The sun was already high when Yuvaan's sleek car rolled into Riverside College, drawing as much attention as a celebrity's arrival. Students stopped mid-conversation, eyes following the tall, handsome man who stepped out — every inch of him radiating effortless charm and mischief.
He adjusted his watch, flashed his half-smirk, and shut the car door with that familiar click that seemed to echo confidence.
Kiara followed behind, clutching her bag and mentally preparing herself for the inevitable scene.
And it came.
A swarm of girls immediately surrounded Yuvaan, squealing, giggling, and bombarding him with compliments.
"Yuvaan! You're back?"
"Oh my God, you look even hotter!"
"Is it true you got married?!"
Kiara stood a few feet away, trying — and failing — to hide her growing irritation. She told herself she didn't care… but her hand tightened on the strap of her bag anyway.
Then came the voice that made her blood freeze.
"Sugar baby!"
The crowd parted like a curtain, and a strikingly beautiful girl with ocean-blue eyes and crimson lips walked forward. Her confident sway and designer outfit screamed London elite.
Yuvaan blinked once — and recognition dawned.
"Aishwarya?"
She grinned like a cat that had found cream.
"Aish," she corrected, stepping dangerously close. "I missed you, sugar baby."
Before Kiara could even react, Aish threw her arms around Yuvaan in a tight hug.
Gasps erupted among the students. Kiara's jaw tightened as jealousy burned beneath her polite expression. Slowly, she stepped forward and — as calmly as she could — gently separated Aish from Yuvaan's embrace.
"Excuse me," Kiara said with a sweet but icy smile. "I'm Kiara. Yuvaan's wife."
The words fell like thunder. The surrounding students gasped.
"So the rumours were true!" one girl whispered.
"Yuvaan Pratap Singh actually got married?" another added.
Aish let out a soft chuckle — the kind that dripped arrogance.
"Wow… this flirt and sex addict actually settled down? Who would've thought?"
Yuvaan gave a lazy smirk, clearly enjoying the attention — and Kiara's reaction.
Aish brushed a lock of hair from her face and turned to him.
"You have to tell me how she managed to woo your heart, sugar baby. Come on, let's talk."
Before Kiara could object, Aish pulled Yuvaan by the wrist, leading him toward the cafeteria. He followed with an amused look over his shoulder — part teasing, part testing.
---
Kiara stood rooted for a moment, jealousy bubbling inside her chest. That girl had nerve.
Just then, Anya came running from the hallway.
"Kiara!" she squealed, hugging her. "I missed you! Where have you been the past few days?"
Kiara forced a smile, still distracted. "It's… a long story."
Anya glanced toward the cafeteria where Aish and Yuvaan had gone.
"Ohhh. So that's Aish, huh? The infamous ex. Girl, if you don't follow them, that vixen's gonna purr her way back into his arms."
Kiara sighed, muttering, "He can handle himself."
Anya raised an eyebrow. "Or maybe he's enjoying this."
That did it.
Kiara straightened, flipping her hair and muttering under her breath, "Fine. Let's see what they're up to."
---
In the cafeteria, Yuvaan lounged in his seat while Aish leaned close, talking animatedly. Her laugh was too loud, her touch too casual, and her eyes too knowing.
"You remember that night in London?" Aish teased, twirling her straw.
"Vaguely," Yuvaan replied smoothly, glancing toward the entrance — where Kiara had just walked in.
He smirked when he saw her trying (and failing) to hide her jealousy.
Aish went on, oblivious.
"You said you'd never settle down. And look at you now — domesticated! Is she really that good?"
Yuvaan chuckled softly, pretending to ponder.
"She's… different."
"Different how?"
He tilted his head slightly. "You wouldn't understand."
Aish pouted playfully. "Ouch."
Across the table, Kiara watched every move. Her jealousy had turned from a spark into a storm. Finally, she couldn't take it anymore.
She marched up to them, her heels clicking against the floor.
> "I didn't know cafeterias now hosted nostalgia therapy sessions," she said sharply.
Yuvaan looked up, smirking. "Oh, sweetheart, we were just catching up."
Kiara smiled coldly. "Then maybe you should catch up on your priorities too."
The tone made Aish blink. Yuvaan raised his hands in mock surrender.
"Fiery as always," he said softly.
Kiara glared at him, her jealousy and pride warring inside her. "Enjoy your coffee, sugar baby," she said, the last words dripping sarcasm before turning and walking away.
Yuvaan watched her leave, hiding a grin behind his hand.
"Still the same jealous fire," he murmured, almost fondly.
Aish tilted her head. "You like that, don't you?"
He looked out the window, eyes following Kiara's fading silhouette.
"More than I should," he said under his breath.