Chapter 2: The Price of a Life

The silence in the luxury suite was suffocating. Mehak could hear the frantic beating of her own heart, sounding like a trapped bird.

Aarav’s grip on her chin tightened just a fraction, his dark eyes boring into her soul. He wasn't joking. To him, this wasn't a marriage—it was a transaction. A cold, calculated business deal.

"I am waiting, sweetheart," Aarav murmured, his voice a low, dangerous purr. "My patience runs on a very short fuse."

Mehak closed her eyes. Images of her little brother, pale and breathless on the hospital bed, flashed before her. The doctors had given her an ultimatum. If the money wasn't deposited by tomorrow morning, they wouldn't perform the life-saving surgery. Her stepmother had completely turned her back on them.

Aarav Malhotra was her absolute last hope.

Even if it means walking straight into hell... I have to save him.

Opening her eyes, she looked past the terrifying aura of the man standing before her.

"I... I agree. I will sign the contract."

A shadow of a smirk played on Aarav’s flawless, sharp lips. He let go of her chin, the sudden loss of his warm touch leaving a strange chill on her skin.

"A wise choice," Aarav said smoothly.

He walked over to the sleek executive desk near the massive glass window, overlooking the glittering, dark skyline of Srinagar. He picked up his smartphone and dialed a number.

"Khanna. Transfer ten lakh rupees to the city hospital immediately for the treatment of Mehak's brother. Move him to the VIP wing, and get the best surgeons on it."

He paused, listening to his assistant on the other end, before adding, "And bring the standard non-disclosure marriage agreement to Suite 708. Right now."

Mehak let out a breath she didn't know she was holding. Her brother was going to be safe. Tears of absolute relief spilled over her cheeks.

"Thank you... thank you so much, Mr. Malhotra," she whispered, her voice trembling with genuine gratitude.

Aarav turned around, sliding his hands casually into his pockets. His expression was completely blank, devoid of any sympathy.

"Don't thank me yet, Mehak. You haven't seen the terms of your new life," he said coldly. "From tonight, your freedom belongs to me. You will smile when I tell you to. You will stand by my side when the media cameras are flashing. And most importantly..."

He took a slow, predatory step toward her, towering over her petite frame until she was backed up against the wall.

"...you will never look at another man. To the world, you are Aarav Malhotra’s deeply loved wife. But behind closed doors, you are just a contract bound to an end date. Do you understand?"

Mehak swallowed hard, nodding numbly. He was a monster wrapped in a designer suit.

Within minutes, a soft knock echoed through the door. His assistant entered silently, placing a thick manila folder labeled CONTRACT on the desk alongside a sleek fountain pen, before swiftly exiting.

Aarav tapped the dark wood of the desk. "Sign it."

Mehak walked over, her hands shaking so violently she could barely grip the pen. She flipped to the last page. Her signature looked small and fragile next to his bold, commanding script.

The moment she put the pen down, Aarav stepped up right behind her. His chest pressed lightly against her back, his scent of expensive cologne and tobacco wrapping around her senses.

"Pack your bags tonight," Aarav whispered darkly, his hand resting possessively on the curve of her waist. "A car will pick you up at 8:00 AM tomorrow. Welcome to your golden cage, Mrs. Malhotra."

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