The moment Atharv saw the blood, he rushed toward her without thinking. Dropping to his knees at her feet, he gently lifted her injured foot and rested it on his thigh. Taking out a neatly folded handkerchief from his pocket, he carefully wrapped it around the cut, making sure not to hurt her any further. His movements were slow, patient... almost reverent. After tying the knot, he slowly looked up. Their eyes met. She was already staring at him, surprised by the tenderness hidden beneath the cold mafia king everyone feared. Atharv stood up casually and, in the same calm voice,

asked, “May I take you to your room?” For a brief moment, she almost reached out. Her hand moved toward his as if her heart had answered before her mind could. But then her eyes fell on Julie standing nearby. Reality struck her instantly. She pulled her hand back and hardened her expression.