The car stopped.

Both stepped out.

Siya removed her sunglasses.

And gasped.

“We’re… staying here?”

In front of them stood a stunning glass hotel built right at the edge of the sea. Sunlight reflected off its transparent walls. The ocean shimmered behind it like a painting.

Aarav nodded, watching her reaction more than the hotel.

She slowly turned around, taking everything in.

The manager approached politely.

“Welcome, sir, ma’am.”

After greetings, he guided them to their private section.

He opened the door.

“If you need anything, sir, please let us know.”

Aarav nodded.

The manager left.

Silence.

Siya stepped inside.

The room was spacious. Elegant. Warm tones. Minimal yet luxurious.

Her eyes landed on a huge glass door.

She walked toward it and opened it.

A soft breeze entered.

Outside—

Greenery.

A private pool.

And beyond that…

The sea.

Endless blue.

Sunlight dancing on the surface.

She stepped out slowly.

Her lips curved into a soft, genuine smile.

Aarav stood a little behind her.

He wasn’t looking at the sea.

He was looking at her.

Then her eyes fell on a wooden swing near the pool.

She walked toward it.

Sat down.

And gently pushed herself.

Back and forth.

A soft smile on her face.

For a moment… she looked free.

But then—

A memory.

Veer standing behind her.

Pushing the swing higher.

Her laughter echoing.

Her calling him “bhai…”

The smile on her face slowly disappeared.

The swing slowed down.

Her hands tightened around the ropes.

Aarav noticed immediately.

Her expression had changed.

She stopped the swing.

Turned her face toward the sea.

Her eyes distant now.

To break the heaviness, he spoke gently—

“Hey… aren’t you hungry?”

She didn’t look at him.

“No. Not yet.”

He nodded.

“Let’s order something. Then we’ll go out and see Maldives.”

This time she turned slightly.

A faint smile returned.

She nodded.

But it wasn’t as bright as before.

Still—

She didn’t walk away.

And that was progress.

Inside a sleek office cabin, Raj leaned back in his chair.

A slow smirk curved on his lips.

“Maldives…” he muttered.

Across from him, Akhil nodded.

“Yes. They left yesterday. Honeymoon.”

Raj’s fingers tapped lightly on the desk.

“Nice.”

He stood up and walked toward the glass window.

“Let them live peacefully… for some time.”

His reflection showed a dangerous calm.

“Let them live in illusion.”

Akhil smiled knowingly.

Then nodded and walked out.

Raj’s smirk deepened.

“Enjoy while it lasts…”

Siya and Aarav were seated at the dining table in their private villa.

The food arrived.

A variety of dishes beautifully presented.

Siya’s eyes lit up slightly.

“It looks tasty.”

She immediately started eating.

Aarav watched her for a second before he began too.

After a few bites, he paused.

Then casually said—

“Hey… feed me that dish.”

He pointed toward one bowl.

She looked at him.

Then at the dish.

“Fine.”

She picked up her spoon.

Aarav’s lips curved subtly.

Finally.

But—

She scooped some food.

Paused.

Then calmly transferred it into his plate.

“See? I served you. Eat by yourself.”

And she continued eating peacefully.

Aarav stared at his plate.

Sighed.

Plan failed.

He wanted her to feed him from her hand.

But now one thing was very clear—

She was not going to melt easily.

Not with simple tricks.

He leaned back slightly.

Watching her.

And smiled.

Challenge accepted… Mrs. Goenka.

And somewhere inside—

He was enjoying this resistance.

Because when she finally falls…

It will be real.

Siya changed her dress.

When she stepped out of the room—

She was wearing a soft pastel crop top and fitted mini shorts, her hair left open, slightly messy from the breeze coming through the balcony doors.

Aarav was already ready.

He turned—

And froze.

For a second, his eyes lingered.

Then he quickly looked away.

Siya noticed.

An eyebrow lifted slightly.

“We’re in Maldives,” she said calmly. “People wear this here.”

He cleared his throat.

“Yes… I know.”

She crossed her arms lightly. “Then why did you look like that?”

He avoided her gaze for a second before replying, “I didn’t.”

She gave him a look that clearly said liar.

He sighed.

“It’s okay,” he added quickly. “Wear whatever you’re comfortable in.”

She studied him for a moment.

Then nodded.

“Good.”

And started walking ahead.

He followed beside her, hands in pockets

After a few steps, she turned toward him.

“Where are we going?”

He checked his watch.

“It’s almost evening. Let’s go to the beach today. Tomorrow we’ll explore the streets.”

She nodded. “Fine.”

They walked toward the sunset.

The sky slowly turning golden.

And for the first time since arriving—

There was no argument.

Only quiet tension.