"Yes, we’ll talk, but not now," he gestured toward the guest room. "First, we have to sort out very important work." He led me there and opened the door.
Inside stood a stylish woman surrounded by racks of designer clothes. "I told you about my daughter-in-law. Now she’s here, you need to..." He glanced at his watch briefly before continuing, "...make her ready by seven this evening."
I looked between Mr. Chauhan and the woman, confused.
"Okay, sir," she replied.
"What’s happening, Mr. Chauhan?" I asked, frustration slipping out. I regretted it instantly when I saw a brief hurt flicker in his eyes. "I’m sorry..."
"What did you just call me?" he asked calmly, stepping closer.
"Um... I..." I lowered my gaze, unable to find the right words.
I was startled when he softly caressed my hair, the way a father might. "I’ve always wanted a daughter, but God never listened to me. I was delighted when Saurav brought you into our lives, but it hurts when you call me by my last name instead of father. I’d be grateful if you called me Dad." He smiled warmly. "Lizzy will help you get ready for tonight’s party." He glanced at Lizzy one last time, nodded, and left away as I watched him walk away, leaving me confused and curious.
"Hey, I’m Lizzy, your stylist for today," the woman said, snapping my attention back to her. A big pair of glasses sat on her nose, her lashes so long they brushed her cheekbones. She wore a crop top with denim shorts. Judging by her whole vibe, she looked in her early thirties.
An hour later, we were arguing over the dress she insisted I wear. She had stuffed me into a tight red dress that felt like tape wrapped around my body. I was extremely uncomfortable, but according to Lizzy, it was the only dress that looked perfect on me. It enhanced my curves and softened my features. I tugged at the neckline, embarrassed by how large my chest looked in it.
Oh God, was Mr. Chauhan planning to take me to a strip club? Was he planning to sell me off to earn money? If he could ask Abhiraj to assault me at the party, surely he could stoop this low. I scolded myself instantly for overthinking. No, he wouldn’t. He would never do that.
After dabbing something on my face, Lizzy stepped back with satisfaction. "Now, check yourself in the mirror," she grinned, flashing her perfect yellow teeth.
I stumbled toward the mirror in my painfully high heels. Lizzy had straightened my hair and done natural makeup with smoky eyes. My cleavage made me wince, it had never looked this pronounced. The dress cinched my waist tightly, and when I twirled, my butt looked... well, no less than an adult star’s.
"How did you get this mark on your back?" Lizzy asked, pointing at the exposed red mark.
"I just fell," I muttered.
"I’ll recommend a cream. It works quickly."
"Sure."
"You look gorgeous, by the way," Lizzy complimented.
"I don’t think I..." Before I could finish...
"Wow!" Mr. Chauhan’s voice startled me. I instantly folded my arms over my chest. "You look absolutely stunning, Kav."
"Thank you..." I hesitated before adding, "...Dad."
"Come on, let me accompany you on your date," he said, holding out his hand. I stared at him in confusion. "I arranged a date with Saurav. He’s leaving in a couple of days, so I want you to spend as much time together as possible."
"But he—"
"No buts," he cut me off, refusing to listen. He held my hand and dragged me through the hallway until we walked out of the villa. The gatekeeper handed him keys, and soon he was driving us somewhere I couldn’t guess. "Saurav might not show, but he’s a lonely child, Kav. He’s been that way since his mother left us. I just want to bring back his happiness, and I see enough potential in you to give him the life he’s missed all these years. That’s why I’m interfering in your relationship. I apologize if you find it inconvenient, but..."
"No, I’m perfectly fine with it," I interrupted, forcing an assuring smile.
After fifteen minutes, he parked in front of a beautiful garden decorated with red twinkling lights and flowers of every kind.
"He’s waiting for you," he said.
"Is he really...?" I asked nervously. He only smiled.
"He’s yours now. You have to deal with him. Go on," he opened the door for me, "I have a meeting in fifteen minutes."
I sighed, stepped out of the car, and waved him a quick ta-ta. My eyes lingered on the garden again, wincing as the tight dress bit into me. Tugging it up, I headed toward the entrance. The place was eerily empty as there were no guards, no one at all. The night was dark, the chilly wind howling like a ghost.