The weight of being the top business magnate, hailed as a celebrity in the corporate world, didn’t always bring peace. Aryan Chaitanya had earned everything, power, fame, and recognition, but fate had often denied him the simple joy of a quiet life with the one he loved. His world was constantly shadowed by rivals, not just in business but also those jealous of his irresistible looks. Over the years, Aryan had grown adept at dealing with two categories of people: those who sought to destroy him and those who tried to seduce him.
He had weathered it all, learned through scars and strategies. While most of his survival skills were self-taught, one man had left a significant mark on his journey, Mr. Chandrasekar, the former business tycoon and the man Aryan respected the most. If there was ever a person Aryan wouldn’t dare defy, it was him, the President of DC Group of Businesses.
Their relationship, though distant and formal, had always been built on mutual respect. But today, Aryan was uneasy. He feared that Chandrasekar might ask something of him that would place Sanjana, his world, in jeopardy. And that was a price Aryan was not willing to pay—not for business, not for anyone.
His thoughts were interrupted by the familiar voice of his loyal aide.
“Sir,” Ranjith said, entering the study.
“Yes, Ranjith?” Aryan looked up from his thoughts.
“I’ve secured an appointment with Mr. Chandrasekar. I’ll be meeting him at his residence at three today.”
Aryan nodded slowly. “Keep it strictly official. No personal conversations.”
“I understand, sir.”
With that, Ranjith left the room, and Aryan sank back into his chair, drowning again in silent contemplation.
Meanwhile, in the living room, Sanjana was seated on the couch, absorbed in a book. The calm was broken by Bala, the house help, who appeared at the doorway with a hesitant look.
“Sanjana madam,” he said, “there’s a lady here asking to meet Aryan sir.”
Sanjana frowned. “That’s odd. Aryan never meets anyone at home. Does she have an appointment?”
“No, madam. She insists it’s urgent.”
“Then tell her he’s busy. She can meet him at the office.”
“Yes, madam.”
Bala disappeared, only to return a few minutes later looking even more flustered.
“She refuses to leave, madam. Says she won’t go without seeing him.”
“Who is she?”
“She said her name is… Sunita.”
At the mention of that name, Sanjana’s eyes narrowed.
“Sunita, is it?” she said, closing her book. “Fine. Let her in. I’ll deal with her.”
A few moments later, Sunita entered, her heels clicking against the marble floor as she made her way into the grand living room. Sanjana was already seated on the couch, one leg crossed over the other, her gaze cold and unflinching.
“Yes, Ms. Sunita,” Sanjana said, her voice calm and sharp. “Why are you here?”
“I’m here to meet Aryan,” Sunita replied confidently.
“Correct yourself. You mean Mr. Chaitanya. Or simply ‘sir’ will do.”
Sunita’s lips curved in a smirk. “You’re his PA, right? Stick to your job and let me speak to Aryan.”
Sanjana’s eyes didn’t flinch. “Leave your message. I’ll make sure he gets it.”
“It’s personal.”
“There’s nothing personal between you and Aryan. So either you say what you came to say, or you leave.”
“And who are you to decide that?”
“Does that matter?”
“You better stay away from him,” Sunita snapped. “He’ll be mine. He proposed to me long ago, and now I’m here to claim what’s mine. So shut your mouth. I’ll call him myself.”
She raised her voice. “Aryan! Aryan!”
Sanjana stood, her eyes blazing. Had looks been lethal, Sunita would’ve turned to ashes then and there.
“Don’t you dare call him by name again,” Sanjana said icily. “You want to see him? Fine. Stay right there. I’ll call him.”
She turned on her heel and walked toward the study. Aryan was at his desk, working on his laptop.
Without a word, she climbed onto his lap and wrapped her arms around his neck.
“What’s this?” Aryan asked, slightly amused. “My darling is feeling romantic?”
“There’s someone here to meet you,” she whispered, resting her head on his shoulder.
Aryan frowned. “At home? I don’t meet anyone here. Who is it?”
“I tried to send her away, but she insisted. You come and see for yourself.”
She leaned in and kissed his neck, leaving a trace of her lipstick behind.
“If you keep doing that, I’ll forget the visitor and carry you to our room instead,” Aryan murmured, his voice husky.
“I’m fine with that,” Sanjana teased. “But let’s deal with this first.”
Aryan sighed dramatically. “Fine. Let’s go.”
Aryan walked ahead, with Sanjana trailing behind him, a mischievous smile playing on her lips. The moment they stepped into the living room, he froze.
Sunita was seated on the couch, looking smug and confident.
He turned slightly toward Sanjana, who only shrugged. Aryan clenched his jaw and walked forward, his steps heavy with irritation. Sanjana leaned casually against the wall, enjoying the show.
Aryan sat opposite Sunita, his eyes narrowed in fury.
“Why are you here?” he asked flatly.
“Aryan… please listen. I’m sorry—”
“Don’t call me that. Only my loved ones have that privilege.”
“I know you’re angry. But please, I’m really sorry.”
“If you’re done with your apologies, you can leave. I have nothing to say to you.”
Sunita’s eyes flicked to Sanjana, who stood silently observing them, then turned back to Aryan.
“Can we talk in private? Please ask her to leave.”
Aryan’s face turned to stone. “And who are you to ask that in my house?”
“Whatever it is, it’s between us—just give me a moment to talk.”
She stood and moved closer, but Aryan’s voice thundered.
“Don’t take another step.”
She froze and slowly sat back, her eyes accidentally catching the lipstick mark on his neck. Her face burned with rage.
Sanjana walked toward Aryan, her eyes still fixed on Sunita.
“See?” she said sweetly. “I told you he was busy. He doesn’t meet visitors at home.”
Without warning, she perched herself on Aryan’s lap.
“Am I right, darling?” she asked, batting her lashes at him.
Aryan was stunned for a moment but quickly hid his smile and nodded.
“You’re absolutely right, my love.”
Sunita’s eyes widened in disbelief. “What is this? Why are you letting her sit on your lap?!”
Aryan ran his fingers gently down Sanjana’s cheek and smiled. “My home. My rules. Who are you to question anything here?”
His smile vanished.
“Now get out. And listen carefully—don’t ever come near my home or office again. All your contracts with our company are terminated. Right now.”
Sunita stood, glaring at Sanjana, but Aryan’s unwavering gaze silenced her. Without another word, she turned and stormed out.
Aryan mischievously pinched Sanjana’s waist, making her wince. The sound, though soft, managed to catch Sunita’s attention as she paused briefly near the door, then continued to leave.
Sanjana turned to Aryan, eyes narrowed.
“Why did you pinch me?” she asked.
“What did you do?” Aryan replied with a teasing smirk.
“What did I do?” she repeated, confused.
“Well, you seem very pleased leaving your lip mark on my neck,” he said, tilting his head slightly to show the red stain.
Her eyes widened. “How did you know?”
“You think I don’t know you?” he chuckled. “So happy you made her jealous.”
“Why would I do that?” Sanjana rolled her eyes. “Be happy I let her go without hurting her.”
“Let’s not talk about her.” His voice turned low and firm. “You promised me our time after sending off the visitor. She’s gone now… time to keep your word.”
“I didn’t deny,” she said with a smirk.
“Let’s go then, sweetheart.”
Without waiting for a response, Aryan lifted her in bridal style. Sanjana giggled and kicked open the bedroom door with her leg. Aryan entered and closed the door behind them with a backward kick.
He laid her gently on the bed, then hovered over her, his lips crashing onto hers with intensity. He moved to her neck and shoulder, leaving love bites across her soft skin.
“You’re killing me, baby,” he murmured between kisses. “I’m going mad for you.”
“If you give me marks,” Sanjana warned, breathlessly, “I swear you’ll get back exactly what you give, Aryan.”
“Ready, sweetheart,” he replied with a mischievous grin before devouring her mouth once again.
Outside the mansion, Sunita, who had just walked out, found Bala speaking with the guards.
“Hello,” she greeted.
“Yes, tell me,” Bala responded, eyeing her suspiciously.
“Does Sanjana stay here?” she asked.
“Why do you want to know that?” he asked firmly.
“I was just wondering. Isn’t she just his PA? Then why is she here?”
“That’s none of your business,” Bala snapped. “You’ve met sir, now take your leave.”
“I can pay you for the information,” Sunita said, lowering her voice.
“How much would you pay?” he asked, raising a brow.
“How much do you want?”
“Wait. Let me ask our sir about this.”
Bala turned toward the mansion, but Sunita quickly rushed to stop him.
“You’re scared now, are you?” he taunted. “Now leave.”
Frustrated, Sunita stomped her foot and stormed out of Aryan Mansion. Standing outside the closed gates, she made a call, still staring at the imposing doors.
“Hello,” she said as the call connected. “I went to Aryan Mansion to meet him, but Sanjana’s there. I suspect she’s staying there permanently. And… they’re very casually intimate.”
“What was his facial reaction?” the unknown voice asked.
“He didn’t even look at me,” Sunita replied bitterly. “He terminated me from all his projects. I have no more options now.”
“You’ll get new projects,” the voice assured. “I’ll make sure of it. Did you try to get any more information?”
“I tried to find out if she lives there, but everyone is loyal to Aryan. No one’s talking.”
“Let it be. Give the button camera to the driver and leave. I’ll call you if I need anything else. I’m flying to India tonight.”
“Okay,” Sunita said quietly.
“Remember,” the voice continued, firm and cold, “everything you did was just an act. Don’t even dream of Aryan. You know me. I’ll do anything for him.”
“I know,” she sighed. “Just make sure I get some projects to cover my losses. And pay me what you owe.”
“That will happen.”
“Okay.” Sunita ended the call, removed the button camera discreetly from her outfit, and handed it to the driver before walking away.
Back inside, Sanjana let out a soft sigh. “Aryan, I think this has gone on for too long. That’s enough. Stop now.”
“Not enough…” he murmured, still kissing her softly.
“You always say this,” she said, rolling her eyes playfully.
Aryan smiled, kissed her forehead gently, and laid beside her, pulling her into his arms.
“I was doing my work silently,” he whispered. “You came and tempted me. Now you’re blaming me?”
“Let it go. I feel sleepy now. I’m tired.”
“Tired just from a make-out session?”
“Yes, I’m very tired,” she insisted.
He chuckled. “What will you do when we start doing other things?”
“Aryan, get lost!” she said, pushing him lightly.
“Fine, sleep. We’re going to the office tomorrow,” he said, pulling the blanket over them.
“Okay, darling.”
She drifted off to sleep in his arms, and soon he followed, holding her close.
They may have been wanted targets in the eyes of their enemies who were slowly laying out plans but Aryan and Sanjana lived in the present, unbothered by those lurking in the shadows.
Aryan was still holding onto one worry, not his enemies but the moment he’d have to face his mentor, Mr. Chandrasekar.
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