Anaya wore a sleek black one-shoulder mini dress with a bold side cutout, paired with transparent heels and silver statement jewelry that caught the light every time she moved. Her hair fell softly down her back, and her makeup was subtle—just enough to make her look confident, even if she didn't fully feel it tonight.

Club Eclipse was alive.

It was New Year's Eve, and the place throbbed with music, laughter, and flashing lights. Balloons brushed the ceiling, glasses clinked endlessly, and the countdown to midnight buzzed in the air like electricity. Tonight wasn't just New Year's Eve—it was Olivia's 24th birthday.

Anaya stood with her usual friend group—Sophie, Olivia, George, and Charlie.

From the outside, everything looked perfect.

But inside, Anaya felt empty.

Olivia stood close to George, laughing at something he said. Sophie and Charlie were busy with each other, fingers linked, smiling like the world didn't exist beyond them. They were all couples—friends who had grown up together, fallen in love together... and somehow moved ahead, leaving her behind without realizing it.

Anaya was always there.

Always smiling.
Always included.
Always unnoticed.

She didn't feel angry about it. She never had.

Life had taught her early not to expect much from anyone. Expectations hurt. Hope disappointed. It was safer to be present, to care quietly, without asking for more.

Still, she loved parties.

In a crowd, loneliness felt smaller. Music filled the silence she carried inside. When she danced, she could forget that hollow feeling in her chest—at least for a while.

So she danced.

She moved with the music, letting the rhythm guide her. Lights blended into colors. The bass beat through her heart. She smiled, laughed, clapped when her favorite song played—playing her part perfectly.

After some time, her throat felt dry.

She walked to the bar. "Virgin Margarita," she said. She took slow sips, enjoying the cold glass. Without thinking much, she ordered another.

Maybe it was the loud music.
Maybe it was her empty stomach.
Maybe someone mixed the drink wrong.

Or maybe it was just one of those nights.

Her head began to feel light. The floor didn't feel steady anymore. The lights looked too bright. Too close.

She looked around for her friends.

They weren't there.

Her vision blurred slightly. Her legs felt weak, like they could give up anytime. She turned, hoping to reach the washroom, thinking cold water might help.

But her body didn't listen.

She took one step... and stumbled.

She was about to fall when strong arms caught her around the waist, holding her up before she hit the floor.

"Thank—"

The word stopped midway.

She looked up.

Raghav.

For a moment, everything else faded away. Raghav Chauhan. Her cousin brother's best friend. A man she had admired quietly for months, never allowing herself to feel more than that.

He was at the club for a meeting, wearing a sharp suit that made him stand out. Just moments ago, he had been talking to a few people when his phone rang. Seeing his mother's name, he had moved toward a less crowded area.

That's when he saw her losing balance.

And without thinking, he caught her.

"Are you okay?" he asked calmly, his voice steady.

She nodded, unable to say anything.

"Did you drink?" he asked softly.

She swallowed. "No... just a mocktail."

He exhaled slowly, understanding more than she said.

"Who did you come with?"

She looked around again.

The emptiness answered for her.

Raghav noticed.

"Come," he said quietly, already guiding her away from the noise.

"I'll drop you home."

She wanted to say she could manage. But her legs refused to move. Sleep slowly pulled her under. She leaned into him as he guided her out of the club, protecting her from the crowd and curious looks.

Cool night air touched her face briefly... then everything faded.

Raghav took her to a nearby hotel. It was quiet and safe. He booked a room, carried her inside, and placed her gently on the bed. He adjusted the blanket and made sure she was comfortable.

His phone vibrated in his hand.

He glanced at the screen. His PA.

He stepped a little away from the bed and answered quietly.
"Sir, the deal—should we go ahead with it tonight?"

Raghav looked back at Anaya. She was asleep now, unaware of the world around her, vulnerable in a way that made something tighten in his chest.

"Cancel it," he said without hesitation.

There was a brief pause on the other end. "Sir?"

"I said cancel it. I'll handle it later," he replied calmly and ended the call.

Business could wait.

Right now, she couldn't.

His Best friend's sister, his mind reminded him. Family.

Leaving her alone like this—unsafe—was never an option.

Before leaving, he wrote a short note and kept it on the bedside table.

Then he left.

When Anaya woke up, her head hurt badly. She opened her eyes slowly, confused by the unfamiliar room. Panic rose in her chest—until she saw the note.

Her hands trembled as she picked it up.

You're safe. My driver is outside. He'll take you home. – Raghav Chauhan

Her heart skipped.

First came relief. Then confusion. And then something deeper.

Attraction.

Memories filled her mind. Holi, when she had almost fallen and he had saved her. Her brother and bhabhi's wedding reception, where she couldn't stop noticing him. Family functions where she had admired him silently, telling herself it meant nothing.

Just a crush.
Nothing serious.

But now... it felt different.

Now, she didn't want to admire him from far away.

She wanted him.

Weeks later, in her London apartment, Anaya traced her fingers over the folded note she had kept hidden like a secret. London was temporary. India was home.

And Raghav Chauhan?

He was no longer just a crush she smiled about in silence.

This time, she wouldn't wait for fate.

She would return—and make sure he saw her differently this time.

One night changed everything—but will he remember it the same way she does?

I hope this prologue made you excited for the story. The love, support, motivation, and encouragement you gave me in His Angel truly mean everything to me. I hope you'll walk with me through this journey as well.

I'm still nervous—still wondering if you'll love this story, if you'll connect with these characters the way you did with Siya and Aarav, and if I'll be able to write the way you're expecting me to. But I'm giving this story my whole heart, just like always.

Thank you for believing in me