NEXT day:
It was the day of the charity dinner, and both Diya and Dhruv were scheduled to attend.
They woke up and had breakfast together, enjoying a quiet morning before the event.
As they finished eating, Diya reminded Dhruv, "Be ready by 8 PM sharp. We shouldn't be late."
"Okay," Dhruv replied with a soft smile.
Later, Dhruv's phone began to ring repeatedly. He sighed and finally picked it up—it was Jaag on the line.
"The team 'K'... it seems they've changed their plans," Jaag said in a serious tone. "You need to be careful tonight."
Dhruv's expression turned sharp. "Hmm," he muttered, before cutting the call and slipping his phone back into his pocket.
Later That Evening – 7:55 PM
Dhruv stood in front of the mirror, adjusting his tie. His mind lingered on Jaag's warning—Team K changing plans couldn't mean anything good. He slipped a small device into his inner jacket pocket. Just in case.
Diya walked in, dressed in a deep blue gown that shimmered under the warm lights. Her elegance left Dhruv speechless for a second.
"Ready?" she asked with a smile, applying her final touch of lipstick.
He nodded. "You look stunning."
"And you look tense," she raised an eyebrow, sensing his mood.
"It's nothing," he said quickly. "Let's just go and enjoy the dinner.
Dhruv was so focused and busy looking around everyone,Diya brought him a cup cake ,And asked him to eat,He smiled and ate it,The environment there seems pleasant ,nothing suspicious,So dhruv thought it's all good.
The grand ballroom was lit with chandeliers, laughter, and clinking glasses. Politicians, businessmen, celebrities—all had gathered under one roof.
Dhruv stood to the side, his gaze drawn toward Diya. For a moment, he was completely lost in her beauty. Suddenly, a tall, well-built man approached her and offered her a glass of wine, and he moved swiftly toward her. then druv quickly rushed towards them.
Noticing him, Diya smiled and said, "Dhruv, come here! Let me introduce you—this is Mateo Jones, CEO of the Jones Company
Dhruv:
"The Jones Company... not a bad firm. It values its customers and carries a strong reputation," Dhruv said calmly, his eyes scanning Mateo. "But I've never seen you around before. What brings you here today?"
Mateo smiled and said, "I'd say it's entirely because of Diya."
The moment those words left his mouth, Dhruv felt a surge of anger rise within him. Jealousy burned through his chest like wildfire.
"But I don't recall you two knowing each other before," Dhruv said, trying to keep his voice steady.
Mateo smirked slightly. "Well, maybe you don't know everything about her," he replied coolly.
Dhruv clenched his fists, his blood boiling—but he forced himself to let it go as the gala officially began.
The evening was filled with luxury: diamond rings, gold ornaments, and prized collectibles were all up for bidding. When the highlight of the night arrived—a stunning diamond necklace—Dhruv wanted to bid for it, hoping to gift it to Diya. But just as he considered it, Mateo suddenly placed a bold bid of 1 million.
Gasps rippled through the room. It was the highest bid of the evening.
Dhruv's heart sank. He wanted to give it to her—but holding back, he decided not to. He didn't want Diya becoming suspicious of his financial background.
Mateo walked up to the stage, received the necklace, and casually walked over to Diya. The crowd whispered in shock.
Woman 1: "Wait... that's for her?"
Woman 2: "Are they a couple?"
Man 1: "Is this a proposal?"
Mateo turned, his smile widening as he looked directly at Dhruv. "No, we're not a couple... yet," he said pointedly. "I just wanted to thank Diya for helping me in the past."
Dhruv's rage flared. What does he mean, 'not yet'? Is he planning to make her his?
But before he could react, Diya gently pushed the necklace back toward Mateo and said firmly, "It's beautiful, but far too expensive. I can't accept this."
Without waiting for further questions, she turned to Dhruv, took his hand, and led him straight to their car—leaving everyone behind stunned and speechless.
Everyone stood stunned, whispering in disbelief as Diya refused the extravagant necklace. But Mateo wasn't ready to give up so easily. With determination in his eyes, he followed her, still holding the box with the necklace inside.
Dhruv, already burning with jealousy, noticed Mateo approaching from the entrance with the necklace in hand. His blood boiled. Without thinking twice, he turned to Diya, wrapped his arms around her—and kissed her.
It was sudden, unexpected.
Diya's eyes widened in shock. The world around her blurred. For a moment, she didn't know how to react. He didn't stop. His kiss deepened—full of possessiveness, passion, and a message only she could feel.
Finally, she gently pushed him back and whispered breathlessly, "Dhruv... we're outside."
He smirked, eyes still locked on hers.
"I know," he said. Then he stepped back, opened the car door for her, and added with a cool edge, "Wait for me inside. I'll be right back."
Still a little dazed, Diya nodded. "Okay," she replied softly, stepping into the car—her heart racing
Dhruv marched toward Mateo, who was still standing near the ballroom entrance. His expression was no longer calm—he looked slightly irritated, clearly sensing the tension.
Dhruv smirked coldly and said, "Don't come near her again. I don't like you."
Mateo raised an eyebrow and replied sharply, "And who are you to decide that?"
Dhruv took a step closer. "Can't you tell who I am? I'm her boyfriend."
Mateo let out a low chuckle. "So what? She hasn't exactly made your relationship public, has she? You haven't won her completely yet." With a smug smile, he turned and walked away.
That hit a nerve. Dhruv had never felt this level of anger—not just from jealousy, but from the helplessness of not being able to claim Diya fully.
The drive back to the villa was painfully silent.
Diya could sense Dhruv's fury radiating off him. His eyes stared blankly out the window, jaw clenched, hands stiff on his lap. She didn't say a word—partly out of caution, partly because she was gathering the courage.
As they stepped inside the house, Dhruv headed straight toward the bedroom. But before he could close the door, Diya reached out and held his hand.
"Dhruv... what happened?" she asked softly. "Why are you so angry? Did I... do something wrong?"
He turned slowly, his voice rough and laced with vulnerability.19Please respect copyright.PENANAAT5H11TrJJ
"Can't you see I'm jealous, Diya? But what right do I even have to feel this way? It's not like I'm your boyfriend in the eyes of the world, right?"
He tried to walk away again, but this time, Diya didn't let him. She pulled him into a tight hug, wrapped her arms around him ,when druv tried to push her diya held —and kissed him gently.
It was slow, heartfelt, full of unspoken emotion.
When she pulled back, her eyes shimmered with tears. "I'm sorry, Dhruv. It's not that I don't—"
Dhruv cupped her face, cutting her off. "No... no, don't cry. I'm the one who should be sorry. I shouldn't have taken it out on you. Forgive me, please."
They held each other quietly, the tension finally melting away.
Diya then stepped away to freshen up, leaving Dhruv standing in the room, lost in thought.
A few minutes later, he took out his phone and dialed Jaag.
"Jaag," he said in a low voice, "I want a full background check on Mateo Jones. Everything—past, present, who he talks to, what he hides. I want to know it all."
Jaag replied with a simple, "On it."
19Please respect copyright.PENANAfa6O2lFLwk