Chapter 26: chapter 26

---“But I don’t plan to announce my relationship with Atharv just yet,” Inaya said calmly. There was a quiet strength and grace in her voice. “With Atharv’s support, I know my career can grow like anything. But people will just see me as Atharv Singhania’s wife, not Inaya Desai, the model. Three years ago, I was the top model in Mumbai. Now, three years later, I’m confident I can do it again—on my own terms. I’ll reclaim what was mine.”She looked at Yashvi with firm eyes, “If you’re still willing to support me, then let’s do this together. But if you want to back out, I won’t force you. I’ll help you break your contract with Nova Entertainment and find you a better job elsewhere.”“What rubbish! Of course I’ll stay with you!” Yashvi replied without a second thought, her voice full of excitement. “I’m going to become the manager of an international supermodel! But tell me one thing... are you still planning to work under Nova Entertainment?”Inaya gave her a knowing look. “What do you think?” she asked with a smirk. “Neil Gulati has used me enough times. I will make sure he gets what he deserves.”Yashvi burst out laughing and leaned on Inaya, shaking her head. “Yaar, I feel like I never knew you properly before. You’ve become so clever and dangerous all of a sudden! So, what’s next? Shall we release that video?”“No… first, we’re going to take back the brand deal. The one Layla snatched from me. We’ll take it right from under her nose. After that, her fans will definitely start drama. That’s the perfect time to release the video.”Inaya’s eyes sparkled with confidence. “Yashvi, you’ll need to work a bit harder now. Help me cut and edit the clips from the Crown’s Star show. Post it online when ready.”“Arre, leave that to me! I’m on it!” Yashvi beamed with excitement. She was impressed—this new Inaya wasn’t weak or broken anymore. She was focused and fierce. The kind of woman who wouldn’t stop till she got what she wanted.After their chat, Inaya asked Ritik to drop Yashvi home. Then she returned to the sweetly-scented bedroom inside the grand villa. Atharv was relaxing on the sofa in a soft robe, a glass of red wine in hand. The way his jawline looked under the warm lights—he could give film stars a run for their money.Inaya felt a little nervous but sat beside him. Without saying a word, Atharv took a sip of his wine, leaned in, and suddenly pressed his lips to hers—sharing the taste of the wine with her.Caught off guard, Inaya’s cheeks turned a deep shade of red. Atharv smiled gently and kissed the tip of her nose.“If you can’t handle a drink, you’ll struggle at parties and events,” he teased softly. “You need to train, sweetheart…”Inaya leaned closer, pressing her soft frame gently against Atharv’s warm chest.  “So, Mr. Singhania, what do you suggest now?” she asked with a teasing glint in her eyes.“Drink one small glass every day… what do you say?” he replied, raising his brows.“With the same method as just now?” Inaya tilted her head slightly, a playful challenge dancing on her lips.Atharv chuckled softly and nodded, “Did you like it?”Inaya gave a shy smile and nodded, “Mm-hmm.”“Then we’ll stick to it,” he whispered, lifting the wine glass to his lips once again. Just like before, he leaned in and gently kissed her, passing the taste of red wine to her mouth.But this time… they didn’t stop.Their lips lingered, igniting a fire that spread quickly. Their kisses grew deeper, more intense, as the sofa beneath them slowly turned into their bed. Atharv’s lips wandered, leaving a trail of warmth down her neck and collarbone. Inaya felt a wave of unfamiliar heat and energy wash over her—her body trembled, her thoughts blurred. She had never felt this vulnerable and yet so safe.All she could see was the sharp curve of Atharv’s nose, his soft lips, and the strength in his arms as he held her close.  “Atharv…” she whispered breathlessly, “Let’s go to the bed… not here, not on the sofa.”Hearing her soft plea, Atharv paused. His eyes travelled down her body to her long, elegant legs—so graceful, they reminded him of a mermaid’s tail.He took a deep breath, controlled his rising desire, and gently wrapped her in a robe. Without a word, he lifted her in his arms and carried her to the bathroom. With utmost care, he placed her inside the warm bathtub.“What’s going on?” Inaya asked, confused by his sudden restraint.Atharv wrapped a towel around himself, then knelt in front of her. Lifting her chin with his fingers, he looked straight into her eyes and said in a serious tone,  “I want your heart first, Inaya. The day I know I’m the only one in there… that’s when I’ll make you completely mine.”After saying this, he stood up, but before he could walk away, Inaya reached out and tugged at his towel gently.“I don’t mind… us being like this. Don’t you trust me?”Atharv slowly patted her head, his touch tender but full of self-control. “You’ve no idea how much I want you, Inaya. You’re… irresistible. But I don’t want just your body. I want your heart too. I want to wait—until you’re sure, until you’re ready.”Inaya nodded, her fingers still wrapped around his hand.  “It’s been a long time… since someone treated me with this kind of respect,” she whispered, eyes shining with emotion.Atharv didn’t need to say anything more. He understood everything hidden between her words.Even though every inch of him wanted to destroy Neil Gulati for what he had done to her, he also knew that Inaya would rise on her own terms. She had that spark—and Atharv had no doubt she’d reclaim her throne.---