The grumpy boss sweet wife

Chapter 6: The Contract Cracks

Damien's jealousy was dangerous.

But Aryan's interest was worse.

part A :The Rival Appears

The meeting room was silent.

I was in the middle of my presentation when the door opened.

Everyone turned.

Aryan Raichand.

Damien's biggest rival. CEO of Raichand Group. Tall, sharp suit, and a smile that could melt ice.

"Sorry I'm late," he said, his eyes scanning the room. Then they stopped on me. "But I had to see the woman who made Damien sign this deal."

My throat went dry.

Damien didn't look up. But I saw his jaw clench.

The meeting continued, but I couldn't focus. Aryan kept looking at me. Like I was the only person in the room.

When it ended, people started leaving.

Aryan walked straight to me.

"Ms. Aarya, right? That was impressive," he said. "Coffee? To celebrate your success."

Before I could answer, a cold voice cut through.

"She's busy."

Damien.

He was standing behind me. Arms crossed. Eyes dark.

Aryan just smiled wider. "Busy? On a Friday? Come on Damien, don't be a grump."

Damien stepped between us. "The meeting is over. Get out."

Aryan laughed and walked away. But not before winking at me.

The room emptied.

Only Damien and I were left.

He picked up his pen. It snapped in his hand.

Without looking at me, he said, "My office. Now."

My heart dropped.

Part B : Cabin warning

Damien's cabin felt colder than usual.

"Close the door," he ordered.

I did. My hands were shaking.

"I told you to stay away from him," he said. No greeting. No nothing.

"He came to me," I replied. "I didn't invite him."

"Doesn't matter." He stood up and walked to the window. "Aryan plays dirty. He doesn't want the deal. He wants to destroy me. And he's using you."

I laughed bitterly. "And what are you using me for? The contract?"

He turned sharply. "Yes. The contract."

He walked closer. Too close. I could smell his cologne.

"For the next 6 months, your personal life is my concern. That was clause 8."

"That was about work!"

"Everything is about work when you work for me."

I took a step back. "You don't own me, Mr. Damien."

His eyes flashed. "Don't I?"

The air between us was heavy. For a second, I thought he would touch me. But he didn't.

Instead, he picked up a file and threw it on the desk.

"Stay away from Aryan. That's an order. Not a request."

I grabbed my bag and left without another word.

But when I reached my desk, I saw it.

A small black box. With a red ribbon.

And a note.

Dinner tomorrow? - A

My blood ran cold.

part C : The Mysterious Gift

I didn't open the box in office.

I brought it home.

My small apartment was quiet. Too quiet.

I sat on the floor and opened it slowly.

Inside was a single red rose. And a key.

And the same note. Dinner tomorrow? - A

A.

Who was it? Damien? Or Aryan?

Damien never sends gifts. He gives orders.

But Aryan... he was charming. Too charming.

I called my best friend Riya.

"Riya, what do I do?"

"Girl, which A is hotter?" she teased.

"This is not funny!"

"Okay okay. Don't go. It's dangerous."

I hung up and stared at the rose.

My phone buzzed. Unknown number.

Message: Did you get my gift? - A

I didn't reply.

Another message came. This time from Damien's number.

We need to talk. My place. 9 PM.

My hands were trembling.

Two men. Both starting with A.

One was my grumpy boss who hated me.

The other was a charming stranger who wanted me.

And I was stuck in the middle of a contract I couldn't break.

I looked at the rose again.

Whoever sent this... they were already inside my life.

End of Chapter 6