Chapter 18: A Glimmer of Light

Ekansh’s POV

The drive back from the lake was quiet, but the silence wasn’t uncomfortable. Dia sat beside me, her gaze fixed outside the window, watching the trees blur past. Her cheeks held a faint color from the cool breeze by the water, and for the first time in months, there was something soft in her expression. Peaceful, almost.

It felt good to see her like this—to see a flicker of life in her eyes. She’d been through so much, more than anyone should ever have to endure, and yet she was still here, still fighting.

I clenched the steering wheel tighter, a sudden wave of protectiveness surging through me. If anyone dared to take this peace away from her again, I would make sure they regretted it.

As we pulled into the driveway of the mansion, I glanced at Dia. “Go inside and rest. You’ve had a long day,” I said, my voice gentler than usual.

She hesitated for a moment before nodding. “Thank you… for today,” she murmured, her voice barely audible.

I didn’t respond immediately, watching as she stepped out of the car and disappeared inside. A part of me wanted to follow her, to make sure she was okay, but I knew she needed space. Instead, I leaned back in the driver’s seat, letting out a long breath.

What was happening to me?

Dia’s POV

The moment I stepped inside the mansion, the warmth of the place enveloped me. It felt different now, less like a prison and more like… a home. Or maybe it was just the remnants of the peace I’d felt at the lake.

I headed straight to my room, my steps light for the first time in what felt like forever. The outing had done something to me—something I hadn’t expected. It had given me a sliver of hope.

Closing the door behind me, I leaned against it and exhaled. My mind replayed the moments by the lake, the way Ekansh had spoken to me, the way he’d looked at me. He was so different from the man I’d first met—the cold, ruthless Mafia boss who had torn me from my family.

I didn’t know what to make of him now.

Pushing the thoughts aside, I changed into a comfortable salwar suit and sat by the window, letting the cool night air wash over me. My mind wandered to the books I’d seen in the library earlier. Maybe tomorrow I’d spend some time there.

For now, though, I just wanted to hold on to the calm I felt.

Ekansh’s POV

The night passed slowly. Sleep evaded me as I sat in my study, staring at the files on my desk without really seeing them. My thoughts kept drifting back to Dia—the way she had looked at the lake, her eyes filled with wonder, her smile hesitant but real.

I couldn’t explain it, but something about her pulled at me in ways I couldn’t ignore.

When I’d taken her from her family, it had been about power, about sending a message. But now… now it felt like she was the one who held power over me.

A knock on the door pulled me from my thoughts. “Come in,” I called out, my voice sharp.

Raghav, one of my most trusted men, stepped inside. “Sir, we’ve received intel on Ajay’s remaining associates. They’ve scattered, but they won’t be a problem much longer.”

I nodded, my jaw tightening. “Good. I want every single one of them dealt with. Make sure they know what happens when they cross me.”

“Yes, Sir,” Raghav replied before leaving the room.

As the door closed behind him, I leaned back in my chair, my fists clenching. I would destroy anyone who threatened Dia’s safety. She had suffered enough, and I wasn’t going to let her go through that again.

Not while I was still breathing.

Dia’s POV

The next morning, sunlight streamed into my room, waking me gently. I stretched and sat up, feeling a little lighter than I had in weeks. Today felt different—like a fresh start.

After a quick shower, I dressed in a simple but elegant lavender churidar and made my way downstairs. The mansion was quiet, the staff moving about their duties silently.

I wandered into the library, unable to resist the pull of the bookshelves. Running my fingers along the spines of the books, I felt a sense of calm settle over me.

Maybe, just maybe, things were starting to look up.