I didn't know what to say, so I simply smiled.
"You know," he continued, gesturing toward a hallway beside the ballroom, "this hotel has a small private museum. Old artifacts, rare paintings, things my family collected over decades."
"A museum?" I asked, surprised.
"Yes," he nodded. "Guests rarely get to see it. But since you're Mr. Chauhan's daughter-in-law, it would be my pleasure to show it to you."
I hesitated for a moment, instinctively looking toward the crowd again. I couldn't see Saurav anywhere now.
"It's just down the corridor," Abhiraj added smoothly with a charming smile. "Five minutes."
I convinced myself it would be rude to refuse the owner of the hotel.
"Alright," I said quietly.
The hallway outside the ballroom was much quieter. The music faded behind us as we walked. Soft golden lights illuminated glass displays filled with antique jewelry, sculptures, and framed photographs.
"It's beautiful," I murmured.
"My grandfather started the collection," Abhiraj explained. "He believed power should always be retained and displayed."
We walked deeper into the room. The silence there felt heavier. As I looked around, I suddenly realized we were completely alone.
When I turned back, Abhiraj was standing much closer than before.
"You really are different from the women here," he said softly.
My stomach tightened.
"I should go back," I said quickly.
But before I could move, his hand suddenly grabbed my wrist.
"Why are you in such a hurry?"
"Let go," I said, trying to pull away.
His grip tightened painfully. "Relax," he said, his voice no longer friendly. "You came here with me."
"I said let go!" I struggled harder, my heart beating so fast that I felt like I might throw up.
Instead of releasing me, he pushed me back against the wall beside one of the glass displays. I gasped as pain shot through my shoulder and fear rushed through my veins.
"Let me go, bastard!" I shouted, trying to fight him, but something from the past froze my movements.
"Don't scream," he muttered coldly. "No one can hear you here."
My heart pounded so wildly that I felt like it would rip through my chest. I tried to shove him away, but he was stronger. His hand forced my arm behind my back, twisting it until I gasped in pain.
"Please stop," I begged.
He only laughed quietly. "You shouldn't have followed me if you didn't want attention."
Anger flared through me. I glared at him before suddenly lunging forward and biting his hand. He screamed in pain and let go of me, though not before shoving me hard. I fell to the ground and moaned when something tore painfully across my back.
Ignoring the scorching pain, I broke into a run. My heels echoed loudly through the hallway as I rushed toward the ballroom, my chest heaving and my hands shaking uncontrollably.
The music and voices grew louder as I burst back into the party. My eyes searched desperately through the crowd, looking for Saurav. And there he was.