Chapter 6
"You can't protect someone from your darkness
if you're the one setting the fire."
---
Rivan's Penthouse – Night
The silence between them was deafening.
Malishka sat on the edge of the velvet couch, the note still in her trembling hand.
He paced in front of her, a storm behind his eyes.
"Tell me everything from today. Every moment," Rivan said, voice tight, calm only on the surface.
"I got the box after returning from work. There was no one outside. I didn't recognize the handwriting." She paused. "But it felt... personal."
He took the note from her hand and scanned it. The ink was smudged. The message wasn't just a warning—it was a threat.
"You weren't supposed to be touched," he muttered.
"What do you mean supposed to?" she snapped, standing up. "What are you hiding, Rivan?"
He looked at her for a long moment.
"I'm done hiding."
---
Flashback – 4 Years Ago, Rivan's Secret
Rivan stood in a dark warehouse, blood on his knuckles, Raunak Knight looming behind him.
"You hesitate again, and she dies," his father hissed.
"I can keep her away from this," Rivan said through clenched teeth.
"No. You can't. You're the heir, Rivan. There's no walking away. Not for love."
He looked down at his bloodied hands.
Then closed his heart.
---
Present – Rivan's Penthouse
"I left you in college because you were my weakness," Rivan said, breaking the silence.
Malishka flinched.
"I was the one who would've turned you into a man who could've been loved."
"And that's why you would've died."
His voice cracked. "My father runs a dark world, Malishka. I'm not just a CEO. I'm the heir to it. I'm the silence after a bullet. The deal made in blood."
She stared at him, stunned.
"You were safer not knowing me."
"And now?" she whispered.
"Now you're in it. And I'll burn the world if someone touches you again."
---
KnightCorp – The Next Morning
Everyone noticed when Malishka stepped out of Rivan's car.
Kiara's jaw dropped.
Aaryan winked at Malishka as he passed.
"She stayed with the boss?" one intern whispered.
"Maybe she's the secret girlfriend," another said.
The rumors spread like wildfire. But Malishka kept her chin high, ignoring them.
Because this time, she wasn't confused.
She was just dangerously close to a man who'd walk through hell for her.
And hell was watching.
---
The Underground – Knight Territory
Rivan entered the back room of one of his father's illegal dens.
Raunak sat there, swirling a glass of wine, a knowing smirk on his face.
"You've been careless," his father said. "The girl—Malishka—she's in danger now. And so are you."
"She's not leaving my side," Rivan replied.
Raunak stood, placing a hand on Rivan's shoulder.
"You sound like your mother."
There was a moment of silence.
"She died because she loved me too much," Raunak added coldly.
Rivan's eyes flared. "Then I guess I'll survive differently."
Raunak's smirk faded.
"You're at war now, my son."
---
Malishka's Office – That Evening
Rhea called her during a break.
"Okay WHAT is going on? You left with the man who once broke you, and now you're walking into the office like you own the place?"
Malishka smiled faintly. "It's complicated."
"Oh, honey. That's the tagline of your love life."
Malishka chuckled. "He's protecting me from something. From someone. But it's dangerous, Rhea. It's not just emotional anymore—it's real."
Rhea paused. "Then whatever you do, don't fall again."
Malishka looked out the glass wall of her office.
Too late.
---
Late Night – Knight Mansion
Siyana sat curled in a blanket, scrolling through photos of her and Rivan when they were younger.
She didn't know the truth about their world.
And Rivan wanted to keep it that way.
She called him.
"Bhai… I had a bad dream. You were bleeding, and Appa was laughing."
Rivan closed his eyes.
"Nothing will happen to me, Si. Go to sleep."
She whispered, "Promise?"
He smiled softly. "Pinky swear."
But even he knew…
Promises don't survive in the dark.
---
Cliffhanger Ending – An Unknown Voice
A phone call in the shadows.
"She's staying with him now. He's making mistakes."
The voice on the other end chuckled.
"Then it's time we make our move. Let's see what happens when his midnight claim is taken away."
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