Page 84 of Cruise in Love

Sitara was stunned, even as she tried to understand. “B-but you didn’t know until just two weeks ago that you would accompany me to the cruise. It only happened because Dr. Pathak received a call—” She broke off as realization struck her. “Y-you had already planned to join me on the cruise before the call?”

“Yes.”

“W-when?” she asked. “When did you decide?”

“Two months ago, right after Dr. Pathak planned the cruise, so she could use the opportunity to get you kidnapped or get rid of you.”

Her mind struggled to process that meeting Aarav at the party two weeks ago wasn’t a coincidence. He had planned everything.

“But why?” she asked. “You are no longer in the military. You run an airline company. How can you still be involved in a secret military mission?”

There was silence before replied. “I couldn’t continue in the Air Force after my injuries, but I didn’t completely leave the military. I’m a part of a unit that deals with terror activities. The airline company my friends and I started ensures our operations can be carried out without suspicion.”

Her heart began racing. “T-terror activities?”

She couldn’t read anything on his face as he watched her.

Slowly, anger erupted inside her.

She could have forgiven him for agreeing to her deal and sleeping with her during the cruise. But he married her, despite knowing she had left him in the past because of his dangerous missions.

“Tara, I—”

“No, you don’t have to explain anything.” She withdrew from him and stepped away from the sofa. “Please leave. I need privacy to talk to my husband.”

Aarav’s eyes flashed. “I am your damn husband now,” he growled. “I love you and you are mine.”

She could see the dark possessiveness inside his eyes. It only made her angrier.

“No, I’m not yours. My husband is still alive. Thank you for all your help for keeping me safe, but since there isn’t any danger anymore… I don’t require… your services.”

Aarav’s eyes flashed dangerously. When he got up, his tall, broad and angry form looked menacing. She wanted to run behind Dheeraj for protection, but she stood still and returned his dark, angry gaze.

“Uh… you two are married?” Dheeraj asked.

“No!” Sitara replied.

“Yes,” Aarav growled.

Dheeraj watched them awkwardly while the angry, tense atmosphere grew.

“Leave, Aarav,” she said. “If you value the promise you made to keep me happy, then leave my house.”

Aarav continued to watch her with a dark stare. She thought he wouldn’t leave, and seeing him clench his hands into fists, she even braced herself to fight him, if he decided to drag her out of the house with him.

But he didn’t touch her. Giving her a long, dark look, he left the house in cold silence.

Angry tears stung her eyes as she watched the only man she loved leaving her home and possibly her life.

CHAPTER 24

Sitara tried to hold back the sob that burst out of her.

“Are you all right, Sitara?” Dheeraj asked in concern.

“Yes,” she whispered, forcing out a smile. “I-I’m so glad you are back, Dheeraj. I missed you.”

She had missed him. She had mourned the loss of a dear friend whose friendship she had always cherished.

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