Ansh leaned back in his chair, his sharp gaze pinned on Sophia. "We're leaving for Hawaii tonight. A business operation," he stated flatly, as though her presence was not up for debate.

Sofia hesitated, her finger clenching slightly, "B-but...Boss , I need time to think..before coming"

Ansh's voice turned firm almost challenging "You think I'm asking for your approval?.."

"N-no...' Sophia straightened her posture, her voice quieter but laced with resolve. "I-I just wasn't prepared for something like this."

Ansh's gaze hardened, his voice cold as ice. "Prepared or not, it doesn't matter. You're coming, and that's final."

She then asked, trying to mask her apprehension, "For how long ?"

Ansh's eyes narrowed, his voice low and controlled. "That's not your concern for now...You'll be there as long as I need you."

Her eyes widened in surprise and disbelief,but she had no options.

She completed her work and rushed to her Home. The clock is already ticking past six. With only a few hours to prepare, she hurriedly began packing, her mind racing with questions about the mysterious operation in Hawaii. With each piece of clothing she folded, Sophia wondered why Ansh insisted on her presence-and for such an extended time.

As the hours passed, a mix of anticipation and anxiety settled in her stomach. By the time she zipped her bags shut, the doorbell rang sharply. It was the driver, sent to escort her to the private jet. Taking a deep breath, Sophia grabbed her things and stepped outside, greeted by the cool evening air.

Sliding into the car's back seat, she felt a whirlwind of emotions- curiosity, apprehension, and a flicker of excitement about the unknown journey ahead. As they drove toward the jet, Sophia couldn't shake the feeling that this was the beginning of something that would change everything.

Her eyes settled on Ansh, standing effortlessly cool by the jet, engrossed in his phone.

Sophia stood by the private jet, her heart racing. Ansh walked toward her, his casual black polo and white chinos making him look effortlessly powerful and handsome.

Their eyes met, and for a moment, she felt like time stopped.

Soon they were in the private jet.

Once inside the jet, Sophia stared out the window, her mind swirling. ' Is he kidnapping me? What does he want?'

Ansh appeared beside her seat. "Thinking too much?"

Sophia jumped, her voice soft. "I was... wondering-"

"Wondering what?" He smirked. "If I'm kidnapping you?"

She froze. "I"

Ansh leaned in slightly, his voice low. "Who the hell kidnaps like this? I don't sneak around. I take what I want."

Her breath hitched. He was so direct. "You're here because I want you here. Simple."

Sophia blinked, stunned into silence. No escape. No options. Just his control.

____________________________

The private jet touched down smoothly on the pristine runway of a secluded private airport in Hawaii.

A sleek black SUV awaited them, and without a word, Ansh climbed into the back, his eyes never leaving his phone. Sophia hesitated for a moment before sliding into the seat beside him.

When they arrived at the hotel, a towering luxury resort that seemed to emerge out of nowhere in the middle of the island.

They entered their respective rooms-Ansh's cold, modern, and minimalistic, just like him. He spared her a glance before entering his room. "Get ready. We are leaving in an hour," he said flatly.

Sophia nodded, her throat tight. She hurriedly changed into something more appropriate for the boat ride ahead.

A mix of nerves and frustration rising in her chest. Why did he want her there? Why Hawaii? Why an island?

An hour later, they were back in the car, heading toward the coast.

The boat was already waiting for them by the dock, a sleek, black vessel that seemed more like a weapon than a mode of transport.

Sophia climbed aboard, her gaze scanning the dark water ahead. The boat's engine roared to life, sending waves crashing against the hull. Ansh stood at the edge, his back to her as he spoke to the captain, giving instructions that made no sense to her.



As the boat slowly approached the shore, the surrounding area became clearer. Dark silhouettes of men with weapons stood scattered along the shore, forming a perimeter around the entrance of a large, imposing mansio. Their eyes were fixed on the boat, waiting for its arrival.

Ansh stepped out effortlessly. He didn't look back, his focus on the mansion ahead.

Sophia hesitated, her gaze flickering between the guards and the looming house. She was unsure, her steps faltering.

Ansh turned to her.

He extended his hand, his fingers outstretched toward her with an air of silent authority. "Come," he said in a low, steady voice.

Sophia hesitated, her heart pounding, but her hand slowly reached out, trembling slightly as it met his. His grip was firm, unyielding, sending a rush of cold electricity through her.

His eyes met hers, a hint of something dangerous lurking behind his gaze.

With a small tug, he guided her off the boat, leading her toward the mansion as the guards watched silently, their eyes never leaving them.

Sophia leaned closer to Ansh, her voice barely audible. "Boss, I don't think I should be here..."

Ansh glanced at her, his expression unreadable. "Stay close and don't speak unless I tell you to."

She nodded hesitantly.

"Don't make eye contact," he murmured before entering the mansion, his voice low and steady.

Sophia nodded, keeping her gaze down.

Inside the massive stone mansion, the air was heavy with the scent of cigar smoke and sweat.

Viktor Sokolov, the man notorious, his beady eyes gleamed with malice as he stood, arms outstretched in mock welcome.

"Ansh Oberoi," Viktor said, grinning. "The devil himself walks into my den. Should I be Happy... or worried?"

Ansh didn't respond immediately. His cold gaze swept over the room, taking note of the exits, the guards, and the arsenal of weapons displayed like trophies. Finally, his eyes landed on Viktor.

"Worried," he said, his voice devoid of emotion.

"Well, well," the man drawled, leaning back in his chair and gesturing both of them to sit.

"And who's this pretty little thing?" She asked looking at Sofia.

"She's none of your concern," he said sharply, his tone making it clear that Sofia was off-limits for conversation.

"You know, Oberoi, I could make you a better offer. Leave the girl here, and we'll call it even." Victor said standing from his chair and walking towards Sofia.

Ansh's eyes narrowed, his voice low and commanding, dripping with authority. "I don't make deals for what's mine, Viktor."

But victor ignoreed him.

As Viktor was about to touch Sofia's cheek, Ansh's voice sliced through the tension like a blade.

"Touch her, and I'll carve your eyes out and feed them to you." Ansh's lips curled into a dangerous smile.

Sophia's breath caught in her throat, her eyes darting to Ansh. Her entire body froze as the man's words sank in.

Viktor froze, his hand inches from Sofia's cheek. The air thickened with tension.

"Now, let's talk about those shipments," Ansh said, his focus fully back on business. "Where are they?"

"Give her to me first, Ansh," Victor purred, his voice laced with malice. "Then take whatever you want. You know I'm a reasonable man."

Ansh's cold gaze locked onto Viktor's bodyguard, who had been staring at Sofia for far too long. Without warning, he raised his gun, the sharp click of the safety disengaging slicing through the tense silence.

The bodyguard collapsed, a look of shock etched on his face as he hit the ground.

Ansh lowered the gun, his voice smooth, yet dripping with venom.

"Don't look at what's mine. Or you'll end up like him."

His cold eyes never left Viktor, the message clear-there would be no negotiations, no deals. The only thing Viktor had left to do was answer Ansh's question.

There was a moment of silence, broken only by Sophia's shaky breaths. Then Viktor laughed bitterly. "Fine. You want your shipment? It's at the docks. Take it and go."

Ansh lowered the gun, but his gaze didn't waver. "See? That wasn't so hard."

As he turned to leave, Viktor made his mistake. "Next time, Oberoi, you won't walk out alive."

Ansh stopped. Slowly, he turned back, his expression colder than ever. "Next time?" He raised his gun again. "There won't be a next time."8

The shot echoed through the mansion. Viktor's body hit the ground, lifeless.

Ansh turned to Sophia, who stood frozen, her face pale. "Let's go," he said, his voice calm, as if nothing had happened.