Aryan Roy pulled out the chair with a slow, graceful movement and sat down like a king. He crossed his legs and leaned back, maintaining his powerful royal attitude. His eyes were fixed on Ana, and a mocking smile played on his lips.
"So, Miss Puddle? I recognized you correctly, right?" Aryan asked, his voice calm but sharp. "Who would have thought that I'd be on a blind date with the same 'Miss Puddle' who called me the 'ugliest' man last night?"
Ana's heart was racing. She felt trapped. She didn't expect him to remember her so clearly, and she certainly didn't expect him to be this calm.
"So sad," Aryan continued, shaking his head slightly. "Now, what will you do? You sent me a message saying you didn't want to see my face. You rejected me so rudely. Then why are you here today? Why did you come on this date?"
Ana felt a shiver of fear inside, but she didn't let it show on her face. She was confused and didn't know how to answer. If she told him she wasn't Shila, it would create a huge mess for her friend. But if she stayed quiet, Aryan would keep insulting her.
She remembered her promise to Shila. "I have to handle this," Ana thought, tightening her grip under the table. "I can't let Shila down. I have to protect her, no matter how arrogant this man is."
Ana took a deep breath. She knew she had to be strong. She couldn't let him see her fear. She looked directly into Aryan's cold, handsome eyes and spoke firmly.
"Don't think for a second I'm here because I'm interested in you," Ana said, her voice gaining strength. "I only came to see who my blind date was—to see if it was someone decent or just that same arrogant jerk I met in the park. And guess what? You're still that same arrogant guy!"
Aryan's smirk widened, but his eyes stayed dark. He leaned closer to her, his presence making the air feel heavy.
"Ill-mannered? That's a big word for a girl who emptied a dustbin on my car," Aryan whispered, his voice dangerously low. "You insulted me, you ruined my car, and then you sent me that message to reject me. Do you really think I'll let you go that easily?"
Ana felt her heart thumping against her chest. She had to protect Shila's identity at all costs. "Look, Mr. Roy, or whatever they call you. I don't care about your power or your money. I'm here to tell you to stay away from me... I mean, stay away from this matter!"
Aryan laughed, but it wasn't a happy laugh. It was the laugh of a hunter who had found his prey.
"You're brave, I'll give you that," Aryan said, tapping his fingers on the table. "But remember one thing, Miss Puddle. No one rejects Aryan Roy and gets away with it. Since you showed up today, you've entered my world. And in my world, I make the rules."
Ana felt a chill run down her spine. She realized that by coming here as Shila, she had stepped into a very dangerous trap. But she couldn't back down now.
"I'm not afraid of your rules," Ana replied, though her hands were trembling under the table.
Aryan just stared at her, a strange look in his eyes. He was furious, yes, but he was also fascinated. No girl had ever dared to talk back to him like this.