News spread fast.
Too fast.
Everywhere Riya went—
People stared.
Whispered.
Judged.
"Gold digger…"
"She trapped him…"
Riya clenched her fists.
It hurt.
More than she expected.
---
In the office cafeteria…
Voices got louder.
"Of course she got the job easily."
"She's his wife."
Riya stood up suddenly.
"I earned this job!" she said.
But no one believed her.
---
Tears filled her eyes.
But she refused to cry.
Not here.
Not in front of them.
---
Just then—
A voice cut through the noise.
"That's enough."
Everyone turned.
Arjun.
Standing there.
His presence alone silenced the room.
He walked forward.
Slow.
Controlled.
Dangerous.
"Say that again," he said coldly.
No one spoke.
No one dared.
---
Riya looked at him.
Surprised.
For the first time—
He was standing up for her.
In front of everyone.