As Rooh arrived at the upscale restaurant, her heart raced with a mix of excitement and dread. The ambiance was elegant, with soft music playing in the background and the warm glow of candlelight casting flickering shadows across the tables. She spotted Ekaksh seated at a corner table, a glass of red wine already in hand. The moment their eyes met, a shiver ran down her spine, as if he could see right through her façade.

“Rooh, you look enchanting,” he said, his voice smooth like velvet. She felt her cheeks flush, a reaction she hated but couldn’t control.