Chapter 25: The Masquerade Threat

The soft Jaipur morning crept through the lattice windows, laying golden patterns on the marble floor. Akriti stirred beneath the silk covers, blinking awake to find the quiet rhythm of Rudransh's breath beside her. He was already sitting up, dressed in his gym outfit, skimming through his phone. Serious. Unreadable. Just like always.

She just lay there, staring at him, trying to look past his cold exterior.

"Morning," he said, breaking her reverie.

She propped herself up on one elbow. "Good morning, Mr. Shekhawat."

He looked at her with that cold face. Akriti frowned her eyebrows. "What?" she asked.