“Unfortunately, he can find you both easily,” VJ said. “Google is the easiest way, if he knows how to use it.” He looked at Akash. “You’re the MD of Sehgal Media. That news was everywhere, online and in print. I remember many of those articlesmentioned Keya’s name and how she’s married to Kabier. And also, Kabier’s told me that you’re going to marry Shauna.” His gaze swept between Shauna and him. “Congratulations on that. But that also means that the news of your engagement will be out in the news any time now, isn’t it?”
“Yeah, we have to tell the board next Monday, at the board meeting,” Shauna replied. “After that, there will be an announcement in the media.”
“Which means both your names and photos will appear in newspapers, on the internet, in magazine articles—basically everywhere.” He addressed Akash. “Again, it’s highly likely that Keya will be mentioned too. He will be able to find out everything about you easily, that is, if he doesn’t know already.”
A cold stone dropped into Akash’s stomach.
“Oh God.” Keya turned to Kabier, her eyes wide. “The kids. I need them protected. Always. I don’t trust him. He’s… he’s a horrible person. I don’t want him anywhere near my children.”
Kabier took her hand in his. “Sweetheart, I’ve got this. Don’t worry. I’ll hire the best bodyguards for you and the kids. No strangers will be allowed anywhere near the house or have access to you at the office or to the kids at school. They’ll be safe. You all will be safe. I promise.”
The thought of that monster anywhere near Keya’s kids made something violent rise inside him. His jaw locked. For years, he’d convinced himself that the past was buried. That the damage had ended with them. That the next generation would never know the fear he and Keya had lived with.
And now… there was a possibility that the same shadow could touch the children. Fear and fury tangled inside him. He wouldn’t allow it.
“Can you find out more about him?” Akash asked VJ. “Where he’s living, who his associates are? Can we track him down before he tries to contact Keya or me?”
VJ nodded. “I’ll ask my contacts to look into it. But it will be hard. People like him know how to remain hidden.”
Akash sat in silence while Kabier and VJ began discussing security arrangements. From his other side, he could hear Janak gently calming Keya.
“Akash.”
He turned at the sound of Shauna’s voice and found a piece of sandwich held near his mouth. For a second, he simply stared at it. Then at her.
She was watching him closely, waiting. That was when it hit him. This wasn’t his first bite. The plate on her lap was nearly empty. He’d been so caught up in his own spiraling thoughts that he hadn’t realized she’d been quietly feeding him.
His chest warmed. Shauna tipped her head to the sandwich in her hand. He leaned forward and took the bite she offered.
His gaze lingered on her. A few minutes ago, all he could think about was protecting Keya and the children. Now another realization settled heavily inside him. If his father was capable of using anyone to get what he wanted, then Shauna could just as easily be pulled into it.
His expression hardened.
He linked his fingers through hers. “I want a bodyguard assigned to you as well.”
Her brows lifted. “Why me?”
“Because you’re going to be marrying me,” he said. “And I need you to be safe.”
She frowned. “Your father doesn’t know me.”
“As soon as our engagement news is out, he will know who you are.” His tone sharpened. “That man can use anyone or anything to get what he wants. Until I know why he’s back and what he wants from me, I’m not taking chances. I need you to be protected.” His gaze held hers. “So please, for my sake, agree.”
“Alright,” Shauna said. “I’ll agree to a bodyguard tailing me on one condition. You get one too.”
He opened his mouth to respond, but she raised her hand, stopping him.
“That’s non-negotiable,” she said firmly. “You’re in danger as well, and I’m not going to let you get hurt.”
He stared at her, his heart thudding at the realization that Shauna was beginning to care for him too. The knowledge settled deep within him, loosening the quiet knot of worry he had carried about what their marriage would be like.
He sighed. Maybe this marriage could become real. Maybe it could become something he had been looking for all along. He tightened his hold on her hand, drawing quiet strength from her presence.
In the past, his father had torn through their lives and left nothing but damage behind. Back then, they had been children—frightened, powerless, alone.
This time was different.
Keya and he were not alone anymore. They had people who would stand beside them without hesitation. People who would fight for them. His gaze dropped to his fingers threaded with Shauna’s. Whatever his father had returned for, he would deal with it. And this time, he wouldn’t be facing it alone.
