Target :
500 Reads (Total)
20 Votes
10 Comments

NOTE : DO NOT COMMENT ASKING FOR UPDATE UNTIL THE TARGET IS COMPLETED AND DO NOT COMMENT ASKING OTHERS TO VOTE OR COMMENT. I WILL DELETE ALL EMOJI ONLY COMMENTS.

Author: Please read till end.

The room was silent-too silent.

A woman sat in a luxurious office, her eyes fixed on something on her laptop screen. A deadly yet breathtaking smile curled on her lips as she closed the device with a soft click.

She turned and walked toward the glass wall that offered a panoramic view of the city. Situated on the 47th floor, the office afforded a breathtaking view, stretching far beyond the chaos of the world below.

Just then, a man entered the office-brutally handsome, dressed in a casual yet classy outfit, a stack of documents in hand.

The woman turned around.

She was none other than Shivangi Rathore Singhania, CEO of CyberTechs-the most powerful cybersecurity firm in the country, providing elite-level protection to everyone from businessmen to celebrities. If anyone wanted security-digital or physical-CyberTechs was their first call. And Shivangi? One word from her could raise someone to the skies or bury them in the depths of ruin.

The man was her secretary, Shivansh Rajawat Malhotra. His intense gaze lingered on her as he stepped closer, but she-as always-ignored it.

"Ma'am, have you seen the invitation?" he asked.

"Of course, Shivansh," she replied with a smirk, her voice smooth as silk. She patted the plush couch in front of her desk, silently inviting him to sit. He was the only person-besides her best friends-who was allowed to enter her office without knocking.

Shivansh took a seat, his expression unreadable as he observed her. That smirk... it meant trouble. He was certain of it. He would never say it aloud-maybe-but he had a strong suspicion that his boss was the reincarnation of the Devil herself... just in a stunningly beautiful female form. And honestly, he loved that Devil far too much to ever stop her.

He didn't even remember exactly how he'd stumbled into Shivangi's or decided to join her company. But with his skills and experience, it had been a walk in the park. What he did remember, though, was that from the very first day he walked into her world, not a single day had passed without him falling deeper in love with her.

His thoughts were abruptly interrupted when Shivangi turned toward him with a gleam in her eyes.

"Let's go. I have some amazing news to deliver," she said, her smirk widening.

Shivansh groaned internally.

Someone out there was about to cry-or explode in fury. That was inevitable.

And whoever it was, he felt just a little sorry for them. Because if Shivangi was on the move... chaos was guaranteed to follow.

Thirty minutes later, at the Rajvansh Estate

Shivansh and Shivangi stood in front of the Rajvansh Mansion-a large, luxurious, yet timelessly beautiful estate. The moment the guards spotted Shivangi's car, they opened the gates without hesitation.

As Shivangi and Shivansh stepped out, the driver followed a Rajvansh guard to park the car, while Shivangi walked in with effortless familiarity, Shivansh trailing behind her.

Just as they entered, an older woman in her mid-fifties greeted them with a warm smile. Shivangi's face lit up with her first genuine smile of the day as she rushed forward to embrace her.

"Aasha Maa," she whispered, hugging the woman tightly.

Aasha gently patted Shivangi's head, like a mother comforting her child. "How are you? Is your health okay?" Shivangi asked softly, pulling back slightly.

"I'm doing well, baccha. Perfectly fine, as you can see," Aasha replied with a chuckle, her eyes twinkling. "And how are you, my dear Shivu?"

"I'm amazing, Maa. Where are Akshu and Avi Bhaiya?" Shivangi asked, guiding her to the couch. Shivangi then glanced at Shivansh, who was still standing. She gave him a look, and as if understanding her without a word, he quietly sat down beside her.

"Akshu is at the hospital, beta. She had an emergency surgery today. Avi is in his office," Aasha explained. Her eyes then drifted toward Shivansh, who was looking at her with an unreadable expression.

Noticing the way Aasha was looking at him, Shivangi decided to formally introduce him.

"Aasha Maa, this is my secretary-Shivansh Rajawat Malhotra."

Aasha's gaze lingered on the young man for a moment. Her breath caught slightly as she studied his features, but she said nothing. Shivansh didn't speak either; he simply bowed his head respectfully.

"Maa, I'm going to meet Avi Bhaiya," Shivangi said, rising to her feet.

Shivansh stood up as well, a slight frown appearing on his face.

Shivangi arched an eyebrow at him in question, but he looked away, avoiding her gaze. She didn't press further. As she walked toward the study room, he followed silently-his expression still unreadable.

As they reached the office door, Shivangi paused and said, "You can stay here or go downstairs."

Shivansh clenched his jaw, looking away, but didn't say anything. Shivangi reached for the handle, then turned around, a faint yet seductive smirk playing on her lips.

"Or... you can follow me..... if you'll miss me too much."

Shivansh looked at her with a deadpan expression, trying to suppress the warmth spreading through his body. But a faint smirk betrayed him. He leaned against the corridor wall as Shivangi stepped into the room.

The office was a classic blend of elegance and luxury. Soft beige tones mixed with dark chocolate brown created a cozy yet powerful atmosphere.

Hearing the door open, the man inside looked up and smiled. "Shivu? You... here?" He stood up and gave her a brotherly yet familiar hug, which she returned warmly.

"Nothing much, Avi Bhai," she said, sitting on the couch in front of him. "I just wanted to ask if you're going to Italy."

Avinash Singh Rajvansh, infamous Mafia lord and a renowned businessman, raised an eyebrow in confusion. "Italy? Why would I be going to Italy?"

"Oh, you don't know?" she asked, feigning innocence. "Reva's getting married. I know you and Rayan Bhai don't talk anymore, but Reva's still Akshu's and my best friend. I'll try my best to attend, but I'm not sure I'll make it. So I wanted to confirm if you and Akshu are going."

The room suddenly felt heavier. Avinash had gone silent, his demeanor shifting darkly. Shivangi smiled internally-just what she wanted.

She watched as his eyes darkened, a hint of red glowing in his gaze. Maybe she should turn the heat up a little more.

"Rayan Bhai sent me the invitation today. Even he's shocked that Reva's getting married this early,before him, even. I mean, we all know how she always said she'd be the last one to get married... but well, things happen."

Shivangi leaned back slightly, watching him carefully.

"Actually, the reason I wanted to know if you're going is because Akshu's swamped with medical emergencies lately. If you are attending, can you please take a gift from me and give it to Reva? I've sent all the other gifts with my team and butler, but this one's... kind of personal."

She paused for effect, then added with exaggerated nonchalance, "Okay fine, what's the point of hiding it? It's a lingerie set. I designed it myself. For her first night."

She saw his grip tighten.

"I just don't want the staff stumbling across it. If Akshu were going, I would've given it to her. But she might not attend... so I thought you could deliver it. Discreetly."

The sound of glass shattering snapped through the room.

Shivangi kept her expression neutral, but inside, she was grinning like a devil. Maybe she'd gone a little too far. Well, most of what she'd said was a lie, but who cared? Her mission was accomplished.

As she stood up and walked out, she heard the unmistakable sound of things being thrown and broken.

Outside, Shivansh was waiting. The loud crash from within made him raise an eyebrow. Shivangi walked past him, a wide smile on her face.

"Let's go. I'm starving. I want to eat at my favorite restaurant."

Shivansh gave her a side glance. "Are you sure he didn't go completely berserk in there?"

"I don't think so," she replied airily.

Shivansh narrowed his eyes at her.

"Okay, maybe just a little," she admitted, grinning. "I might've gone a bit overboard with the whole lingerie thing. But oh well... the angrier he is, the better."

Shivansh groaned internally. He was sure his boss had just driven the emotionally reserved heir of the Rajvansh empire mad. And honestly, who wouldn't be-if someone talked about the woman you've been loving madly your whole life getting married to someone else... and then, of course, that first night reminder.

Meanwhile, with Avinash

Avinash's eyes were hooded with darkness, as if he were in a complete daze. He threw his expensive laptop on the floor as if it were worthless.

He shouted in anger, breaking one thing after another-and no one dared to stop him, fearing his wrath. Avinash Singh Rajvansh was the most silent person you would ever meet, but his anger was as deadly as his silence. And right now, Shivangi had decided to evoke that anger.

The room looked like it had been hit by a natural disaster-well, a natural disaster named Avinash Singh Rajvansh.

Shards of glass lay broken on the floor. The expensive, high-end electronics were in a condition that even God couldn't repair. The once breathtaking bookshelf now lay in shambles, books scattered in a not-so-good condition.

Avinash suddenly looked up, the top three buttons of his shirt open, as he breathed heavily, sweat coating his forehead and chest, which shined brighter than diamonds.

But on his face... despite all the destructiom... was now a dark, twisted smirk that could make anyone shiver with its intensity.

"Firefly..." he whispered to himself in a deep, hoarse voice. He stepped over the broken remains and looked at a photo frame on the table-the only thing that still lay intact. He picked up the frame, his eyes falling on the image of a beautiful girl with oceanic blue eyes that made him fall deeper into them.

"You didn't do good by deciding to marry someone else. You are mine. Only mine. And I am yours. Only yours. And looks like it's time to take what's mine," he said in a dark, obsessive tone.

Meanwhile

Shivangi and Shivansh sat in a high-end VIP restaurant, as Shivangi ate without a care in the world, not noticing the eyes that were admiring her.

Suddenly, she looked up and saw Shivansh looking at her with soft eyes. She blushed at the intensity and thought to herself, Why is he looking at me as if I am his meal? I did order for him too... did he not like his food?

"Why are you looking at me like you want to eat me?" Shivangi said bluntly, not realizing the effect of her words, which made Shivansh cough violently-even though he was not eating anything.

Shivansh thought to himself, This woman will be the reason for my death one day, but still decided to answer. "I'm not," he said straightforwardly, and continued, "I was thinking about something."

Shivangi nodded and said, "Eat then."

"Yeah," Shivansh said, but he blushed again and again as the word echoed in his mind like a film without a pause.

Avinash's Study

The room was still in shambles, fragments of glass scattered like fallen stars across the marble floor. Avinash sat on the edge of his desk, his breathing steady now, though the storm inside him had not calmed. His sharp jaw clenched, his eyes hooded with determination.

He picked up his phone and dialed a number.

Within seconds, a man in his late twenties-sharp suit, sharper eyes-entered the study and bowed. "Yes, Sir?"

Avinash's gaze was cold, almost lifeless, as he said, "Prepare a team."

The man frowned slightly. "A team, Sir? For where... and for what?"

Avinash's lips curved into a dark, twisted smile, his voice hoarse but firm. "Italy."

The man blinked, stunned. "Italy?"

Avinash rose to his full height, buttoning his shirt lazily, the veins on his hand still visible from the rage earlier. He stepped closer, his eyes blazing with unshakable obsession.

"We are going to take your bhabhi."

The secretary froze, his breath catching in his throat. Bhabhi. Not target, not woman, but bhabhi. The word carried the weight of finality-there was no questioning it. His boss had made up his mind.

Swallowing his shock, he bowed low. "As you say, Sit. I'll make arrangements immediately."

Avinash gave him a dismissive wave, and the man left quickly, his heart pounding at the storm he knew was about to erupt.

When the door closed, silence returned once again. Avinash sank into his chair, his hand moving to the drawer of his desk. From within, he pulled out a photo frame-the one thing he had never allowed anyone to touch.

The picture inside was old, edges worn, but the face staring back was still radiant-bright blue eyes, a mischievous smile. His hand caressed the glass as if it were skin.

"Firefly..." he whispered, his voice breaking slightly before hardening again. "You were always mine."

He leaned back, his mind pulling him into memories buried deep but never forgotten.

Flashback - Years Ago

The Rajvansh family garden bloomed under the golden evening light. Eight elders sat on carved wooden chairs, sipping tea and laughing softly among themselves. The air was filled with the sound of children's laughter as six little ones played across the lush green lawn.

Among them, a small girl with bouncing curls and eyes as blue as the ocean tugged gently at the sleeve of a boy a few years older. He looked down, his dark hair falling over his forehead, and when their gazes met, his stern little face melted into a smile.

"What happened, Firefly?" he asked warmly, crouching to her height.

She bit her lip nervously, then said in the most serious tone her tiny voice could manage, "You will marry me when we grow up... just like my Mumma and Papa, right?"

The boy blinked, then chuckled softly. He reached out and patted her head with surprising gentleness. "Yes, Firefly. I told you I will. Don't get worried." His eyes softened as he added, "I promise you-we'll definitely marry when we grow up. Just like our Mumma and Papa."

The little girl's face lit up. Without hesitation, she leaned forward and pressed a quick kiss on his cheek.

The boy's eyes went wide, and his cheeks flushed scarlet. He touched his face in shock, while she giggled and ran off, leaving him standing frozen, his heart racing for reasons he didn't yet understand.

Flashback Ends

Avinash's grip on the frame tightened, his knuckles turning white. His eyes burned with obsession, every fiber of his being consumed by the memory.

"It looks like you forgot your promise, Firefly," he whispered, his voice low and dangerous. "And I... I have to remind you."

He leaned back, a dark smile stretching across his lips.

Italy – Villa De Luca

The air smelled faintly of lavender as the curtains swayed in the breeze drifting through the tall French windows. The villa was a blend of royalty and modern elegance, its marble floors gleaming under the golden afternoon sun.

In one of the grand rooms, a young woman sat with her back straight, her posture regal even in casual attire. Dressed in white silk trousers and a soft sky-blue blouse, she exuded quiet confidence. Her long hair flowed freely, framing a face both gentle and commanding, while her ocean-blue eyes remained fixed on the stack of documents before her. Every line she read was marked with precision, her pen moving swiftly as she made notes.

The heavy double doors creaked open, and an older woman entered with measured steps. Draped in a deep emerald gown and pearls that glistened faintly at her throat, she radiated authority—the kind that came not from titles but from a lifetime of wielding influence.

Nonna Isabella De Luca, the matriarch of the De Luca family. Stoic. Steel beneath silk.

She paused a few feet away, her sharp eyes narrowing at the sight of her granddaughter working alone. “Reva,” she said, her tone firm yet not unkind. “You should be with your fiancé right now. Not buried in those papers. You are going to be a wife. You must learn what he likes, what he dislikes, and what he expects of you.”

Reva Marco De Luca finally looked up, her expression calm, her eyes carrying the same stillness as a midnight sea. She set down her pen with deliberate grace before answering.

“It’s not written anywhere, Nonna,” she said evenly, her voice carrying quiet strength. “I don’t have to shape myself around someone else’s wants. And besides—Rayan Bhaiya already told me I can reject the proposal if I want.”

Nonna Isabella’s lips thinned, her sharp eyes briefly flashing with something Reva could not mistake—displeasure… perhaps even disgust. It was there for only a heartbeat before her matriarchal mask returned, serene as ever.

“Don’t forget your promise, cara mia,” Isabella said softly, but her voice carried the weight of iron chains. She walked closer, the pearls at her throat glinting under the chandelier light. “You have to marry the man I chose for you. This is not merely about you. Your brother’s life—and the peace treaty between families—depends on it.”

The words struck harder than any blade.

Reva’s hand tightened around her fountain pen until her knuckles turned white. A faint crack echoed—the nib had snapped under the pressure, ink spilling in jagged lines across her documents like bleeding wounds.

She didn’t respond. She couldn’t.

But the silence in the room grew deafening.

Her chest felt heavy, suffocating, as if invisible ropes were binding her ribs tighter with each passing second. Her ocean-blue eyes flickered, not with weakness, but with the storm she forced herself to swallow.

Finally, she inhaled slowly, the kind of deep breath one takes when stepping onto a battlefield.

“I understand, Nonna,” she said, her voice steady though her heart thundered in her chest.

The matriarch studied her for a long moment, then gave a small nod, satisfied. “Good girl.” She reached out and brushed her granddaughter’s hair back, her touch deceptively tender. “Remember, Reva… duty above desire. Always.”

With that, she turned and left, her heels clicking like the ticking of a countdown clock.

The doors shut with a soft thud.

Hey Dear Readers,

How was the chapter? How much would you rate it out of 10?

Which character you found most interesting in this chapter and why?

Are you excited for the next chapter?

What about your views on my attempt to try to write Dark Romance. I know it's not that Dark though.