The Uninvited Guest
311 Words
The Grand Ballroom of the Malhotra Estate was glowing with golden chandeliers and expensive decor. Maya, wearing a simple yet elegant evening gown, was busy managing the guest list at the entrance. She had been strictly instructed by Aryan to ensure no unauthorized people entered the merger gala.
Suddenly, a woman walked in—strikingly beautiful, with an air of arrogance that made people move aside. She wasn't on the invitation list.
"Excuse me, Ma'am," Maya said politely, blocking her path. "Can I see your invitation, please?"
The woman sneered, looking Maya up and down with disdain. "Do you even know who I am? I am Elena, Aryan’s past. And I don’t need an invitation to be where I belong."
Before Maya could respond, Aryan appeared from behind, his face darkening at the sight of the woman. "Elena," he said, his voice cold as ice. "I told you never to show your face here again."
Elena stepped closer to Aryan, ignoring Maya completely. "You can’t erase the past, Aryan. People are starting to ask questions about your sudden interest in this... assistant of yours." She glanced at Maya with a cruel smile.
Aryan’s jaw tightened. Without a word, he grabbed Maya’s hand, pulling her protectively behind him—a gesture that sent a shockwave through the room. "She is not just an assistant," Aryan declared, his voice echoing in the silent hall. "She is my partner."
Maya’s heart stopped. She looked at Aryan, stunned, while Elena’s face turned pale with fury. The room broke into whispers.
Aryan leaned down and whispered into Maya’s ear, his breath warm against her skin, "Just play along, Maya. If you want to keep your job, keep this charade going until the party ends."
Maya realized she was no longer just an employee; she had become a pawn in a high-stakes game of power and secrets.
- Writer
