HIS UNWANTED QUEEN

Chapter 4: The Jealousy Begins

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Two weeks had passed since Meram moved into Ehan's apartment. Two weeks of awkward silences, stolen glances, and a tension so thick you could cut it with a knife.

Ehan had kept his distance, just as he promised. He left for work early and returned late. When they were in the same room, he barely looked at her. He spoke to her only when necessary, and even then, his words were short and clipped.

But Meram noticed things.

She noticed how he always made sure she had enough food in the refrigerator. She noticed how he had bought her a new phone without saying a word — just leaving it on her bed with a note that said "For emergencies." She noticed how he would sometimes stop and stare at her when he thought she wasn't looking.

She noticed everything.

And despite his coldness, she was starting to fall for him.

### The Morning of the Event

"Meram."

She looked up from the kitchen counter, where she was chopping vegetables for dinner. Ehan stood in the doorway, wearing his usual expensive suit. He looked devastatingly handsome, as always.

"Yes?" she asked.

"We have a family event tonight," he said, his voice flat. "A dinner. All the extended family will be there."

Meram's heart dropped. "Your grandfather?"

"Will be there," Ehan confirmed. "That's why I need you to come with me."

"Why?" Meram asked, her voice trembling slightly.

Ehan walked closer, his eyes scanning her face. "Because the media still thinks you're my fiancée. If you don't show up, they'll start asking questions. It's a business dinner. Very important for my reputation."

Meram looked down at her simple clothes. "I don't have anything to wear."

"I'll take care of that," Ehan said. "Get dressed. We leave in two hours."

### The Shopping Trip

An hour later, Ehan led Meram into a high-end boutique in Manhattan. The store was filled with designer dresses, expensive jewelry, and the smell of expensive perfume.

The saleswoman rushed over immediately. "Mr. Khan! Welcome! What can we help you with today?"

Ehan gestured at Meram. "She needs a dress. A good one."

The saleswoman looked at Meram — her simple dress, her worn-out shoes, her messy hair. Her smile faltered for just a moment before she recovered.

"Of course! Right this way, miss!"

Meram felt completely out of place. The dresses were beautiful — silk, velvet, lace, sequins — but they looked like they belonged on someone else. Someone richer. Someone more important.

She picked up a simple black dress and showed it to Ehan. "What about this one?"

Ehan shook his head. "No."

"Too expensive?"

"Too plain," he said. "You're not hiding in the background tonight. You're standing next to me."

He walked over to a rack and pulled out a stunning emerald-green gown. The fabric was soft and flowed like water. The neckline was elegant, with delicate lace detailing that would hug her collarbones perfectly.

"Try this one," he said.

Meram's eyes widened. "This must cost thousands."

"I don't care what it costs," Ehan said firmly. "Wear it."

### The Transformation

Meram stepped out of the dressing room, and Ehan forgot how to breathe.

The dress fit her like it was made for her. The emerald green brought out the warmth of her honey-colored eyes. The flowing fabric hugged her curves perfectly, making her look elegant and sophisticated.

Her hair was down, cascading over her shoulders in soft waves. She had put on a touch of makeup, just enough to highlight her natural beauty.

She looked like a princess. No — she looked like a queen.

Ehan stood frozen, his heart pounding.

"Do I look okay?" Meram asked nervously.

Okay? No. She looked breathtaking. She looked like a dream. She looked like everything he had ever wanted and didn't know he was searching for.

But he couldn't tell her that. He couldn't let her see the effect she had on him.

"You'll do," he said, his voice strangely rough.

Meram's smile faltered for just a moment, but she quickly recovered. "Thank you."

### The Family Dinner

The Khan mansion was enormous — a sprawling estate on the outskirts of Manhattan, surrounded by lush gardens and tall iron gates. Inside, the halls were filled with family members, all dressed in their finest clothes.

Meram felt eyes on her the moment she walked in.

Whispers followed her everywhere.

"Who is she?"

"Is that the orphan?"

"She's beautiful... for an orphan."

"She doesn't belong here."

Meram kept her head high, her hand resting on Ehan's arm. She could feel his muscles tense under her touch.

"Stay close to me," he whispered.

"I'm not going anywhere."

### The Cousins' Arrival

"BHABHI!"

The familiar squeals pierced through the formal atmosphere. Aryan, Sarah, and Zayn came running across the hall, their little feet pattering against the marble floor.

Aryan grabbed Meram's hand. "Bhabhi! You came!"

Sarah hugged her waist. "You look so pretty, Bhabhi! Like a real princess!"

Zayn looked up at her with his big innocent eyes. "Mama pretty!"

Meram knelt down and hugged all three of them. "You all look so handsome and beautiful tonight!"

"We wore our best clothes for you!" Aryan announced. "See? Matching suits!"

Sarah twirled in her pink dress. "Do you like it?"

"I love it," Meram said, kissing her cheek.

Aryan looked up at Ehan with a mischievous grin. "Bhai jan, aren't you going to kiss Bhabhi?"

Ehan's face turned red. "Aryan—"

"She looks so beautiful! You should kiss her!" Aryan insisted.

"That's not appropriate," Ehan said through gritted teeth.

"Yes, it is!" Sarah chimed in. "In Bollywood movies, when a woman looks beautiful, the man kisses her!"

Ehan pinched the bridge of his nose. "We're not in a Bollywood movie."

Zayn tugged his pants. "Ehan bhai kiss Mama! Please!"

Meram was blushing furiously, her face as red as a tomato. She couldn't meet Ehan's eyes.

Ehan, for his part, was completely mortified. He was the most powerful man in the city, and three small children were making him feel like a helpless fool.

Fatima walked over with a smile. "Leave them alone, children. Let's go find your seats."

The children reluctantly left, but Aryan turned back and shouted, "Kiss her later, bhai jan!"

### The Main Event

Mr. Khan arrived, his presence instantly commanding attention. He was a tall man, his silver hair perfectly combed, his eyes sharp and calculating.

He looked at Meram, and his expression was unreadable.

"Grandfather," Ehan said, his voice respectful. "This is Meram."

Mr. Khan looked her up and down, his eyes narrowing. "I remember her. The orphan."

"Yes, Grandfather."

"She doesn't look like an orphan," Mr. Khan said, his voice cold. "She looks like a woman who doesn't belong here."

Meram's heart clenched, but she forced herself to smile. "It's an honor to meet you, sir."

"The honor is not yours," Mr. Khan said bluntly. "It's mine. But I don't feel it."

He turned and walked away without another word.

Meram's smile faded. She blinked back tears, refusing to let them fall.

"Don't listen to him," Ehan whispered. "He's old. Traditional. He'll come around."

"Will he?" Meram asked softly.

Ehan said nothing. He wasn't sure of the answer himself.

### The Other Man

Throughout the evening, Meram was the center of attention — and not all of it was good.

But one man couldn't stop staring at her.

His name was Daniel — a young lawyer, handsome and charming. He walked over to Meram while Ehan was talking to his grandfather.

"Hello," Daniel said, smiling. "I'm Daniel. I don't think we've met."

Meram smiled politely. "I'm Meram."

"I know," Daniel said. "You're the talk of the party. The billionaire's mysterious fiancée."

"Something like that," Meram said, not sure how to respond.

"You're beautiful," Daniel said, his eyes flickering over her. "Ehan is a lucky man."

Meram blushed. "Thank you."

"No, I mean it," Daniel said, stepping closer. "If you ever get tired of Ehan, you know where to find me."

### Ehan Sees Red

Ehan had been watching the entire exchange from across the room. His eyes narrowed when Daniel stepped closer to Meram. His jaw tightened when he saw Daniel smile at her.

He walked over, his steps purposeful and predatory.

"Meram," he said, his voice cold. "I need you for a moment."

Meram looked up at him, startled. "Oh! Yes, of course."

Daniel held out his hand. "We were just getting acquainted."

Ehan ignored his hand completely. "She's not available for conversation. Excuse us."

He grabbed Meram's hand and pulled her away, his grip firm. He led her through the crowd, away from the guests, into a quiet corridor.

"Ehan, what are you—"

He pushed her against the wall, his body pressing against hers. His eyes were dark, dangerous, filled with a fire she had never seen before.

"What the hell was that?" he growled.

"What are you talking about?" Meram asked, confused.

"That man. Daniel. He was flirting with you," Ehan said, his voice low and intense.

"Ethan, he was just being nice—"

"Nice?" Ehan laughed, a bitter, hollow sound. "He was looking at you like you were a piece of meat. Like he wanted to devour you right there."

Meram was stunned. "Ehan, why do you care?"

"I don't—" He stopped, his eyes locked on hers. "I don't know."

"Yes, you do," Meram whispered.

Ehan stared at her, his breathing heavy. Her honey-colored eyes were looking up at him, soft and vulnerable. Her lips were parted slightly, inviting.

He leaned closer. "Meram..."

"Ehan," she breathed.

He was inches from her lips. His hand came up to cup her face, his thumb brushing over her cheek. His eyes searched hers, looking for permission.

She gave it. A tiny nod.

And then he kissed her.

### The Kiss

The kiss was electric.

Ehan's lips were soft but demanding, moving against hers with a hunger that had been building for weeks. His hand tangled in her hair, pulling her closer. She melted into him, her hands clutching his shirt.

He kissed her like she was oxygen and he had been drowning. He kissed her like she was the first woman he had ever truly wanted. He kissed her like he had found something he didn't even know he was looking for.

Meram responded with equal passion, her fingers threading through his hair, pulling him closer. She had never been kissed like this — like she was precious, like she was wanted, like she was everything.

She kissed him back, pouring all her fear and longing and hope into it.

He broke the kiss, both of them breathing heavily. His forehead rested against hers.

"Meram," he whispered, his voice rough. "What are you doing to me?"

She smiled softly. "I could ask you the same thing."

He kissed her again, softer this time, gentler. Like she was made of glass.

And in that moment, Meram knew — she wasn't nothing to him.

She was everything.

### End of Chapter 4

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