AUTHOR'S POV:

Nearly a month had passed since the incident. Sophia had shed her soft heart, embracing the change. She didn't want to turn into this fierce person, but here she was, determined to prove her boss wrong.

The office was abuzz when she walked in. Eyes glued to her, whispers filling the air. She ignored it all, striding toward her cabin. Something in the air-an unfamiliar scent-pulled her in.

She pushed the door open. Ansh. Sitting at her desk, his back to her. He didn't need to turn around to know she was there.

"Yes, ma'am. Come in," his voice was cold, smooth, like he had all the time in the world.

Sophia inhaled sharply. Mask in place, she crossed to her chair. "Good morning, Boss."

His eyes flickered with amusement, studying her carefully. "Sit," he said, his tone almost... playful.

He'd never said her name before. Hearing it from him now... it was like music. Unsettling.

She hesitated. He noticed.

"It's your cabin. You wouldn't want to stand all day," he smirked, his voice soft yet commanding.

Sophia's voice barely trembled. "Is there any work for me, Boss?"

Ansh leaned back, a mischievous grin creeping up. "We're attending a party tonight. You'll come with me."

Her stomach dropped. The thought of being anywhere near him after their last encounter made her nervous.

Before she could respond, he stood, his gaze turning cold. "Problem?" he asked, the challenge in his tone unmistakable.

She quickly shook her head. "No."

"Good," he said, turning on his heel. "Antonio will pick you up at five."

The words felt like chains tightening around her. Trapped. No escape.

Antonio's voice broke through her thoughts. "Go with the girls," he ordered.

Girls? For makeup? She didn't question it. She followed them.

She was transformed-sleek, professional. The dress. The makeup. Immaculate. Mysterious. Alluring.

Antonio casually leaned against the car, opened the door. She slid in. He sat up front.

Sophia couldn't hold it in. "Why me? Why this party?"

Antonio's gaze met hers in the rearview mirror. His expression was unreadable. "Prestigious event. Global businessmen. The boss sees something in your work. But in this world... everything's more than it seems...."

"A personal reason?" she pressed.

Antonio shrugged, eyes fixed on the road. "In our world, there's the face we show and the shadows we hide in. Stay sharp. Everything means something."

Sophia said nothing. The car came to a halt. They were there.

Antonio opened the door, ushered her inside.

She stepped out. The venue was opulence itself.

And then she saw him.

Her eyes immediately met Ansh, who looked breathtakingly handsome in a black tuxedo and white shirt , excluding an almost divine aura.

He was absorbed in his phone, one hand casually in his pocket. Surrounded by his ever-vigilant guards. His presence-a magnet.

She shivered when his gaze found her.

He slipped his phone into his pocket. Walked toward her.

Ansh extended his hand toward Sophia, a gesture that promised both protection and power. She accepted his offer. As she was feeling a bit left out

Together, they stepped into the room, exuding an aura that drew every eye. It felt as though the whole gathering held its breath, waiting.

Ansh leaned in, his words a quiet promise in Sophia's ear, "Don't be afraid. You're safe. Be yourself here."

Sofia couldn't understand what was happening and why all of a sudden he was turning soft towards her.

"Stay close," Ansh growled under his breath, his tone sharp enough to cut through steel.

Sofia nodded hesitant.

As they moved further into the crowd, Ansh was quickly pulled into conversations with influential businessmen and allies, leaving Sofia to stand by his side as a silent observer.

"Oberoi's taste never disappoints," a man drawled, his gaze sweeping over sofia like she was a piece of art to be appraised.

Sofia glanced at him and said, "Uncle, looks like your taste buds are stuck in the past!"

The old man's smirk faltered, and he shot her a glare. "Watch your mouth, girl. Show some respect."

Sofia raised an eyebrow and smirked, "Was that too much for your old ears to handle?"

The room erupted in laughter, and the old man was left speechless.

But another voice broke through the moment, sharp and cruel. "She's just a whore trying to play queen. Isn't that right, sweetheart?"

Sofia's expression didn't falter, but Ansh's entire demeanor changed. His jaw tightened, his eyes darkening with barely restrained fury.

"Go outside. Now." he said to Sofia, his voice low and dangerous.

She looked at him, confused for a moment, before catching the storm brewing in his gaze. Without another word, she turned and walked toward the exit, her head held high.

As soon as she was gone, Ansh turned back to the man who had spoken, his fists clenched at his sides. The room seemed to shrink around them as his voice cut through the silence like a blade.

"Repeat that," Ansh said, his tone deceptively calm.

The man faltered, his bravado slipping under Dominick's icy glare. "It was just a joke-"

Before he could finish, Ansh's fist connected with his jaw, sending him crashing to the floor. Gasps echoed around the room as Ansh loomed over him, his fury radiating off him in waves.

The man stammered, blood trickling from his lip. "I didn't mean-"

"I don't care what you meant," Ansh interrupted, his tone sharper.

"You don't get to breathe in the same room as her if you can't respect her." He growled, his voice a low roar.

"Get out," Ansh spat, his voice a command that left no room for argument.

He turned his gaze to the crowd, his icy eyes sweeping over them. "Anyone else have something to say?"

No one dared meet his gaze.

Ansh straightened, adjusting his suit as if nothing had happened. "Good," he said, his voice carrying the weight of authority. "Now, enjoy the party."

************** On the other hand, outside the all, Sophia was approached by a bubbly woman with striking features. "Hi! You must be Sophia," the woman said brightly.

Sophia blinked in surprise. "Yes. And you are?"

"Naira Oberoi, Ansh's sister," she introduced herself with a grin.

Sophia managed a polite smile. "Nice to meet you, Naira."

Naira looped her arm through Sophia's, leading her toward the bar. "So, are you his girlfriend or what?"

Sophia scoffed. "Absolutely not! He's just my boss."

Naira smirked. "Really? Because he just punched a guy for you."

Sophia's eyes widened. "He did WHAT?!"

Naira chuckled. "Yep....he punched him. For you...Not very boss-like, huh?" she teased, giving Sofia a playful nudge

Sofia, still confused, raised an eyebrow. "I thought he was angry with me for talking to his partners like that, so...he threw me out of the party?"

Naira smirked, her tone teasing. "He doesn't do that for just anyone, you know."

Sophia exhaled, rubbing her temple. "I bet he only did it to protect his reputation.. by not letting them call me his whore."

Naira waved her hand dismissively and pulled her toward the bar. "Who cares? Let's drink!"

Sofia gently pulled back, shaking her head. "I'm just here for business"

Naira, not taking no for an answer, placed a drink in Sofia's hand, insisting, "You need to loosen up."

Sofia hesitated but then took the glass, not wanting to argue further. She raised it to her lips, the burn of the alcohol sliding down her throat. It wasn't long before the effects kicked in. "I just want to smack your brother's ass for what he did to me!" she blurted, taking a sip.

Naira gasped dramatically. "Girl, you're dangerous!"

Sophia leaned in. "No, but seriously, I should punish him!"

Naira laughed. "Do it! I'd pay to see that!"

"He blamed me for that thing for which I wasn't even responsible" Sofia said.

And slowly she explained to Naira the whole incident.

Naira's expression softened, sensing Sofia's anger, and she took a step closer, her voice lowering. "I know he's an asshole!"

"Nobody should disrespect you after all the hard work you've put in..... You're really capable, Sofia. Why don't you just leave his company? You don't need to stay in a place where they don't appreciate you."

Sofia quickly shook her head, trying to dismiss the conversation. "It's not that simple."

She avoided Naira's gaze, not wanting to reveal her true reasons for joining the company.

Soon they both get drunk, sharing jokes and laughing.

Naira burst out laughing, the sound echoing through the room and drawing the attention of the surrounding business personalities. Their amused glances turned into awkward stares as the two continued their lively banter.

Meanwhile, Ansh received word of the scene unfolding. With a sigh, he put a hand on his forehead, a hint of frustration seeping through his cool demeanor.

He called over Leo, his trusted right-hand man.

"Leo, could you please handle Naira? And see if you can manage Sophia as well?" Ansh requested, his voice maintaining an air of calm authority.

Leo nodded, understanding the subtle command. " I'll handle it"

As Leo approached them, he adopted a warm, friendly tone. "Hey, ladies, how about we get some fresh air?" he suggested with a smile, hoping to gently guide them away from prying eyes.

Sophia and Naira were thoroughly enjoying themselves, sharing jokes and stories as laughter bubbled between them, filling the space with their unrestrained joy. Time slipped by unnoticed, two hours passing like mere moments.

Eventually, Ansh returned, his meeting concluded. Seeing the scene before him, he realized his plans for introducing Sophia to his business contacts were dashed. His sister, Nyra, had led Sophia into a carefree whirlwind of fun.

Ansh sighed, watching Sophia sway unsteadily as Naira struggled to keep her upright.

When Ansh arrived, Sophia pointed at him dramatically. "You! You ruined my life!"

Naira snickered. "Now she's on a rant. Good luck, bro."

Ansh rolled his eyes to Naira "Get them in the car." He said to leo.

Sophia pouted. "You can't order us around, Oberoi!"

Ansh sighed. "We'll discuss that after you sober up."

Ansh's patience ran out. "Leo, put Naira in the car first."

Leo smirked. "Why? She has two legs."

Naira rolled her eyes. "And a mouth, so don't make me use it."

Leo grinned, stepping closer. "Depends on how you use it, sweetheart."

Naira gasped. "Ugh! You are shameless!"

Leo chuckled. "And you are drunk. Come on, troublemaker." He placed a hand on her waist, guiding her toward the car.

She huffed. "I can walk, you know."

Leo leaned down slightly, voice low. "I know. But carrying you would be way more fun."

Naira turned to Ansh. "Bhai, can I slap him?"

Ansh pinched the bridge of his nose. "Just get in the damn car."

Leo winked at Naira before helping her inside. As he shut the door, he turned to Ansh. "She's feisty. I like her."

Ansh shot him a glare. "Try something, and I'll break your legs."

"Relax, big brother. I'll be a gentleman." Leo smirked.

"You don't even know how to spell that word." Ansh scoffed.

With Naira secured, Ansh turned his attention to Sophia, who was still pouting. "Now, your turn."

Sophia folded her arms, wobbling slightly. "I don't wanna go with you. You're bossy."

Ansh sighed. "And you're drunk. Get in the car."

Leo leaned against the car, smirking. "Boss, your girl’s completely wasted. Should I carry her, or do you want the honors?"

Ansh shot him a sharp glare. "She’s not my girl."

Sophia, overhearing, gasped dramatically. "EXCUSE ME?!" She pointed a wobbly finger at Ansh. "You don’t get to reject me first! I REJECT YOU!"

"Oh, this just keeps getting better." From inside the car, Naira stuck her head back out of the window, laughing.

Leo chuckled, rubbing his chin. "Damn, Want me to call the priest? She seems ready for a wedding speech."

"Bhai, at least take her on a date first." Naira groaned, trying to swat at him from the window.

Ansh pinched the bridge of his nose. "Leo, shut up and open the damn car door."

Leo saluted playfully. He opened the backseat door.

Sophia suddenly grabbed Naira’s hand through the open car window. "I don’t wanna go with him! He’s mean! And bossy! And rude! And—"

Leo leaned in, whispering to Naira, "I think she forgot ‘sexy.’"

Ansh shot Leo another warning glare, but Sophia suddenly turned to Leo with an intense expression.

"LEO!" she exclaimed dramatically.

Leo straightened. "Yes, ma’am?"

She narrowed her eyes. "You… you’re NICE!"

Then she turned to Ansh. "Why can’t you be nice like Leo?!"

Leo grinned. "Oberoi, she has a point. I am nicer than you."

Ansh exhaled heavily. "Leo, put her in the car before I shoot someone."

Leo gave him a mocking salute. "With pleasure."

Before Leo could lift her, Sophia stomped her foot. "I can walk! I am Sofia Ellis! I am independent!"

She took a dramatic step forward—only to stumble straight into Ansh’s chest.

Before she could finish, she tripped over her own feet. Ansh caught her instantly, gripping her waist to steady her.

She blinked up at him, frowning. "Oberoi… your chest is hard. Like… a wall."

Leo let out a low whistle. "This is getting steamy."

From inside the car, Naira let out a loud whistle. "Wait, let me get popcorn."

Ansh shot her a glare. "Get in the car. Now."

Leo held up his hands. "Alright, alright. But you owe me entertainment fees for this show."

Sophia poked Ansh’s chest. "Are you even human? Or just made of bricks?"

Naira snorted. "Good question."

Ansh clenched his jaw. "Sophia. Get. In. The. Car."

She huffed. "Bossy." Then, she turned to Leo. "Leo, if I die tonight, you’ll avenge me, right?"

Leo smirked. "Of course. I’ll even print T-shirts that say Justice for Sophia."

Naira cracked up. "I want one in pink."

Sophia nodded, satisfied. "Good man."

Ansh placed her in the car beside Naira and shut the door. "Trust me, you'll live."

Leo got into the driver seat, still grinning. "Boss, I never knew you had such romantic skills."

Ansh ignored him.

Leo just chuckled. "Damn, I love my job."

In the backseat, Sophia leaned her head against the window, mumbling. "I still reject you, Oberoi…"

Ansh’s grip on the seatbelt tightened, but the faintest smirk tugged at his lips.

Tonight was going to be long.

"Drive before I shoot someone." Ansh ordered Leo.

Leo smirked, sliding into the driver's seat. "As you wish, boss. But just so you know, this is the best entertainment I' ve had in weeks."

Ansh exhaled, getting in. "Shut up and drive."

Naira and Leo exchanged amused glances in the rearview mirror while Sophia pouted in the backseat, arms crossed.