The view from my office was everything people dream about when they imagine success. My glass-walled corner room stood at the top of a ten-story building in Delhi, shining like a diamond in the night skyline. The city lights twinkled below, stretching endlessly, reflecting on the glossy black floors and the clean silver panels.
Behind me, a tall mirror stood—elegant, trimmed in gold. I turned toward it, taking in my reflection. A black turtleneck hugged my frame, paired with a long satin skirt that whispered luxury with every movement.
Around my neck, a minimal diamond pendant glimmered under the soft white light. My makeup was subtle, but powerful—defined brows, a nude gloss, just the right flush on the cheeks. Powerful. Elegant. Unapologetic.
I smiled faintly at myself.
"You're a masterpiece, Aliza," I whispered.
"A walking revenge story dressed in power."
I turned back to my desk. The nameplate read:
Aliza Heri, CEO. It had a heavy ring to it. Like the echo of dreams fulfilled.
I picked up my phone and tapped a single button. "Jenna, come in," I said.
Then I walked back to my chair and sank into it like a queen on her throne.
A soft knock.
"Come in," I said.
Jenna stepped in—tall, poised, and ever so precise with every movement. At 5'7", she had the kind of natural grace that made her stand out without even trying. Her short brown hair framed her face with a smart confidence, and her large, expressive eyes peered from behind oversized glasses that gave her a charming, intellectual look. Her warm brown skin glowed under the office lights, and for a moment, I tilted my head slightly, studying her.
If she wasn't my secretary, I thought, she could be walking runways instead of boardrooms.
But here she was—buttoned-up, efficient, and carrying the weight of my secrets with unwavering loyalty.
"Yes, ma'am, what can I do for you?" she asked, her voice crisp but gentle.
"Jenna, you know what? It's time."
Her face paled. I watched her breath hitch for a moment.
"Ma'am… time for your longed wish?"
"Yes." A wicked smile stretched across my lips. "So go. Look for them. Find everything about them—and you know who. I need every detail, Jenna. So I can think about what their fall should look like."
She swallowed hard. "How much time do I get?"
"How much do you need?" I asked, voice sharp.
"A… a week, ma'am."
"A week?" I raised an eyebrow. "So I have to wait that long?"
She nodded nervously. I gave her a mock sad face. "I've waited for years, Jenna. Make sure I get everything right."
"Yes, ma'am. I'll make sure. Everything will be accurate. No errors."
"And Jenna—make sure my parents don't find out."
Jenna hesitated. "Ma'am… but your father and mother are very strict. If they come to know—"
"That's why I told you to take care of it," I cut her off sharply. "And yes, we'll bring my brother in if I mess up anywhere."
Her eyes widened. "Yes ma'am. I got it."
"You may leave now," I said, turning my chair to face the glass wall again. The entire city sprawled before me like a glowing chessboard—and I was ready to start the game.
The elevator hummed softly as it descended. I stood beside Jenna, both of us silent. As we exited, my Bentley was already waiting outside, sleek and black, the chrome catching the night lights. My driver opened the rear door. Jenna climbed into the front seat, and I slid into the back.
As the car rolled onto the road, my phone rang. Mom.
"Where are you? Isn't it too late already?" she snapped.
"Mumma, I'll be home in ten. Chill down," I replied.
"Get back fast." She cut the call.
I sighed, leaning back. What's wrong with her now?
Home was no less than a palace. Marble floors, huge chandeliers, velvet drapes that kissed the floors, walls lined with family portraits and art pieces from across the world.
"Welcome home, ma'am," a maid said, handing me a glass of water.
I walked straight to my parents' room. It was as grand as the rest of the house—vintage rose-gold walls, French-styled mirrors, and an old grandfather clock ticking in the corner.
"Mom, I'm home," I called.
"Wow, very fast," she said with sarcasm.
"Come on, Mumma. You look so beautiful tonight."
"Don't try to butter me now. Come have dinner."
"But where's Papa and Bhai?"
"They went to your Tau's home… to see a guy for you."
I blinked. "Excuse me?"
"Yes, your Tau said he's wealthy. Handsome. Comes from an old-money family. They have a construction company."
My hands curled into fists. "Mumma! I told you not to look for anyone!"
"So what then? Are you going to bring someone? You haven't dated anyone in five years! When will I get to see my grandchildren?"
"Mumma, I'm only twenty-seven. Stop making this a drama!"
I stormed out before she could say more.
"Alizaa! Alizuuu!" she shouted, but I was done.
The warm water from the shower hit my skin, but my mind wasn't relaxing. It wandered.
To Aryan.
To what could've been.
If only he hadn't hurt me… if only we had made it through. We would've been something beautiful. Power couple. Love and legacy. But dreams break—and people betray.
Just then, my phone rang.
I stepped out, water still dripping off me, and picked it up.
"Yes?"
"Ma'am… I looked for Aryan first. He has… he has a wife," Jenna's voice trembled.
I froze. Silence hit me harder than the words.
"…Okay. Look into her too."
I cut the call.
And sank to the cold bathroom floor.
My fingers dug into the towel I had wrapped around myself. The ache in my chest wasn't just heartbreak. It was the sting of a wound I thought had healed.
The woman I was—the one who had built empires, who commanded a city, who wore diamonds like shields—she sat now, silently breaking.
But only for a moment.
Because even storms rest… before they return stronger.