The Bride they burned

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"Some people meet in war. Others in worship. But they… they met in silence—so thick, even justice couldn't breathe."

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NYRA

I hated courthouses.

The smell of varnished guilt, the ticking clocks, the whisper of worn papers—everything about them felt like a memory waiting to trap me.

Still, I walked in, black heels clicking on marble, the sound sharp, unapologetic. I wore a fitted black pantsuit, low-cut blazer, soft gold chains around my neck like armor. If the world wanted war, I wanted to look like its queen.

Kai flanked me. Celeste was ten steps behind, sunglasses on indoors—obnoxious as ever.

It wasn't my case. But I'd made sure my name was on the investor list for the acquisition trial of VermaTech.

Because I knew who'd be representing the opposition.

Leo Varma.

He was fire. In every sense of the word. The kind that didn't flicker—it waited. Silent. Controlled. Capable of scorching cities when necessary.

And once, many years ago, he had saved Meher Vora from prison.

Unknowingly, maybe. Unintentionally.

But I never forgot the way he'd looked at me when I was broken. Like he knew I wouldn't stay that way forever.

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COURTROOM – 10:43 AM

The judge walked in late. As always. The stenographer looked bored. The opposing firm set up laptops like they were preparing for war.

I took my seat, legs crossed. A few heads turned. Of course they did.

I wasn't just another investor. I was her—the one people whispered about.

"Nyra Vora," someone murmured. "That's the one who—"

> "Silence in court," the bailiff barked.

And then he entered.

Leo Varma.

Dark blue suit. Loosened tie. Rolled sleeves. His hair was messier than usual—still damp from the rain outside. But his stride? Silent authority.

He didn't look at the judge.

He didn't look at the papers.

He looked straight at me.

The air changed.

Not a shift. A drop.

Like the room forgot to breathe.

He said nothing.

I tilted my chin slightly, letting him see what I had become.

Not Meher.

Not the girl he once defended from a trumped-up charge Ravian planted.

But Nyra. Vora.

> "Objection, Ms. Vora," Leo said suddenly, lips curling into a half-smile, "you're not on the witness stand."

A ripple of quiet laughter spread across the room.

> "Neither are you, Mr. Varma. But your eyes seem cross-examining."

He paused. That smirk faltered for just a second.

I won.

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AFTER COURT – BASEMENT GARAGE

He followed me.

Of course he did.

The echo of his steps chased mine until I stopped beside my car, hand on the door.

> "You knew I'd be here," he said, voice low, close to my neck.

I didn't turn.

> "You think I show up to every tech acquisition case dressed like this?"

> "You wore that necklace when I met you the first time."

That made me turn.

His eyes weren't cold. They were... hurt. Like someone who'd once seen a ghost—and now saw it in stilettos.

> "That girl died, Mr. Varma."

> "I don't believe in ghosts."

> "Then start."

He exhaled, eyes narrowing.

> "Tell me why you're really back. Because this—" his hand gestured to the courtroom above us— "this isn't your fight."

> "No. But the man behind it is."

> "Ravian."

I froze.

He saw it.

Leo stepped closer. His cologne hit first—cedarwood and something darker. Like promises buried in velvet.

> "He's not in the city, Nyra. But his name is on the next docket. He's coming back."

> "So let him."

> "You're not scared?"

I smiled.

> "I'm counting on him being stupid enough to still want to own me."

> "And me?"

He was close now. Too close. My spine hit the car door as he leaned in.

> "Do you still count me among your enemies?"

> "You were never my enemy," I whispered.

> "Then say my name like you used to."

> "Leo."

A beat of silence.

> "Say it again."

> "Leo."

This time it wasn't just a whisper.

It was a knife and a memory and a kiss waiting to happen.

But I wouldn't give it to him. Not yet.

> "You're ten years too late," I said.

He grinned.

> "Then I'll spend the next ten making up for it."

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SOMEWHERE ELSE – RAVIAN

He stared at the CCTV freeze-frame.

Nyra.

Black suit. Golden chains. That smile.

Alive.

> "Sir, your son—he's missing. Someone used your burner account."

> "And she?"

> "She's on the courtroom steps. With Leo Varma."

Ravian leaned back in his chair, the room going still.

> "Let her enjoy her return," he whispered. "Because soon, she'll remember... how she begged."

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TO BE CONTINUED...