The massive black gates slowly opened.
Kiara looked out of the car window as the vehicle entered the Malhotra mansion.
The place was enormous.
A grand driveway curved through a perfectly landscaped garden, leading to a huge white mansion that looked more like a palace.
Tall pillars. Glass walls. Luxury everywhere.
But Kiara wasn't impressed.
She simply stepped out of the car as the driver opened the door.
Aarav walked beside her calmly.
"This is where you live now," he said.
Kiara glanced at the mansion briefly.
"For how long?"
Aarav smirked slightly.
"Until I decide otherwise."
Kiara raised a brow but said nothing.
As they entered the house, the staff immediately lined up.
"Good evening, sir."
Their eyes shifted toward Kiara.
Confusion spread across their faces.
The news about the wedding scandal had already reached everywhere.
Aarav removed his coat casually.
"Everyone," he said calmly, "this is my wife."
The word echoed in the large hall.
Kiara crossed her arms.
"Temporary situation," she added dryly.
Aarav ignored her comment.
The housekeeper stepped forward nervously.
"Should we prepare the guest room for ma'am?"
Before Kiara could answer, Aarav spoke.
"No."
Both the housekeeper and Kiara looked at him.
"She'll stay in my room."
Kiara turned to him instantly.
"Oh really?"
Aarav's expression remained calm.
"We're married."
"That doesn't mean I'm sharing a room with you."
Aarav leaned slightly closer.
His voice lowered.
"You wanted to play powerful at the wedding, remember?"
Kiara's eyes narrowed.
"Then act like my wife."
The tension between them thickened.
But Kiara suddenly smiled.
"Fine."
Aarav looked mildly surprised.
"You don't get uncomfortable easily, do you?" he asked.
Kiara shrugged lightly.
"I've dealt with worse men than you."
Aarav chuckled.
"Careful."
Then he added quietly,
"You haven't seen the worst of me yet."
He turned and started walking upstairs.
Kiara followed.
Inside the bedroom, the space was huge.
A king-size bed in the center.
Glass walls overlooking the city.
Dark wooden interiors.
Luxury mixed with cold elegance.
Kiara walked inside slowly.
"So this is the famous Aarav Malhotra bedroom."
Aarav loosened his tie casually.
"You expected something else?"
"I expected less ego," she replied.
Aarav laughed softly.
Then he pointed toward the bed.
"One bed."
Kiara looked at it.
Then back at him.
"Relax," she said calmly.
"I'm not interested."
Aarav folded his arms.
"Good."
"Because if you try anything," Kiara added coolly,
"I'll probably throw you out of your own house."
For a moment…
Aarav simply stared at her.
Then he smiled slowly.
"Kiara Kapoor."
His voice was low.
"Living with you might actually be entertaining."
Kiara walked toward the balcony window, looking out at the city lights.
"Don't get used to it."
Aarav stepped beside her.
"Why?"
"Because," she replied calmly,
"This house isn't permanent."
Aarav's gaze sharpened.
"What do you mean?"
Kiara looked at him.
Her expression confident.
"One day," she said quietly,
"Malhotra Industries… and this mansion…"
Her lips curved slightly.
"…might belong to me."
For a moment the air between them froze.
Then Aarav smiled.
Not angry.
Not shocked.
Almost impressed.
"Now that," he said softly,
"sounds like a challenge."
And Aarav Malhotra had never backed down from one.