Riya was unable to sleep the entire night.
The contract papers lay on the table beside her bed, reminding her of the decision she had made.
One year. Just one year.
For her father.
Early in the morning, a car arrived to pick her up.
She was taken to a luxurious bungalow she had only seen in movies. Everything inside looked grand, expensive, and unfamiliar.
A woman walked toward her.
"Miss Riya, I am here to prepare you for the wedding," she said politely.
"Wedding?" Riya's eyes widened.
"Yes. Mr. Malhotra wants this marriage to happen today. Privately."
Her heart began to race.
Before she could even think, she was dressed in a stunning red bridal lehenga. Her hair was styled perfectly, and light makeup enhanced her natural beauty.
She looked at herself in the mirror.
The girl staring back at her felt like a stranger.
A few hours later…
She stood in front of Arjun Malhotra.
He looked the same as yesterday.
Calm. Cold. Unreadable.
No family. No guests. No celebrations.
Just a priest.
And silence.
Within minutes, the rituals were completed.
She was now…
Riya Malhotra.
As they walked out, Arjun spoke for the first time.
"Remember the rules. This is just a contract. Don't expect anything from me."
Riya swallowed her emotions.
But deep down…
She felt this marriage was going to change her life forever.