"Lara, tomorrow is your dad's Silver Jubilee celebration in the business industry. Don't forget to be on time," her mom called out.
"Yeah, Mom. Sure," Lara replied, already heading upstairs to her room.
Ping.
Her phone lit up.
Hey, little rabbit.
She didn't even need to check the number. She knew exactly who it was.
What do you want? she typed.
You, sweetheart.
A heart emoji followed immediately.
She rolled her eyes.
Get to the point, Zain.
Okay, okay. I've got some business… plus Uncle's business celebration in City A. So I'll be staying at your place tomorrow. And I need your car. You know I don't know anyone in City A. Help me out?
Lara's jaw tightened.
Sorry. I have ONE car. I can't lend it. I've got a meeting at the office tomorrow. Rent one. Or buy one.
A few seconds later, the typing bubble appeared again.
But I want to spend time with you, little rabbit.
Stop texting me.
With that, she switched her phone off completely.
Tomorrow was a client visit. A serious one. She needed her mind sharp.
A short, crisp PPT. Company growth. Cost utilization. Future projections.
No distractions.
She pulled her laptop onto the bed, cracked her knuckles, and got to work.
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Next day
"Hey, Dad. Good morning. I'll join directly from the office. And congrats again," Lara said, hugging Ben.
"Thanks, sweetheart. Be careful on your way," he replied warmly.
On her drive to the office, Lara called Daisy.
"Hey, is everything in sync? Is the team ready for today's meeting?"
"The team is ready," Daisy said. "But I'm… not ready to face the client."
"Huh?" Lara frowned.
If I tell her what happened, she'll murder me, Daisy panicked internally.
Better keep my mouth shut.
"Nothing, nothing. Everything's ready. I'm on my way," Daisy corrected quickly.
"Okay. See you soon," Lara said.
When Lara entered the office, she clapped her hands lightly.
"Hi, team. Hope we're prepared. Mr. Rain will be here any minute, so please stay alert."
Her assistant rushed over.
"Ma'am, the client is here."
All eyes turned.
A tall figure walked in—broad-shouldered, perfectly composed. Muscular in a controlled, effortless way. Not loud. Not flashy. Just power held tight. His suit was tailored, his shoes expensive, the sunglasses adding to the calm danger in his presence.
He radiated
confidence.
money.
power.
And arrogance.
Daisy leaned closer and whispered, "Who is this guy? Wasn't Mr. Rain supposed to come?"
Lara's heart dropped. Her breath caught.
"Zain," she said quietly.
"Who?" Daisy whispered back.
But Lara couldn't answer.
She was too stunned.
Too blindsided.
Too frozen to even breathe.