When You Left...But Never Let me Go. | ✔️

Chapter 18: He's Back... But Not the Same

Chapter 18: He’s Back… But Not the Same

Sanya’s fingers curled into fists.

Missed him?

Did she miss the way he made her heart race? The way he challenged her? The way he—

Left her without a word?

Her jaw tightened. “You think you can just show up and act like nothing happened?”

Rudra smirked. “I didn’t say nothing happened.”

Sanya felt a sharp sting in her chest. Then why did you leave?

But she refused to ask.

She refused to give him the satisfaction.

Instead, she lifted her chin. “I don’t have time for this.”

She turned to walk away—

But Rudra stepped in front of her.

“Really, topper? I thought you’d have at least one question for me.”

Sanya clenched her jaw. “I don’t waste my time on people who disappear.”

She saw something flicker in his eyes.

For a second, she thought he might actually explain.

But then, his smirk returned.

“And I don’t waste my time on people who pretend they don’t care.”

Her breath hitched.

Because he was right.

She did care. Too much.

And she hated him for knowing it.

---

The War Begins Again

By lunch, the entire school was talking.

Rudra Malhotra was back.

And he wasn’t just back—he was different.

Sharper. Stronger. More confident.

And worst of all?

He didn’t ignore her.

No.

He made sure she felt his presence.

Every glance. Every smirk. Every casual brush of his arm against hers.

Like he was reminding her—

I’m here, and I’m not done with you yet.

But Sanya wasn’t the same either.

If he wanted to play games—

She’d win.

---

The Tension Snaps

It happened three days later.

After school.

Sanya was packing her bag when a shadow loomed over her.

She knew before looking who it was.

“Can I help you?” she asked without turning.

Rudra leaned against her desk. “I have a question.”

She zipped her bag. “Not interested.”

“Too bad.”

She sighed. “What?”

He tilted his head. “Did you really not miss me?”

Sanya’s fingers tightened around her bag strap.

He was playing with her.

But two could play this game.

She turned, meeting his gaze head-on. “No. Not even for a second.”

Rudra’s smirk didn’t drop.

But something in his eyes darkened.

And just for a moment—

She thought she saw it.

The truth.

A flash of pain.

Of something he wasn’t saying.

But before she could process it, he grinned.

“Liar.”

And then he walked away.

Leaving Sanya with one undeniable truth—

This wasn’t over.

It was just beginning.

_______

Continue to Chapter 19!