Page 45 of One Hellish Passion

“Aman said you would guide me before we reach the party,” she asked.

“I will introduce them to you as soon as we reach. Just remember, you need to convince them we are dating,” he replied. “And that seriousness of our relationships happens to be from my side only.”

Maya was confused.

“What is that supposed to mean?”

“Means you pretend to be an opportunist,” he replied, which didn’t go well with her. “So that they can trust you,” he further added.

Maya slowly understood what he wanted to convey. He wanted her to pretend to his family that she was doing this for some monetary gains.

“To everyone?” she reconfirmed.

“No, just my stepfather and his obedient son, Kunal Malik.”

Maya swallowed hard hearing that name again. Ranveer curiously watched her expressions and smirked.

“Lost in the past?” he mocked but she looked away.

“Dhruv doesn’t need to know that,” he continued. “I want Dhruv to think I’m dating the best woman in the world, who has the same affection for me as I have for her. I don’t want him hurt at any cost,” he added.

She didn’t understand why he was being partial with Dhruv. She wanted to ask but ignored it as they reached the venue.

“It’s showtime,” he whispered before getting down the car. The chauffeur opened her side door, and she stepped down too. The moment Maya landed her feet on that classy place, she trembled. She was going to cheat someone, which she had never done before. Would she be able to handle this? Was she doing the right thing? Why should she get involved in this family issue? They could sort it out themselves. Did this really make her an opportunist?

“Sir, one picture, please,” the media men urged Ranveer for a picture. He waved at them and very possessively held Maya’s hand to drag her inside. Reality hit her hard.

“I can’t do this,” she murmured in fear.

Ranveer was shocked to hear that from her, that too at such a critical moment.

“Too late for that,” he muttered and kept walking. The guests kept greeting him while he flashed his smirk at everyone and kept walking ahead. Sweat beads and goosebumps erupted on her skin.

“Bro,” came a familiar voice from the crowd. Dhruv excused the guests and rushed to them.

Ranveer left Maya’s hand and hugged his brother.

“You were very late,” Dhruv muttered and then glanced at Maya. “Let me guess,” he added. “She is the one, right?”

Ranveer faked a smile.

“You never guess wrong,” he replied.

“Oh, man. She is really beautiful. Hi, I am Dhruv Malik.”

Dhruv extended his hand to Maya, who blankly greeted him with a confused smile.

“Maya,” she replied. “Maya Bajaj.”

“Oh, what a pretty name. You indeed have sprinkled magic in my brother’s life.”

Ranveer cleared his throat, seeing Maya so out of place.

“We will meet Father and come back,” he said to Dhruv.

“Oh yes. This way. He is so desperate to see you both.”

“Both?” Ranveer snapped.

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