Dream Husband

3 A Promise of Forever

Sara could feel Arav’s warm breath so close to her skin. She clenched the sides of her dress tightly, her heart racing. She didn’t resist his kiss, but she didn’t respond either.

Realizing what he was doing, Arav pulled back, his expression shifting to one of regret. “Sara… I’m sorry. I just… your fragrance triggered something in me.”

Sara’s face turned a deep shade of red. She avoided his gaze, hoping to hide the blush spreading across her cheeks.

At that moment, Aunt July approached and informed them, “Lunch is ready, sir.”

Arav nodded. “Set it up in the garden,” he said before taking Sara’s hand and leading her to the garden table.

Aunt July set the table with a warm bowl of soup and three delicious dishes. Sara instinctively began helping her, arranging the tableware. Just as she was about to take her seat, Arav pulled her gently onto his lap, seating her comfortably.

Sara’s blush deepened. Sitting on his lap brought back memories of her school days, where she’d often perched on Arav’s lap like a little sister. But now, things felt different. She wasn’t the same little girl, and Arav certainly didn’t treat her like one anymore.

Arav held her securely, his voice gentle as he said, “You’re still my little Sara to me. I’ll never let you suffer again.” He leaned closer and kissed her earlobe softly, his words making her heart flutter.

Unable to hold back her curiosity any longer, Sara asked nervously, “Arav, what… what happened last night?”

Arav gazed at her intently, a hint of teasing in his tone. “When did my little girl start drinking so much?”

Sara flushed with embarrassment. “It was my first time,” she admitted shyly.

Arav’s lips curved into a small smile. Her innocence made last night’s events clearer to him. She had been intoxicated, unable to handle herself. And when she had approached him, the cold-hearted CEO—who had never shown warmth to any woman—had been unable to resist her.

Sara tried to move off his lap, but Arav held her firmly in place. He leaned in close, his voice a husky whisper. “Sara, I always want you near me. The fragrance of your body… it gives me a strength I can’t explain.”

Goosebumps spread across Sara’s skin at his words. Gathering her courage, she asked, “So… you’re just attracted to me? Is that all this is?”

Arav held her gaze, his expression softening. “Call it whatever you wish,” he said. “But I feel like I can’t let you go, not in this lifetime.”

His voice grew quieter, but his sincerity shone through. “Sara, I’m not the type of man who sleeps with just anyone. You’re the first. And you’ll always be the only one. Until last night, my heart and my life felt empty. But now… they’re filled with you. I want this happiness to last forever.”

Sara searched his eyes and found nothing but honesty. Slowly, she leaned her head on his shoulder and whispered, “Am I dreaming?”

Arav smiled, his lips brushing her forehead. “Yes. But this is a dream that’s come true.”

He fed her patiently, spoon by spoon, his care making her feel warm and safe. Sara hadn’t felt this cared for in years, and a small, unfamiliar happiness began to blossom in her heart.

After lunch, the two took a stroll through the garden, their hands intertwined. As they walked, Arav shared the story of his life over the past few years—how he moved from their small town to New York, how he struggled after his father’s death, and how he eventually built GD Enterprises from the ground up.

Sara listened quietly, her heart aching for him. “I’m so sorry about Uncle Jan,” she said softly.

Arav nodded, his gaze distant. “It was hard. But my mother and my sister, Melody, kept me going. They’re in Australia now—Mom’s living with Melody, who’s married and has kids. They’re happy there.”

Sara smiled faintly. “I’m glad Melody is doing well.”

Arav’s tone grew softer. “What about you, Sara? Your parents? Your work?”

At his question, Sara’s eyes filled with tears. “My parents… they’re no longer with me. And my life… it’s a mess.”

Her voice broke as tears spilled down her cheeks. Arav’s heart clenched at the sight. He pulled her into his arms, holding her tightly. “I’m so sorry, Sara,” he whispered. “But you’re not alone anymore. I’ll always be here for you.”

Hearing his words, Sara felt a sense of security she hadn’t experienced in years. Wrapped in his embrace, her tears slowed, replaced by a fragile sense of comfort.

Without a word, Arav lifted her in his arms, carrying her bridal-style back toward his room. The weight of her sorrow and his promise of support hung in the air, creating a bond neither of them fully understood yet.