The mansion stood like a silent beast under the velvet sky, its silhouette commanding yet still. Aarohi stepped out of the car, her cotton kurti fluttering slightly in the breeze as she stared up at the grand iron gates slowly opening for her. The security guards bowed slightly, ushering her in like she was a queen. But inside, she felt like a stranger entering a world not meant for her.

Rivaan was waiting at the entrance, dressed in a black shirt unbuttoned at the collar and slacks that hugged his sharp figure. No tie. No mask. Just raw, unapologetic masculinity.