The mansion was silent.
Too silent.
Anaya Sen stood in the middle of the luxurious hall, trying to control her anger.
In front of her was the man everyone feared —
Aryan Malhotra.
His expression was calm, almost bored, as if kidnapping someone was a normal part of his day.
"Kidnapping is illegal," Anaya said sharply.
Aryan slowly sipped his whiskey.
"So is interfering with my shipment," he replied.
"I didn't know anything about your shipment," she argued.
Aryan walked toward her slowly.
Every step made the tension in the room heavier.
"You run a company," he said quietly.
"You sign contracts."
"You should know what you're dealing with."
Anaya refused to step back.
"I don't work for criminals."
For a moment the guards in the room stiffened.
No one spoke to Aryan like that.
But instead of getting angry…
Aryan smiled.
A dangerous smile.
"I like your courage."
He placed a file on the table in front of her.
"Sign it."
Anaya looked at the document.
Her eyes widened.
"Marriage contract?!"
Aryan leaned against the table.
"Yes."
"You must be insane!" she snapped.
Aryan's eyes darkened slightly.
"This marriage protects you… and benefits me."
"Why would I ever marry you?" Anaya asked.
He leaned closer.
Because someone powerful wanted Anaya dead.
And Aryan knew it.
"You cancelled a deal that belonged to one of the most dangerous mafia groups in Europe," he said quietly.
"They believe you betrayed them."
Anaya's face slowly lost color.
"They will kill you," Aryan continued calmly.
"Unless you become untouchable."
"And how does marrying you make me safe?" she asked.
Aryan's voice became colder.
"Because the moment you become Mrs. Malhotra…
You become the wife of the most feared man in the underworld."
Silence filled the room.
Anaya looked at him.
"You're not asking," she said.
Aryan shook his head slightly.
"No."
"I'm offering survival."