The moment she turned her back and walked out of my cabin, I didn't go back to my laptop.

I kept... staring at the door.

What the hell was that?

A girl—barely 16 days into this company—asks me for ₹49,50,560 without even flinching. No reason. No background. No details.

And now she's walking out of here as if she meant every word of that "I'll do it, sir."

I let out a sharp breath, pushed back my chair, and walked to the window.

There she was.

Moving through the forecourt like some broken soldier. Soaked. Drenched. Her tiny figure was swallowed by the storm. Her arms hugging herself. Her hair was sticking to her face. She wasn't shielding herself... she was embracing it.

My jaw clenched.

She's really going to do this. But why? Aisi bhi kya majboori hai jo bata nahi paa rahi hai?

(What is the compulsion that you are not able to tell?)

I turned on my heel and marched out of the cabin. I didn't know what I was doing—only that my chest felt like it was on fire and my thoughts were spiraling out of control.

I pressed the lift button hard. Once. Twice. I nearly smashed it in.

When the doors opened, I stepped in alone and punched the top floor.

Terrace.

The only place where I could think and drown myself in silence loud enough to match my thoughts.

I walked out into the rain. No coat. No shield.

It hit me like needles—sharp, cold, unapologetic.

But I didn't flinch.

I walked straight to the railing and leaned forward, letting the storm soak me to my skin.

And still, all I saw was her.

Standing at the gate.

Shivering.

Trembling.

But not moving.

Why didn't you just tell me, Avleen?

Why the hell couldn't you just say it?

Why would someone ask for fifty lakhs like that? Who does that?

I breathed harshly.

"Who the hell are you?" I muttered under my breath. "Why do you want that money?"

My fists clenched over the wet railing, knuckles white.

I was trying—trying—to understand her. But my mind kept drawing blanks.

I wanted to believe her. God, I did.

But in my world... belief is a weakness.

Trust is a trap.

And no one's worth dying for... not anymore.

In my world, people wear faces. They smile with one hand in your pocket and the other on your neck.

I've seen it.

Lived it.

And those who have stabbed me in the back... aren't alive to regret it.

But the pain of the broken trust... still lingers.

The wind picked up, and I ran my hand down my face. My hair was drenched, my shirt clinging to me like a second skin.

I looked down again.

She was still there.

Still standing.

Still... not moving.

My gut twisted.

Her lips were trembling. She was sneezing. Her knees were shaking.

Yet she stood like the damn storm didn't scare her. Like the thunder wasn't trying to break her spirit.

And I hated it.

I hated that I was feeling her pain.

Me.

Eshank Rai Singhania.

The man who doesn't flinch at blood. The man whose enemies vanish overnight. Why the hell was I standing on a terrace soaking in rain like a broken lover?

"Snap out of it," I growled to myself.

I closed my eyes. But then... the past came crashing back like a flood I couldn't stop. Whatever happened seven years ago... that pain... resurfaced.

A woman's face flashed in front of my eyes.

Same green emerald eyes like mine. Her long black hair falling like a waterfall down her back. Her smile and her ruthlessness doesn't match. She was as ruthless as I am.

Young. Bold. Radiant.

A smile I could never forget. And she was the only one who saw me smiling...

The only person who ever stood by me when the world wanted my head—and the one I couldn't save.

Her face, her laughter, her voice... 

Her calling me BHAI...  

But all replaced in seconds by a memory I can't outrun—her bloodied body, lying in my arms.

Her last breath was still echoing in the corners of my mind.

My breath hitched.

And then—I gasped. My eyes flew open. 

I gripped the railing tighter. A single tear slipped out before I could stop it. It got mixed with rain. Lost in the storm.

"Kyun chali gayi tu mujhe chhodke... Eshika" I whispered, barely audible even to myself.

Eshika Rai Singhania. 

My twin sister.

Her blood-soaked body is still my worst nightmare. For the last seven years, this pain has been eating me up. The one responsible for her death, Kavya... 

Everyone think that I don't trust... 

How can I trust when my sister has paid the price of trust with her life?

Kavya could only see one thing....money. She killed my sister for it.

I looked at Avleen. 

How can I trust you, Avleen or anyone else, when the only trusted one became the cause of my sister's death? 

I want to trust you. But how can I? I don't know how to trust anymore.

This money you asked for... but you didn't tell me the reason. How can I trust you when you are not telling me the whole truth? 

My sister lost her life because of money... and you want money as well. I know I shouldn't compare Avleen with that murderer but, I... Eshank Rai Singhania was feeling helpless.

Suddenly, I noticed the her trembling, and the next moment... 

She was falling. 

Avleen.

Her knees buckled. Her body crumpled to the ground like a lifeless puppet.

"Shit!" I cursed, adrenaline kicking in.

I turned and ran.

I quickly got into the lift and went to the ground floor. As soon as, the elevator doors opened I sprinted across the front hallway, the security guard looked stunned.

I didn't stop.

I reached her in seconds—her body curled, her skin ice cold, her lips slightly blue.

"Avleen!" I knelt down and shook her gently. "Avleen, damn it-open you eyes!"

Her breathing was shallow. Her eyes were half-lidded.

"Come on, don't do this. Utho Avleen."

(Wake up)

I patted her cheeks, pulling her to me.

"Wake up, Avleen. Talk to me."

Her body slumped against mine. Fragile. Too light.

Too broken.

"Fuck..." I cursed under my breath as I held her close, shielding her as best I could with my body, arms locked around her like she'd vanish if I let go.

And then...

A whisper. Barely a breath.

And in that moment—with her unconscious in my arms and thunder screaming overhead—I broke in ways I didn't know I still could.

Her whisper still echoed in my ears.

"Eshank..."

One word. One name. 

Mine. From her lips. 

For the first time. 

Naa jaane kyun mera naam jab uske hoton se nikla toh aisa laga jaise sirf vahi mere naam ko lene ki haqdaar hai.

(I don't know why, when my name came out of her lips, it felt as if only she had the right to take my name)

And in that fragile moment, I felt something inside me splinter.

I looked down at her in my arms—unconscious, soaked to the bone, shivering against my chest.

"Damn you, Avleen," I whispered under my breath, tightening my grip. "Why the hell won't you just tell me the truth?"

I didn't wait for the elevator.

Instead, I took the stairs.

Every step I climbed, I looked down at her—at her pale face, lips barely parted, and soaked hair stuck to her cheeks.

"Fifty lakhs," I muttered, voice low. "You ask for fifty lakhs like you're ordering coffee."

Another step.

"Why can't you just say why?"

I reached the first floor, shoulders tense, breath heavy—not from the weight, but from the questions clawing at my mind.

I pushed open my cabin door and entered the inner room—the bedroom few knew existed.

I laid her gently on the bed.

She didn't stir.

I adjusted the thermostat, turning the room heater up. A soft hum filled the space as warm air began to slowly counter the cold that clung to her.

Her skin was ice.

I grabbed a towel and crouched beside her.

My fingers, usually so steady, trembled slightly as I patted her face dry.

She looked smaller lying there. Defenseless.

I removed her sandals one by one and gently dried her feet. I pressed her feet with the towel while drying them so that her feet became warm.

My eyes halted at her left foot.

Swollen.

Slightly red.

My brow furrowed.

"Twisted," I muttered. "And yet she climbed stairs all day. Of course she did."

I sighed.

"Idiot," I murmured. "You're an idiot, Avleen Kaur."

I rubbed her arms carefully, drying off the soaked sleeves. Her breath hitched for a second—involuntary—and I froze.

But she didn't wake.

I stood up and pulled the blanket from the storage cabinet and draped it over her with care, tucking the edges in so it wouldn't slip off.

Then I knelt again, eyeing her foot.

"Can't use spray," I said to myself. "She is too cold. Hypothermia symptoms."

I reached for the extra cushion and elevated her injured foot slightly. Her skin was cold to the touch, and her lips were already a faint blue.

I moved quickly.

Took out the heating pad, wrapped it inside another towel, and tested it against my wrist.

Not too hot.

Good.

I pressed it gently against her feet, alternating after a few seconds to avoid a sudden blood rush.

Then, her neck.

Every second, I monitored her breath.

Every second, I watched.

Her body started showing signs—her muscles twitched lightly, her hands curled, and her breath slowly evened out.

"Breathe," I said softly. "Just breathe."

I sat beside her on the floor, still damp, but I didn't care.

I watched the lines of her face.

She looked... like peace and war in one fragile frame.

So stubborn.

So reckless.

So full of something that makes me want to push her away and pull her close at the same time.

I didn't realize when midnight struck.

Her body had finally warmed. Her lips regained some color.

But her face was still pale.

I ran a hand through my wet hair, sighed, and finally stood.

I walked into the bathroom, stripped out of my rain-soaked clothes, and stood under a hot shower.

Letting the heat burn away the cold that had soaked into my skin... and maybe a few things deeper.

When I stepped out, I changed into dry clothes—a black sweatshirt and joggers—something warm and comfortable.

I walked back into the room.

She was still asleep.

I sat beside her again and pressed my palm to her forehead. Warm. Not too much. Just right.

"You're out of danger," I murmured, "for now." Iss danger se toh maine tumhe bacha liya prr tumhe abb mujhse kon bachayega? Avleen agar mujhe pata laga ki tumne mujhe dhokha diya hai toh.... mere ilava tumhe koi aur saza nahi dega... koi aur tumhe ek khroch tak nahi dega... kyunki phir tumhe dard dene ka haq sirf mera hoga. 

(I saved you from this danger but now who will save you from me? Avleen if I find out that you have betrayed me then no one else will punish you except me... no one else will give you even a scratch... because then only I will have the right to give you pain)

Umeed karta hoon ki tum mujhe betray naa karo... varna jo bhi hoga uska zimmedaar main nahi hounga...

(I hope you don't betray me. ... Otherwise I will not be responsible for whatever happens...)

I stood and walked into the cloakroom.

Pulled out the black duffel bag from the top shelf.

The weight was familiar. I knew what I was about to do.

Yet my mind wouldn't stop whispering. 

"She could be lying."

"What if it's a trap?"

"What if she's like her... like Kav—"

I slammed that thought out of my head.

I knew all this questions but, still...

I walked out to my desk and pulled the lion statue on it—a handcrafted piece no one really noticed.

I rotated it 120° east.

A soft click echoed in the silence.

The drawer slid open, hidden and cold.

Stacks of cash lay inside—clean, crisp, untouched.

The smell of power.

I reached in and began pulling out bundles. Calmly. Mechanically.

Counting fifty lakhs.

One bundle. Two. Five. Ten.

Until the duffel bag was full. I zipped it shut.

My hands hovered over the bag for a moment.

Then tightened into fists.

"Trust is a luxury," I whispered, "and you... you might break me if I give it to you."

I looked at the bedroom door, the shape of her still visible through the slight opening.

"Why didn't you just tell me, Avleen?"

I don't know if I was waiting for her to wake up... or hoping she wouldn't.

Because when she wakes up...

She'll either see the man who saved her.

Or the one who's testing her faith, her truth, and her worth.

-------------------------------------------------------

The next morning sunlight filtered into my cabin... I groaned a little as I woke up with a faint ache in my neck.

For the first time in years, I had overslept. 7:02 AM.

Later than my biological clock ever allowed.

I pushed myself up from the chair, muscles sore from sleeping half-upright. I rolled my shoulders and cracked my neck before moving toward the inner room.

I pushed open the door to the bedroom and walked in quietly.

She was still asleep—curled slightly, her chest rising and falling evenly now. No more shivering.

No signs of a cold sweat. Her lips had regained some color.

I reached out and gently placed the back of my hand on her forehead.

Normal.

Finally.

I exhaled slowly, then walked back out and grabbed my phone—the one I had forgotten even existed last night.

11 missed calls.

Nikunj. Twice from Advik. One unknown number I didn't care about.

My phone buzzed just as I was about to unlock it.

Nikunj calling.

I picked it up.

"Boss, your lawyer is here... in the dungeon. I've been trying to reach you since last night."

I stared out the window at the wet horizon and said flatly, "I was busy."

A pause. 

"Should I wait for you or... start our interrogation?"

I rubbed my jaw and muttered, "I'm coming down soon. Till then, give him... special treatment."

"Yes, boss. Also... Advik sir's here."

That made me pause for a moment.

"Then I already know what kind of treatment he's been receiving," I said with a dry smirk.

Nikunj chuckled. "That's true. He made the guy cry."

"I'll be there in an hour," I said and hung up.

Then I called the office cook and told him to make breakfast for two people and send it into my cabin. He stays in the building next to the office... sometimes I need to stay back at office so he cooks food for me and is available 24*7. 

Then I heard it.

Soft, hesitant footsteps.

I turned and saw her... Avleen.

Standing at the threshold of the bedroom door.

Barefoot. Hair tousled. Her clothes dry now, but she looked like she'd been through a war.

She didn't say anything.

Neither did I.

I just reached beside me and picked up the duffel bag, walked over to her, and held it out.

Her brows furrowed slightly. "Sir...?"

"The money," I said simply. "The one you asked for."

Her eyes widened, darting between me and the bag. Her voice was barely above a whisper. "But... I didn't stand the whole night. I—I fainted."

I tilted my head, stepping a bit closer, eyes narrowed just slightly.

"For your guts." My voice was quiet but firm. "Even if its for money."

Her eyes fell to the floor, and I saw something flicker in her expression. Guilt? Shame? I didn't know.

"I really need it," she said, barely audible.

"I know," I replied. "That's why it's here. Take it."

She reached out slowly and took the bag from my hands like it was some holy relic.

"I... I'll return it soon, sir. I promise."

"Time will tell." That was all I said.

She turned to leave, probably thinking this was the end of whatever strange exchange we had.

But I didn't let her off so easy.

"You haven't eaten anything since yesterday."

She froze in her tracks.

"I've ordered breakfast. Sit."

She turned back, hands still gripping the duffel. "There's no need, sir. I'm okay."

I raised an eyebrow. "Your skin's pale. Probably low blood sugar."

She flinched at that, eyes shifting.

"Eat... or I won't let you go," I said. Not threatening. Not angry. Just... firm.

"Sir, I really have to leave. It's urgent—"

"I'm not stopping you," I cut her off. "But eat first. Then go."

She hesitated.

Then sighed.

"Fine."

Just as she sneezed.

I pointed to the chair. "Sit."

She obeyed, muttering under her breath, "I'm sitting..."

A knock echoed.

I walked over, opened the door, and took the breakfast tray from the staff member.
He didn't look me in the eye.

Smart man.

I shut the door and placed the tray on the table.

Two plates.

Toast. Scrambled eggs. Cut fruit. Two cups of tea for us.

She looked at the eggs but didn't touch them.

Vegetarian.

Noted.

I didn't comment.

I just sat across from her and poured the tea into both cups. I handed hers across the table, noticing the subtle tremble in her hands as she took it.

Still, I said nothing.

She took her first bite—slowly, carefully, like she didn't trust the moment.

She tried to be fast. Tried to get it over with.

But I saw it.

The exhaustion behind her eyes.

The invisible weight on her shoulders.

The same weight I've seen on the backs of people who've lost something they couldn't afford to lose.

She didn't speak.

Neither did I.

We ate in silence.

But my mind wouldn't stop spinning.

She asked me for fifty lakhs.

And the most terrifying part is—I gave it anyway.

I don't trust people.

I don't forgive lies.

I don't gamble with emotions.

And yet... here I am.

Feeding the enemy?

Or protecting something I don't yet have the guts to admit I care about?

Maybe not yet.

Maybe not ever.

But today...

I made an exception.

And I don't know what that says about her—Or about me.

Just don't betray me... 

She was eating like she was on a clock — hurriedly, eyes darting to the tray and the wall clock every few seconds. Her toast still half in her mouth as she sneezed again, coughed, then choked slightly.

I snapped out of my thoughts.

"Slow down, damn it."

She waved her hand frantically, still coughing. I pushed the glass of juice toward her and went to her started rubbing her back — awkwardly, mechanically.

Human contact. Not my strength. Not my comfort.

Still, I did it.

"Drink," I said, watching her chest rise and fall too quickly.

She sipped from the glass and nodded between coughs.

"I'm okay... I just... I didn't want to be late. I'll come to the office again after break time."

I nodded absently. My jaw clenched.

When she calmed down, I removed my hand from her back and stood aside. Keeping a distance.

"I'll be late too," I replied, as I moved to my desk to sign the last file. "Have somewhere to be."

She stood up with the duffle still in her hand, she hugged the bag close to her chest, as if her life depends upon it. 

"I... I'll leave now, sir." she said 

I didn't stop her. Just nodded once.

She turned and left my cabin.

As the door clicked shut behind her, I stared at it for a moment longer than I should have.

Then I shook my head and turned back to the file in front of me.

Focus.

After signing the last file, I grabbed my keys and walked toward the private elevator leading to the underground parking.

Dark concrete walls. Echoes of footsteps. The low hum of electric lights.

I reached the final corridor when my phone buzzed in my coat pocket.

I pulled it out absently.

Nikunj. A message.

Caption:

"Boss, my man followed Ms. Avleen discreetly like you once instructed. He sent this."

I frowned.

That instruction was from yesterday—I told him to keep an eye on her as I got suspicious of her. 

I tapped the image.

The second it loaded, I stopped walking.

My feet were rooted.

My entire body stiffened as I looked at the screen.

A photograph.

A little blurry from rain. But clear enough.

Avleen. Standing under a tree near the corner of an alley not far from Black Crown.

Facing a man.

Not just any man.

Kiaan Deshmukh.

My rival.

The same snake who had tried to poach one of my clients last quarter.

The man who tried to plant a mole inside my systems.

The man who'd offered my best friend—Advik—a private deal last year behind my back. But Advik refused and continued being loyal for me. 

And there he was — standing just inches from Avleen.

My Avleen?

No.

My... why did I call her my. Ughh... I am going mad. 

No one was my anything.

Not anymore.

But still... what the fuck was this?

In the picture, he was handing her a brown envelope.

My breath hitched.

The same damn envelope I saw in her purse yesterday morning.

That same brown one she didn't let the guards check.

That same envelope she protected like it held secrets.

I stared at the screen.

Her face wasn't fully visible.

I couldn't see her expression.

But his?

Kiaan was smiling.

Like a bastard who knew he was winning.

My thumb clenched the side of my phone until the screen nearly cracked.

"No... no."

The voice inside me, the one I never listened to — the one that sounded strangely like Eshika — whispered softly,

"She's not the same. Don't jump to conclusions."

But my mind?

My mind was already ten steps ahead. Racing.

Is she helping Dheeraj?

Was she planted by Kiaan?

Did she use the money I gave her to fund a leak? A setup?

Did Deshmukh and Khurana joined hands to destroy me?

Fury churned in my veins.

My skin felt like it would rip apart from the inside.

I took another breath and exhaled, but it did nothing to calm the storm inside me.

Another image flashed in my head.

Her face.

Soft. Determined. Pale from fever. Eyes filled with desperation.

And yet, lying?

No.

Wait.

I turned and paced in circles near my car.

"No... dammit, no... I brought her in, I watched her cry, shiver in the damn rain—"

"And Kavya cried too," my brain whispered.

"She cried while betraying you. Lied while hugging Eshika. Smiled while killing your sister. You twin. Your mirror." 

I saw red.

Before I knew what I was doing, I swung my fist back and punched the windshield of my car.

CRACK.

The glass shattered under the force, spider-webbing with white cracks. Blood trickled down my knuckles.

Pain. Real. Sharp. Honest.

The only thing I could feel clearly anymore.

I stepped back, chest heaving.

Everything around me was silent.

Except the voices in my head.

Heart: She fainted for you. Risked her health. Took nothing until you gave it.

Mind: She met Kiaan. Took something from him. You saw it.

Heart: You could be wrong. For once, give her the benefit of doubt.

Mind: And if you're not wrong? You'll lose everything. Again.

I clenched my jaw, shutting my eyes.

"I'll find the truth, Avleen," I muttered, my voice low and cold.

"And if you're lying to me..."

My bloodied knuckles curled tighter.

"... then may God help you."

Hey lovelies,

I am very sorry, lovelies. I know I am gave late update and to compensate it I will give you next chapter day after tomorrow. I have been unwell for few days and my laptop had some malfunctions so I was unable to update on time. I apologise for this. 

But here is the new update of "His Replaced Bride" I hope you will like it. Don't forget to vote and comment. I want to know how this chapter was and the TWIST. I will be waiting for your reviews. 

Take care of yourself lovelies...

Have a nice day!

Your author

Mili.