Page 86 of One Hellish Passion

“Oh.” Her last excuse gone. Maya felt trapped into accompanying him. Ranveer read her expressions and frowned.

“We have a deal, Maya. You promised to appear publicly as my partner for such events,” he reminded sternly.

Ashamed of needing frequent reminders, she poured more champagne to quell her anxiety and downed it hastily. “I know I've neglected my end lately, but I promise to uphold the deal whenever required.”

Trying to justify her behavior, she added, “I just worry for mom.”

“She will be fine here. I have my people looking day and night after her. No harm will come to her. If you still insist, we can take her along.”

Maya considered this a solution, but she denied agreeing. She knew her mother wouldn't enjoy traveling much, especially by air, as she tended to feel air sick.

“No. I am okay if she is being looked after here.”

She poured more Champagne, raising Ranveer's brow. She was nervous. Very.

“Let me warn you, that much Champagne will intoxicate you,” he muttered dangerously.

She didn't care to listen, drinking it all and settling the glass on the table.

Ranveer leaned back, amazed by her antics. She was struggling to absorb so many changes in her life, and a man like him trying to control her schedules presented another challenge.

She ate some more food, although her appetite was lost due to the Champagne.

“I am done,” she wiped her lips. “Thank you for this… this,” she fished for words. “Dinner,” she finally completed.

“So am I,” he looked aside, and the servant took off their plates. “Desserts?”

“No. I don’t think I can,” she tried to get up but stumbled and fell back into the chair.

Ranveer rose from his chair and walked to her. “I told you,” he reminded her of the Champagne warning.

“I am okay. I can walk,” she continued to be adamant and tried to get up again. The next moment, she felt a sharp dizziness in her head, her eyes started closing, her body loosened, and she landed in the arms of Ranveer Malhotra.

************

Ranveer's fingers lingered delicately on her face, stroking her skin and parting her lips.

Maya woke up with a jolt. It was just a dream, a vivid one. Morning sunlight spilled into her room through the corners of the drawn curtains. Glancing at her attire, she noticed a robe instead of the night dress she had worn for dinner. How did this switch happen? She recollected drinking despite warnings from Ranveer and then falling unconscious. Did he put her to bed? More infuriatingly, who changed her into the robe? The thought of Ranveer taking advantage of her angered her, and she tightened the robe around her waist before storming into his room.

Ranveer had just freshly showered and dressed in a three-piece suit for work, when she barged into his bedroom.

“You finally showed your true disgusting self,” she barked.

Ranveer turned, appearing baffled. “What's wrong?” he snapped.

“You are wrong. This whole concept of living together is wrong. I never expected decency from you, but after everything you've done for my mother, I thought maybe you had some left. You proved me wrong again.”

Ranveer gritted his teeth impatiently. “What the hell are you talking about?” he scowled.

“This,” Maya cried, gesturing at her robe. “You changed my clothes last night, didn't you? Don't try to claim I threw up and ruined my dress so you graciously cleaned me up and changed me out of gentlemanly duty.”

Ranveer folded his arms sternly.

“I am not surprised you don’t remember throwing up,” he growled.

Maya let out an exasperated groan. “Stop lying. I'll never forgive you for this. I hate you.”

Before Ranveer could respond, Garima entered, drawn by the shouting. “Why are you accusing him?” she asked Maya gently.

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