Chapter 21: The War Begins

The storm wasn't over.

If anything, it was just beginning.

Adhya sat in Reyan's office, fingers gripping a pen, her designs spread across the desk like a battlefield.

Reyan stood across from her, his eyes sharp, calculating.

"We still have a week," he said firmly. "We're going to turn this around."

Adhya let out a shaky breath. "How? They stole everything."

Reyan's lips curled into a smirk. "They stole what you created weeks ago. But you? You can create something better now."

She froze.

His words sank in, filling the cracks in her resolve.

He was right.

They had copied her past work.

But they could never steal her mind.

Her creativity.

Her fire.

A slow, determined smile tugged at her lips.

"Let's do this."

Hours passed.

The office was silent, the world outside dark, but Adhya was wide awake.

Sketch after sketch, idea after idea—her hands moved furiously, her brain working overtime.

Reyan sat beside her, reviewing their team's strategy, making calls, ensuring no further leaks happened.

They were fighting back.

At some point, his coat ended up draped over her shoulders. She barely noticed—too lost in her work.

But Reyan?

He noticed everything.

The way her lashes fluttered when she concentrated.

The way she bit her lip, eyebrows furrowed.

The way she forgot the world when she was creating.

It was almost midnight when she slumped against her chair, exhaling.

"Done."

Reyan leaned over, glancing at her sketches.

And for the first time that night—

He smiled.

Not his usual cocky smirk.

But a real, rare, proud smile.

"It's perfect."

Adhya's heart skipped.

Her cheeks heated.

She quickly looked away, muttering, "Yeah, well... I'm a genius."

Reyan chuckled, leaning back. "That you are, jaan."

Her stomach flipped.

Not again.

She was too exhausted to fight the warmth creeping into her chest.

Instead, she yawned, stretching. "I should go home and—"

"You're staying."

She blinked at him. "What?"

Reyan's expression left no room for argument.

"It's late. You're staying at my apartment tonight."

Her eyes widened.

And then—

A slow, wicked grin spread across her face.

"Reyan Kapoor, are you trying to seduce me?"

Reyan sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Adhya—"

"Because honestly, you could've just asked nicely—"

"Shut up and get in the car."

She laughed, following him out.

Because honestly?

For the first time all day—

She felt okay.

And maybe, just maybe—

Everything was going to be fine.