As soon as they stepped into the house, Zoya walks straight to her room not sparing a single glance at Kalix. Her heels clicked against the marble floor in sharp, angry beats-each step a silent message.
Kalix stood still, watching her retreating figure. His jaw tightened. He expected her anger, but the way she shut him out completely? That stung more than it should have.
But he let her go.
Instead of following her, he turned on his heel and walked into his study, exhaling heavily. If she wanted to ignore him, fine. But she wouldn't be able to avoid him forever.
A SHORT WHILE LATER…
The quiet of the house was disrupted as Viktor led zoya's parents inside.
Grace stepped in first, her sharp eyes scanning the house searching. For her daughter.
But she was nowhere to be seen.
Ellen walked beside her, greeting them. "I wasn't able to attend the launch today," she admitted to them. "There was an urgent situation at the organisation." I had to be there.
Grace, who had been at the event, nodded in understanding. "It went well. You missed an important event but, I suppose duty come first." Vikam added.
There was no acquisition in his voice but quite acceptance.
As Viktor escorted them to their room, Grace hesitated as the staircase. "Can I see Zoya?" Her voice softened. "She hasn't been answering my calls or messages..."
Kalix, who had just stepped out of his study, caught that. His eyes flickered, "So that's who she's been ignoring." A relief in his heart.
"She's exhausted," Kalix said, his voice even but unreadable. "She's been working nonstop these past few days. I think she went straight to bed."
A flicker of disappointment crossed Grace's face. Vikram stepped in. His voice was calm, Let her rest for now-you can meet her in the morning.
After the exchange, Kalix excused himself quietly, feeling the weight of the situation press on his shoulders. He knew Zoya was avoiding him, but what was worse- he didn't know why.
INSIDE ZOYA'S ROOM...
Zoya sat on her bed, dressed in comfortable clothes, mindlessly scrolling through her phone. The unread messages from her mother stared back at her.
She sighed. Why did she feel guilty?
Her fingers hovered over the screen before she locked the phone and tossed it aside.
Then, without thinking, she called, "Kalix."
A sharp inhale. A second passed. She realised.
Panic shot through her.
She cut the call. And before she could process, she heard his approaching footsteps.
Her heart pounded.
Damn it.
In a rush, she turned off the bedside lamp and slipped under the blanket, squeezing her eyes shut. Maybe if she pretended to be asleep, he'd just leave.
The door opened.
Kalix stepped inside. He didn't turn on the lights. He didn't to. He knew.
He could hear the subtle change in her breathing. The slight stiffness in her posture. The way the blanket was pulled just a little too tightly around her.
She was awake. And was pretending.
Kalix sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. He didn't call her out on it. Not tonight.
Instead, he changed into something more comfortable and moved to his side of bed, keeping a deliberate distance between them.
The silence stretched.
He picked his phone casually, saw a missed call from Zoya. He looked at her.
Then, in a low voice, he said, "Goodnight, Zoya,"
No response.
But he knew she was listening.
IN THE MORNING
Kalix woke up to the soft hum of the morning light creeping through the curtains. His eyes flickered open, and he lay there, still and quiet. The room was peaceful, but it felt heavy- the air thick with unspoken words. He could hear Zoya moving around, the sound of her footsteps soft but purposeful. It was clear she was avoiding him, shutting herself off in the silence between them.
Zoya moved across the room, preparing for the day. Kalix popped himself up on his elbows, watching her intently.
"Why are you up so early?" Kalix asked, his voice still heavy with sleep.
Zoya glanced over him, her expressions unreadable. "We launched yesterday," she replied. "Gotta work."
Kalix sat up, his body instinctively drawing closer to hers. Without a second thought, he moved to her side and gently took her hand, pulling her to sit beside him on the bed. He studied her face, trying to understand the emotions hidden behind her guarded expression. "What happened?" he asked softly, his voice almost pleading. "Talk to me."
Zoya quickly pulled her hand away and stood up, not meeting his eyes. "Nothing," she muttered, her back turned as she continued preparing.
Kalix wasn't going to let it go that easily.
"Look at me, Zoya," he urged, standing up and stepping closer. "Tell me why you're avoiding me."
She hesitated, "I'm not," but then her shoulder slumped as she sighed, clearly fighting with herself. "What's the deal with your parents? Did I make you angry by inviting them?" His words felt like an echo of his mind. "I understand if you're angry about marriage, but__
She cut him off before he could finish. "I don't want to talk about them," she snapped, her voice suddenly cold. "And I don't think we're close enough to talk about everything. It's a business marriage, after all."
His heart sank at her words, the bluntness of her tone hitting him harder than expected. The distance between them felt more pronounced now. He reached out again, gently grabbing her wrist to pull back toward him. "Even if it's a business marriage, Zoya," he said, his voice firm but gentle, "You're still my wife."
Zoya froze for a moment, staring at him with a mixture of frustration and confusion. "That doesn't mean I have to tell you everything," she responded, her voice quieter now, but still filled with determination. "Are you leaving to avoid your parents?" Kalix asked, unable to shake the feeling that she was pulling away from everything- him, the situation, even the idea of their shared life together.
Zoya paused glancing at him, "No use," he added. "Your father will come to the office today to check on everything."
She heard him, but didn't responded. He stood there, staring at her. She wasn't just avoiding her parents, she was avoiding him too. The weight of the silence hung in the air, heavy and uncomfortable.
"Then we're going together," he said, his decision final, his tone unwavering. He wasn't about to let her retreat into her shell and shut him up out-not without a fight.
Zoya opened her mouth to protest, but she stopped herself, unsure of what to say. She met his gaze for a moment, then turned her back to him.
The tension between them was thick, but she didn't want to argue anymore.
Before heading for the shower, he paused. "Have breakfast delivered to the room," he said to the staff in the hallway. To make sure Zoya eats while he get ready.
Zoya barely looked as he made the request, her mind still elsewhere, nut his voice grounded her, bringing back to the present.
She sat on the couch, her eyes fixed on the floor while eating some fruits. She wasn't sure what she was feeling-confused, frustrated, or maybe just tired.
She heard the sound of footsteps behind her, and when she looked up, Kalix was standing in the doorway, his damp hair still dripping, his black shirt clinging to his frame. A few buttons undone, just enough to make her stomach tighten. She hadn't realized she was staring until their eyes met. A jolt ran through her, and she quickly looked away, pretending to busy herself with nothing in particular.
He noticed, of course, but he comment on it. Instead he walked past her.
As Kalix buttoned his shirt, his gaze shifting over to her every now and then, Zoya picked up a small plate of fruit from the table. It felt like an impulsive decision, but she couldn't explain why. Without thinking, she walked toward him, offering the plate.
He turned, meeting her halfway. Kalix raised an eyebrow, silently waiting, and before she could second-guess herself, he opened his mouth slightly.
The moment stretched between them, fragile yet charged. She hesitated, gripping the plate a little tighter as her gaze flickered to his. There was something unreadable in his eyes-not demanding, not expecting, just waiting. A sudden awareness settled over her-of their closeness, of the strange tension lingering between them. Before she could let herself dwell on it, she placed the plate down on the table, breaking the movement, her eyes shifting elsewhere as if dismissing the thought entirely.
Kalix muttered under his breath, loud enough for her to hear, "I might not get time for breakfast or lunch today. It's going to be crazy day. Hell, I don't know if I'll get to eat dinner."
Zoya's chest tightened at the vulnerability of his voice. She had never seen him like this before-so human, so real. She picked up the fork and sighed, a soft breath escaping her lips. She took a piece of apple. Then, without thinking she moved toward him again.
His eyes met her as she approached, he opens his mouth slightly again. He didn't say anything, just waited, as though he knew she'd do something she hadn't planned. Zoya hesitated before feeding him.
His smile was quick, brief, and almost shy as he chewed. But as soon as she fed him, she immediately looked away, her heart racing, unsure of why the act felt so intimate. Kalix noticed, of course, but he didn't say anything. Instead, he continued buttoning his shirt, as though the moment never happened.
But zoya could feel it-the space between them had shifted. There was still tension, yes, but something else too, something softer, something neither of them were ready to acknowledge.
AT THE OFFICE ENTRANCE
The drive to the office was mostly quiet, aside from the occasional rustling of papers as zoya reviewed documents. She was engrossed, her sharp eyes scanning each page with precision.
Kalix sat beside her, his posture relaxed, one arm resting on the edge of the seat. He didn't interrupt, only speaking when she asked something, guiding her with short, precise answers. Other than that, he simply observed-her concentration, the way she pressed her lips together in thought, how she absentmindedly twirled a pen between her fingers. His gaze never left her.
At one point, when she asked him something, he didn't immediately respond. She glanced up, arching a brow.
"Kalix?"
"Hm?" He blinked once, then smirked as she shifted slightly. "Sorry, was just admiring how hard you work, "Mrs. Volkov."
Her fingers tightened around the document, but she ignored him, turning back to papers.
The car slowed as they neared the office, and just as they pulled up to the entrance, the lashing of cameras and a sudden wave of noise hit them. A swarm of reporters had gathered outside, waiting.
She barely had time to react before the door opened, and Kalix stepped out first. The media surged forward, throwing questions at them from every direction.
"Mrs. Volkov! How was your journey?"
"Mr. Volkov, is this a love marriage or a business deal?"
"Zoya, what are your future plans? How are you planning to expand the company?" The flashes were blinding, the voices overlapping in a chaotic mess. Zoya stepped out her expression unreadable, choosing not to respond.
Kalix, unfazed by the commotion moved beside her, placing firm hand on her waist. The touch wasn't possessive, but protective-calculated. His fingers pressed lightly against the fabric of her as he guided her through the crowd, shielding her from push of cameras and microphones.
The bodyguard quickly intervened, creating a path as they move toward the entrance.
A reporter shouted from a distance, "Would you say this marriage was destined, or was it just a matter of convenience?"
Kalix smirked, his gaze flickering toward Zoya. "Fate has a way of bringing the right people together."
Another reporter turned to Zoya. "Mrs. Volkov, your journey has been inspiring-hoe are you adjusting to your new role?" Zoya met reporter's gaze and smiled faintly, her voice calm but firm. "Every challenge is a new opportunity. I'm focused on my work."
As soon as they stepped inside into the lobby, the noise faded. The staff, who had gathered near the reception, immediately straightened up at the sight of them. There was a shift in the atmosphere-a mix of awe, curiosity, and harsh whispers passing between them.
"Wow, they actually look... good together," one employee murmured. "I swear, that hand-on-the-waist moment looked straight out of the drama," another whispered.
Zoya exhaled, rolling her shoulders back as she adjusted her blazer. She felt Kalix gaze on her and turned slightly, only to find him watching her with a knowing smirk.
Just then, a female colleague greeted her passing by, and Zoya instinctively smiled back. Before she could look away, Kalix reached out, tucking a strand of her hair behind her ear.
"You look good when you smile," he murmured, his voice smooth yet unreadable.
The subtle moment didn't go unnoticed. The office staff exchanged glances, some pretending not to watch while others whispered among themselves. None of them had ever seen Kalix act this way before-casual, almost... fond.
Outside, media stationed near the glass windows managed to catch a glimpse of the interaction. Cameras flashed, capturing the subtle yet intriguing exchange between Kalix and Zoya.
As they walked towards the elevator, their eyes briefly flickered toward the massive screen displaying the latest headlines.
"The Biggest Collaboration of the Century: Swastik & Volkov!"
Another headline followed right after-
"The Hidden Heir Steps Into Limelight."
Images from the launch event played in the background, with analysts speculating on the power dynamics between the two business empires.
Zoya's expression remained unreadable, her gaze lingering for a fraction of a second before she looked away. Kalix, beside her didn't break his stride either. Without a word, they continued walking, heading toward their office as if the entire world wasn't watching.
AT HOME
The dining table was set, the rich aroma of freshly prepared breakfast filling the air. Ellen, glancing at the empty seats, turned to staff member.
"Call Zoya and Kalix,' she instructed.
The staff hesitated before replying, "Madam, they left early for work."
Grace's hand stilled on her cup as she exchanged a glance with Viktor. Ellen's brows furrowed slightly before she looked at him too, waiting for an explanation.
Viktor, who had only just learned they were gone, smoothly masked his surprise. Leaning back in his chair, he offered an easy smile. "Ah, brother mentioned it earlier," he lied effortlessly. "The launch was yesterday, so there's a lot to handle. They had to leave suddenly."
He turned to grace, his tone light but teasing, "Don't worry, you can meet your daughter in the evening. She's hardworking, you know."
Vikram, sipping his coffee, finally spoke. "It's common. Business keeps one busy." His voice was neutral, as if this was just another day.
Grace nodded, not letting her disappointment show, though a flicker of something passed through her eyes. Without another word, she resumed her breakfast.
AT OFFICE
Zoya's secretary informed her that the senior executive of Sebastian Heights wanted to meet her. This was the moment she had been waiting for. Without hesitation, she instructed her secretary to arrange the meeting.
Meanwhile, Viktor and Vikram headed to the office together. While Viktor busied himself with other matters, Vikram took his time inspecting the factory and office. Eventually, he made his way to Zoya's cabin, where she was immersed in her work.
As he stepped inside, she stood up. "What are you doing here?" she asked, her voice cold.
Vikram smirked, taking a seat. "I can be here, can't I?" After all, you're working in my company," The air grew heavy with tension. He leaned forward, his eyes sharp. "Look at yourself now. You're living a much better life than before. You should be grateful that I married you to Kalix. Instead, you're ignoring us." His voice turned sharper. "Your mother has been trying to reach you, but you keep avoiding her. She is worried about you, yet you're shutting her out?"
Zoya's grip on the pen tightened, but before she could respond, the door swung open.
Viktor.
He had learned that Vikram was in Zoya's office and rushed over, knowing things could escalate. His gaze cool and assessing and arrived just in time.
"Mr. Malhotra," he said smoothly, his voice carrying a quiet authority, let's continue this conversation in Kalix's cabin,"
He spared Zoya a glance, reassuring her-he would handle this.
Later in the evening, Zoya receives a message from Viktor, asking her to come to Kalix's cabin. She enters, her gaze questioning Kalix.
Zoya: "Why did you call me?"
Kalix: "I didn't. [leaning back in his chair, eyes calm but unreadable]
Before she could question him further, Kalix adds:
"Your parents left for UK."
Zoya's brows knit together.
Zoya: hn?
Kalix: "Something came up with their business."[ a pause, his tone nonchalant] "They had to leave."
A flicker of suspicion crosses Zoya's face. Convenient.
Befor she could dwell on it, Viktor enters with his usual charm, holding his phone like he just discovered the world's biggest gossip.
Viktor: "Sister-in-law, you sure love to make headlines."[grinning as he walks in]
He turns phone toward them. On the screen-countless news articles, all featuring them.
Viktor: "The Volkov couple is ruling the internet."[then, turning to Kalix] "Brother didn't I told you? When the world sees my sister, they'll be left mesmerized."
Kalix says nothing, but a subtle smirk tugs at his lips.
Zoya: And? [arms crossed, unimpressed]
Viktor: [leaning against Kalix's desk] "Well, there was tiny issue. Some people were speculating... saying your marriage is just for business. No love, no real connection-basically calling you a fake couple."
A muscle in kalix's jaw twitches- just for a second. Viktor notices but doesn't comment
Viktor: [chuckling] "But don't worry, fate had other plans."
He swipes the screen, revealing new viral images. Kalix carrying Zoya's shopping bag at the mall. The comment section is flooded with praise.
Viktor: "Seems like public opinion has changed. The new hashtags?"[Grinning as he reads off the screen] "#HusbandDuties. #PowerCouple."
Kalix's smirk deepens slightly, his eyes flickering to zoya, who lets out a sharp exhale.
Zoya: "Enough. I got it."
Viktor only grins, satisfied, while Kalix, still silent, leans forward, studying the images with an unreadable expression. Viktor nudges him playfully.
Viktor: I mean, look at you two. Almost convincing.
Kalix fnally let out a small chuckle as he and viktor scan the images, while Zoya shakes her head, already done with their antics.
As they scroll through the viral picture, a knock interrupted them. Zoya's secretary steps in, looking slightly flustered.
Zoya Secretary: "Ma'am, I've been trying to handle it, but the media, talk shows, and networks won't stop calling. They all want to invite you for interviews.
Before Zoya could respond, Kalix's secretary enters as well, equally exasperated.
Kalix's Secretary: "Same here, sir. Every major outlet wants a statement. They aren't backing down."
Zoya: I don't want to do this.
Kalix, without hesitation, his voice calm yet commanding.
Kalix: "Then it's not happening."
The unwavering finality in his stone makes both secretaries hesitate. But Viktor, ever the tactician, leans forward with knowing smirk.
Viktor:[smirking] "You both hate media, I get it. But if you give them just one press conference as a couple, they'll stop pestering. It's better to control the narrative than let others shape it for you."
The Secretaries nod eagerly, supporting the idea.
Zoya's secretary: "A single press conference would settle the rumors, the world is watching your every move."
Kalix's secretary: "And from a business standpoint it could strengthen the company's name."
Zoya remains silent, deep in thought. Kalix watches her, waiting for her answer.
Zoya: "Fine. One. That's it"
Viktor chuckled. "Good choice."
With that, Zoya left the room, walking back to her cabin. As she settled into her chair, her secretary informed her, "Your meeting with Mr. Boris of Sebastian Heights has been fixed for tomorrow at 2pm.
Zoya's gaze darkened slightly as she glanced at the clock. "Perfect."