Chapter 40: An Unhealthy Obsession

Across the hall, Arnav paused while speaking to another guest.

His eyes drifted toward Veeresh and Poornima.

He watched as Veeresh rested his hand gently on Poornima's waist while they spoke quietly, smiling at each other.

For a brief moment, Arnav's expression changed.

The polite smile on his face faded.

He quietly set his coffee cup on a nearby table.

From a distance, he continued watching the couple.

They looked comfortable together.

They laughed.

They walked side by side.

Something about the sight unsettled him.

He clenched his jaw.

Arnav (thinking): She's married...

To Veeresh Singh.

He looked at Veeresh with narrowed eyes.

The rivalry that had always existed between them in business suddenly felt more personal.

Guests continued talking around him, unaware of the thoughts running through his mind.

Arnav forced a polite smile whenever someone approached him, but his attention kept returning to Poornima.

She was speaking to guests about her bakery, completely unaware that he was watching.

Inside, a dangerous thought crossed his mind.

Arnav (thinking): One day...

She'll be mine.

He immediately hid his emotions behind a professional smile as another guest greeted him.

No one around him realized that admiration had begun to turn into an unhealthy obsession.