Author’s POV

The Chauhan Mansion shimmered like a palace of diamonds beneath the London night sky. Chandeliers dripped from the ceilings, violins hummed in harmony, and every inch of the estate screamed wealth and legacy.

Tonight was not just any celebration—it was Kayra Chauhan’s 22nd birthday, hosted by none other than Aditya Chauhan, the ruthless and revered business tycoon of London.

Guests from every corner of power had arrived—politicians in tailored suits, business moguls with guarded smiles, and a few mysterious faces whose names weren’t on paper but whose presence demanded silence.

Kayra stood at the heart of the gala, dressed in a crimson silk gown that hugged her like fire. But her eyes—those piercing grey eyes—looked detached, Because Kayra hated these parties.

Her father had shielded her from the gritty underbelly of their empire all her life—no mafia, no boardrooms, no politics. Just luxury and isolation.

And now, here she was—celebrated like a princess but suffocating in a world she didn’t understand.

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Kayra’s POV

God, this party is endless.

I adjusted the strap of my gown and looked around for the hundredth time. And that’s when I saw him.

Kabir. Son of my father's business partner. College batchmate. The guy who couldn’t take ‘no’ for an answer. He staggered toward me, clearly drunk, with that same infuriating smirk.

“Happy Birthday, Kayra. You look... edible tonight,” he slurred.

He opened his arms for a hug—I shoved him hard, and he collapsed onto the marble floor with a thud.

Disgust curled in my stomach. I turned and walked away without a second glance.

I needed air. Solitude. Sanity.

---

Author’s POV

She headed toward the backyard garden near the pool, the only quiet corner in the chaos. But the silence didn't last long. Footsteps echoed behind her.

She turned.

Kabir was following her again.

Kayra's breath hitched—panic bloomed. She didn’t wait—she ran. Her heels clicked on the stone path as she darted between rose hedges, heart racing—

And then she collided. Hard.

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Kayra’s POV

I slammed into something—or someone. My body jolted, but it wasn’t the pain that froze me—it was someone.

He stood tall, like the night wrapped itself around him. A black coat. Broad shoulders. Hazel eyes that held no warmth, no soul—just this brutal calmness that made my heart skip a beat. He looked at me like he already owned me.

Mesmerizing… terrifying.

And then—

“I-I’m sorry, King,” Kabir’s voice trembled behind me.

I turned, shocked. Kabir’s head was bowed low, his voice filled with fear.

King?

The man didn’t speak. He didn’t look at Kabir. His eyes stayed locked on me.

I straightened, trying to regain control.

“Who are you? Can’t you see and walk properly?” I snapped, half-aware I was speaking to someone powerful… dangerous.

In one swift movement, he grabbed me by the neck and pulled me close—his hand landed firmly on my waist.

My breath hitched. His voice was cold. Deep. Deadly.

“You’ll regret talking to me like that, Miss Kayra Chauhan.”

I froze.

How does he know my name?

“Who the hell are you?” I whispered.

He leaned in slightly, his lips near my ear. “You’ll know soon… baby.”

And just like that, he let go—and vanished into the shadows like he was never there. I stood there, shaken. Skin tingling. Mind racing. “Psycho…” I muttered under my breath. “Probably some uninvited freak.”

But the truth? No man had ever touched me before. And no man had ever made me feel that way in a single second.

---

Author’s POV

Kayra returned to the party, still dazed. She cut the cake, posed for pictures, smiled for the crowd. Dinner was served. Laughter echoed.

But she felt... different now. As the night dragged on, she slipped away from the ballroom and into her room, throwing off her heels.

She collapsed onto her bed, pulling the

covers over herself. But sleep didn’t come easy. Because behind her closed eyes...

Those hazel ones still burned into her soul.

Chapter 1 completed. Hope you like it 🐇🦋❤️