Chains of Destiny.

Theme: Seduction, Secrets, and Shifting Loyalties POV: Rehaan Malhotra (Male Lead) Rehaan, isn't fire your weakness? I bet you do. It echoed old words, spoken by his father in that smoky book full of brandy and broken promises.'... Back then, fire meant recklessness. Now, it meant her. Anaya. She was fire in silk. He is calm and composed, yet he is not afraid of the idea of burning everything down. After confessing to Dev, the theft, and betrayal last night, Rehaan saw her in a different light. Not just the woman in his abode. He couldn't let her go. Gala Day Minus Four. The estate was illuminated by the evening sky. Four days before the Malhotra charity event, the lawn was swarmed with guests dressed in couture and ostentation for the pre-event wine tasting. Positioned next to the balcony, Rehaan looked out over the sea of influential individuals and wealthy investors. He hated this world. The silence and politeness around lies. But he would have to act. She played it too skillfully.' Anaya appeared gorgeous in a slick, scarlet gown with a deep neckline and open back.' She had her hair pinned high, leaving only the delicate edge of her neck exposed, which was missing from Dev's eye contact since last night. Rehaan's blood simmered. He'd seen Dev again earlier. Lurking near the guestbook. Smiling like he belonged. He didn't. Not here. Not near Anaya. Not after what he did. Inside the Hall…. Anaya moved through the glitter and chatted like a shadow. She had become accustomed to the double lives, the smiles, small talk, and silent battles behind her eyes. Each look and move was deliberate. The most intense feeling she felt tonight was in the eyes of Rehaan's. She turned slowly. Their eyes were fixed on the room.'their. And the tension... it burned. While exiting a line of designers, she rose from the balcony with her heels touching marble. She was in shock. A pleasant change was the breeze from the ocean. Before she could take a break, she heard him. You're in my prayers, "You are on my mind to talk about". Rehaan. The way he spoke was always composed and had an edge. She turned. “Now?”. “Yes.”. He didn't ask permission. Walked towards her, he was too much for words. Dev was told by him, "I want you to get deported". She shrugged and replied, "I'm not in charge of him". "I know," he said, but "I want to inquire about his thoughts on you". Anaya's gaze caught his attention, and she asked him, "Why?". “Because I'll burn it. Whatever it is. I will destroy it if it is to protect you. Her throat tightened. This fury wrapped up in care was unexpected for her. She retreated, seeking a different perspective. "You don't have anything to offer me." This was the end of her story. He said, "I don't owe you anything," moving closer to his target. "But I do want to shield you from harm" That's the difference”. The silence between them stretched. "He employed you," Rehaan remarked. "How did they do it?" she asked. She looked away. "He utilized my identification. He used my phone". My credentials. Money in my name and made me look like I was part of it. Rehaan's jaw clenched. Her words softly explained, "After college, I went missing. I wasn't hiding my love". I was surviving shame”. She was surprised as Rehaan reached out and pressed her lips into her chin. "Do you think I would assess you?". She didn't speak. Consequently, he slightly inclined his body. “Let me help you. Not because I've to. But because I choose to.” And then he kissed her. It wasn't wild. It wasn't rushed. It was slow. Intentional. A promise. Her hands trembled as they touched his chest, but she didn't back down. For the first time, she experienced a sense of security. Meanwhile…. From a distance, Dev observed from inside the hall. What happened? His smirk faded. He whispered, "The prince's sole desire is to be with his bride". With his phone, he texted a contact. Phase two begins tonight. Rehaan's growing soft. Use that.”. The Study Later That Night. Rehaan led the study, his mind ablaze.' His private investigator was directed by him to take care of everything for Dev. Any bank records, travel records or offshore accounts anything that could expose him.' But something didn't sit right. Why now? What caused Dev's sudden appearance during the gala preparations? Why target Anaya again? It's not necessarily solely about her. Unless… it was about him. Elsewhere in the Estate. The window in Anaya's bedroom was the perfect spot to gaze at the stars.. She kept her lips feeling like they were on fire from the kiss. Her intention was not to let it happen. Rehaan's touch caused a crack in her armor. He wasn't like Dev. He wasn't using her. At least she didn't want him to be there. She was exhausted from the constant use of masks. Of pretending. Occasionally, she craved an authentic experience. Dev's envelope, marked PRIVATE in bold ink, had slipped under her door and she could tell it was there. She opened it. Inside was a photo. A younger Rehaan. Amidst a stranger girl she was unfamiliar with. Holding hands. In spite of this, there was something worse on the back of the photo. A signature. A hospital letterhead. A mention of a child. Her fingers went cold. Two lines from the menu: The Wine Cellar. See you soon? A.M. Upon entering the private cellar located beneath their estate, Rehaan was prohibited from seeing any guests. Only through code could a remnant of the British period be found hidden behind, in this case, he portray. Tonight, the lights flickered. And in the far corner was a figure. Dev inquired, "Are you in search of answers?" before entering the view. Rehaan didn't flinch. “Always.” “You won't find them here”. Deep dive, and I'll be there," she said. Dev chuckled. “Careful, cousin. If you dig too deeply, you'll uncover skeletons you buried yourself. Then Rehaan stood up with dark eyes. "Do you think I'm scared of you?". Dev replied with a negative answer, but warned people to be cautious of his knowledge. He threw a file on the table. It slid across to Rehaan. Inside: a sealed envelope. Marked with Rehaan's initials. A date that took place three years ago.' The night Rehaan's father died. Back Upstairs Anaya's Room. She felt the envelope shake in her hand. A child? A past lover? A lie? She needed answers. One person had the capability to provide them. Rehaan.