Chapter 5
"You lied to protect me.
But the truth was the weapon that destroyed me."
---
Malishka's Apartment – Midnight
The silence was heavy, broken only by the ticking clock.
Malishka sat on her bed, the photo Rivan had given her clutched in her hand.
Someone had been following her. Watching her.
And somehow, Rivan had known.
She didn't know whether to be angry or afraid—or both.
But one thing was sure.
Rivan Knight wasn't just a CEO with a cold heart.
He was something else.
Something darker.
---
KnightCorp – The Next Morning
Malishka walked in with her head high, dressed in a crisp white shirt and black pencil skirt, her confidence armor against the chaos inside her.
As she passed the reception, she heard the whispers.
"That's the one working directly with the boss now, right?"
"She must be special..."
"Or involved."
She didn't flinch. But she noted every word.
She was determined not to let Rivan's world consume hers again.
No matter how close it crept.
---
In the Elevator – A Familiar Face
"Hey there, Miss Kapoor," Aaryan said, stepping in.
He looked nothing like a mafia heir. Charming smile, playful eyes, coffee in hand.
But Malishka wasn't fooled anymore.
"Morning," she replied curtly.
Aaryan chuckled. "Still mad at Rivan?"
"Why? Shouldn't I be?"
He raised an eyebrow. "No arguments here. But for what it's worth, he's been spiraling since college. You broke him too, you know."
She looked at him, surprised.
"I didn't break him. He left."
"Yeah," Aaryan said, sighing. "He left because he was told to choose between you and survival."
The elevator dinged. Aaryan stepped out, turning to her.
"And he chose to let you live."
---
Flashback – 3 Years Ago, College
Rivan sat on the bench outside the hostel, fists clenched.
Raunak's voice echoed in his mind:
"You want her to die like the others? You want the enemies to find your weakness?"
Malishka ran up to him, worried. "Rivan, you've been avoiding me. What's wrong?"
He looked into her eyes, and lied.
"I don't love you anymore."
Her world crumbled that night.
But he had protected hers.
---
Present – Knight Mansion
Siyana hummed in the kitchen, trying to make pancakes. The batter was all over the counter.
"Pihu taught me this on FaceTime," she said as Rivan walked in.
"You're going to burn the house down," he muttered, taking the pan from her.
Siyana grinned. "You need to smile more, Bhai. You're always so angry."
"I'm not angry."
"You're in love."
Rivan paused.
"She's not safe," he said softly.
Siyana looked at him, suddenly serious. "Then make her safe. But don't push her away again."
---
Later – At the Office
Malishka was in the break room when Kiara entered again, as if she owned the place.
"Oh, still here? I thought pretty girls like you got promoted faster when they were... close to the boss," she said with a smirk.
Malishka gave her a sharp smile. "I prefer to climb on my own merit. Not someone's lap."
Kiara blinked, caught off guard.
Before she could respond, Rivan entered.
"Is there a problem?"
"No, not at all," Malishka said, walking out with her coffee.
Rivan stared at Kiara.
"Don't push her," he warned. "She's not your competition. She's your replacement."
---
Evening – Malishka's Apartment
She found a box outside her door.
No name. No address.
Inside: a single black rose. Dried blood on the petal.
Her heart dropped.
There was a note tucked inside.
"You took what wasn't yours. Time to pay."
She backed away, dialing the only number her heart knew in danger—
Rivan.
He picked up instantly.
"I got a box. A black rose. Blood. A note—"
"I'm already outside," he said.
She rushed to the window. His car was parked. He was waiting.
---
In the Car – Moments Later
She got in without a word.
His jaw was tight. His eyes furious.
"You're staying with me tonight," he said.
"Rivan—"
"Don't argue. Someone crossed a line."
The car sped away.
"I hate this," she whispered. "I hate that you know what this means, and I don't. I hate that I'm part of something I don't understand."
He glanced at her.
"Then let me tell you."