The office still smelled faintly of lavender and paper. I leaned back into the leather chair, the echo of last night's anxiety still clinging faintly to my ribcage. The mirror across the room reflected my weary eyes — eyes that had seen far too much to be disturbed by a nightmare. Yet the cold floor of my bathroom still echoed under me, the ringing of my secretary's voice still humming in the distance.
I exhaled and pulled myself together, straightening the files on my desk. Distraction was a friend I had learned to trust. I opened my laptop and began going through old archives, drifting through photos like windows into another life. Laughter frozen in time. Smiles I no longer wore. People I no longer knew.
And then I found the
A photo taken by one of my juniors. Me, standing in front of the Mechanical Department board of my college. It was the last photo ever taken of me before I left that life behind. My face was bare, depressed and innocent from everything I had suffered.
And that's when it hit me — the perfect idea.
I would create something powerful. Something that merged my past and future. A startup unlike any other — a high-tech AI-integrated car service specifically designed for expressways and remote highways where access to garages is difficult. Predictive diagnostics. On-call repairs. Emergency dispatches within 30 minutes.
I picked up my phone and called Jenna.
She arrived in under two minutes, clutching her iPad as always. Jenna — 5'7, sharp brown bob cut, glowing brown skin, and large, thoughtful eyes framed behind round glasses — looked like she belonged on the cover of a fashion magazine more than behind a desk. I often thought, if she weren't my secretary, she'd be a model.
"Yes, ma'am?" she asked, slightly breathless.
"We're starting a new vertical. A car-tech startup — AI-powered diagnostics and highway assistance. Begin compiling research immediately. I want a presentation deck and strategy layout within 48 hours."
Her eyes widened. "We're announcing another vertical?"
"Not just announcing. Hosting an event."
I stood, my heels clicking against the marble. "Call a board meeting with the PR and marketing heads. We'll launch this in Jaipur."
"Jaipur?" she echoed.
"Yes. Invite garage owners from all over the country to attend and pitch their integration ideas. Seven partners will be selected. One of them will be Aryan. The other six? Chosen by the Vice Chairman after interviews. He will visit their garages personally."
Jenna blinked. "And you?"
"I'll be in Jaipur myself."
"And Now, Jenna baby I'll be off get my car" I said happily
After every meetings with my PRs the event day was decided and it was after 3 days, Jenna's investigation was almost reaching deadlines, the week was to pass, I told her to not to tell me about the others I will just focus on Aryan for now and the reaction she gave me was "She is still in love" I mean she is not wrong but I hate him more.
After three days I took the flight to Jaipur in the early morning the event was schedules in Taj Amer, the most luxurious 5 star hotel of Jaipur, I was sitting in my room, looking around the room I told myself Aliza you are just too royal like why wouldn't be, then the knock comes and the self-love thoughts broke, I said come in, I already knew she was Jenna behind the door.
"Ma'am ready"? She asked
I nodded and followed her.
The ballroom shimmered under golden chandeliers, with LED projections highlighting the startup's features. Guests in tuxedos and gowns sipped champagne, while a string quartet played near the glass bar.
Backstage, the hum of activity was electric. Event managers rushed to place last-minute welcome stands. Staff dressed in signature navy blue uniforms held tablets and floral trays. The PR team aligned media representatives. Everything had to be perfect.
My assistant helped me adjust the maroon off-shoulder gown that swept across the floor like a storm wrapped in silk. The diamond choker shimmered just enough to catch the light with every breath I took. My long dark hair was styled in loose waves, flowing down my back like a shadow. My eyes held a promise — one that burned softly, like a candle in a storm. I was every bit the woman no one could ignore.
Strong. Seductive. Unshaken.
At exactly 7:30 PM, I stepped forward and walked slowly onto the stage. The murmuring crowd fell silent. The mic was already lit — all eyes on me.
"Good evening," I began, voice rich and smooth. "I'm Aliza Heri — CEO of Heri Enterprises and founder of the new AI-integrated automotive initiative. Tonight, we build the future of car services with vision and partnership."
Polite applause echoed. I let it flow for a second.
"I welcome you all here to not only witness but take part in shaping that future. But before we begin the pitches and presentations, let's unwind a little."
I smiled slightly, letting warmth touch my voice.
"There's a mocktail reception awaiting you in the adjoining party hall. Take this time to meet, talk, and share. My staff will escort you all there. Thank you for coming, and I hope you enjoy the evening."
The guests began moving toward the reception. Lights dimmed slightly to transition to ambient tones. The scent of fresh lilies wafted in from the corner arrangements.
After the reception, guests began to take their seats once more. Jenna handed me the list of participants and I nodded before stepping up again.
"We will now begin the presentation segment. Each representative will come forward and present their ideas for integration into the new vertical. You will have five minutes. Our panel will be noting creativity, feasibility, and alignment with our mission."
One after the other, garage owners came forward. Some presented modular repair vans. Others showcased mobile diagnostic units, apps synced with OBD readers, rapid service tech bots, solar-powered repair bays.
Aryan's turn came.
He walked up confidently, dressed in a sleek navy suit, his presentation behind him. He spoke of scalable solutions — drone-based diagnostics, pre-loaded emergency parts based on predictive route tracking, hybrid maintenance fleets. His pitch was smooth. Polished. Confident.
I watched in silence. Not a flicker on my face.
Finally, ten ideas were presented.
Jenna stepped forward with the final results, and I walked to the center stage.
"Thank you to all the participants. You've each shown remarkable insight and passion. But tonight — only seven can proceed to the final partnership round."
I paused, then added with a soft smile:
"The first confirmed partner — Aryan Ven."
Gasps and applause filled the room. Aryan's brows shot up, clearly stunned.
I glanced one more time toward the crowd.
Aryan.
The man who shattered the girl I used to be. Standing near the back of the room, his eyes widened the second they met mine. His jaw clenched slightly. Hands fidgeting. A man holding too many questions.
He took a step forward, trying to reach me.
But my bodyguard moved in instantly. "Sir, you'll need to speak to her secretary first."
He hesitated, brows furrowing. From afar, I smiled — wickedly, knowingly — and nodded to Jenna.
She approached him. "Mr.Ven, Ms. Heri will see you now."
He walked toward me. Each step slower than the last.
"Aliza..." he said softly.
"Yes?" I kept my expression calm.
"You look... you look breathtaking."
"Thank you."
"You've done amazing things. I didn't expect—"
"Well Congratulations Mr. Ven for the pitch, you did amazing"
"Thank you so much, you gave me the opportunity."
I turned swiftly, whispering to Jenna on my way out. "Take care of the rest and greet them all goodbye. I'll be off."
I disappeared backstage and entered my private green room. Finally, alone, I exhaled — hard. My hands trembled slightly. Aryan's presence was too much. It felt like a dozen memories stabbed through me all at once. I moved toward the door to lock it, fearing another anxiety attack was imminent.
And that's when I heard the click.
Aryan.
He had followed me.
"Aliza, I want to talk," he said.
I steadied myself. "How did you even get here? Who allowed you in?"
"Please. I know I fucked up, but just... please let me talk."
I didn't say a word.
"I wanted to thank you," he said softly. "For choosing me. For giving me the pitch. I just wanted to—"
"Now are you done?" I snapped. "You can go."
He didn't. Instead, he stepped inside fully and locked the door behind him. He moved closer.
"Let's talk," he said, voice low.
"Oh, now you're in the mood to patch things up?" I scoffed.
He reached out, his hand gently lifting my chin. "Yes. We should talk. Often."
His touch — it sparked something I hated. Memory. Pain. A hunger I'd buried. My mind spiraled for a second.
I grabbed his hand. Pressed it just above my boobs over my collarbones. Slowly slid it down to closer to them and to my waist, every glide with his hands felt like heaven like I can just give up the revenge idea and kiss him hard over the night, money is just so powerful I can see it.
He stared — stunned, speechless, caught between lust and disbelief.