Aisha woke up to the soft sound of curtains moving.
Warm sunlight touched her face, and she slowly opened her eyes. For a moment, she didn't know where she was. The bed under her was soft like clouds, the room smelled fresh, and the ceiling above her was beautiful with golden designs.
She blinked in confusion.
This… this is not my house.
She sat up quickly.
Her head felt light, and her clothes had been changed into clean, comfortable nightwear.
A polite voice came from the side.
"You're awake, Madam."
Aisha turned sharply.
A woman in a neat uniform stood near the door, bowing slightly. She looked around 40, with kind but professional eyes.
"Madam?" Aisha repeated softly. "W-Where am I?"
"You are in Mr. Arjun Malhotra's private guest suite," the woman said. "I'm Meera, the head housekeeper."
Aisha gasped.
Everything that happened last night flashed back in her mind—the rain, the betrayal, her family rejecting her, and then Arjun offering her a marriage contract.
She swallowed hard.
"So… last night wasn't a dream?"
Meera smiled gently. "No, Madam. You fainted after entering the car. Sir asked us to take care of you."
Aisha touched her forehead. "I… fainted?"
"Yes. You were overwhelmed, dehydrated, and cold. Sir immediately called his personal doctor."
Her eyes widened.
"Doctor?"
"Yes. You had a fever. But don't worry, you're stable now."
Aisha let out a shaky breath. She didn't expect the cold CEO to care that much.
Before she could think more, Meera placed a tray on the bedside table.
"There is warm soup and medicine for you. After that, Sir wishes to see you in his study."
Aisha's heart skipped.
He wants to see me?
Of course he did. She had agreed to marry him.
Aisha nodded slowly. "Okay… thank you."
Meera left politely, closing the door quietly.
Aisha looked around the room again. It was huge—bigger than her entire apartment. Everything was clean, white, and elegant. A soft carpet covered the floor. A large window showed a beautiful garden outside.
She felt small.
Too small for this place.
Like she didn't belong.
But then she remembered last night's pain again—her mother's voice telling her not to come home.
Her chest tightened.
I really don't have anyone left.
She took a deep breath, washed her face, and changed into the simple dress left on the chair. It was new, soft, and comfortable.
Her hair was still a little messy, but she gathered her courage.
This was her new life.
A strange one.
A risky one.
But still a life.
She stepped out of the room and followed the housekeeper to Arjun's study room.
Her palms were sweating.
Her heart thumped hard.
She didn't know what to expect.
Inside Arjun's Study
The door opened silently.
Arjun Malhotra sat behind a large wooden desk. Sunlight from the tall windows highlighted his sharp features. He wore a black shirt today, sleeves rolled up, and he looked even more intimidating than last night.
His eyes lifted and settled on her.
Aisha froze.
His gaze was unreadable—cold, deep, and too intense.
"You're awake," Arjun said in his calm, low voice.
"Yes," she whispered.
"Sit."
She quietly walked forward and sat on the chair opposite him.
Arjun placed a folder in front of her.
"This is the marriage contract."
Aisha swallowed nervously. Her hands trembled slightly as she opened the folder.
The first page had her name and his.
Her breath caught.
He continued speaking in his steady tone:
"You will be my legal wife for one year."
Aisha nodded slowly.
"You will stay in my house, attend events with me, and act as my partner."
She nodded again, even though her heart raced.
"In return," Arjun said, looking directly into her eyes, "I will make sure no one harms you again. I will provide everything you need—food, clothes, safety, and financial support."
Aisha's fingers tightened.
No one had ever promised her safety before.
Not even her own family.
Arjun continued, "After one year, we will divorce quietly. You will receive a settlement amount and full freedom."
Aisha hesitated.
"Why… why do you need a wife?" she finally asked.
Arjun leaned back in his chair. His jaw tightened for a moment. His eyes turned even colder.
"That is my personal matter," he said.
His tone made it clear—this was a boundary she shouldn't cross.
Aisha lowered her eyes. "I understand."
There was silence for a few seconds.
Then Arjun pushed a pen toward her.
"You agreed last night. But I won't force you. You can walk away now if you have changed your mind."
Aisha lifted her eyes slowly.
Walk away?
Where would she go?
Her parents didn't want her.
Her fiancé betrayed her.
Her cousin stole her life.
Her friends were few, and she couldn't afford rent anymore.
Her life was empty—a broken road with no direction.
Her voice trembled as she spoke softly:
"I… I have nowhere else to go."
Arjun watched her quietly.
Her eyes were red.
Her voice small.
Her pain visible.
But she still held herself together with dignity.
Finally, she picked up the pen with shaking hands.
"I'll sign," she whispered.
Arjun didn't react outwardly, but something flickered in his eyes—respect, maybe, or curiosity.
She signed her name slowly, page by page.
When she finished, Arjun reached forward and took the contract.
"Good," he said, his tone calm as always. "We will register the marriage today."
Aisha's heart jolted.
"Today?"
"Yes. There is no point in waiting."
He stood up.
She quickly stood too.
Arjun looked at her again, his eyes scanning her face.
"You look better," he said in a low voice. "But still tired. Are you feeling okay?"
Aisha blinked.
Was he… worried?
"I'm fine," she whispered.
"Good. Meera will prepare you." His voice softened slightly. "You don't need to be afraid, Aisha. I will handle everything."
Her chest warmed a little.
For the first time in a long time…
someone was taking responsibility for her.
Arjun walked past her toward the door, but paused for a brief second.
"From today onward," he said quietly, "you are Mrs. Malhotra."
The words made her heart skip.
Mrs. Malhotra.
His wife.
Even if only for a year.
Aisha touched her heart gently, feeling it beat faster.
This marriage…
was going to change everything.