Chapter 13: chapter 13

---Of course not, the timing wasn’t right!  Atharv knew exactly what she was thinking. He picked up her phone and handed it to her, silently urging her to answer. Instead of stepping aside, Inaya confidently pressed the answer button right in front of him.  "Inaya, where are you right now?" Neil’s voice came through the line, laced with urgency.  "I was worried the reporters might find me, so I found a place to hide," she replied smoothly.  "So, you’re saying you don’t know what happened with Yashvi?" Neil asked, his tone measured.  "What happened to Yashvi?" Inaya feigned curiosity. "The place I’m staying in is pretty remote, so I haven’t been able to keep up with the news."  "Thanks to your manager, Nova Entertainment is in chaos. Come to the office immediately—I’m arranging a press conference. Inaya, I need you to help clear the company’s name."  Press conference? More like another opportunity for him to throw the blame on Inaya...Did he really think she was still that naive?  Disgusted, Inaya ended the call without another word. Before she could say anything, Atharv spoke up. "I’ve already saved my number in your phone. If you ever need me, call. No matter what, let me know what you want to do."  "Thank you, Atharv..."  "You shouldn’t be calling me that..." His voice was deep, teasing. He leaned back, effortlessly pulling her into his arms. "Call me something else... or I won’t let you go."  Inaya’s cheeks burned as she whispered, "H-hubby..."  A rare smile broke across Atharv’s face.  "Come on, I’ll drop you at work. And remember what you promised—don’t get too close to another man."  She knew exactly what he meant. Meeting his gaze, she gave him a reassuring smile, silently asking him to trust her. Atharv’s heart skipped a beat. Between them, there was nothing left to say.  ---  In just forty minutes, Atharv had driven Inaya close to Nova Entertainment. As the king of the industry, he knew the darkest secrets hidden behind the glamorous facade. He was curious—how would Inaya turn the tables and reclaim her position as the top model?  She knew the game well. Her enemies had already revealed their hand, but she had to keep her cards close. If she couldn’t change the outcome even after playing her best move, she would have to accept defeat.  After stepping out of Atharv’s car, Slipping into the building through a discreet entrance, she stepped inside, immediately noticing the mix of emotions on the faces around her—disgust, resentment, mockery. It was clear they believed Yashvi’s revelations had been orchestrated by her.  Inaya pretended not to notice. She walked over to Neil’s room and pushed open the door as her gaze met the back of Neil’s head."You’re back..." He turned around, barely masking his frustration.  "Tell me what happened."  "You seriously don’t know?" He threw a stack of newspapers onto the desk in front of her. His anger flared. "If she hadn’t received orders from you, how would Yashvi have dared to do this?"  "Neil, we’re about to get married. Why would I do something like this? Do you really think I’d push you away?" Inaya asked, her voice laced with hurt.  "Then explain why you wore the Crown’s Star on your anklet during the show! You knew the biggest difference between you and Layla is your legs..."  Inaya studied Neil’s face as he interrogated her. She recalled the countless times he had shielded Layla in the past. She had once believed he was only protecting his growing career, that he was being pragmatic. But now, it was clear—the only person he had ever truly wanted to protect was Layla.  "I had no choice but to wear the Crown’s Star on my ankle. Layla’s assistant was there, you can ask him."  "I already did," Neil snapped. "He said you made the decision yourself."---------If you like this story, then definitely support it by stickers , i will get motivation, to writeThanku ️❤️🙏🙏Written By –✍ @shri❤️😘So, how is this??Tell me in the comment sectionI will update you soon about the next part..!!Till then, stay tuned and miss me..!!😜#keep reading#keep loving#❤️❤️