Chapter 3 – Terms of Collision

Rehan hated public events. He hated small talk, champagne, and worse—being touched.

So naturally, he hated being forced into a cultural project meeting with the city's art development board. But Westview was a prime location, and if swallowing some civility got him the land for his future tech headquarters, so be it.

He sat stiffly at the long mahogany conference table, flanked by lawyers and planners. Across from him sat a few hopeful developers, artists, and the head of the committee.

And, at the far end of the table, a familiar pair of calm, sharp eyes met his.

Jen Shah.

She blinked in surprise. He didn’t blink at all.

Of course.

Of all the creative proposals tied to Westview, it had to be her studio’s community art center.

“Miss Shah,” said the city chair, “your studio’s proposal for the public-facing section of the Westview space is under review. Mr. Sehgal’s firm has expressed interest in the site as well.”

“Then I hope he likes messy art,” Jen said with a polite smile.

Rehan’s brow twitched.

The committee chair smiled tightly. “We’re hoping for a partnership. Development and culture working together.”

“Partnership?” Rehan’s voice was ice. “I don’t do hand-holding.”

“Good,” Jen said smoothly. “I’m not here to be held.”

A few chuckles rose. Rehan didn’t react.

“Mr. Sehgal,” the chair interjected, “You’d still retain full commercial control. The Shah Studio would manage only the cultural wing. No creative interference.”

“I want a full financial report and timeline from her,” Rehan said without looking at Jen. “If it’s late, the deal’s dead.”

Jen stood. “You’ll have it. But if my team is disrespected or our work minimized, we walk.”

Rehan turned to her, eyes unreadable. “I don’t care if you walk. I care about results.”

“And I care about people,” she said evenly. “Let’s see who gets there first.”

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Later that Day

“You agreed to work with her?” Zayn’s voice carried mild shock as he trailed behind Rehan into the elevator.

“She’s the least annoying option.”

Zayn raised an eyebrow. “That’s… practically affection from you.”

Rehan didn’t answer.

He kept seeing the way she spoke—unafraid, steady. The way she stood her ground without raising her voice. And the way she defended that chaotic, silly art studio like it was a kingdom.

“She’s going to complicate things,” he muttered.

Zayn smiled. “Some complications are just emotions you’re afraid to have.”

Rehan looked at him, deadpan. “I liked you better when you were quiet.”

Zayn chuckled. “You never liked me. You tolerated me.”

As the elevator doors opened, Rehan stepped out.

He hadn’t just tolerated Jen Shah.

He noticed her.

And that was the beginning of a problem he couldn’t yet name.

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End of Chapter 3

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To be continue...