SHE

As I descended the stairs from my room, Dad handed me some papers and asked me to sign them. I hesitated, wanting to check them first, but Dad insisted I sign them right away. Reluctantly, I complied, and as soon as I did, he took the papers from my hand and enveloped me in a tight hug.

"Congratulations, my son," he said warmly.

"Thank you, Dad, but why?" I asked, puzzled.

"Because you got promoted," he replied with a smile.

"When? I mean, how?" I inquired, still confused by his cryptic words.

Dad was always like this, never getting straight to the point. His roundabout explanations sometimes grated on my nerves.

"You are now the CEO of Shimmer Pvt. Ltd.," he announced proudly.

I looked at him, my expression blank. I had only one question.

"Why?"

"What do you mean, why?" he countered. "From childhood, you've wanted to become the owner of Shimmer, and now the time has come. Why are you asking these stupid questions?"

"Yes, I wanted that, but not like this, not now," I protested.

"Oh, don't think like your father is insane," Dad chided gently. "Of course, I organized a whole party for you, my son. Our company is collaborating with Galaxy Star on a new project, and as you've become CEO, there will be a double celebration."

But what my father understood was not what I meant. Yes, I did want to become the owner of Shimmer, but not through legal means. I simply wanted to control the business in my own way, to give my father some rest. Since childhood, I had watched him work tirelessly to maintain Shimmer's status, and I didn't want to take that away from him. He had built Shimmer, and the right of ownership should always remain with him. I didn't want that burden.

"Oh, come on, son, don't think too much. It's celebration time, and we have to reach the hall before them," Dad urged, breaking me out of my thoughts.

I nodded, knowing there was no point in arguing with Dad. But I was so wrong about him. He wanted me here to transfer the rights; he didn't have any ulterior motives. He had even organized a party for me. He truly was the best father ever, and I felt like the worst son in the world.

The mention of Galaxy Star caught my attention. It was a company I had never heard of before. But if Dad was satisfied, then it must have some potential. After all, Dad never did business with new enterprises.

When we arrived at the venue, I was greeted by a sea of business tycoons and media personnel. Dad had truly organized a grand gathering. As we entered, the media swarmed around us, bombarding us with questions. Dad managed to calm them down, promising an interview session after the ceremony.

Shortly after, Dad's manager approached us.

"She is here, sir," he said, and Dad nodded, following him. But the word "she" caught my attention. The owner of Galaxy Star was female.

I took a seat at the bar, ordered a cocktail and joined some business legends in conversation. Moments later, the media once again gathered around the entrance. As they entered, I strained to catch a glimpse of Dad with a girl. But it was impossible amidst the crowd. However, I did catch sight of her dress—a dress I was sure I had bought just hours ago.

✦ ✦ ✦

I had entered the biggest luxury dress shop in the mall, and the first dress that caught my eye was a dark red and maroon half-shoulder gown on display. As I admired it, lost in thought, a saleswoman, around 50 years old, approached me.

"This is the newly designed gown made by our designer. It's one of a kind. Your wife will look fabulous in it," she said.

"I'm not married," I replied curtly.

"Oh, I'm sorry, son. But the look on your face says you were thinking about someone special," she remarked knowingly.

Thinking about her dulled my focus. She reminded me that all women were the same—after money. Anger bubbled up inside me, but I pushed it down, purchasing numerous dresses for the only woman I loved in the world—my sister.

As I was about to leave, I found myself drawn back to the dress. I couldn't explain why, but I felt an inexplicable desire to have it. So I bought it too.

When I paid the bill, another salesgirl handed me more than a dozen shopping bags. My phone rang, indicating that my driver had arrived. I scolded him for being late and instructed him to pick up all the bags from the shop as quickly as possible.

As I rose from my seat, disbelief washed over me. How was it possible? That dress was the only one of its kind. Yet, there she was, climbing the stairs to the stage.

When she turned, my heart skipped a beat—or maybe even stopped altogether. In that moment, nothing existed except her.

"Areena...!"

The name slipped from my lips, barely audible amidst the commotion.

She stood before me in that dress, looking breathtaking. It felt like an illusion, but when Dad uttered her name, confirming her presence, I froze in place.

It was really her.

After five years, she stood before me, more beautiful than ever.

During our time together, she had always seemed like a shy, demure girl. But now, she exuded maturity and confidence, radiating allure in that red velvet gown.

For a moment, I forgot about everything she had done. Seeing her again filled my heart with a fleeting happiness, as if she were the one my heart had been waiting for.

But reality crashed down on me like a tidal wave. Anger simmered beneath the surface. She was the owner of that enterprise—using my father for her own gain.

I hadn't expected this from her, but then again, what else should I have expected?

Of course, she loved money.

As my father called me to the stage, our eyes met. My heart yearned to drown in her brown eyes once more, but my mind steered me away from the temptation.

She signed the agreement, sealing her betrayal.

You will regret this, Areena. I will make sure of that.