For the first time in weeks—
The mansion felt calm.
No enemies.
No chaos.
No fear.
Just peace.
Kiara sat in the garden with a coffee mug in hand, finally letting herself breathe.
She closed her eyes for a second—
And smiled faintly.
Maybe…
Things were finally getting better.
"Smiling alone?"
A familiar voice came.
Kiara turned.
Aarav stood there.
Dressed casually.
Looking annoyingly perfect as always.
She smirked.
"Maybe."
He sat beside her.
"Dangerous habit."
Kiara laughed softly.
And Aarav just stared at her for a second.
Because he still wasn't used to seeing her like this.
Relaxed.
Happy.
At peace.
"What?" she asked.
Aarav shook his head.
"Nothing."
Then added quietly—
"You look beautiful when you're not trying to kill someone."
Kiara laughed harder.
"Wow. So romantic."
Aarav leaned closer.
"You know I can do better."
Kiara raised an eyebrow.
"Prove it."
Before she could react—
He gently pulled her closer.
Resting his forehead against hers.
"I'm trying," he whispered.
And kissed her softly.
For a moment—
Everything disappeared again.
Just them.
But of course—
Peace never lasted long.
A maid rushed outside.
"Sir—someone is here to see you."
Aarav frowned.
"Who?"
Before the maid could answer—
A voice came from behind.
"You forgot me that quickly?"
They turned.
Alisha.
Standing there.
Looking calm.
But her eyes?
Far from it.
Kiara's smile disappeared instantly.
Aarav stood up.
"What are you doing here?"
Alisha smiled faintly.
"I came to congratulate you both."
No one believed that.
She stepped closer.
Then looked at Kiara.
"You really won in the end."
Her tone was sweet—
But sharp underneath.
Kiara replied calmly—
"This isn't a competition."
Alisha laughed.
"It always was."
Aarav's voice hardened.
"Enough, Alisha."
She looked at him.
And something in her expression cracked.
"You chose her."
Aarav didn't hesitate.
"Yes."
That answer broke whatever hope she had left.
She nodded slowly.
Then turned to leave—
But before walking away—
She said one thing.
Quietly.
Almost like a warning.
"Be careful, Aarav."
She looked at Kiara.
"Some people never stay buried."
And left.
Silence followed.
Kiara frowned.
"That was weird."
Aarav's jaw tightened.
"Too weird."
That night—
Far away—
A prison guard walked down a dark corridor.
Stopped at one cell.
Empty.
His eyes widened.
"Sir—!"
The alarm rang instantly.
Because one prisoner—
Had escaped.
And his name was—
Arjun Mehra.