Page 204 of One Hellish Passion

Maya didn't know how to respond. Her mother was blushing profusely, imagining all sorts of scenarios involving the couple and that ice cream.

“Don't pay attention to him, Mom. I just felt like having ice cream, that's all,” Maya reassured her.

“Where did I say anything?” Garima held back her laughter as she filled her water jar. “Go and enjoy your ice cream. Goodnight.”

Garima hugged the two and slipped away.

“Midnight cravings?” Maya questioned; her tone slightly accusatory. “You enjoy playing mind games with me, don't you?”

“Game?” Ranveer savored a spoonful of ice cream, never breaking eye contact with her. There was a mischievous grin on his face that promised another sleepless night, but she didn't mind.

He passed her the bowl, and as she took it in her hands, he leaned in and effortlessly scooped her up in his arms.

“You'll enjoy this game, trust me,” he whispered.

Maya's mind raced as he carried her back to the bedroom.

Blitz

It was difficult for Maya to concentrate on work; she forced herself to do so nonetheless. It wasn't even noon yet, and she was already missing her husband terribly. Her phone buzzed, and she checked the message immediately—it was from Ranveer.

‘How is my Vanilla doing at work?’

Maya's cheeks flushed crimson. That was the exact flavor of ice cream they had enjoyed last night. She found it hard to focus on work, especially with him bringing back memories of last night. She texted him back with a cheesy reply. If he could get her flustered, so could she.

‘Drive me to an ice cream parlor tonight. Might just want to pick another flavor.’

She tried to hide her blush as the peon entered the cabin with an envelope. Another courier? He left the cabin after passing the envelope to her. It was sent by Ranveer's lawyer, which puzzled her even more. Why would Ranveer's lawyer send her anything? She opened the envelope and checked the papers inside. Her jaw dropped as she read the contents. Ranveer's message beeped on her phone again.

‘Sign them, love.’

No, she wouldn’t. She would never sign these. She dialed Ranveer's number. Messages wouldn't work now. He answered the call almost instantly.

“Do you realize what your lawyer has sent me?” she snapped.

“I asked him to,” he replied calmly.

“Of course,” she snapped. “But it's completely unnecessary.”

“Let me have the final say over that. Sign them so that I can hand them back to him for further processing,” he insisted.

“Nope,” she groaned. “Don't pick a fight over this, Ranveer.”

“Let's take it to bed then,” he teased.

“Don't use our bedroom to sort out our fights,” she retorted.

“Then come out. We'll sort it over lunch together.”

Out? Was he here?

“Waiting outside your office, sweetheart. And it's quite a sunny afternoon. Come out soon,” he urged.

Maya sighed happily. Ranveer had driven all the way to her office just to have lunch with her? It seemed wonderfully romantic. A few minutes later, she emerged from her office with her phone and car keys in hand. Despite Ranveer's luxurious vehicles, she still preferred driving her own sedan to work. Marrying a billionaire had changed her lifestyle, but not her attachment to personal belongings. The sedan was one such prized possession. Ranveer had ensured it was repaired after the accident. The role of her personal bodyguard, vacated by Aisha, was still open as strict interviews were conducted to find the right female candidate for Maya's security. For now, Ranveer had assigned two guards who followed Maya most places. She suspected a Blitz employee also secretly kept watch, safeguarding her on Ranveer's orders. Her husband would do anything to protect her, she knew. The thought warmed her heart as she headed out to meet him for their lunch date.

As Maya approached Ranveer, who stood beside his posh car, patiently waiting for her, her face glowed. This man was hers without any second thought, without any hindrances. As she reached him, Ranveer palmed her cheek, his thumb stroking her lip, staring at it for a few seconds.

“Signed the papers?” he asked.

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