The grand ballroom of the Imperial Hotel was filled with powerful businessmen, celebrities, and media reporters.
It was the biggest corporate charity gala of the year.
And tonight—
Everyone was waiting for one particular arrival.
Outside the hotel entrance, cameras flashed nonstop.
"Malhotra Industries is here!"
A sleek black car stopped at the entrance.
First, Aarav stepped out.
Tall. Confident. Dressed in a perfectly tailored black tuxedo.
Reporters immediately started shouting questions.
"Aarav sir! Is it true your wedding was a scandal?"
"Who is your real partner now?"
Aarav ignored them all.
Instead, he walked to the other side of the car and opened the door.
Kiara stepped out.
The cameras went wild.
She wore a deep emerald green gown, elegant and powerful, her hair styled perfectly.
The reporters gasped.
Because they had expected drama.
Not this.
Aarav gently offered his hand.
Kiara looked at it for a second.
Then placed her hand in his.
Flash.
Flash.
Flash.
To the cameras—
They looked like the perfect couple.
Inside the ballroom, whispers spread quickly.
"Are they still together?"
"I thought the marriage was fake."
"They look very real."
Kiara leaned slightly closer to Aarav as they walked.
"Smile," she whispered.
"You're enjoying this," Aarav replied quietly.
"A little."
They reached the center of the hall.
Suddenly—
A familiar voice spoke.
"Well… this is unexpected."
Both of them turned.
Alisha stood a few steps away.
Dressed in a stunning silver dress.
Her eyes moved from Aarav… to Kiara.
Slowly.
"So the rumors were true," she said.
Aarav's expression remained calm.
"What rumors?"
"That you two are pretending to be happily married again."
Kiara smiled politely.
"We're not pretending."
Alisha laughed lightly.
"Oh please."
Her gaze sharpened.
"You married her for revenge."
The surrounding guests grew silent, clearly listening.
Kiara stepped slightly closer to Aarav.
Then she did something unexpected.
She slipped her arm through his.
The movement was smooth.
Natural.
Possessive.
The entire room watched.
Kiara's voice was calm.
"Whatever the reason was…"
She looked directly at Alisha.
"…he still chose me."
The tension exploded in the air.
Aarav glanced down briefly at Kiara's hand around his arm.
Then back at Alisha.
Alisha's jaw tightened.
"You really think this will last?" she asked sharply.
Kiara smiled faintly.
"I don't need it to last."
Her eyes flickered toward Aarav.
"I just need it to win."
For a moment—
Aarav actually laughed quietly.
Because somehow…
Watching these two women fight over a situation he created—
Was becoming far more complicated than he expected.
And far more interesting.
But neither Kiara nor Aarav noticed something else.
Across the ballroom…
A mysterious man was watching them carefully.
His expression dark.
And when he saw Kiara—
His smile slowly appeared.
Because the real game…
Had only just begun.