AUTHOR'S POV :

The walia Mansion, the most breathtaking palace in the city ,stood as a symbol of grandeur, its beauty whispered about at every elite gathering.

Yet, while its elegance was admired, the true fascination lay in those who lived within its walls. For years, the Walias had been the hottest topic in high society, shrouded in intrigue and power.

But ever since Ryan Walia, the eldest grandson of Raj Walia, stepped into the business world, the whispers had only grown louder.

A man of mystery, his face rarely betrayed his emotions. Few had ever seen him smile, and even fewer knew the truth,that he was the most feared name in the underworld, the Black Devil.

Ryan had never intended to step into the Mafia world, but circumstances had forced his hand.

As the CEO of India's largest arms manufacturing and security corporation, he had amassed a long list of rivals and enemies ,men who saw him as a threat, a force standing between them and absolute power.

Every day, he woke up to new threats, yet none had ever come close to touching him. His methods were ruthless, his security impenetrable, his presence an enigma wrapped in steel.

Today, he had an important meeting, a high-stakes land bidding that was crucial for his upcoming project.

Failure was not an option. Compromise? That word simply did not exist in Ryan Walia’s vocabulary.

Dressed in his tailored black turtleneck suit, he adjusted his watch and sprayed on his signature fragrance.

Before stepping out, he gave himself one final glance in the mirror, exuding authority and precision.

Just as he was about to open the door, he paused. Turning back, his gaze settled on the wall across from his bed, a photograph framed in silver.

A little girl, no older than six, stood in a white frock, her short brown hair framing her delicate face.

Silver-gray eyes sparkled with innocence, holding a warmth that time had never erased.

Ryan's lips curved into a rare, fleeting smile—one that belonged only to her.

"Wish me luck, Cookie," he murmured, his voice softer than the man he had become.

With that, he walked out, leaving behind the one piece of his past he could never let go of.

---

As he descended the grand staircase, his sharp eyes took in the familiar sight of his younger brother, Ansh, along with Mihir and Ojas, already waiting for him.

All three were dressed in black formals, though their styles varied ,Ryan’s turtleneck exuded an effortless dominance, while the others opted for classic shirts.

"Everything ready?" Ryan asked, his attention briefly flicking to his phone.

"Yes, Big Boss," Ojas responded swiftly.

Without another word, Ryan strode toward the awaiting convoy, slipping on his dark-tinted sunglasses. Behind him, Ansh followed with Mihir and Ojas in tow.

Still, curiosity gnawed at Ansh, and he leaned toward Mihir, whispering, "I don’t get it,why is he so fixated on this land?"

Mihir smirked, ruffling Ansh’s hair, much to the latter’s annoyance.

"You’re still a kid, chhote khargosh. Don’t overwork that little brain of yours."

Ansh groaned in protest while Mihir chuckled, and Ojas shook his head with amusement.

Unbothered by their banter, Ryan stepped into the car, his mind already a thousand steps ahead.

Today, the world would see once again—Ryan Walia never loses.

In the venue !

ISHA'S POV:

I’m too nervous. I need this land at any cost. But I’ve heard Ryan Walia is also here for the deal, and trust me, he’s the one name no one dares to compete with.

I don’t care. I’ll win this bid no matter what.

Seated at the third table, I tap my fingers impatiently against the polished wood.

The entire venue is buzzing with chatter,voices overlapping, deals being discussed, and excitement crackling in the air.

Can’t these people be quiet for even a minute?

Suddenly, the room falls into a hush.

Wait..did they hear my thoughts?

A murmur from behind catches my attention.

"Oh my God, look at them! They look like men straight out of heaven!"

Curious, I turn my head, following their gazes.

And then, I see them.

Ryan Walia.

Walking beside him are Ansh Walia, his younger brother, Mihir Sinha, and Ojas, his legal advisor and head of security.

Oh, no, no ,I don’t stalk him! It’s just that he’s the hottest topic in the business world every other week.

And trust me ,every single one of them looks like they’ve been handcrafted by the gods themselves.

Their mere presence shifts the energy in the hall. Their aura ,powerful, commanding, untouchable—is enough to drown the room in silence.

As Ryan walks past me, my heart stirs with a nervous energy I’ve never felt before.

He takes his seat at the front table, exuding a quiet dominance that’s impossible to ignore.

And for the first time, I feel a tension I never have before.

Just then, the host steps onto the stage, his voice breaking the trance.

"Welcome, ladies and gentlemen!"

Within minutes, the bidding begins.

And just like that, my fate hangs in the balance.

RYAN'S POV :

The bidding was in full swing. I had placed the first bid, and for a moment, I believed no one would dare challenge me.

But then, a voice—soft yet confident—rang out from behind me.

A woman.

A smirk tugged at my lips. At least there’s competition.

The bidding continued, and whoever this woman was, she wasn’t backing down. I debated whether to raise my bid again, but just as I was about to, the host’s voice echoed through the hall.

"The last bid stands with Ms. Isha Advani. Does anyone wish to challenge?"

I froze.

Isha Advani?

No… it couldn’t be.

Slowly, I turned my head toward the voice. And there she was.

Seated just a table away, dressed in pristine white formals, her legs crossed with effortless grace—those silver eyes.

It’s her.

My cookie.

The same girl, yet different. Time had only refined her beauty, sculpting her into a vision of power and elegance. My angel.

For the first time in my life, I was too shocked to react. And before I could gather myself, the host announced the final decision.

"Ms. Isha Advani wins the bid."

I watched blankly as reality set in. For the first time, I didn’t get what I wanted.

"Ryan, what the hell was that? Why didn’t you place another bid?" Mihir asked, clearly confused.

I didn’t respond. I barely heard him. My gaze was locked onto Isha as she stood up and walked toward the exit.

I stood abruptly.

I can’t let her leave.

"Don’t follow me," I ordered Mihir, Ansh, and Ojas before striding out of the hall.

Where is she?

My eyes darted around, scanning the parking lot. Just then, my gaze landed on a white car parked nearby. She stood beside it, talking on the phone.

I moved closer, stopping just inches away, unnoticed.

"Why are you doing this, Mom?" Her voice was strained with frustration. "I don’t want to marry some old billionaire just for money! But—"

The call cut off.

I clenched my jaw. Her mother is forcing her into marriage? With an old man?

Before I could process my anger, the words left my mouth.

"Ms. Advani."

She turned, startled. For a moment, confusion flickered in her eyes before recognition settled in.

"Mr. Walia?" she murmured.

So, she knows me.

Of course, she does—but only as Ryan Walia. Not Ayansh.

Not the boy who once meant the world to her.

"Yes," I said smoothly, extending my hand. "A pleasure to finally meet you."

She studied my face before accepting my handshake.

And God… this touch.

Twelve years. Twelve damn years of longing, of waiting, of dreaming about seeing her again. And now she was right here, standing before me, yet so distant.

"Congratulations on the deal," I said, and for the first time, I didn’t mind losing.

"Thank you," she replied with a small smile. "I suppose this is the first time Mr. Walia has lost a bid?"

That dimple.

But wait—did she just mock me?

My little cookie has turned into a fierce woman. Impressive.

"Seems it was important to you," I said smoothly. "I don’t mind losing, then."

"How generous of you, Mr. Walia," she mused, amusement dancing in her silver eyes. "But this deal was always mine."

With that, she turned toward her car.

"If you’ll excuse me, I have urgent matters to attend to. It was nice meeting you."

She stepped into her car and, within seconds, drove away at full speed.

I stood there, watching the spot where she had just been.

Is this really the same girl I once knew?

A chuckle broke my thoughts. Mihir approached with a smug grin.

"So… someone finally managed to taunt the great Ryan Walia?"

I shot him a glare. Mihir and Arjun were my closest friends, the only ones who dared to tease me like this. Ansh, on the other hand, was still a child at heart, despite his sharp mind in business.

"Shut up," I muttered, sliding my sunglasses back on. "Call L.M."

Mihir’s teasing demeanor vanished as he quickly dialed. Within seconds, he handed me the phone.

"Hello, L.M."

"Yes, Big Boss?"

"I want every detail on Isha Advani, CEO of D.C. Groups personal, professional, everything. I don’t want a single stone left unturned."

"Understood. Give me an hour."

I ended the call and handed Mihir his phone, only to find him and the others staring at me with curiosity.

"Ryan… you’ve never taken this much interest in anyone before. Why her?" Mihir asked, frowning.

I exhaled deeply, walking toward my car.

"You didn’t hear her name properly, Mihir."

Realization dawned on all of them at once.

None of them spoke a word as they followed me.

I slipped into the back seat of my car, Ojas taking the wheel. Ansh and Mihir followed in another vehicle, with four more security cars trailing behind us.

Leaning back against the headrest, I closed my eyes.

Twelve years, Cookie.

I know I can’t undo my mistakes, but I had no choice back then. I couldn’t risk your life like mine.

But you’re not okay.

Something’s wrong, and I need to find out what.

It’s time to fix what I broke.

As her face filled my thoughts, my lips curled into a sad smile.

"You’re still the same, my love.

Those eyes… still the reason I breathe.

Those dimples… still as deep as the ocean.

And my love for you? It has only grown stronger.

We’ll meet again, Cookie. Very soon."

Thats all for the first chapter. For instance this book is available in watpadd too. But of course here it will contain the 18+ scene which is probably not available in that app. And along side that app is glitching alot so i am posting it here!!

Stay safe and much love from the author ❤