Sia was awake.
It was 4 a.m. She was trying to sleep, but sleep was far away from her eyes. Back in her normal clothes—shorts and a loose top—she stood in the balcony, watching the stars slowly leave the sky as the sun prepared itself to rise.
Sia was lost in her deep thoughts.
How did Hritik come there?
What was he doing in the club?
Is he following me?
No. No, that's not possible.
She had seen the engagement ring on his finger. He must be married.
But then… why was he in a club?
She didn't know.
Her thoughts drifted to the incident at the bar.
How will I confront Hritik tomorrow?
Her first impression wasn't good—he saw her crying.
Her second impression wasn't good either—he saw her struggling with that boy.
"Oh God…"
Slowly, her thoughts shifted toward her family.
If aunty and grandma ever found out what happened today, they would never accept her.
But she didn't have to go back there.
She had a job now.
But a job she got by crying. By begging.
I need to be perfect, she told herself. I have to prove I'm worthy of this job.
Sia was so lost in her thoughts that she didn't realize the doorbell had been ringing for five minutes straight.
When she finally noticed, she walked over and opened the door.
"Hey, Sia. I'm so sorry," Rachna said. "I disturbed your sleep, but I forgot to take my keys."
"Where were you?" Sia asked.
"You know how much I called you? I was worried."
"Sorry, Sia," Rachna replied casually. "I met a guy there. He seemed nice, so we kept dancing. Then we went to his place—" She winked.
Sia froze. "You went to an unknown man's house?!"
"Yeah, he seemed like a nice man," Rachna laughed. "We had a lot of fun last night."
The red marks on her neck silently showed just how much fun she had.
"Ohh," Sia said, curiosity taking over. "How is he? Tell me everything!"
"Ahh, he's so cute," Rachna said excitedly. "He has a baby face, you know? Too cute."
She yawned. "Anyway, what time is it? I should get some sleep."
"Ahh, it's 6:45 a.m.," Sia replied. "It's time to get ready for work."
"Ahh… I can still sleep for one hour, I guess," Rachna murmured.
"But wake me up. Please."
"Sure."
Rachna went to sleep, but her phone was still on the sofa. Sia picked it up to give it to her—
A message flashed.
Lion: It was fun last night, baby. I hope I can see you again on a coffee date today. Your Lion.
Sia smiled to herself. I guess she really had fun last night.
Before she could keep the phone away, another message flashed.
This time, it was from Nisha.
Nisha: Rachna, things are getting out of hand now. People are shaming your uncle and aunt. They've stopped talking. And Arjun—
She couldn't read the rest. The phone locked.
Sia's heartbeat started pounding.
She talked to Nisha every day, but Nisha never told her anything. She always pretended everything was fine—because she wanted to protect her.
But I deserve to know what's happening.
Should I call her?
I should call her now.
She called Nisha.
"Hey, Sia. Good morning," Nisha said. "You're awake early."
"Ahh… yeah. I have to go to work."
"Good luck on your first day," Nisha said quickly. "Don't worry about here. Everything is fine."
"Really, Nisha?" Sia asked. "Everything is fine?"
"Yeah… yeah. Why are you asking?"
"How is Arjun?" Sia asked carefully.
"Ahh… I don't know. I haven't met him."
"Are you sure, Nisha?"
"Yes, Sia. Don't worry about here. Just focus on your work."
The call ended.
Sia went to the kitchen, but her mind was trapped in another chain of thoughts.
Why would Nisha lie to me?
What's going on there?
My uncle and aunt are facing problems because of me. Every day.
How can I stay here?
They took care of her, and she was being selfish—thinking only about herself.
And Arjun…
Is something wrong?
Should I ask Rachna?
No. She couldn't tell her she saw the message.
"Ouch!"
Sia burned her hand while making tea. A red mark formed instantly. She ran cold water over it, then went to take a shower.
After the shower, she pushed her worries aside and got dressed.
She wore fitted jeans and a body-hugging red full-sleeve top that enhanced her curves. Looking at her open hair and reflection, a memory flashed.
Before the interview, she had told herself that anyone who hired her like this would be stupid.
She blushed softly and walked out to eat breakfast.
It was 8:10 a.m.
She woke Rachna, who refused to get up at first but somehow managed to rise.
After breakfast, Sia rushed downstairs. She didn't want to be late.
She took a taxi and reached the office.
The blue building shone in front of her eyes.
She walked inside, smiled at the receptionist, took the lift, and entered the office with a gentle smile.
Hritik was sitting at his chair, focused on his files.
Without looking at her, he said, "Miss Sia, you are five minutes late."
"Ahh… sir, due to traffic—"
"You should leave home early to be on time."
"Sorry, sir."
"Bring my coffee."
Sia walked to the coffee machine, her heart sinking.
He didn't even look at me.
Is he really the same person who saved me yesterday?
It took her ten minutes to figure out the machine, but she finally brought the coffee.
"You are late, Miss Sia," Hritik said again.
"How much time does it take you to make one cup of coffee?"
"Sorry, sir. I'm new to the machine."
Hritik looked up for the first time.
He was stunned.
She is breathtaking, he thought. How can I scold her?
But I have to. I can't get emotionally close to my employees.
After a pause, he said, "Miss Sia, I will not teach you everything. From tomorrow, my coffee should be on time."
"Okay, sir," Sia replied, her eyes sad.
She hesitated. "Ahh… sir, thank you for last night. For saving me."
"I keep my professional and personal life separate," he said coldly.
"Please don't discuss anything outside work."
Her chest tightened.
"And now," he added, "we have a meeting with Mr. Kapoor for our textile business. You'll take the minutes and assist me."
"Oh… okay, sir," Sia said and followed him to the lift.
Inside, Sia looked down.
Hritik tried to see her through the mirror—but when she glanced up, he quickly checked his watch.
The lift stopped at the 19th floor.
As Sia stepped out, the world suddenly blurred.
Her body swayed.
And then—
She fainted straight into Hritik's shoulder.