Esha had never felt more out of place than she did at Albert's lavish party.
Elegant chandeliers sparkled above her head, and crystal glasses clinked gently in the hands of socialites she barely knew. Laughter floated in the air like expensive perfume—but her mind wasn't on the party. It was stuck on something... or rather, someone.
Whispers.
She had overheard a few girls earlier, talking about a mysterious man—Alex. They spoke like he was untouchable, a legend with a shadow darker than night and a power that stretched across borders. And since then, his name had refused to leave her thoughts.
Albert, standing beside her, turned and asked softly, "What's on your mind?"
Snapped out of her daze, Esha blinked and shook her head. "Nothing. Just tired, I guess."
Albert gave a small smile and introduced her to a few more people. She nodded politely, smiled where she had to, but her heart wasn't in it. After some time, Albert leaned in again.
"Would you like to see the palace garden?" he offered.
Esha quickly agreed. A little fresh air sounded perfect. As they strolled through the softly lit path, surrounded by rare flowers and night-blooming jasmine, Esha tried to admire it all—but the name Alex kept echoing in her head like a secret calling to her.
She couldn't take it anymore.
"Albert," she asked, trying to sound casual, "who is Alex?"
Albert paused mid-step, his eyes narrowing just slightly. "Do you know him?" His tone was calm, but there was curiosity—and a touch of caution.
"No, not really," Esha said quickly. "I just overheard a few girls talking about him. That's all."
Albert relaxed, chuckling softly. "Ah. Alex is... well, his family is close to ours. He's very powerful, Esha. Like, unbelievably powerful. His influence goes far beyond what you'd imagine. He's from one of the most influential families in the world. If he wants something—he gets it."
Esha's breath caught.
A man like that... maybe he could help her.
She was trying not to think about it, but the words haunted her day and night:
"If you don't marry me, I'll ruin your precious sister. The choice is yours."
Those were the threats from Vikram Singh, a powerful businessman who was blackmailing her into an engagement she never wanted. Her sister's safety was the only reason she had agreed. But now... now, she wondered if Alex could be the solution.
Maybe he could break this engagement.
But how? A man like him probably wouldn't even spare her a glance.
She turned to Albert again, hesitating before asking, "Can I meet him?"
Albert raised an eyebrow. "Alex doesn't really meet people personally. Not unless he wants to. Even getting near his private wing of the palace is nearly impossible. If you truly want to meet him, the only person who might be able to take you is my father. But even then, it depends... on whether he wants to meet you."
Esha's heart sank. That was a dead end.
Still, she didn't give up. There has to be a way. Maybe I'll find a moment... or create one.
As Albert introduced her to more guests, she played the role—smiling, nodding, laughing. But inside, her mind was a hurricane.
Two names kept spinning in her head: Vikram Singh and Alex.
Later, she turned to Albert and asked softly, "Can I walk in the garden alone for a bit?"
He smiled warmly. "Of course. Take your time."
He led her to the edge of the garden, and just as they arrived, James approached, saying Albert's father was calling him.
"I'll be back soon. Take care," Albert said gently and walked away.
Esha sighed and sat on a bench surrounded by jasmine vines. She leaned back, staring at the sky as old memories and fears started surfacing again.
Just then, she heard something—like a soft rustle behind the bushes.
She turned quickly, but there was nothing.
Still... her eyes caught a glimpse—a hand, barely visible near the wall, as if someone was hiding.
She stood up cautiously and walked towards it.
And then, she saw him.
Leaning silently against the wall, eyes closed, was a man. No... the man. His sharp jawline, the way his sleeves were rolled up to his elbows, his white shirt casually unbuttoned at the top—everything about him screamed effortless danger and magnetism.
It was him.
Alex.
Or so her heart told her before her brain could process anything.
And then... his eyes opened.
Sharp, intense, ocean-storm eyes met hers. And just like that, time stopped.
They stared at each other, like two universes colliding without sound.
But within seconds, he straightened up slightly and asked in a deep voice, "Who are you?"
His voice jolted her from the spell. Esha's mouth opened, but no words came out. Finally, she stammered, "I-I was just... um... who are you?"
A slow, amused smile tugged at the corner of his lips. He tilted his head, watching her like a puzzle. "Shouldn't I be asking you that?"
She gulped. "My name is Krishna. Albert invited me."
At that, his brow lifted slightly. "So you're the girl who saved General Raghav?"
Esha blushed and nodded shyly. "It wasn't a big deal…"
But he was already looking past her, toward a small, glowing pond nearby. Without saying anything, he walked towards it and sat by the edge. Esha hesitated, then quietly followed and sat beside him.
Silence.
Not awkward, just... intense.
After a few minutes, she dared to ask, "You still didn't tell me your name."
The man glanced at her and said simply, "Harsh."
He then asked, "What are you doing in the garden alone?"
"I just needed to breathe," she admitted. "This is the first time I've been around so many big people at once. It's a bit overwhelming."
He gave a small hum of understanding.
She glanced at him again, hesitating. "And you? What are you doing here alone?"
Harsh looked at his hands and said, "My head was hurting too. This crowd is too loud for me."
She looked at his outfit and smiled slightly. "You're not dressed like the others. Why?"
Harsh followed her gaze and looked down at his rolled sleeves and slightly open shirt. "It's suffocating inside," he said. "Too much pressure to look like someone else."
There was something raw about him—honest, unfiltered.
And dangerous.
But for some reason, Esha couldn't look away.