The next evening, Aria stood across the street from The Grand Meridian Hotel, staring up at the enormous glass building.
She had walked past this place many times before, always from the outside.
People like her didn't belong in places like this.
Luxury cars rolled into the entrance. Well-dressed guests stepped out while uniformed staff hurried to open doors and carry luggage.
Aria looked down at herself.
Simple jeans. A white shirt. Slightly worn sneakers.
Definitely not the kind of person who usually walked into five-star hotels.
"Maybe this really is a scam," she muttered nervously.
For a moment she considered turning around and leaving.
But then she remembered the hospital bill.
Her sister's worried face.
And the number written in that email.
₹50,00,000.
Taking a deep breath, she crossed the street and stepped inside.
The lobby was breathtaking. Marble floors reflected the golden lights from massive chandeliers above. Soft piano music floated through the air while guests chatted quietly around small tables.
Aria suddenly felt very small.
She approached the reception desk.
"Excuse me," she said. "I'm here to meet someone. I received an email about a… meeting."
The receptionist smiled politely. "Your name, please?"
"Aria Sen."
The woman checked something on her computer and then nodded.
"Yes, Miss Sen. Someone is expecting you. Please take the elevator to the twelfth floor. Room 1207."
Aria blinked.
So it wasn't a scam after all.
Her heart beat faster as she walked toward the elevator.
What exactly am I doing? she wondered.
The elevator doors closed with a quiet ding and began rising.
With each passing floor, her nerves grew stronger.
By the time the doors opened on the twelfth floor, her palms were slightly sweaty.
The hallway was quiet and carpeted, the soft lights making everything look calm and expensive.
Room 1207 stood at the very end.
Aria stopped in front of the door.
For a moment, she simply stared at it.
This is ridiculous, she thought. You're about to meet a stranger who wants to marry you for money.
Still, she raised her hand and knocked.
Three soft knocks.
A few seconds passed.
Then the door opened.
Standing in front of her was a tall man in a dark suit.
He looked like he had stepped straight out of a magazine.
Sharp jawline. Neatly styled black hair. Calm, unreadable eyes.
For a moment, Aria forgot what she was supposed to say.
The man studied her quietly.
"You must be Aria Sen," he said.
His voice was deep and steady.
"Yes," she replied, recovering quickly. "And you must be the person who sent that… strange email."
The man stepped aside.
"Please come in."
Aria hesitated but entered the room.
The suite was huge—far bigger than her entire apartment. A large window overlooked the city lights, and expensive furniture filled the living space.
Another man sat on the sofa, typing on a tablet. He looked up briefly.
"Miss Sen," he said. "Thank you for coming. I'm Kabir."
Aria glanced between the two men.
"So," she said, crossing her arms, "which one of you wants to marry me?"
Kabir chuckled softly.
"That would be him."
He gestured toward the tall man standing near the window.
Aria turned to look at him.
The man extended his hand.
"Ryan Kapoor."
She shook it cautiously.
"Aria Sen."
His handshake was firm but brief.
Aria sat down across from them.
"Alright," she said bluntly. "Let's skip the mysterious atmosphere and get to the point. Why would anyone offer fifty lakh to marry a complete stranger?"
Kabir exchanged a glance with Ryan.
Ryan spoke first.
"I need a wife."
Aria raised an eyebrow.
"That's a terrible explanation."
Ryan's lips twitched slightly, almost like he was suppressing a smile.
"It's a contractual arrangement," he continued calmly. "Six months. During that time, you will legally be my wife."
"And after that?" Aria asked.
"Divorce."
Kabir slid a folder across the table toward her.
"The details are all inside."
Aria opened it carefully.
Inside were printed documents.
Marriage contract.
Her eyes quickly scanned the pages.
Six months of marriage.
Living together required.
Public appearances as a married couple.
No interference in personal matters.
No questions about his private life.
Compensation: ₹50,00,000.
Her heart skipped.
The amount was real.
She looked up slowly.
"This is insane," she said.
Ryan remained calm.
"You're free to refuse."
Aria studied him carefully.
He looked composed, almost emotionless.
But there was something strange about him.
Something hidden behind that calm expression.
"Why me?" she asked.
Ryan answered simply.
"Because you're not connected to my world."
"And what world is that?"
Ryan didn't reply.
Kabir quickly stepped in.
"My client values privacy," he said smoothly.
Aria leaned back.
"So basically you want a fake wife who won't ask questions."
Ryan nodded.
"Exactly."
Silence filled the room.
Aria looked down again at the contract.
Fifty lakh.
Six months.
A fake marriage.
It sounded absurd.
But it could solve every problem in her life.
Still…
She looked up again.
"One more question."
Ryan tilted his head slightly.
"What is it?"
Aria met his eyes directly.
"Who are you really?"
For the first time, Ryan hesitated.
Just for a second.
Then he replied calmly.
"Just a man who needs a temporary wife."
Aria stared at him.
Something about his answer felt incomplete.
Like a piece of the truth was missing.
But right now, she needed the money more than answers.
She closed the folder slowly.
"I'll think about it," she said.
Ryan nodded once.
"Take your time."
As Aria stood to leave, she couldn't shake the strange feeling that this mysterious man was hiding something far bigger than a simple fake marriage.
And soon…
She would discover just how big that secret was.
End of Chapter 2
Next Chapter: The Marriage Contract