The Photoshoot.

The photo shoot for VoltTech's new product launch was in full swing, the studio buzzing with activity. The space was a blend of modern design and high-tech equipment, with bright lights, sleek backdrops, and a team of professionals moving efficiently to capture the perfect shots. Jacqueline stood at the center of it all, her presence commanding as she posed effortlessly in front of the camera. She wore a tailored suit that exuded confidence and sophistication, her expression shifting seamlessly from serious to playful as the photographer directed her.

Aaron, the head of marketing for VoltTech, was overseeing the shoot with his usual meticulous attention to detail. He moved around the set, adjusting lighting, checking angles, and offering feedback to the photographer. His sharp eyes missed nothing, and his calm demeanor kept the team focused and on track.

Anushka and Mark stood off to the side, watching the scene unfold. Anushka was dressed in a chic yet understated outfit—a fitted blazer over a simple blouse and tailored trousers—while Mark leaned casually against a nearby table, his hands in his pockets. They chatted quietly, their conversation a mix of light teasing and genuine connection.

"You know," Mark said, his tone playful, "you're kind of a natural at this whole 'interim President' thing. Maybe you should consider making it permanent."

Anushka rolled her eyes, though there was a small smile on her lips. "I think one Bendilani at the helm is enough, don't you?"

Mark chuckled, his gaze warm as he looked at her. "Maybe. But you've got the brains and the charm. I'd say you're more than qualified."

Anushka's cheeks flushed, and she looked away, her heart skipping a beat at his words. "You're just saying that because you don't want to come back to work."

Mark's expression softened, and he reached out, his hand brushing against hers. "I'm saying it because it's true. You're amazing, Ruhi. And I'm lucky to have you."

Anushka's breath caught, her eyes meeting his. For a moment, they just stared at each other, the noise of the photoshoot fading into the background. But before either of them could say more, a man approached them, his demeanor polite but persistent.

"Excuse me," he said, holding up a press badge. "I'm a journalist with Tech Horizon Magazine. Do you have a moment for a few questions?"

Mark's expression immediately shifted, his guard going up. He straightened, his tone polite but firm. "We're here to support the photo shoot, not for interviews."

The journalist, however, was undeterred. He turned his attention to Mark, his tone probing. "Mr. Bendilani, it's been a topic of speculation for months—where were you during your disappearance? Can you shed some light on that?"

Mark's jaw tightened, his eyes narrowing slightly. "I needed some time away. A retreat, if you will. That's all I'm going to say on the matter."

The journalist nodded, though his expression suggested he wasn't satisfied. "And when can we expect you to return to work at Cyber Genesis? The company has been moving on under Ms. Anushka's leadership, but many are curious about your plans."

Mark's patience was clearly wearing thin. "That's personal, and I'd appreciate it if you respected my privacy."

Anushka, sensing the tension, stepped in, her tone calm but firm. "Mark will be returning to work very soon. For now, he's focusing on his recovery, and we're all supporting him in that."

The journalist's attention shifted to Anushka, his curiosity piqued. "Ms. Anushka, you've been the interim head of Cyber Genesis during Mr. Bendilani's absence. If I may ask, what is the nature of your relationship with him? Are you two… involved?"

Anushka froze, her mind racing as she tried to come up with a response. She wasn't prepared for such a direct question, and the weight of the journalist's gaze made her feel exposed. She opened her mouth to speak, but no words came out.

Mark, however, didn't hesitate. He stepped forward, his tone firm and unapologetic. "She's my girlfriend. And I think we're done here."

The journalist's eyes widened, clearly surprised by the bluntness of Mark's response. But before he could ask any follow-up questions, Mark took Anushka's hand and led her away, his grip firm but gentle.

Anushka's heart was pounding as they walked, her mind still reeling from the encounter. "Mark," she said, her voice trembling slightly. "You didn't have to say that."

Mark glanced at her, his expression softening. "I wasn't going to let him ambush you like that. You're not just some story for him to exploit, Ruhi. You're important to me, and I'm not going to hide that."

Anushka's breath caught, her eyes filling with tears. "Mark…"

He stopped walking, turning to face her fully. His hands cupped her face, his gaze intense but filled with affection. "I mean it, Ruhi. I'm not going to pretend you're just my colleague or my friend. You're more than that. You're everything."

Anushka's heart swelled with emotion, and she leaned into his touch, her eyes closing for a moment as she savored the warmth of his hands against her skin. When she opened her eyes again, Mark was still watching her, his expression filled with a mixture of love and determination.

"I'm not going to let anyone make you feel uncomfortable or put you on the spot like that," he said, his voice firm. "You deserve better, Ruhi. And I'm going to make sure you get it."

Anushka's tears spilled over, and she reached up, her hand resting against his cheek. "Mark, I… I don't know what to say."

Mark smiled, his thumb brushing away her tears. "You don't have to say anything. Just know that I'm here, and I'm not going anywhere."

They stood there for a moment, the world around them fading away as they lost themselves in each other. But then Aaron's voice cut through the moment, his tone professional but warm. "Alright, you two. Break it up. We've got a photoshoot to finish."

Anushka and Mark pulled apart, their cheeks flushed but their smiles genuine. Aaron stood a few feet away, a clipboard in hand and a knowing smile on his lips. "I hope you two are done with your little moment, because we're on a tight schedule, and I don't have time for distractions."

Mark chuckled, his arm still draped over Anushka's shoulders. "We're ready when you are, Aaron."

Aaron nodded, his tone light but firm. "Good. Because we've got a lot to cover, and I want this campaign to be perfect."

As they walked back to the photoshoot set, Anushka felt a sense of calm settle over her. The encounter with the journalist had been unexpected and overwhelming, but Mark's unwavering support had reminded her of why she had fallen for him in the first place.