Sara felt overwhelmed by Arav’s words. She looked into his eyes and spoke softly, her voice trembling with emotion. “Arav, after my parents passed, my life became a complete mess. Without proper maturity, I let it spiral into something even worse. Right now, I don’t have anyone better than you… but I want to take some time before we step into anything serious.”
Arav smiled, pulling her closer into his embrace. “My little Sara, your past doesn’t matter to me. But I have one condition—you can’t leave my place. I want to spend as much time with you as possible.”
Sara nodded, her cheeks flushing slightly. “Arav…” she hesitated.
“Yes?” he replied.
She looked at him with a pleading expression. “I don’t like my current job. If you could arrange something for me, I’d really appreciate it.”
Arav laughed heartily, his deep voice filling the room. “Sara, you can choose any position you like in my company. Even if you want the CEO's chair, it’s yours!”
Sara couldn’t help but smile at his teasing. “I’ve just finished my internship in web design, so I’d prefer something related to that.”
“Done,” Arav said, his tone light. “Although if you asked me, I’d make you my personal assistant.” He winked, his playful tone making her laugh. She leaned into his chest, hiding her face in embarrassment, which only made Arav hold her tighter.
They stayed in each other’s arms, eventually drifting into a peaceful nap. When Arav woke up, the sight of Sara sleeping soundly in his arms warmed his heart. He gently kissed her pink lips, careful not to wake her, and stared at her, marveling at her beauty.
She was as delicate as a tulip, he thought. Yet behind her beauty, he could see an unknown sadness she tried to hide.
As he watched her, Sara stirred awake, smiling lazily. Her smile was met with a kiss from Arav, one that deepened until his hands unconsciously began exploring her.
Sara pulled back slightly, smiling at him. “Shall we go to my place so I can pack my things and move here?”
Arav nodded. “Of course. After that, we’ll have dinner and do some shopping.”
Sara agreed, and Arav called Anna to make dinner arrangements. Meanwhile, Sara dressed in a red gown that flowed like a rose in bloom. When Arav saw her, his breath hitched.
“Wow, Sara,” he said, stepping closer. “I never imagined you’d grow up to be this beautiful.”
She smiled shyly, and as he held her close, her fragrance enveloped him, making it hard for him to resist her. Arav composed himself and got ready in a pair of denim jeans and a white shirt, ensuring he matched her elegance.
They took the elevator to the basement parking lot, where Anna and Peter were waiting. Both were stunned to see their usually reserved boss with a woman—and not just any woman, but one who seemed to bring out a rare softness in him.
Arav opened the car door for Sara, helping her buckle her seatbelt before taking the driver’s seat himself. As he drove, Anna and Peter exchanged knowing glances in the back seat, silently acknowledging that Sara was someone special.
First, they went to Sara’s apartment to pack her belongings. Then, they headed to the mall, where Arav spared no expense. Despite Sara’s protests, he bought her nearly every dress in the store, delighting in seeing her try them on.
Peter and Anna watched in amazement. Their boss, known for his cold demeanor, was now smiling and strolling through the mall, utterly charmed by Sara.
After shopping, they enjoyed a candlelit dinner, where Arav’s attention never wavered from Sara. By the time they returned to the penthouse, Arav dismissed Anna and Peter for the evening, eager to have Sara all to himself.
Once back, Arav helped unpack Sara’s belongings, giving her a spacious wardrobe for her things. When everything was settled, Sara went to take a shower.
As the warm water cascaded over her, memories of her previous shower with Arav surfaced, making her cheeks flush. Shaking her head, she tried to dismiss the thoughts and quickly changed into a white nightgown.
When she returned, Arav was seated on the couch, working on his laptop. Not wanting to disturb him, she quietly dried her hair at the dressing table. Suddenly, she felt a warm presence behind her.
Turning around, she found Arav standing there, his gaze intense.
“Sara,” he said in a husky voice. “You look like an angel in that gown.”
His deep gaze made her heart race. Hoping to distract him, she asked, “Did you finish your work?”
Arav smirked, stepping closer. “What work could be more important than you?”
Before she could respond, he wrapped her in his arms and carried her to the bed. As he held her, his desires warred with his hesitation. Last night had been different—Sara had been intoxicated and had approached him first. Tonight, she was completely sober, and her reactions were subdued yet not rejecting.
“Sara,” he whispered, his voice gentle. “Are you okay with this?”
She looked up at him, her face softening into a smile. Wrapping her arms tightly around him, she buried her face in his chest and whispered, “I want to sleep under your embrace like this for now.”
Arav’s heart tightened at her words. He tightened his hold on her, suppressing his own urges, and gently patted her back.
That night, as they lay entwined, they both fell into a peaceful sleep, their dreams filled with the promise of a new beginning.