The next morning—
Everything changed.
No secret glances.
No hidden moments.
No pretending.
Anika walked into the office—
And for the first time—
She wasn't careful.
Because today—
She wasn't hiding.
Inside the conference room—
Senior team gathered.
Including—
Mr. Khurana.
Anika paused for a second.
But didn't step back.
Arman walked in right after her.
Calm.
Confident.
Certain.
The meeting started normally.
Business. Numbers. Strategy.
Until—
Arman spoke.
"One more thing."
The room stilled.
"I want to make something clear."
Anika's heart started racing.
His father's eyes narrowed slightly.
Arman continued—
"Anika Kapoor isn't just part of this project."
A pause.
"She's the best decision this company has made."
Silence.
And then—
Without hesitation—
He stepped closer to her.
"And she's important to me."
The meaning was clear.
No room for doubt.
No space for hiding.
The room shifted.
Eyes widened.
Whispers almost started—
But stopped.
Mr. Khurana looked at him.
Sharp.
Serious.
"This isn't appropriate."
Arman didn't look away.
"This is honest."
Silence.
Heavy.
Then his father spoke again—
"And what happens when this affects your judgment?"
Arman answered immediately—
"It won't."
"And if it does?"
A pause.
"Then I'll take responsibility."
That confidence—
That certainty—
It wasn't rebellion.
It was choice.
Mr. Khurana watched him carefully.
Then glanced at Anika.
She stood strong.
No fear.
No hesitation.
Not because she wasn't nervous—
But because she wasn't alone.
After a long silence—
His father finally said—
"Prove it."
That was it.
Not acceptance.
But not rejection either.
A challenge.
Arman nodded once.
"Done."
The meeting ended.
But everything had changed.
Outside—
Anika looked at him.
"You just did that in front of everyone."
Arman stepped closer.
"No more hiding."
Her smile softened.
"Are you sure about this?"
He didn't hesitate.
"I already chose you."
And this time—
Everyone knew it.