I Won't Leave You

Anushka slowly opened her eyes, the soft light of dawn filtering through the curtains and casting a warm glow over the room. For a moment, she was disoriented, her mind still hazy with sleep. But then she felt the weight of Mark's arm draped over her waist, and the memories of the previous night came flooding back.

She turned her head slightly, her breath catching as she took in the sight of Mark sleeping beside her. His face was peaceful, his features relaxed in a way she hadn't seen in a long time. His chest rose and fell with each gentle breath, and a soft smile spread across Anushka's face as she gazed at him, her eyes filled with affection and adoration.

For a few moments, she simply lay there, taking in the tranquility of the moment. Her heart felt full, overflowing with a sense of love and contentment she hadn't known was possible. She thought about the night they had shared—the way Mark had held her, the way his touch had made her feel safe and cherished. It was a memory she knew she would treasure forever.

As she continued to watch him, her smile grew, and her eyes sparkled with amusement. She couldn't help but marvel at how different he looked when he was asleep—softer, more vulnerable. It was a side of him she had rarely seen, and it made her love him even more.

But just as she was lost in her thoughts, Mark stirred. His eyes fluttered open, and for a moment, he looked up at her, his gaze foggy with sleep. They stared at each other in silence, the air between them thick with unspoken emotions.

Anushka's smile faded, and she felt a sudden rush of shyness. She looked away, her cheeks flushing as she struggled to meet his gaze. The vulnerability of the moment was overwhelming, and she wasn't sure how to handle it.

Sensing her timidity, Mark reached out, his hand gentle as he brushed a strand of hair behind her ear. "Good morning," he said, his voice low and husky with sleep.

Anushka's heart skipped a beat at the sound of his voice, and she finally managed to look at him, though her cheeks were still flushed. "Good morning," she replied, her voice soft and barely above a whisper.

Mark's lips curved into a small smile, his eyes warm as they met hers. "How did you sleep?"

Anushka hesitated, her mind racing as she tried to find the right words. "I… I slept well," she said finally, her voice trembling slightly. "Better than I have in a long time."

Mark's smile widened, his hand moving to cup her cheek. "I'm glad," he said softly. "You deserve to sleep well."

Anushka's breath caught at the tenderness of his touch, and she felt her shyness melting away. She leaned into his hand, her eyes closing for a moment as she savored the warmth of his palm against her skin.

When she opened her eyes again, Mark was still watching her, his gaze filled with a mixture of affection and something deeper—something that made her heart race. "Mark…" she began, her voice trembling.

But before she could say more, Mark leaned in, his lips brushing against hers in a kiss that was soft and sweet, filled with all the emotions they hadn't yet put into words. Anushka's eyes fluttered closed, her heart swelling with love as she kissed him back.

When they finally pulled apart, Mark rested his forehead against hers, his breath warm against her skin. "Ruhi," he whispered, his voice filled with emotion. "I don't know what the future holds, promise me you will never leave me alone. However this plays out, I don't want to lose you."

Anushka's eyes filled with tears, her heart aching with the intensity of her feelings. "Mark, I…" she began, but the words caught in her throat. Instead, she reached up, her hand resting against his cheek as she looked into his eyes. "I won't leave," she whispered. "I promise."

Mark's smile was radiant, his eyes shining with happiness as he pulled her closer, his arms wrapping around her in a tight embrace. Anushka buried her face in his chest, her heart pounding as she listened to the steady beat of his heart.

For a long time, they simply lay there, wrapped in each other's arms, the world outside their little bubble fading away.

-------

Emily zipped her suitcase shut, her expression apologetic as she turned to Jacqueline. "I'm sorry, I won't be able to be at the photo shoot," she said, her tone tinged with regret. "I know it's important, but with Mom and Monica's trip, I really need to be there."

Jacqueline nodded, her expression understanding but slightly disappointed. "It's fine, Emily. I get it. Family comes first."

Emily hesitated, then brightened slightly. "You know, you could always go with Anushka. She's great at this kind of thing, and she's been handling everything so well at Cyber Genesis. Plus, she's got that whole 'young, brilliant CEO' vibe that would really work for the campaign."

Jacqueline raised an eyebrow, a smirk playing on her lips. "Anushka, huh? That's not a bad idea. She's got the look, and she's definitely got the brains. Alright, I'll ask her."

Before Emily could say another word, Jacqueline turned on her heel and strode out of the room, her heels clicking against the hardwood floor. She moved with purpose, her mind already racing with the possibilities of how Anushka could fit into the campaign. But as she approached Anushka's door, she didn't bother to knock. Jacqueline wasn't one for formalities, especially when she was on a mission.

She grabbed the doorknob and swung the door open, her mouth already opening to deliver her pitch. But the words died on her lips as she took in the scene before her.

Anushka and Mark were sitting on the edge of the bed, their heads close together as they shared a quiet conversation. Mark's arm was draped casually over Anushka's shoulders, and her hand rested lightly on his knee. They were laughing about something, their faces lit up with joy and affection.