My Cruel Love
Caged Heart: Maya Signs Away Her Freedom?
That same night, after Maya agreed to Arman's cruel deal, He kissed her with a brutal hunger, leaving her lips torn. It wasn't passion—it was punishment. A cruel release of the rage he had bottled up inside him. But Maya didn't fight it. She just. took it. Silent. Still. Broken.
What followed was primitive, carnal—but completely loveless. Just Arman's fury, unleashed on her like poison, draining what little strength she had left. And still, Maya smiled.
She bore it all without flinching, hiding her agony behind a practiced calm. Arman stayed the entire night.
Morning.
Arman stepped out of the bathroom, hair damp, shirt buttoned, face emotionless. Maya went in next and locked the door. As soon as she turned the tap, the tears began. Hot. Heavy. Endless.
Covering her mouth with one hand, she sobbed quietly under the running water. Red and blue bruises lined her skin—proof of Arman's cruelty. Her body ached. But her heart. that hurt more.
When she finally emerged, her pain still radiated from her fragile frame. Arman was already dressed, ready to leave. Without a word, he pulled a check from his coat pocket and tossed it at her.
"Here," he said, tossing a check without emotion. "For your time.
Maya bent down and picked up the check. Not a flicker of shame. Only a bitter smile as she read the amount.
She looked up and said softly, "Thank you, sir. I hope the performance was satisfactory—just like any business transaction. Feel free to call again.
Arman's jaw clenched. He stormed toward her, grabbed her hair, and yanked her close. She gasped but didn't resist.
His eyes burned into hers. "Never," he spat. "Arman Shahriar doesn't sleep with the same woman twice.
Feigning mild disappointment, Maya shrugged. "Oh, really? "I suppose I'll just take on someone else. This city never runs out of men with money and egos. Anyway, I have an appointment tonight. Need to shop, dress up, be ready. So if you'll excuse me.
Clutching the check, she walked out with a toss of her hair.
Arman stood there, stunned. Another appointment tonight? His chest tightened. A wave of unfamiliar rage surged through him.
She can sleep with the whole damn city for all I care, he told himself. What is she to me?
And with that thought, he walked out.
Later. At the hospital.
Maya's phone had blown up with missed calls. She rushed in and entered a doctor's cabin.
"There you are!" the doctor exclaimed. "We've been calling all night. Why didn't you answer?
"I'm so sorry," Maya said, trying to catch her breath. "I was.caught up. How is he?
The doctor's face turned somber. "He got worse last night. He kept asking for you. That's why we tried so many times.
Maya's heart sank. "How is he now?" she whispered.
"He's stable. For now. Chemotherapy has started, but. it's the final stage. We're trying a new treatment, but the odds—frankly—aren't good. Are you sure you want to keep spending so much money?
Maya's eyes filled with tears. "What are you saying, doctor? He's my whole world. I can't lose him—not yet.
The doctor nodded gently. "Then be strong. We've started the chemo. Please make sure the bills are cleared—the meds are very expensive.
"I'll manage," Maya said softly. "Just keep the treatment going."
She entered the hospital ward quietly. The man on the bed looked like a shadow of his former self—skin stretched thin over bones, most of his hair gone, breath shallow.
Her father.
Maya smiled through her heartbreak and sat beside him. When he saw her, his eyes lit up. His frail hand trembled as he reached out to her.
"Papa" Maya whispered, taking his hand. "How are you feeling? I spoke to the doctor—he says you'll be up and dancing again soon. Just wait.
Ashraf Talukder knew better. He wasn't afraid of dying. He was afraid for her. She was his daughter—his only one. Beautiful. Pure. And alone.
He remembered how their families had once planned her marriage with Arman Shahriar, a childhood pact between two old friends. The wedding had happened, but Arman had never accepted her. He'd refused to even take her home.
Arman's grandfather had believed Maya was the only woman who could handle him. But after his death, Arman shut her out completely.
Back in the ward, Ashraf looked at his daughter and said weakly, "Don't give me false hope, sweet girl. I know what's coming. I'm not afraid of death—I'm afraid for you. This hospital. it's expensive. How are you affording this?
"Papa, please." Maya interrupted quickly. "Don't say things like that. You'll recover. The doctor said the treatment's working.
He pressed again, "Maya. where's this money coming from? You're not doing anything wrong, are you?
Before he could finish, Maya said with a smile, "No, Papa. I got a job. A multinational. Took a loan. Everything's legal. I promise.
Ashraf frowned slightly, but Maya held his hand tighter. "You know how much I love you, right? I won't let anything happen to you.
He stroked her hair gently.
As she sat beside him, Maya's heart bled silently. Her mother had died when she was little. Her marriage had shattered. Now her father was the only person she had left. And even he was slipping away.
She thought to herself:
"I'm sorry, Papa. I wish I could tell you the truth. But I can't. To keep you alive, I've crossed lines I never thought I would. I may not recognize myself anymore. But I can't watch you die. Please forgive me.
That night.
After feeding her father and giving him his medicine, Maya returned home. She popped a painkiller—her body still ached from Arman's cruelty. She forced herself to eat a little, then collapsed into bed, stifling a cry as pain rippled through her.
Later, she arrived at the club. The owner called her over immediately.
"Maya! Just in time. I sent you an address—check your phone. You've got a new client tonight.
She checked. Her eyes widened. "Shahriar Mansion?
The owner grinned. "Yep. What Arman told himself was simple: "She's a liar. A player. But I won't let her go that easy—not until I break her mask."
So he made the call. Booked her—for a month. Looks like luck's finally on your side, Maya.
Maya froze. A whole month. with Arman?
She whispered, "Sir. a whole month? Isn't that.too much?
He scoffed. "Too much? Girls line up for offers like this! You should be thankful. I've already taken the advance. You're going.
Maya nodded silently. She had no choice. The money was too important.
I don't know what more fate has in store for me, she thought bitterly.
To be continued