chapter 53

YOU ARE THE RHYTHM OF MY HEART!Chapter 53 :Nandu strode straight to his cabin, his steps heavy with unease. As soon as he reached his desk, he placed both palms on the table, leaning forward, trying to suppress the storm rising within him.He knew Aadhya trusted him, her belief in him was unwavering. His past had never made her doubt his character, not even when she saw him with another woman in a professional setting. But he also knew how sensitive she was. The flicker of pain in her eyes when she saw Laila hugging him had not gone unnoticed. Yet, there was little he could do. In the fashion world, interactions with models, designers, and other professionals were inevitable.“Nandu!”, Laila’s voice rang out as she stepped into the cabin behind him, her tone laced with desperation. “When did this happen? How could you marry that simple girl?”. Bitterness dripped from her words as she spoke of Aadhya.Nandu turned sharply, his gaze piercing as he met her eyes. His expression was steely, his voice firm. “Laila! I will not tolerate anyone insulting my wife. She is your boss, and you will show her the respect she deserves. Do not cross that line”. His tone was steady, authoritative—commanding.Laila’s eyes widened in shock. She had always known Nandu to be easygoing, despite his strict morals when it came to maintaining professional boundaries. She had often taken advantage of his leniency, clinging to him at work, believing there was still a chance for her. But now, seeing him so unwavering, so protective of his wife, shattered every illusion she had nurtured.“How... she... when...?” Laila stammered, struggling to find words. Her eyes shimmered with unshed tears as she whispered,“Did my feelings for you never mean anything? Was my love never visible to you?”. Her voice trembled, laced with desperation.Nandu held her gaze, his expression unwavering. Crossing his arms over his chest, he spoke with unshakable resolve.“I love my wife”, he stated firmly. “It took me a long time to win her over and bring her into my life. She is the most precious woman to me, and I will not tolerate anyone disrespecting her”.His voice remained steady as he continued,“You know I have always maintained strict boundaries between my personal life and my professional work. I have never entertained personal escapades with my employees, and that will never change. The only reason I invited you to be a model for the upcoming competition is because of your talent and our long-standing professional history. If you wish to keep this professional, you are welcome to continue. If not, I will find someone else. The choice is yours”. His tone was firm, his determination absolute.Laila kept gazing at him, her eyes filled with astonishment and shock. She had never seen him so resolute about a woman—especially not that simple girl who, in her eyes, didn’t even come close to matching his charm, status, or elegance.A surge of frustration burned within her. She wanted to destroy everything in sight, furious at her own inability to win Nandu’s heart despite years of working closely with him. She had always longed for something more, even hoping for a physical relationship, but Nandu had never entertained the idea. He had firmly maintained his boundaries, never allowing their professional dynamic to cross into anything personal. Yet, despite all that, he had fallen for someone else—ignoring her beauty, her grace, her allure.She clenched her fists, torn between her next move. Should she leave the company and walk away from this humiliation? Or should she stay? The salary she received for this modeling contract was far higher than what other companies offered—a temptation too strong to resist.After a moment of contemplation, she made her decision. She would stay. But not just for the money. If Aadhya had taken the place that should have been hers, then Laila would find a way to take it back. She would stay close, waiting for the right moment to destroy Aadhya and reclaim her place in Nandu’s life.Nodding firmly, Laila replied,“That’s fine. If I couldn’t win your heart with my charms, then there’s nothing more I can do. But at least you acknowledge that I’m the best model in this field”. She smiled, offering him the assurance that she was ready. “I will continue as the model for the competition”.Nandu scrutinized her for a moment before reciprocating her smile. “Then everything is settled. You can start from tomorrow. For now, go and get some rest—you just returned last night”. His voice carried a hint of concern.Laila nodded, offering a soft smile before bidding him goodbye and leaving the cabin. Just as she stepped out, his PA, Gaurav, entered the room.“Boss! Do you really think she won’t cause any trouble?”, Gaurav asked, suspicion lacing his tone.Flashing a confident smile, Nandu leaned back in his chair. “We have to admit—she’s a great model. She will undoubtedly enhance the beauty of our designs with her presence. And she knows exactly what will happen if she tries to mess with me. She’s always been professional in her work. Don’t worry”, he reassured him.-  *KRISH*