The soft click of heels echoed down the grand staircase as Kavya descended slowly, elegance wrapped in defiance. She wore a sleek, form-fitting black dress. It was simple, stunning, and unapologetically sharp.

Her mother, waiting at the foot of the stairs, looked up and sighed. "Black, Kavya? Really? This is a dinner, not a damn funeral."

Kavya raised a brow. "Well, it feels like one."

"You could at least try to wear a smile, you look like you're being held hostage," her mom said, forcing a smile. "Put on a happy face, darling."

"I'd rather be anywhere else but here, besides you are blackmailing your daughter, so technically, I am being held hostage." Kavya said, reaching the last step.

The front door opened.

In stepped Gerald Van Dyke, dressed in a crisp navy suit, flanked by his father, Mr. Charles Van Dyke, who carried himself like a man always ten seconds from delivering a TED Talk.

"Kavya," Charles said warmly. "You look absolutely radiant."

Kavya gave him a polite nod. "Mr. Van Dyke, it's a pleasure to meet you sir"

Gerald stood a few steps behind, hands in his pockets, jaw set. "Evening," he said coolly.

Kavya didn't move. "Hello," she returned, just as dry.

Their parents exchanged glances for some time . Charles gave her mom a warm embrace.

"Shall we?" Kavya's mom said, gesturing toward the dining room.

Just then, her phone rang.

"Saved by the bell," she said dryly, stepping away to take the call ,swiping to answer. "Yes Claire?"

"Hey, boss. Just a quick reminder-your winter line strategy meeting is in twenty minutes. The creative director from Paris just landed and is already at the office."

Kavya's face lit up with false hope. "You're telling me there's still a chance to escape this torture?"

"Wouldn't recommend it," Claire replied, chuckling. "Unless you want your mother to storm the office and drag you back."

She sighed. "Fine. I'll suffer through it. Keep them warm until I'm back tomorrow."

She hung up, turning back toward the hall, only to find her mother standing with arms folded.

"No more work tonight," her mom warned. "Kavya, do you need me to remind you that we have guests ? Please I need you to be physically and mentally present."

They met up with Mr Charles and Gerald at the dining hall.

The four of them took their seats. A table dressed in candlelight, floral centerpieces, and fine china stretched between them. A five-star meal none of them really wanted.

For a few moments, it was painfully civil.

Until Gerald said, "I appreciate you squeezing out time from your busy schedule just to host us Ma'am"

"I was more than happy to," Madam Anita replied cheerfully.

Then he muttered "Nice of you to dress like you're in mourning." Referring to Kavya

Kavya didn't miss a beat. "I am."

Charles raised a brow. "Everything okay, kids?"

"Wonderful," Kavya said sweetly. "Absolutely thrilling evening."

Gerald leaned toward his plate, voice just low enough to be heard. "Didn't think empires were built on attitude."

She cut into her steak. "Didn't think tech boys were this boring."

Both parents were chatting heartily to notice the knives and daggers being thrown between their children.

"So Kavya, I hear you have a new line coming up " He enquired

"Yes sir" she affirms

"How is it going?" He asked with a hint of curiosity.

" It's been hectic, especially when most people don't share your work ethics" She sips her wine

" Kavya is a workaholic. I keep telling her that she needs a break once in a while"

" Same here, Gerald travels a lot. It's always work, work and work."

But the tension was palpable-and every servant who walked into the room felt it. If the table were any colder, it'd be a crime scene.

Then came the final course-dessert, champagne, and awkward silence.

Until Charles raised his glass. "To new beginnings."

Kavya didn't lift hers. Gerald stared at his glass for some time

"To a new beginning " Kavya raised her glass lazily.

Gerald groans and does the same

That was when it happened.

" You have been a fantastic host ma'am, I wonder why your daughter didn't take after you"

Raising an eyebrow " What are you yapping about tech boy?" Kavya folds her arms.

Mr Charles gave Gerald a look " Behave yourself som" He smiles anxiously

"My dear please be calm" Anita tried to appease Kavay

"Oh I meant no disrespect. But you must have gotten that attitude from your dad"

" You're such a jerk, I'm sure you got that from your mom" Kavya fires back angrily

Kavya stomps out of the dining hall angrily, while her mother calls out to her

" Kavya, Kavya come back here" she didn't even turn back, instead she hastens her step

Gerald all but broke the front door as he left " I am terribly sorry for my son Anita's behavior, I promise I'll make this right". His words held a lot of guilt

" This isn't on you Charles, I too should apologize for my daughter's outburst."

"We need to fix this this"

"Kavay can be stubborn at times, but I'll convince her" she sighed "This was not how I imagined the night to go".

Charles pecks Anita goodbye and goes after his son.

Madam Anita paced the length oKavya's room, arms folded, expression tight. She paused, turned sharply to face Kavya, who had dropped into an armchair, her lips pressed into a firm line.

"What were you thinking?" Anita asked, voice low but laced with frustration. "Why would you bring up his mother? Of all things, Kavya."

Kavya blinked up at her mother. "He started it."

"That's not the point.His mother ran off with another man, abandoning him and his dad when he was Ten. He barely even talks about the woman. You saw his face."

Kavya looked away, folding her arms. "Well, maybe next time, he should think twice before dragging my father into the conversation."

Anita let out a tired sigh. "Your father abandoned us when you were just a child. I've spent my whole life trying to protect you from that wound, why let him reopen it?

Kavya didn't answer. The room was too still, the air too thick. She wasn't proud of what she'd said, but she wasn't ready to apologize for it either.

Meanwhile, across town, in the dimly lit study of the Van Dyke mansion, Charles stood facing the fireplace while Gerald slouched into a leather chair, his jaw tight.

"You crossed a line, Gerald," his father said quietly.

Gerald exhaled. "She pushed me."

"You don't mention a girl's father when you know he walked out on his family. Especially not at a dinner meant to bring you closer."

"I didn't know about her father," Gerald muttered. "She's got an attitude problem."

Charles turned, his voice now stern. "And you've got a temper. You were insensitive. This entire arrangement is delicate. And now you've gone and made it personal."

Gerald looked away, biting the inside of his cheek. "Maybe I shouldn't have said what I said... but she's difficult."

"You're not exactly a walk in the park, son." Charles paused. "This union isn't just about business anymore-it's about healing old wounds. And like it or not, you helped tear one open tonight."

Gerald shifted uncomfortably. "So what now?"

Charles smirked faintly. "You fix it. You were the one who stirred the hornet's nest. It's your job to calm it."

"I'm not apologizing."

Charles gave him a long look. "You don't have to apologize with words. Sometimes action speaks louder. Maybe... a proposal."

Gerald blinked. "You can't be serious."

" Oh you bet I'm damn serious, you better hold yourself accountable for this and take responsibility for your actions"

---

Back at her office the next day, Kavya leaned against her desk, venting to Claire and Patricia.

"I mean, who even says that?'You must have gotten your attitude from your father' Like that's a casual dinner conversation?"

Claire raised an eyebrow. "Gerald said that?"

Kavya nodded, arms folded tightly across her chest.

Patricia, sipping her iced latte, let out a long whistle. "That's cold, even for a Van Dyke."

"And then I said he must've gotten his personality from his mother."

"Oh no," Claire murmured, wincing.

"Oh yes," Kavya muttered.

I'm on your side, but... maybe he didn't know. I mean, your mom being a single parent? That's not a secret, but it's not exactly in Forbes either."

Kavya's expression softened, just slightly. "Maybe."

Claire glanced at her tablet. "As much as I love the tea, you've got the Winter Line strategy meeting in fifteen minutes."

"Perfect," Kavya said, grabbing her iPad. "Time to focus on something that actually matters."

---

Meanwhile, Gerald was in his penthouse office, glaring out at the skyline.

"She thinks she's better than everyone," he muttered.

Fabian, his assistant, typed quietly at his laptop. "She's confident. Not always a bad thing."

"Confident?" Gerald scoffed. "She's arrogant. annoying and Impossible."

"She also owns one of the most successful beauty brands in California," Fabian pointed out, not looking up.

"And she's got an attitude that could cut glass."

Fabian finally looked up. "Maybe. But you're not exactly sunshine and roses either, boss. Still-"

"Still what?"

"You're supposed to propose."

Gerald stared at him.

"Your dad said you need to make it up to her. So. Flowers and an apology... or go big."

Gerald frowned, but something flickered in his eyes.

"Oh no, I know that look" Febian points out

" She'll witness first hand how utterly intense I can be" He smirks

Febian flinches "Boss whatever you're thinking, please refrain from--

Holding up a hand " She wants a proposal right? I will give her one "

The conference room is filled with anticipation as Kavya walks in, greeting her team with a warm smile. She takes her seat at the head of the table, and the room falls silent.

Scrolls through her iPad " We have three main topics to discuss, our winter product line launch, marketing strategies, and sales projections."

She glances around the room, making eye contact with her team members. "Before we dive in, I'd like to ask each of you to share any key updates or concerns you have. Let's start with marketing. What's the latest on our campaign preparations?"

The marketing lead speaks up, providing an update on the campaign's progress, and the meeting is under way.

An hour later, the door to the conference room swings open. Everyone turned their attention towards the door.

Kavya turns to Claire,"what is going on? "

Staring in confusion " I don't know, but I'll see what's going on" Claire walks towards the door, but she stops half way.

Reporters and camera men swarm into room.

Behind them were some men carrying balloons and lots of seemingly expensive present boxes.

"OMG" Claire exclaimed in total astonishment.

Gerald and Febian walked into the room.

" What..." Gets up slowly from her executive chair as she gestures towards the gifts and balloon " is this?"

Gerald walked towards Kavya, got on one knee and brought out a ring case " Kavya, Will you marry me my love ?"

Kavya looked around the room completely stunned. The room was filled with reporters who were already taking pictures and videos.

Amidst her shock, she manged to smile

"Uhm... Gerald I -

Gerald takes her hand in his and squeezed fondly

" I know this is quite sudden, and we initially agreed on a low key relationship"

Kavya stared in utter disbelief, wondering to herself, is this my life right now?

" But I'm done suppressing what I feel for you Kavya, please marry me. Let me feel your life with happiness" He kissed her hands

Damn, he's good. Kavya thought

" Okay, I will marry you " Kavya said

Cheers and applauds filled the room as Gerald slips the ring into her finger.

She embraces him tightly and muttered so only him heard " you are so dead"

Patting her back " smile for the camera my love" .

The applauds finally died down and the reporters have left.

Kavya turns towards her staff who came into the room during the commotion " You all can get back to work now"

" Darling come with me to my office " She pulls him out of the conference room

"Uh oh" Claire sighs

"Uh oh is right" Febian said

" Alright, the meeting is over now. The boss will reschedule" Claire dismisses everyone from the strategy meeting.

Now the room is empty, turning towards Febian " What the hell was that "

Takes a seat " it's been quite an eventful couple of minutes, you might want to be specific"

" Don't play coy with me " she slaps back " was the drama necessary?"

" I believe it's called an elaborate proposal"

Fabian said.

" He put her on the spot, she will be livid."

" I don't see what the problem is " Fabian argues " They're bound to be engaged sooner or later. Gerald simply took initiative to make it sooner"

Stares speculatively " Kavya won't take this well at all. She's probably giving your boss an ear full right now"

Kavya's office

" Gerald Van Dyke how dare you ! " She barks, pushing him into a sofa.

He steadied himself with a smirk. "Easy, tiger. That's no way to treat your future husband."

"Husband?!" She loomed over him, eyes blazing. "You put me on the spot, hijacked my meeting, and-"

"Give it a rest, Kavya." His tone cut like steel. "You were hoping for an apology, weren't you? Not happening."

Her laugh was sharp and bitter. "Oh, I see what this is really about. Payback. This is revenge for me bringing up your mother, isn't it?"

Gerald shot to his feet, finger stabbing the air. "Enough! Don't ever speak of that woman again."

Kavya stepped closer, unflinching. "So I was right. This whole charade-just to settle a score."

He smirked, unapologetic. "And I enjoyed every damn second."

Staring daggers at him, " You walked in like you owned the place, invaded my work space and embarrassed me. I can't even stand you"

Lifting her jaw with his hands " The feeling is mutual"

Smiling " Well that's too bad, because thanks to your petty stunt, we're neck deep into this sham of a union" She slumped into a sofa.

" It was bound to happen sooner or later, why not get some payback while at it" She said

" I'd love to sit here and bicker with you all day but my time is precious. I've got an empire to run "

" I hate you "

" oh I love it baby " with that he left the office.

THE VAN DYKE'S MANSION

"Hello?" Charles answered his phone.

"I just saw the news," a woman's voice purred on the other end.

Charles smiled. "Quite the performance, wasn't it?"

"Gerald went all out," she marveled.

"At least our purpose was achieved, Anita. I believe congratulations are in order."

Her laugh was low and satisfied. "Then we have a wedding to plan."