By the time Aanya entered the office the next morning, everything felt different.
The stares.The not-so-subtle whispers.The way conversations stopped mid-sentence when she walked past.
She clutched her files tighter, forcing herself to keep her head high. But her stomach churned.
They knew.
Maybe not all the details. Maybe not the truth.But someone had talked.
And she knew exactly who.
Sanya Mehra.
She'd seen that smirk. That threat hidden behind red lipstick and fake concern.
And now, it had begun.
—
In the boardroom, the meeting was already underway.
She walked in, late by barely a minute, and still—every head turned.
Including Riaan's.
His eyes locked with hers for a second.Unreadable. Cold. Professional.
"Miss Sharma," the CFO said, tone clipped. "Nice of you to join us."
"I apologize," she said, sitting down.
They continued. Graphs. Numbers. Market shifts.
But Aanya couldn't focus. Because every time someone looked her way, she wondered:
Do they think I slept my way into this room?
She glanced at Riaan. His jaw was tight. His hands clenched.
But he said nothing.
Protected her from no one.
—
Later, in the corridor, she felt it again — the suffocating tension.This time, it wasn't just whispers. It was words.
"She's the reason he dropped that deal.""Of course he favors her.""God, the power imbalance is disgusting."
She turned a corner.
And slammed into him.
Riaan.
He grabbed her arms instinctively, steadying her.
"You okay?" he asked.
"No," she snapped. "I'm not."
He looked around. Voices echoed in the distance.
"We'll talk. Tonight."
"No," she hissed. "We talk now."
"Aanya—"
"They're tearing me apart out there," she said, voice shaking. "And you're just… silent."
He exhaled. "Because if I defend you, it confirms everything."
"Then let them think what they want," she said. "But don't let me face it alone."
A pause.
Then he stepped closer.
"I never meant for you to get hurt," he said softly.
"You didn't protect me either."
And with that, she walked away.
Leaving him standing there, for once—
Completely powerless.
_________________________________________________________
Chapter 15 Trailer – "Break Me or Beg Me"
She walked away.Told him she wouldn't be his secret anymore.
But what happens when Riaan shows up — unannounced — at her door?
Not as her boss.Not even as her lover.
But as a man…On his knees.
Begging her to stay.
In Chapter 15, it's not about rules anymore.It's about surrender.About dominance.About one long, unforgivable night that tastes like obsession and sounds like skin against skin.
She should push him away.
But instead, she whispers..."If you want me, Riaan... earn me. Break me. Or beg me."