Surrendering my sense of self, I stood in front of the mirror like a lifeless figure, wearing those uncomfortable clothes.
With every passing moment, it felt like I was sinking into a deep, endless abyss.
My mind was filled with anxiety—Rushda would be there.
Would he introduce me to his new girlfriend and mock me?
Or had he planned something new to humiliate me in front of everyone?
I didn't even want to step into his shadow anymore, yet fate was dragging me back onto the same stage.
Just then, the silence shattered as a harsh car horn blared outside—beep beep.
My entire body froze. My heart skipped a beat.
Neel Chowdhury had arrived.
The same man with whom I had spent an unwanted, unforgettable night.
I don't even remember that night clearly—only a blanket of shame that still clings to me.
The thought alone made my skin crawl—that the man who had seen me in such a vulnerable state, whose connection with me began with a mistake, was now standing at my door, honking.
I didn't know what he wanted from me tonight, or what price I was supposed to pay for this so-called "reward." But there was no escape left.
Clutching my bag with trembling hands, I slowly walked toward the door.
As I stepped outside, my eyes widened in shock.
A sleek black Rolls-Royce stood in front of me, radiating royal elegance even in the darkness of night.
It was enough to prove just how powerful and wealthy Neel Chowdhury truly was.
The rear window slowly rolled down.
From the dark interior, his sharp, mysterious eyes locked onto mine.
With a simple hand gesture, he signaled me to come closer.
"Sahana, don't be late. Get in."
His voice carried the same authority as always.
Hesitantly, I stepped inside the car.
The soft leather seats and the intoxicating scent of expensive perfume made my mind feel even more numb.
Neel sat right beside me.
I could feel the warmth of his body—but I didn't have the courage to look at him.
The car started moving.
I didn't know where he was taking me.
But I knew one thing—this destination was going to be a trial by fire.
Neel would be there… as my protector—or perhaps my destroyer.
And so would my past—Rushda.
The man who had called me "ugly" and walked away… what would he think seeing me like this tonight?
Was Neel going to use me like a puppet to make Rushda jealous?
Or was there another drama waiting inside this luxurious car?
Staring at the passing streetlights outside, I silently questioned my fate.
As the wheels kept turning, the storm inside my chest only grew stronger.
The suffocating silence inside the dark cabin was suddenly broken when Neel glanced at me and said in a slow, sharp voice—
"Tell me, Sahana… are you scared? Remember, tonight your ex-lover and his current girlfriend will be there."
I couldn't hold back my anger anymore.
Looking straight into his eyes with disgust, I said,
"I don't know what kind of hell you're taking me to.
But remember this—I came here only for my younger brother Abir and my sick mother.
I have no attraction to your expensive car or this strange job.
If I wasn't forced, I wouldn't even come near you."
My voice was filled with rage and hatred—but Neel wasn't affected at all.
Instead, he smirked and said mockingly,
"You're right.
You don't even have the minimum qualification to do a job.
I'm just taking you along to use you as an opportunity."
Use…
The word sent a shiver down my spine.
My voice trembled as I tried to protest,
"You're using me? Mr. Chowdhury, that's not right! You can't take advantage of my helplessness!"
But Neel didn't stop.
He leaned closer—too close. His eyes burned with anger and something darker.
"What will you do, Sahana? You can't do anything. Do you even have the power to disobey me? Just sit quietly."
His harsh tone turned me into stone.
After that one night of intoxication, now this night of control… I couldn't understand what I had become. Was I just an expensive toy he was taking to display in front of Rushda?
The car finally stopped in front of a grand party hall.
Outside, everything sparkled with dazzling lights—but inside me, there was only darkness and uncertainty.
The grand entrance of the party hall was glowing with luxury.
Expensive cars lined the area, and elite people moved around with elegance.
But inside me, it felt like I was sinking in quicksand.
Only one question echoed in my mind—Is Rushda inside?
What would he think seeing me in this revealing outfit?
Would he assume I had moved on to someone powerful like Neel?
Would he laugh about me with his new girlfriend?
The thought alone made my head bow in shame.
As the car stopped, Neel stepped out and opened the door for me himself.
The moment my feet touched the expensive carpet, a cold shiver ran through my body.
Neel shut the door firmly and grabbed my hand tightly.
His strong, rough grip reminded me—I was nothing more than a puppet in his hands tonight.
As we walked toward the main entrance, guards lined up on both sides lowered their heads in respect.
The way they greeted Neel made it clear how powerful he was in this world.
The moment we stepped inside, a strange intoxicating atmosphere swallowed me whole.
The massive hall was filled with the scent of perfume and expensive drinks.
Elegant people were everywhere—some chatting on sofas, some walking around with glasses in hand.
On stage, dancers moved under harsh lights while loud, hypnotic music filled the air.
I walked stiffly beside Neel.
My eyes searched desperately through the crowd.
Where was Rushda?
And where was the girl for whom I had been called "ugly"?
Suddenly, Neel's grip tightened around my hand—as if warning me—
The battle had just begun.