the city.”

“So you won’t break off this partnership.”

“Oh, Roxy.” He kissed my forehead.