The heavy oak doors of the mansion shut behind Deebaj, his stride effortless, commanding. Pakistani-British, billionaire CEO, arrogant, blunt, and utterly ruthless—a man who held the world in his palm and never cared for love. To him, love was a weakness, a joke. A mockery.

But today, fate had other plans.

He barely took a step before colliding into something—someone. A soft, supple body met his chest, his hands instinctively reaching out to steady her. His sharp, narrowed gaze fell on the girl—the daughter of his father’s best friend, the guest of honor.

And for the first time in his life, Deebaj froze.

Something unfamiliar clawed at his chest, something unshakable. His world tilted, the mocking smirk he usually carried nowhere to be found.

His voice, always cold and edged with steel, dropped to a quiet murmur.

“…Shit.”

He barely noticed the curious glances from the elders. His fingers still rested against her waist, grip firm yet hesitant. He never believed in love. Never. But looking at her now—he knew. The mockery was on him.