Chapter 2: Tensions Rising

I stepped outside, feeling the heat of our argument still lingering in the air. I came here to buy the land, and that's all that mattered to me. I didn't regret the past. What bothered me was the thought of Pin still being in touch with Atul. That made me even angrier. I needed to win this, no matter what.

Walking away from the house, my mind raced. I had to remind myself that I wasn't here to apologize or fix things. I needed that land for my business, and if Pin was too stubborn to sell it to me, I'd find another way.

Back at the house, Pin sat in silence, replaying our argument in her mind. Seeing me again stirred up old feelings—anger, pain, and the truth she wouldn't admit: she was still hurt by how I left her. Atul walked in, sensing the tension.

"Are you okay?" he asked softly.

Pin nodded, but her eyes told a different story. "I'm fine. Just thinking about what happened."

"You've been thinking about her a lot, haven't you?" Atul said gently. "Maybe it's time to let go of the past."

Pin shot him a glare. "Let go? She never cared about me, Atul. She's only here for the land, and I'm not selling it to her."

Atul sighed. "I get it, but you can't keep holding onto this anger. If you need the land, you should think about it."

"It's not about the land anymore," Pin replied firmly. "It's about how she treated me. She doesn't get to come back and act like nothing happened."

Atul raised an eyebrow. "So, you're going to let that stop you from doing what's best for you?"

"I'll do what I want. And what's best for me is to avoid Arin and everything she wants."

Meanwhile, I walked to the edge of the village, my determination growing. I wasn't giving up. I didn't care how Pin felt—my focus was on getting what I needed. As I walked, I spotted Atul again, and my frustration spiked. I didn't want to see him because he always seemed to defend Pin.

"Arin, what are you doing here?" Atul asked cautiously.

"I'm here for the land," I replied, my tone sharp. "That's it. Pin doesn't want to sell, but I'm not leaving until I get it."

Atul shook his head. "You're not going to get what you want by pushing her like this. The past still matters to her."

"I don't care about the past," I snapped. "I just want the land. She can keep her grudges for all I care."

Atul sighed again. "Fine. But don't say I didn't warn you."

I turned and headed back to Pin's house, determined to try one more time. The anger inside me burned as I approached the door again. If Pin wouldn't sell, I'd find another way. I was done with emotional games; I just needed to focus on the future.

When I knocked, Pin opened the door, her eyes filled with defiance.

"What now?" she asked coldly.

"I came to make my offer," I said, stepping inside. "I'm not going to beg, but I'll pay a fair price."

Pin shook her head, crossing her arms. "I told you before, I'm not selling. Not to you."

"I don't care what you say," I replied sharply. "I need that land, and I'll get it."

Atul stepped in behind me, standing in the doorway. The tension in the room grew thick.

"I think we should all sit down and talk this through," he suggested.

Pin glared at both of us. "You don't understand, do you, Arin? I'm not selling to you. Ever."

My frustration reached its peak. "Then I'll find another way, but don't expect me to walk away."

The room was heavy with unspoken words and old pain. The situation wasn't over, and I wasn't about to let it go.