Victor had returned to the hostel. He talked with Simon for a while and told him everything about what happened between him and Mia. Hearing his words, Simon became extremely happy that finally Victor had received 10% shares in Sophia's father's company. The two talked for some time, and after that, Simon went back to studying.Victor was trying to study too, but his mind was not settling at all. Suddenly, thoughts of his mother, Violate, crossed his mind and he felt a strong urge to talk to her. He dialed her number, but she didn't receive the call. Victor felt she must be busy. It had been almost two months since he visited home, so he thought, maybe after his semester exams, he would go and meet her.He tried studying again, but soon another thought flashed before him—Sophia.He remembered the small beauty mark on the left side of her waist. The moment he remembered it, his mind drifted deeply into the memories of the previous night. He wasn't studying anymore—every thought was circling around Sophia.Just then Simon threw a book at Victor from behind.Startled, Victor said,
What happened, man? Why did you hit me?Simon laughed and replied,
You call this studying? Who smiles like an idiot while studying? What were you thinking? Our exams are in twenty days, and instead of focusing, you're grinning at the book.Victor hadn't even realized that the moment he thought of Sophia, a strange glow appeared on his face—and a soft smile too. Holding his head, he said,
No, Simon, I really was studying. You know how much I enjoy studying. I always smile while reading.Simon burst into laughter.
Oh really? Since when? I've never seen you smile while studying. You always loved staying silent and alone. But ever since Sophia came into your life, you're changing. You talk more, you smile more… Honestly, it's good to see you like this, brother.Victor was startled.
Am I changing? No… that can't be. Yes, I love her, but that doesn't mean I'll change so much. Anyway, leave it. Let me call Sophia once. I had something important to tell her.Simon teased him,
Should I tell Neha that the guy who hates talking on the phone now waits desperately for calls? You used to lecture me about wasting time on calls, and now look at you—you dropped her home and still want to call her. Brother, you've completely changed.Simon was pulling his leg, but before Victor could reply, a call came from his mother, Violate. Victor immediately picked it up.He talked to her for nearly ten minutes. After disconnecting the call, a thought hit him again—why not try calling Sophia now?He dialed her number, but Sophia didn't answer.Worry rose in Victor's chest.
What if that medicine had a wrong effect on her?
What if something had happened to her?He called again. And again. Four times. But Sophia still didn't receive the call.Finally, worried, Victor called Sophia's mother, Gray. From her he learned that Sophia was still sleeping. Hearing this, he felt a little relaxed and went back to studying.Evening passed—around 6 PM—Victor was still at his books when suddenly Sophia's call came.He answered quickly, speaking softly,
Hello… Sophia, what happened?Sophia asked directly,
Victor, did you give me sleeping pills yesterday? Why was I so sleepy? And tell me honestly—did you do something wrong with me last night? My whole body is hurting. At first I thought it was a hangover… but now I'm not sure. Tell me the truth, Victor… did you take advantage of me? I was drunk…Victor felt his throat tighten. He wanted to tell her the truth, but hearing the words take advantage, guilt struck him even harder.Should he confess?
Should he hide it?
If he doesn't tell her now and she finds out later, she will break up again. And worst of all, she would learn the truth—that she was not a virgin anymore.Victor walked into the washroom, closed the door, and spoke softly into the phone.Sophia, I made a mistake… You were drunk… and you kept kissing me… I was in my senses, but still… I lost control. What happened should NEVER have happened. But you started it too… It wasn't only my fault.Sophia spoke sharply,
What exactly happened, Victor? Say it clearly!Her angry tone made Victor swallow hard.
Sophia… you're… not a virgin anymore. Last night, we… we did everything that couples do in deep relationships… or after marriage. I'm sorry, Sophia… I am deeply ashamed. I should've controlled myself.Sophia froze.
What? Are you joking? I didn't even realize… how could it happen?Before Victor could say anything more, the phone beeped—tu tu tu—and the call ended.Victor tried calling again, but now Sophia's phone was switched off.His heart sank.
The happiness he felt earlier vanished instantly. He felt as if the whole world around him had collapsed. Yes, he had made a terrible mistake. He should never have touched her without her clear permission. But then again… she had started kissing him first.He washed his face and tried to study again, but it was impossible. His mind was burning.He noticed Simon studying silently. Not wanting to disturb him, Victor decided to leave.He needed to work… or at least distract himself.
So he grabbed his books, left the hostel, took a taxi, and went straight to the World AI Company.When he reached, everyone looked busy. Before he could understand anything, Henry ran to him.Wow, Victor sir! What an idea! Robert sir was getting bored, and because of that change you made, our entire product sold out today! We even got huge advance orders. You didn't tell me this idea—you're amazing!Victor didn't respond. He simply walked away toward Jack's cabin.Henry found Victor's silence strange but didn't disturb him and returned to the production area with Priya.Jack looked up and immediately sensed the anger on Victor's face. Something was clearly wrong. Before Jack could ask anything, a girl entered the cabin.Sir, Vikram Smith wants to meet you. He has already fixed a date. Please meet him.Victor turned to look at the girl—and froze.It was Shivani, Simon's classmate.
She was extremely intelligent—sharp enough to uncover anyone's secrets. But why was she here? She belonged to a wealthy family. What was she doing working as an assistant… and that too under the arrogant Robert?Jack quickly sensed Victor's panic and said,
Victor, meet Shivani. She joined today. Robert hired her as his assistant.Shivani stared at Victor thoughtfully.Victor glared at Jack—furious.Jack added quickly,
Shivani, this is Victor. He works in the finance department under Manager Ravindra. You may go now.Once she left, Victor snapped,
Uncle, do you want my secret exposed? Shivani studies in my college! You know she's smart. If she spends time around me, she will figure out everything!Jack sighed.
Victor, relax. Students in other departments hardly meet finance teams. And she needed a job. You told me yourself to offer part-time jobs to students. She works from 1 PM to 5 PM. Her salary is low too.Victor didn't want to argue anymore.
Uncle, enough… I've had too many shocks today. I just want to be alone. I'll be in the lab. Dev won't come this late; he'll be with his girlfriend… guess who.Victor left for the lab and drowned himself in work—completely consumed.Hours passed. Jack checked the time—it was 10 PM.
Everyone had left at 7 PM, but Victor was still inside.
Jack called him, but Victor didn't answer.Jack went downstairs.
He found Victor working intensely—half of the Patron Suit already assembled. Something that used to take both of them two days, Victor had done alone in hours.Jack kept food on the table and quietly left.An hour later, Victor finally ate. He took a juice bottle from the fridge and tried calling Sophia while eating.Her phone was still switched off.He sent her a message—but again, no response.Just when he was finishing dinner, his phone buzzed with a message.Victor saw it.And instantly…