Page 67 of The Maze


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I ignore the tension between these two men, reminding myself of the purpose of our meeting.

Vishnu nods at me and sits a few tables away from ours to allow me to have this conversation with Ayaan. I take a deep breath, knowing he’s within earshot should I need him, and his eyes are going to witness everything that happens between me and Ayaan here. I walk toward Ayaan, aware of his appreciative gaze taking in every inch of my attire.

It wasn’t a deliberate effort, but the outfit I’m wearing shows an inch of my midriff, enough to tease but not reveal too much. Ayaan’s gaze tells me he loves what he sees, but I know I can’t let my emotions sway me tonight. This meeting is about making a crucial decision, not giving in to Ayaan’s alluring presence.

As I approach, he stands up, his smile widening as he takes me in.

His voice, low and seductive, breaks the silence between us.

“You look absolutely stunning tonight,” he murmurs.

I bite my lip, trying to focus on the purpose of our meeting. Tonight is about making a decision that will shape our future, and I won’t let anything distract me from that path.

“Let’s not get distracted, Ayaan. We have important matters to discuss,” I say, my voice firm and steady.

His expression shifts, understanding the seriousness of our talk. “You’re right,” he agrees, gesturing to the seat beside him. “Please, have a seat.”

He must be joking if he thinks I’ll sit next to him. Instead, I sit across from him, trying to keep my emotions in check as he continues to watch me with those piercing eyes. Without delay, Ayaan comes and sits next to me on the couch, leaving only a few inches between our bodies. I’m about to retort when he shuts my mouth, placing his finger on it.

“That’s how couples sit in a place like this,” he says with a grin.

I push his finger away.

“I didn’t call you here to hang out with you but to discuss the marriage deal you proposed.”

Ayaan sighs.

“Whatever you want to discuss, this is how we will sit.”

He is testing my patience. I take a deep breath, trying to steady my nerves, as I begin the conversation I came here for.

“About the marriage deal,” I say, looking into his eyes.

“Stop calling it a deal,” Ayaan immediately corrects me.

“Why should I? It’s you who proposed it that way.”

Ayaan jaw tenses as he responds.

“It’s not a deal for us, but for your father. I’ve established that already, haven’t I?”

I maintain my smile. Yes, he has indeed clarified it, yet I playfully goad him, curious about the impact of that term on him.

“Fine. So, in the marriage proposal you mentioned it has to happen in one month. Why this specific time period? Why not later, especially when your dad is still recovering?”

His eyes dance with a mischievous glint, and he smirks before replying, “Well, that’s because I want you living with me as soon as possible. I’m done with my solitary sleepless nights.”

My cheeks flush at his candid response. His fingers automatically move to my hand, and he strokes my wrist as he continues speaking.

“I can’t wait to have you as my partner, to build a life with you, to cherish and support you, and to be there for you in every way possible.”

His sincerity touches my heart, and I feel a warm surge of affection for him. But I still maintain my resolve not to let his sweet words sway my judgment.

“Ayaan, I’m serious.” I scold him.

“So am I,” he grins again, clearly enjoying the banter between us.

I grit my teeth and give him a look of disapproval, annoyed by his attempt to sidestep and turn his response into something romantic rather than giving me a straightforward answer.

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