The snow outside had thickened overnight, painting the city in a quiet, magical white. Yet inside Mihir's penthouse, the atmosphere was anything but peaceful.
Ava's mind was racing. Ever since Mihir had mentioned his former business partner, she hadn't felt safe. Every shadow, every sound seemed like a threat.
Mihir entered the room silently, carrying two cups of coffee. He handed one to Ava without a word. The warmth of the mug in her hands contrasted sharply with the chill of fear in her chest.
"You don't have to pretend you're okay," he said softly, sitting across from her. "I know you're scared."
Ava looked up at him. His gaze was steady, almost unnervingly calm. She felt a strange flutter in her chest, one that had nothing to do with fear.
"I'm… I'm fine," she lied, her voice barely above a whisper.
Mihir leaned forward. "No, you're not. And I don't expect you to be. But we need to stay alert. They could strike anytime."
As the hours passed, Mihir kept her close, teaching her basic safety measures, showing her escape routes, and even walking her through emergency protocols.
And slowly, Ava realized something she hadn't admitted before: she felt safe with him in a way she didn't with anyone else.
Later that evening, they were alone in the lounge, the city lights sparkling like tiny stars through the frosted glass. Ava finally spoke.
"Why are you doing this? Taking care of me, protecting me… it's not part of the contract."
Mihir paused, his hand brushing hers by accident—or maybe deliberately. The contact sent a small shock through her.
"I don't know," he admitted quietly. "Maybe because… you make me feel human. In a way no one else does."
Ava's heart thumped violently. The words were dangerous—too real for a contract marriage. And yet, they were real.
Before she could respond, her phone buzzed. Another message.
Ava glanced at it. It was from an unknown number:
"You're in danger. Trust no one."
Ava's stomach dropped. She looked at Mihir, whose face had gone completely serious.
"They're coming," he said, standing up immediately.
The warmth between them vanished as tension filled the room. Ava realized that their growing connection might be the only thing that could keep them alive.
End of Chapter 5 – Cliffhanger:
The danger was closer than ever, and the thin line between fear and attraction was about to be tested.