"A king's approval is powerful.
But a king's public acknowledgment… becomes a legend."
— Tweet during the Gala, 2.3M likes
📍 VR Imperial Hall — Moments After the Confrontation
Sara's line still hung in the air like perfume and fire:
"If I ever stand in someone's shadow… it will be because I chose the spot."
The room wasn't breathing.
Even the cameras paused between flashes — waiting.
Aarav stepped forward.
Not to correct her.
Not to control the narrative.
He simply… extended his hand.
A gesture so simple — yet it shifted the entire axis of the room.
Aarav (voice steady, public, loud enough for the press mics to capture):
"Then stand here."
His hand hovered in the air — not commanding, not pulling.
Inviting.
An invitation… in front of the world.
Sara looked at his hand — not surprised, but knowing exactly what this meant.
She placed her hand in his.
He didn't kiss it.
He didn't raise it like a show.
He simply held it and turned — facing the crowd WITH her.
⚡ Symbolic. Powerful. Not romantic — but sovereign.
As if saying: "She doesn't stand behind me. She stands WITH me."
📸 Internet Explodes
"THIS. IS. THE. QUIETEST. POWER MOVE. EVER."
"He HELD her hand like a contract, not a date. CEO LEVEL COURTING 🔥"
"Power couple energy, not lovey-dovey cringe. I'm SHAKING."
#UncrownedQueen trends worldwide
🎭 Balcony — Alisha's Face Tightens
She masked it quickly with a slow clap — mock applause dripping with fake sweetness.
Alisha: "Beautiful acting, Sara. Truly. I almost believed it."
Sara turned just slightly — not losing posture beside Aarav.
Sara (smiling gracefully): "You believed it enough to be jealous."
Alisha's eyes flared.
🎤 Microphones Catch Aarav's Next Move
Reporter (shouting): "Mr. Rathore, are you officially confirming a partnership with Ms. Mehta?"
The room froze.
Aarav didn't look at reporters.
He looked only at Sara.
Aarav (voice firm, not denying):
"A partnership that stands on merit…
deserves acknowledgment.
And today, I acknowledge her."
A CEO's words. Clear. Heavy. Final.
In business language — acknowledge = recognize = declare legitimate.
He just legitimized her place beside him.
📲 At That Exact Moment — ERIS MOVES
A second leak goes live.
Not about Aarav.
About Sara.
Headline:
"Actress Sara Mehta — Hidden Family Scandal? Why did she cut ties with her father 6 years ago?"
A picture of a rundown old house and an old man looking at her magazine cover, tears in his eyes — circulates with rapid emotional manipulation.
Comments blow up:
"She abandoned her family for fame?"
"Wow… she looks classy here but her father lives like this?"
"So love makes her queen but money made her heartless?"
Public sympathy shifts brutally.
Eris's message flashes for her followers:
Eris: "Love her all you want. But every queen has a past… and I intend to open hers on the ballroom floor."
Sara's phone buzzes.
Unknown ID:
"Let's see if Aarav still holds your hand when the world sees what you left behind."
Her fingers tightened.
Aarav's hand — still in hers — didn't loosen.
But his eyes… darkened.