Bound By Obsession

Kiara

I tapped my fingers against the rim of my coffee cup, my mind racing with the weight of my decision. The idea had been lingering in my head for days, and no matter how many times I tried to dismiss it, it kept resurfacing. The logical part of me knew it made sense, but the emotional side-the part that warred with my pride-was hesitant.

The engagement.

I exhaled sharply, watching the steam rise from my cup. This wasn't a simple decision, and I knew the repercussions it would bring. But with the way things were going, with Avyaan tightening his grip on every aspect of my life, I needed leverage. A shield. A way to tilt the scales in my favor before I lost complete control.

My phone vibrated against the polished marble of the café table, interrupting my thoughts. Riaan's name flashed across the screen, and I hesitated before answering.

"You're thinking about it, aren't you?" His voice was calm, but there was an underlying tension.

I sighed. "How do you always know?"

"Because I know you, Kiara."

I didn't respond. Instead, I stared at the city skyline through the glass window, the lights blurring into a sea of gold and white.

"You don't have to do this," Riaan continued, his voice softer now. "There are other ways."

"Not ones that will work," I murmured. "Not against him."

A heavy silence stretched between us before he finally spoke again. "At least make sure this is something you can live with."

I swallowed past the lump in my throat. Could I? I wasn't sure, but at this point, hesitation wasn't a luxury I could afford.

"I have to go," I said, ending the call before he could say anything else.

I stared at my reflection in the café window, my own eyes filled with a storm of emotions I couldn't quite place. The decision was made. Now, all that was left was to act on it.

---

Avyaan

Rehaan stood in front of my desk, his arms crossed as he watched me with a wary expression. I knew that look well-it meant he was debating whether or not to say something that would probably piss me off.

"Just say it," I muttered, leaning back in my chair.

He exhaled. "Kiara's been... different lately."

My fingers drummed against the desk. "How so?"

"She's distracted. Calculated. More than usual."

I already knew that. I had seen it in the way her eyes flickered with something unreadable whenever I pushed her. She was planning something. I just didn't know what.

"She's up to something," I said finally.

Rehaan nodded. "And you don't think that's a problem?"

"Oh, it's definitely a problem," I murmured, a slow smirk forming. "But I'd rather wait and see how far she's willing to go."

He sighed. "Avyaan, don't play games with this."

I looked up at him, my smirk fading slightly. "Who said I was playing?"

Rehaan studied me for a moment before shaking his head. "Just be careful. She's not the only one making moves."

I frowned. "What do you mean?"

He hesitated, then slid a folder across my desk. "Something's brewing in the business world. Rivals are shifting. And Kiara's right in the middle of it."

I flipped open the folder, scanning the contents. My grip tightened on the edge of the paper as realization dawned.

This wasn't just about business.

Something much bigger was coming.

And for the first time in a long time, I wasn't sure if I was ahead of the game or dangerously close to losing control.

---

Kiara

I smoothed down the fabric of my dress, my heart pounding in my chest. The restaurant was buzzing with quiet conversations, the ambiance perfect for the kind of meeting I had planned.

He walked in a few minutes later, his presence commanding attention. He was everything Avyaan wasn't-polished but not intimidating, composed but not ruthless.

"A pleasure to finally meet you in person, Kiara," he said, extending his hand.

I took it, offering a small smile. "Likewise."

We sat, exchanging pleasantries before getting to the real reason we were here.

"I assume you know why I reached out," I said, meeting his gaze.

He nodded. "And I assume you understand what this means."

I swallowed. "Yes."

A beat of silence. Then, he leaned forward slightly. "Are you sure about this?"

No.

But I didn't have the luxury of doubt.

"Yes."

Another pause, then a slow, knowing smile. "Then let's begin."

And just like that, the next move was set in motion.