The cameras kept flashing as Rohan's arm rested around Aria's waist.
From a distance, they looked like the perfect couple.
But Aria could feel her heartbeat racing.
"Are you sure this is necessary?" she whispered.
Rohan kept his smile steady for the cameras.
"Yes."
"Why?"
"Because the media is watching."
Aria forced a small smile too.
"This fake marriage is getting very realistic."
Rohan glanced down at her briefly.
"That's the point."
Across the room, reporters and photographers continued whispering excitedly.
The story of Rohan Malhotra's secret wife had become the biggest topic of the night.
But suddenly the crowd near the entrance began to stir.
People moved aside.
Someone important had arrived.
Kabir appeared beside them again, looking slightly tense.
"He's here," he murmured.
Aria frowned. "Who?"
Before Kabir could answer, a tall man walked into the hall.
He wore a dark suit and carried himself with effortless confidence.
Several reporters rushed toward him.
Aria noticed something strange.
Many people in the room suddenly looked uncomfortable.
"Who is that?" she asked quietly.
Rohan's expression turned cold.
"Dev Khanna."
Aria's eyes widened slightly.
Even she knew that name.
Dev Khanna was another famous actor.
But unlike Rohan, Dev was known for controversy, scandals, and ruthless competition in the film industry.
Dev's eyes slowly scanned the room…
Until they stopped on Rohan.
A slow smile spread across his face.
"Well, well," Dev said as he approached them.
"Look who decided to show up with a wife."
His gaze moved to Aria.
"And this must be the mystery woman."
Aria forced a polite smile.
"Nice to meet you."
Dev studied her carefully.
"Is it?"
Something about his tone made Aria uneasy.
Rohan stepped slightly in front of her.
"What do you want, Dev?"
Dev laughed softly.
"Relax. I'm just congratulating you."
His eyes moved to the ring on Aria's finger.
"A sudden marriage," he continued. "Very surprising."
Kabir crossed his arms.
"What are you really here for?"
Dev ignored him.
Instead, he leaned slightly closer to Aria.
"You should be careful," he said quietly.
Aria frowned.
"Why?"
Dev's smile widened.
"Because being close to Rohan Malhotra can be… dangerous."
Rohan's voice turned sharp.
"Enough."
Dev straightened his jacket calmly.
"Oh, don't worry. I'm not here to ruin your happy moment."
He glanced at Aria one last time.
"But secrets have a funny way of coming out."
Then he walked away into the crowd.
Aria watched him go.
"That guy gives me bad vibes," she said.
Kabir nodded seriously.
"He's worse than bad vibes."
Aria looked at Rohan.
"What's his problem with you?"
Rohan didn't answer immediately.
His eyes remained fixed on Dev across the room.
Finally he said quietly,
"He's been trying to destroy my career for years."
Aria blinked.
"And now he knows about me."
Kabir sighed.
"Which means you're part of the game now."
Aria looked down at the ring again.
Just a few days ago, this had been a simple deal.
A contract.
A ring.
Six months.
But now…
There were jealous actresses, media chaos, and dangerous rivals.
And something told her this was only the beginning.
Because across the room, Dev Khanna was already speaking to a reporter.
And he looked very interested in the story of Rohan Malhotra's mysterious wife.
End of Chapter 9
Next Chapter: Rumors and Lies