Bound By Obsession

Kiara

I stared at my reflection in the floor-to-ceiling mirror of my office, smoothing the non-existent wrinkle on my blouse. My mind was a battlefield of conflicting thoughts, each one louder than the other.

This was the only way.

I had spent days considering every possibility, every escape route. And each time, I circled back to this. A business engagement with a man who could be both my solution and my downfall.

A sharp knock at my door pulled me from my spiraling thoughts.

"Come in."

Riaan entered, shutting the door behind him. "You’re making a mistake."

I sighed, already bracing myself. "I haven't done anything yet."

"But you're thinking about it. And I know you, Kiara. Once you make up your mind, you follow through. Even if it’s the worst decision possible."

I raised a brow. "That’s a glowing endorsement of my decision-making skills."

He exhaled, running a hand through his hair. "You know what I mean. Avyaan—"

"This has nothing to do with Avyaan."

Riaan scoffed. "Doesn’t it? If he weren’t involved, would you be considering this?"

I opened my mouth to argue, but I had no response. Because deep down, I knew he was right.

Avyaan Rathore was a force, unpredictable and consuming. And the way he maneuvered, the way he challenged me—it unsettled me in ways I couldn’t afford. This engagement was a strategic move. A way to secure my position before Avyaan became something I couldn't control.

"I need to do what’s best for my company."

"Bullshit." Riaan stepped closer, lowering his voice. "You’re using this as a shield. But tell me one thing—can you see yourself with him?"

The question hit harder than I expected.

Could I?

Before I could answer, my phone buzzed.

"I have to go," I muttered, grateful for the distraction. Riaan didn’t push further, but the weight of his words lingered as I grabbed my bag and left.

---

The restaurant was dimly lit, private. The kind of place where deals were sealed and alliances were formed.

He was already there, waiting. A composed figure in a dark suit, his expression unreadable. He stood as I approached, offering a polite nod.

"Kiara."

I took my seat, folding my hands on the table. "You were expecting me to say no."

A slow smirk. "I was prepared for it. But you’re pragmatic, which is why this arrangement makes sense."

Arrangement.

That was all this was. A business merger disguised as an engagement. And yet, as he poured me a glass of wine, something in his gaze told me he saw more to it.

"You’re sure about this?" he asked, tilting his head slightly.

I hesitated. Then, with a steady breath, I nodded. "I am."

For better or worse, I had made my choice.

---

Avyaan

I leaned against my desk, watching Rehaan with narrowed eyes. "Say that again."

Rehaan exhaled, placing a file in front of me. "There’s a rumor floating around. Kiara is negotiating a personal alliance."

A personal alliance.

I clenched my jaw. "With whom?"

"It’s not confirmed yet. But someone influential. Someone who can counterbalance you."

The air felt heavier.

I tapped my fingers against the desk, my mind racing. Kiara was calculative, strategic. She never made a move without a purpose. If she was considering an alliance—no, an engagement—then she saw me as a threat.

Good.

But also, unacceptable.

Rehaan cleared his throat. "You could ask her directly."

I smirked. "Where’s the fun in that?"

"Avyaan—"

"She wants to play a game? Fine. Let’s see how far she’s willing to go."

Rehaan sighed but didn’t argue. He knew me well enough to realize this was far from over.

I pushed off my desk, grabbing my coat. "Find out everything. I want names, details. If she’s making a move, I need to be three steps ahead."

Because Kiara Sinha might think she can control this narrative.

But she forgot one thing.

I don’t lose.

Especially not when it comes to her.

---

Kiara

The moment I stepped into my apartment, exhaustion hit me. But before I could collapse onto my couch, my phone rang.

"Mom?"

"Kiara, sweetheart. Are you free this weekend? I want to have a family dinner. Just us."

Guilt gnawed at me. "I—I have some things to take care of. But I’ll try."

"You always say that. Kiara, you’ve been so busy lately. Aarav misses you. I miss you."

I closed my eyes. "I know. I promise I’ll make time."

"Good. I’ll hold you to that. Love you, beta."

"Love you too, Mom."

As I hung up, I exhaled. A dinner with my family might be exactly what I needed.

To remind myself who I was before all of this.

Before Avyaan.

Before this game I had willingly walked into.