My Beating Bleeding Heart

Chapter 4: Day 0

His POV

"So, why am I the one driving?" Rick grumbles as we weave through the city streets on our way to meet her. I just let out a low growl, a noncommittal "hmm." My mind drifts back to every time she’s called me in that soft, irresistible tone, and how I’ve always been there—at her beck and call, without question.

“Pfft... why am I even asking? Who else would drive you to that maniac of a woman?” Rick snarked, his voice laced with sarcasm. I shot him a sharp look, daring him to say another word about her. He met my gaze, rolling his eyes. “Don’t give me that. I’m well aware of your thing for her. And her... I can’t believe everyone thinks she’s just some delicate, fragile flower, while in reality, she’s as ruthless as...” He paused, smirking at me, “...you.” Rick laughed and continued, “But honestly, I think she’s worse than you.” I chuckled, the thought lingering—could she really be worse than me?

I stayed silent, letting the wind hit my face. Maybe starting to drink at 9 in the morning wasn't the best idea. Rick finally spoke up, "Just tell me to shut my trap." I replied, "Then why are you still talking?" He huffed and sped up the car. I guess we’ll get there sooner now. But what does she want from me? She didn’t sound anxious, but I know how she uses her voice to get what she wants from me. After all, that night, all it took was one request for me to hold her, and I ended up holding her the entire night. Did she purposely say she'd regret kissing me? Did I fall for her trap again when I kissed her deeply? I brush my lips with my fingers, remembering how hers felt against mine. She didn’t push me away—in fact, her willingness to lean in and her actions wanting something more startled me. But why?

Why the summons, Moon?

As we parked, I saw Diya running towards the car. She went straight to the driver’s side, smiling shyly at Rick. He shut down the engine and, without even opening the door, started blowing air kisses at her. This is getting annoying. "Just unlock the damn car already," I snapped. Diya laughed, Rick glanced at me, then finally unlocked the door. While I took my time getting out, Rick was already holding Diya in his arms, kissing her all over and saying, "I missed you, baby."

She replied, "How could you? I was with you all night and just left for work."

Rick kissed her again, "I still miss you."

She pulled back slightly and asked, "Did you have whiskey?"

Rick, still kissing her, responded, "Just a sip." And they continued.

I looked down at my feet and sighed. I couldn’t even muster the energy to be truly mad at them. After all, they’re married, and Diya is her personal executive. Their connection makes it easier for me to see her from time to time—well, aside from our own little mishaps or, as they say, accidental meetings.

"Are you guys done?" I finally asked after waiting a full ten minutes for them to finish... whatever it was they were doing.

Rick glanced at me, "Now we are." He reluctantly let go of Diya, only to pull her back by the waist, squeezing her closer. Diya giggled, holding his arm, and whispered something to him. Rick nodded and took her hand.

"This way," Diya said, gesturing towards the high-rise building.

As I walked behind them, my heart started pounding.

Diya and Rick kept chatting about things that didn't interest me in the slightest. My mind was consumed with thoughts of her. She wouldn’t have called if she didn’t need something from me. But why do I keep going every time she calls? As I questioned my own motives, we walked through the hallway. Diya opened the door and gestured for me to enter. I nodded and stepped inside, immediately noticing her legal team—Mr. Roy, Miss Syana, and Judge Bakshi. They’d helped us with last year's management issue, so I was familiar with them, but what were they doing here now?

Before I could say anything, Shantu came rushing in, huffing and coughing, clutching a piece of paper. Rick raised an eyebrow and asked, "Why are you here?" Shantu gestured for a moment to catch his breath, inhaling deeply.

"Didn't you call me over?" Shantu asked, looking directly at me. I was even more perplexed—I hadn’t spoken to him in three days, so how could I have called him?

Diya smiled and said, "Shantu, just take a seat," then turned to Rick and added, "You too."

Are they kidding me? They must have forgotten who they’re dealing with. Just because I’m here doesn’t mean they can pull one over on me. Rick, sensing my irritation, took a seat and said, "We’re here, aren’t we? Let’s hear her out."

Diya stepped outside, leaving me alone with Roy and Syana. Roy gulped nervously and nodded, then leaned over to whisper something to Syana. I smirked—this time, she’s pushed me too far. I am gonna kill her. My patience has run dry. I slammed my fist on the table, the loud bang echoing through the room and startling everyone. She’s done for this time. No amount of her charm will change my mind. She is so dead. How dare she gather everyone here without even informing me why? Every time I let her off the hook, and every time, she pulls this stunt on me. But not this time.

I glared at Roy, watching him squirm in his seat. As I stepped closer, he nervously pushed his chair back towards Syana. Another step, and he shot to his feet. He knows exactly why we're here. Smirking, I closed the distance between us, leaning in as I whispered, "Do you really think I won't hurt you just because of her?"

He was scared—I could see it. The room was already cold, but he knows how much colder I could be when I'm angry. I grabbed his collar and slammed him against the wall, my voice low and threatening, "I’m not going to ask again." Roy was at his wits' end, but he still didn’t say anything, his eyes fixed on the door behind me.

From his chair, Rick lazily spun around and said, "Come on... let him go." But my hand tightened around his collar, intent on squeezing the truth out of him.

Just then, a commanding voice cut through my anger, "Put him down, Anani."

Her voice. It made me loosen my grip instantly. As I let Roy go, he slumped back into his seat, shaken. What does she think of me? I flexed my fingers, making them crack as I turned around, ready to tell her this was the last time she’d summon me, that I was done with this game.

But then I saw her—wearing a blush pink suit, her hair perfectly draped over her shoulder, and the diamond studs I gave her years ago glinting softly. Simple, yet elegant.

Where did my rage go? She shouldn’t have this effect on me.