Back at the penthouse, Ava sat on the couch, wrapped in a blanket.
Her hands were still trembling.
The night had almost turned into a nightmare.
Mihir stood near the window, staring out at the city.
For once, he looked exhausted.
Ava watched him quietly.
"You were scared," she said softly.
Mihir didn't respond immediately.
Finally he spoke.
"Yes."
Ava blinked in surprise.
She had never seen Mihir admit fear before.
Mihir turned toward her.
"When that man held the knife to your throat… I thought I was going to lose you."
The words made Ava's chest tighten.
"But this is just a contract," she said quietly.
"Right?"
Mihir walked closer.
For a moment, he said nothing.
Then he sighed.
"That's what it was supposed to be."
Ava's heart skipped.
"Supposed to?"
Mihir looked directly into her eyes.
"But somewhere along the way… things changed."
The room suddenly felt smaller.
The tension between them grew stronger.
Ava stood up slowly.
"You're saying this like it's a problem."
Mihir's voice softened.
"It is a problem."
"Because caring about you makes you my biggest weakness."
Ava felt something twist inside her chest.
Before she could respond—
Mihir stepped closer.
Too close.
Their faces were only inches apart now.
The winter wind outside howled against the glass windows.
But inside the room, everything felt warm.
Dangerously warm.
Ava whispered,
"Then maybe the contract rules were wrong."
Mihir's eyes darkened.
"Which rule?"
Ava looked straight at him.
"The one about no emotional attachments."
For a moment, neither of them moved.
Then Mihir slowly lifted his hand and touched her cheek.
The gesture was gentle… almost careful.
And for the first time since their marriage began—
The contract between them didn't matter anymore.
But just as the moment deepened—
Mihir's phone suddenly rang.
He answered quickly.
His expression changed instantly.
"What happened?" Ava asked.
Mihir lowered the phone slowly.
His voice turned cold again.
"Arman just attacked one of my companies."
Ava's heart sank.
"And this time… he left a message."
"What message?"
Mihir looked at her.
"He says the next target is you."
Snow continued falling outside.
And Ava realized something terrifying.
The war between Mihir and Arman had officially begun.
End of Chapter 12 – Cliffhanger