The next day, the media devoured the dating announcement like hungry wolves. Heer was a beloved singer, adored by millions, and Ishaan had recently risen to fame through a hit web series.

Their fans rejoiced at the revelation, flooding social media with well wishes and celebratory messages. Twitter buzzed with their names, making them the hottest trending topic of the day.

However, behind the dazzling headlines, the couple was in the middle of a heated argument.

"Heer, why did you suddenly announce it?" Ishaan's voice was sharp, his anger barely contained. "I told you we could go public after I broke things off with Sriya!"

Heer’s eyes flashed with frustration. "And when exactly was that supposed to happen, Ishaan? I've been waiting for six months! Six damn months!"

Ishaan let out an exasperated sigh, running a hand through his hair. "I was planning to end things with her next month. I just wanted to wait until the movie promotions were over so I could talk to her properly. I didn't want any drama."

"Well, too late for that," Heer snapped before softening slightly. She sat beside him, wrapping her arms around his tense shoulders. "Look, what's done is done. Just talk to her and end it. I don’t ever want to see her near you again."

Ishaan didn’t reply. He knew she was right, and there was no point in arguing further. He had to talk to Sriya and make her understand. Determined, he made up his mind to visit her apartment that evening.

---

Later that day, Ishaan stood outside Sriya’s apartment, his heart pounding as he rang the doorbell. He shifted uncomfortably, preparing himself for the inevitable confrontation. A minute later, the door swung open, revealing Sriya in a pair of casual lounge pants and a loose t-shirt. Her expression turned ice-cold the moment she saw him.

She immediately moved to close the door, but Ishaan stuck his foot out just in time. "Sriya, please. Just hear me out."

Her dark eyes held no warmth. "What do you want?"

"I just want to talk. Please?" He almost sounded desperate, and that irritated Sriya even more.

After a pause, she sighed and stepped aside. "Fine. Come in." She needed to hear his reasons.

They walked into the living room, the air thick with unspoken words. Sriya sat across from him, arms crossed. She wasn’t in the mood for pleasantries. "Why did you do it?" she asked, her voice void of emotion.

Ishaan swallowed hard. He hadn’t expected such a direct question so soon. "We've been together for almost one and a half years, Sriya. I want to be honest with you now."

She said nothing, her gaze unwavering. Her silence made him more nervous than outright anger would have.

"I met Heer almost a year ago. I was a fan, but I had never met her before. It was just a coincidence that we ran into each other at a club. We only had a few drinks. That’s all."

Sriya's face remained impassive.

Ishaan took a deep breath before continuing. "A few months later, she was introduced as one of the singers for the movie. Again, just a coincidence. We started getting close. And... honestly? I had personal motives too." He hesitated before admitting, "She has connections, Sriya. Her wealth is generational. Unlike us. I thought being with her would help my career. Things escalated quickly, and before I could tell you the truth, everything spiraled out of control."

Sriya scoffed, shaking her head in disbelief. "You had six months, Ishaan. Six fucking months to come clean. And you didn’t."

Ishaan had no words.

She let out a humorless laugh. "You know what? Fine. What's done is done. At least now I know the truth. I'm better off without a cheater." Her lips curved into a smile—one that didn’t reach her eyes. "I won’t waste my time making you regret this. Because once I leave something behind, I stop considering it mine. And I never leave things behind intentionally."

Ishaan left her apartment feeling lighter yet heavier at the same time. He had done what he had to, but the weight of his actions clung to him. He felt a flicker of regret, but it was fleeting. His future with Heer promised more—more success, more connections, more opportunities. He forced himself to suppress whatever emotions lingered.

At his company, Ishaan walked past his manager, Vivek, who had known about his relationship with Sriya. Vivek simply shook his head. He had tried to warn Ishaan before, but a stubborn mind was impossible to convince.

---

Meanwhile, Heer sat in her personal studio, working on a new song. She was so engrossed in the melody that she didn’t notice the soft knock on her door until her assistant, Vimala, tapped the table lightly.

Startled, Heer looked up. "What is it?"

"You should see this." Vimala placed her phone in front of Heer, displaying images of Ishaan leaving Sriya’s apartment building.

Heer’s expression darkened as a wave of jealousy washed over her. She had always known about Ishaan and Sriya’s past, but seeing those images made her blood boil.

She had never admitted it out loud, but she always felt inferior to Sriya. Sriya was breathtakingly beautiful—the kind of woman even other women admired. And the fact that Ishaan had once been hers made Heer’s insecurities flare.

That was why she had done what she did - announce their relationship before consulting with Ishaan.

She had set her sights on Ishaan and ensured he fell into her grasp. She knew his ambition, his hunger for success. And she had given him what he wanted—an opportunity. She had played her cards well, and Ishaan had taken the bait like a dog chasing a bone.

Still, she reminded herself, he had only gone to see Sriya to end things. There was no reason to be upset. Their connection was severed.

For good.

---

Two days later, Sriya visited her company to finalize a movie role. She had been offered the lead in a horror film, and after reviewing the script, she was ready to sign the contract. The shooting was scheduled to start in a month, which meant she had some rare free time.

Deciding to make the most of it, she planned a visit to her family. It had been nearly half a year since she last saw them. Even though they lived in the same city, her schedule—and the ever-present paparazzi—made it difficult to spend time with them.

Back at her apartment, she informed her house help about her departure and packed her essentials. Her family always ensured she had everything she needed at home, so she traveled light.

She drove herself to her family’s mansion in a black Fortuner with tinted windows, a car that no one associated with her. As she navigated the busy streets of Mumbai, she felt a sense of relief. The city was chaotic yet beautiful—a concrete jungle filled with endless opportunities and betrayals.

Sriya's father, Varun Gupta, was a towering figure in the world of industry—a visionary entrepreneur who had cemented his legacy as one of the most influential industrialists of his time.

As the owner of multiple subsidiaries under the colossal empire of Gupta Co. Ltd., he carried forward the legacy initiated by his grandfather. The company was founded during the post-independence era when India, rich in natural resources and brimming with potential, became a land of golden opportunities for business-minded individuals.

Through sheer determination and strategic brilliance, Varun expanded the company into multiple sectors, ensuring its stronghold in the ever-evolving market.

Sriya’s mother, Poornima Gupta, was a celebrated fashion designer known for her impeccable sense of style and innovative designs. Hailing from the vibrant city of Bengaluru, she carved her path in the fashion industry after moving to Mumbai. It was in the bustling metropolis that fate intertwined her destiny with Varun Gupta. Their love story was one of serendipity, passion, and shared ambition. After tying the knot, they built a beautiful family together, raising three remarkable children.

The eldest of the Gupta siblings, Manish Gupta, was the embodiment of responsibility and discipline. He had seamlessly stepped into his father’s shoes, serving as the Chief Financial Officer of Gupta Co. Ltd., ensuring the financial stability and expansion of the company. Manish’s pragmatic approach and sharp business acumen made him a vital pillar of the family enterprise.

On the other hand, Nikhil Gupta, the youngest of the three, was a whirlwind of energy and mischief. Despite his playful and carefree demeanor, he was immensely intelligent and had inherited the family’s business mindset. Currently, he was pursuing his education at one of the most prestigious institutions in India—Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore (IIMB), where he was sharpening his skills to join the family empire one day.

The Gupta household was a blend of love, ambition, and chaos. While their parents held high expectations from them, they never let those aspirations become a burden. Instead, they nurtured their children with unconditional love, ensuring they grew into individuals who valued both success and familial bonds.

As thoughts of her family flooded Sriya’s mind, a warm smile spread across her face. She loved them deeply and cherished every moment spent with them. Before she knew it, she was at the grand entrance of the Gupta mansion. The towering gates, adorned with intricate designs, stood tall, guarding the place she called home. The security guard, recognizing her car immediately, pressed a button, and the iron gates creaked open to welcome her inside.

Rolling down her window, Sriya greeted the guard with a cheerful smile before maneuvering her car through the long, well-paved driveway.

The meticulously maintained garden flanking the path was a sight to behold—vibrant flowers swayed gently with the breeze, and the neatly trimmed hedges stood in symmetrical perfection. Her mother’s touch was evident in every petal and leaf, as she personally took care of the garden, finding solace in its serenity.

Parking the car near the grand entrance, Sriya stepped out and handed the keys to the waiting attendant. With a deep breath, she walked up the marble steps, the familiar scent of home filling her senses. She rang the doorbell, and within moments, one of the maids opened the door. The woman’s eyes widened in surprise, but before she could utter a word, Sriya pressed a finger to her lips, signaling her to stay silent. The maid, albeit dazed, nodded obediently and stepped aside.

With a mischievous glint in her eyes, Sriya tiptoed inside, slipping off her shoes at the foyer before making her way into the grand living room. The opulent chandelier cast a warm glow over the elegant decor, and the air carried the faint aroma of freshly brewed tea. She took a deep breath before breaking into a wide grin.

"I'm home!" she announced enthusiastically, her voice echoing through the vast space.

However, as soon as the words left her lips, the atmosphere in the room shifted. Her excitement faltered as she noticed unfamiliar faces occupying the plush sofas. Guests. Important ones, judging by the way her parents and brother sat with composed expressions.

Sriya’s heart sank.

"Uh oh," she muttered under her breath, suddenly aware of the dozens of curious eyes now fixed on her.