Anaya's fingers trembled as she stared at the papers in front of her.
The words blurred together, but one line stood out clearly—
**Marriage Agreement.**
Her chest felt tight.
"This is just a formality," the lawyer said, adjusting his glasses. "Please read the terms carefully before signing."
Anaya nodded, though she already knew what the contract contained. She had read it last night, alone, her hands shaking just like they were now.
One year of marriage.
No emotional expectations.
Complete confidentiality.
And a sum of money large enough to save her family.
Her gaze lifted unwillingly to the man standing by the floor-to-ceiling window.
Aarav Malhotra.
He didn't look at her.
Tall and immaculately dressed in a black suit, he stood with his hands in his pockets, watching the city below as if this meeting meant nothing to him. The lights of Mumbai reflected off the glass, outlining his sharp profile—calm, controlled, untouchable.
He looked like a man used to getting what he wanted.
And today, that was her.
"This marriage is a business arrangement," Aarav said without turning around. His voice was cold, steady. "Nothing more."
Anaya swallowed.
"No personal involvement. No expectations beyond what's written," he continued. "You will attend public events when required. In return, your family's debt will be cleared."
Each word felt heavy.
She thought of her father lying in the hospital bed, the machines beeping softly beside him. The unpaid bills. The creditors who had stopped knocking and started threatening.
She had run out of choices.
"How long?" she asked quietly.
Aarav finally turned to face her.
"One year," he said. "After that, this marriage ends."
His eyes met hers for the first time.
Dark. Sharp. Emotionless.
Anaya felt exposed, like he could see straight through her fears and desperation. She lowered her gaze immediately.
"And if I don't agree?" she asked, though she already knew the answer.
Aarav's expression didn't change. "Then we end this meeting now."
Silence filled the room.
The lawyer cleared his throat, sliding the pen toward her. "Miss Anaya, please proceed if you're ready."
Ready.
She almost laughed at the word.
Her hands tightened around the pen. This wasn't a wedding proposal. There were no flowers, no smiles, no promises of happiness.
Just ink on paper.
Anaya took a slow breath and signed her name.
The scratching sound of the pen felt unbearably loud.
When she was done, she pushed the papers forward with shaking fingers.
Aarav picked them up, scanned the page briefly, and nodded.
"Good," he said. "We'll register the marriage tomorrow."
Tomorrow.
Her life was changing tomorrow.
He handed the papers to the lawyer and walked toward her, stopping a few feet away.
"You'll move into my house tonight," he said calmly. "Your room has already been prepared."
Her heart skipped. "Tonight?"
"Yes."
She nodded again, forcing herself to stay composed.
"Remember this," Aarav added, his voice low. "You're my wife only in name. Don't expect anything else."
Anaya looked up, meeting his gaze this time.
"I understand," she said softly.
For a brief second, something unreadable flashed in his eyes.
Then it was gone.
"Good," he replied. "Welcome to your new life, Mrs. Malhotra."
Her heart sank.
This wasn't the beginning of a love story.
It was the start of a contract she wasn't sure she would survive.