"𝑭𝒐𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒐𝒏𝒆𝒔 𝒘𝒉𝒐 𝒘𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝒔𝒂𝒚 𝒚𝒆𝒔 𝒕𝒐 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒗𝒊𝒍𝒍𝒂𝒊𝒏."

-Ciara

(⁠ ⁠˶⁠ ⁠❛⁠ ⁠ꁞ⁠ ⁠❛⁠ ⁠˶⁠ ⁠)

Copyright © [MoonBae067] 2025. All Rights Reserved.

This story is an original work created by the author. No part of this story may be copied, reproduced, or distributed in any form without permission from the author.

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So, welcome to the series of Romance that contains 3 different stories.

🖤 This Series Contains

Dark Romance

Mafia Romance

Billionaire / CEO Romance

Doctor × Model

Lawyer × Mafia

Trader × CEO

3 Couples / 3 Love Stories

Forced Proximity

Possessive Male Leads

Obsessive Love

Jealousy + Dominance

Enemies to Lovers

Flirty Female Lead

Strong Female Lead

Comedy Between Friends

Drama + Family Politics

Thriller + Secrets

Protective + Dangerous Men

Slow Burn + Intense Chemistry

Emotional Breakdown Scenes

Twists + Betrayals

Happy Ending

✧⁠◝⁠(⁠⁰⁠▿⁠⁰⁠)⁠◜⁠✧

Aradhya Mehta

[27 yrs young]

<⁠(⁠￣⁠︶⁠￣⁠)⁠>

Trader.

"what do you see in him?"

"everything you don't."

Anurag Deshmukh

\[30 yrs old\]

¯⁠\⁠\_⁠(⁠⊙⁠\_⁠ʖ⁠⊙⁠)⁠\_⁠/⁠¯

CEO.

you're the poison

i willingly drink.

She walked toward him slowly. He watched every step.

"Don't," he said quietly.

"Why?" she tilted her head.

"I don't like unnecessary touching."

"Oh," I whispered. "Then close your eyes."

Before he could react, she pressed the red color on his cheek.

Slow. Lingering touch.

"You're marked," she said softly.

His eyes darkened.

He took the blue color in his hand.

Her breath paused.

He stepped forward and placed it on my neck. Slid lower than needed. Right above her heart.

"Equal," he said calmly.

Read for more.....

Don't mind this...

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Author's POV

The Mumbai skyline was hidden behind heavy monsoon clouds, but inside the headquarters of Deshmukh Industries, the atmosphere was even stormier. This wasn't just a meeting; it was a takeover.

Anurag Deshmukh sat at the head of the massive mahogany table. His grey eyes were as cold as the steel buildings outside. He didn't move. He didn't fidget. He just watched the door, his fingers steepled under his chin.

To his right sat Agastya Bhosale, his best friend and the only person who dared to yawn in this room. Agastya was a surgeon, but today, he was here as a board member. Next to him was Mira, Anurag's efficient secretary, her iPad ready to record every word.

"They are five minutes late," Anurag said. His voice was a low, dangerous rumble. "I don't like waiting."

"Relax, Anurag," Agastya whispered, leaning back. "It's the Mehtas. They like making an entrance. Besides, I heard Sameer Mehta's daughter is handling the final signatures."

Anurag tightened his grip on his pen. He didn't care who was handling it. He wanted the merger finished so he could return to his empire.

Suddenly, the heavy double doors swung open.



Aradhya's POV

I stepped into the room, and the air immediately felt heavy. Wow, someone needs to open a window, I thought, suppressing a smirk.

My brother, Kabir, walked beside me, looking unusually serious in a suit. "Focus, Aradhya," he muttered under his breath. "Don't flirt with the furniture."

"I make no promises, Bhai," I whispered back.

My eyes scanned the room and stopped at the man at the head of the table. Anurag Deshmukh. I had seen his photos in business magazines, but they didn't do justice to the sheer vibe of authority he radiated. He looked like he had never smiled a day in his life.

Challenge accepted.

I walked toward the empty chair directly opposite him. My heels clicked loudly on the marble floor. I felt everyone's eyes on me-Mira's curious gaze, Agastya's playful smirk, and Anurag's frozen, icy stare.

"Mr. Deshmukh," I said, sliding into the chair and crossing my legs. "Sorry for the delay. Traffic in Mumbai is a bigger monster than your reputation."



Anurag's POV

She was wearing a sharp, blue power suit that matched the "Blue Skies" part of her name. Her hair was wavy, falling over her shoulders, and her eyes-those bright, mischievous eyes-were looking at me like I was a puzzle she had already solved.

"Time is money, Ms. Mehta," I said coldly. "And you've wasted both."

"Aradhya," she corrected, leaning forward. "Ms. Mehta is my mother. And don't worry about the money. My father says I'm his best investment."

"I prefer facts over family sentiment," I replied, sliding a thick file across the table. "The merger terms are non-negotiable. Your father's company, Mehta Finance, will merge under the Deshmukh umbrella. I lead, you follow."

Aradhya didn't even look at the file. She leaned her chin on her hand, her eyes locked onto mine. "You like being in control, don't you? Aapko lagta hai sab kuch aapke hisaab se chalega? (You think everything will go according to your plan?)"

"It usually does."

"Well," she whispered, a small, teasing smile playing on her lips. "I'm not a fan of following. I prefer a partnership. Or a game."



Author's POV

The board members shifted uncomfortably. No one spoke to Anurag Deshmukh like that.

Kabir cleared his throat, trying to break the tension.

"What my sister means is, we have a few amendments regarding the stock distribution. We aren't just selling; we are integrating."

Anurag didn't look at Kabir. He kept his eyes on Aradhya. "There are no amendments. The deal is clear."

"The deal is boring," Aradhya interrupted. She stood up and walked around the table. Everyone held their breath. She stopped right behind Anurag's chair.

She didn't touch him, but she leaned down just enough for him to smell her perfume-something like vanilla and jasmine.

"Mr. Deshmukh," she whispered near his ear, "your tie is a little crooked. For a man who loves control, that's a big flaw, hai na?"

Anurag's jaw tightened. He could feel the heat of her presence. It was a "brushing past" moment that felt like a lightning strike. He didn't turn around.

"Get back to your seat, Aradhya," he said, his voice dropping an octave.

"Touchy," she teased, walking back to her side. "Fine. Let's look at your 'non-negotiable' contract. But I warn you, I'm a very picky reader."



Aradhya's POV

The next two hours were a war of words. I questioned every clause. I challenged his logic. I watched as his calm, CEO mask began to crack just a little.

Whenever he got too intense, I'd throw in a comment or a light flirtation just to see his grey eyes darken. He was like a wall of ice, and I was determined to find a crack.

"This clause about the tech rights," I said, pointing at page 42. "It's a bit... greedy. Itna lalach achha nahi hota, Mr. Deshmukh. (So much greed isn't good.)"

Anurag slammed his hand lightly on the table. Not enough to be violent, but enough to make the pens rattle.

"It's called business, Aradhya. Something you seem to treat like a hobby."

"Oh, I take it very seriously," I said, standing up as the clock struck five. "But I also know when to stop. It's late. My brain needs coffee, and your board members look like they're about to faint from fear."

Agastya chuckled. "She's got a point, Anurag. We've been at this for hours."

Anurag stood up slowly. He was much taller than I expected. He walked around the table until he was standing right in front of me. There was no desk between us now.

He looked down at me, his expression unreadable. "This isn't over."

"I hope not," I replied, looking up at him. "The game is just getting interesting."

I turned to Kabir. "Let's go, Bhai. I need to tell Mom that the 'Great Anurag Deshmukh' actually has a pulse."

As I walked out, I felt a heavy gaze on my back. I knew it was him.



Anurag's POV

I watched her walk out. The way she moved-confident, chaotic, and completely unimpressed by me.

"She's a firecracker, isn't she?" Agastya said, Come to stand beside me. "Most girls shake when you look at them like that. She just... poked the lion."

"She's a distraction," I said, though my heart was beating a little faster than usual. I looked down at my tie in the reflection of the glass window.

It was slightly crooked.

I straightened it with a sharp jerk.

"Mira," I called out.

"Yes, Sir?"

"Get me everything on Aradhya Mehta. Not just her business profile. I want to know everything."

Agastya grinned. "And so it begins. The hunter is getting hunted."

"Shut up, Agastya," I snapped, but I couldn't get her smile out of my head.

Aradhya Mehta thought this was a game. She didn't realize that when I play, I play to win. And I always keep what I win.



Author's POV

Outside the building, Aradhya leaned against her car, looking at the top floor of the Deshmukh tower.

"You're playing with fire, Aradhya," Kabir said, handing her her keys. "That man is dangerous. His family... the Deshmukhs... they aren't just businessmen. There are rumors about his father and his brother, Devang."

Aradhya smiled, her eyes sparkling. "I like fire, Kabir. It keeps things warm. And besides, did you see his face? He's so used to everyone saying 'Yes' to him. He needs a 'No' in his life."

She got into the car, humming a song. The merger was just the beginning. The real deal was going to be much more personal.

To be continued...

(⁠人⁠*⁠'⁠∀⁠｀⁠)⁠｡⁠*ﾟ⁠+

Do tell me how the chapter was...

^^^-Ciara^^^



Author's POV

The Deshmukh mansion was glowing. Crystal chandeliers hung from the high ceilings, and the air smelled of expensive perfume and imported lilies. This was Deshmukh's private gala-a night for the elite. No press, no cameras, just power.

Anurag stood near the grand staircase, looking like a king in a charcoal grey three-piece suit. He was talking to a group of investors, his face a mask of professional boredom.

"Bhai!" A cheerful voice broke his concentration.

Akshita Deshmukh, the youngest of the family, skipped toward him. She looked like a doll in a soft pink gown, her eyes bright with excitement.

"Everything looks so pretty! Can I start the dance floor yet?"

Anurag's expression softened. "In a bit, Akshu. Where is Devang?"

Akshita pouted. "You know him. He said parties are for 'boring people' and went to the basement. I think he's cleaning his... whatever he cleans. He's not coming."

Anurag nodded, relieved. Devang's dark energy didn't fit this polished crowd. But just as he turned back to his guests, the main doors opened.

The room went silent.



Aradhya's POV

I knew I wasn't on the guest list, but since when did a 'No' stop me?

I walked in wearing a deep blue silk saree. It hugged my curves perfectly, the pallu draped elegantly over my shoulder. I didn't want to look like a businesswoman today; I wanted to look like a storm.

"Aradhya!" Akshita's scream of joy echoed through the hall.

Before I could even scan the room for Anurag, his sister rushed over and hugged me. "You came! I told Bhai he should invite you, but he was being such a grump!"

"Well, I decided to invite myself, Akshu," I whispered, winking at her.

I looked past her and saw them-Vikram and Shalini Deshmukh. The titans. I walked up to them with a respectful smile. "Mr. Deshmukh, Mrs. Deshmukh. Namaste. I hope you don't mind an uninvited guest."

Vikram Deshmukh's eyes were sharp, like Anurag's, but heavier with age. "A Mehta is always a guest, even if they forget to RSVP," he said, his voice like gravel.

Shalini Deshmukh scanned me from head to toe. "Blue silk. Bold choice, Aradhya. Most girls stay in pastels to look innocent."

"I gave up on 'innocent' a long time ago, Aunty," I replied smoothly.

But then, I felt a familiar chill on my skin. I didn't have to turn around to know he was standing behind me.



Anurag's POV

She was here. In my house. Without an invitation.

And she looked... breathtaking. The blue silk was a direct provocation, a reminder of our meeting.

"Excuse us, Maa, Papa," I said, my voice tight. I didn't wait for an answer. I grabbed Aradhya's elbow-not hard, but firm enough to show I wasn't asking-and led her away from the crowd.

"Anurag, slow down! Saree pehni hai maine, marathon nahi bhag rahi! (I'm wearing a saree, not running a marathon!)" she hissed.

I didn't stop until we reached a silent, dimly lit corridor near the library. I let go of her arm and stepped into her personal space, pinning her between the wall and my body.

"Why are you here, Aradhya?" I demanded. My voice was low, echoing in the empty hallway.



Aradhya's POV

The corridor was quiet, the music from the hall muffled. Anurag was so close I could see the flecks of silver in his grey eyes. He looked furious, but there was something else there too. Tension.

"I missed your charming personality, Mr. Deshmukh," I teased, though my heart was doing a little dance in my chest. "And I wanted to see if you looked as good in a suit as you do in my head."

"This is my family's private event. You weren't invited for a reason." He leaned closer, his hand resting on the wall right next to my head. "You think you can just crash my life whenever you want?"

"Maybe," I whispered, looking up at him. "Are you scared I'll find out you're actually human?"

The air between us felt thick, like it was charged with electricity. He didn't move. He just stared at my lips, his breathing becoming slightly uneven. For a second, I thought he might actually lose that famous control.



Author's POV

Anurag's gaze was intense. His heart was hammering against his ribs. He wanted to tell her to leave, to stay away from the Deshmukh secrets, but her proximity was doing something to his brain.

Just as he moved an inch closer, a gasp broke the silence.

"Bhai? Aradhya?"

They both jumped apart instantly. Akshita stood at the end of the corridor, her mouth wide open, looking at them.

"Oh my god," Akshita giggled, her hands over her face. "I was looking for you both for the cake cutting, but... did I interrupt a 'moment'?"

Anurag adjusted his cuffs, his face turning back into a mask of ice, though a faint hint of red touched his ears. "Nothing was happening, Akshu. Ms. Mehta was just... leaving."

"Leaving? No way!" Akshita ran over and grabbed Aradhya's hand. "She just got here. Come on, Aradhya, don't listen to him. He's just moody because he hasn't had his black coffee."

Aradhya smirked at Anurag, her eyes dancing with victory. "See? Your sister has better manners than you."

As Akshita dragged Aradhya back toward the party, she looked back over her shoulder at Anurag and mouthed: "Your tie is crooked again."

Anurag stood in the dark corridor alone for a moment, exhaling a breath he didn't know he was holding. He touched his tie. It was perfectly straight.

He cursed under his breath. She was going to be the ruin of him.

To be continued...

(⁠人⁠*⁠´⁠∀⁠｀⁠)⁠｡⁠*ﾟ⁠+

Do tell me how the chapter was...

^^^-Ciara ^^^