By evening, Aria was standing in front of a large mirror inside Rohan's penthouse, staring at her reflection.
She barely recognized herself.
A professional stylist had transformed her completely. Her hair was softly curled, and she wore a deep blue evening gown that shimmered under the lights.
Aria adjusted the ring on her finger nervously.
"This feels like I'm playing a role in a movie," she muttered.
Behind her, Rohan stepped into the room, dressed in a perfectly tailored black suit.
Aria glanced at him through the mirror.
For a moment, she forgot to breathe.
"Wow," she said before she could stop herself.
Rohan raised an eyebrow. "What?"
Aria quickly looked away. "Nothing."
Kabir appeared at the door holding his tablet.
"The charity gala is packed with media tonight," he said. "Reporters are desperate to see the mysterious wife."
Aria groaned softly. "I suddenly regret this contract."
Rohan walked closer and stood beside her.
"Just stay close to me," he said calmly. "I'll handle the questions."
Aria nodded, though her heart was racing.
A short while later, their car stopped outside the grand hotel where the charity gala was being held.
Bright lights flashed everywhere.
Cameras. Reporters. Fans.
The moment Rohan stepped out of the car, the crowd erupted.
"ROHAN! ROHAN!"
"LOOK THIS WAY!"
Flashlights exploded around them.
Aria froze for a second.
This was overwhelming.
Rohan noticed immediately.
Without saying anything, he gently held her hand.
"Don't panic," he whispered.
Aria looked down at their joined hands.
The ring sparkled brightly under the flashing cameras.
Taking a deep breath, she stepped out beside him.
Instantly, the reporters went wild.
"WHO IS SHE?"
"IS THIS YOUR WIFE?"
"WHEN DID YOU GET MARRIED?"
Rohan remained calm as always.
"Yes," he said clearly. "This is my wife."
More flashes filled the air.
Aria tried her best to smile naturally, even though her heart felt like it might jump out of her chest.
As they walked inside the gala hall, Aria whispered, "I feel like the entire country is staring at me."
Rohan replied quietly, "They probably are."
"Very comforting," she muttered.
Inside the hall, the atmosphere was elegant and calm compared to the chaos outside.
But the moment people noticed Rohan entering with Aria, whispers began spreading across the room.
"That's her…"
"His wife…"
"No one even knew he was dating someone…"
Aria tried to ignore the curious looks.
But suddenly, a sharp voice cut through the crowd.
"Well, this is interesting."
Aria turned around.
A glamorous woman in a red dress walked toward them confidently.
Her expression was cold.
Rohan's posture stiffened slightly.
"Sonia," he said.
The woman stopped in front of them.
Her eyes slowly scanned Aria from head to toe.
"So this is the woman you secretly married?" she said with a faint smirk.
Aria frowned slightly.
"And you are?"
The woman gave a small laugh.
"Oh, he didn't tell you?"
She extended her hand dramatically.
"Sonia Mehta."
Aria's eyes widened.
Even she recognized that name.
Sonia Mehta was one of the biggest actresses in the industry.
And judging from the tension in the air…
There was clearly history between her and Rohan.
Sonia leaned closer to Aria and whispered sweetly,
"Tell me something… how much did he pay you to marry him?"
Aria froze.
Before she could respond, Rohan stepped forward, his voice suddenly cold.
"That's enough, Sonia."
But Sonia only smiled.
And Aria realized something very quickly.
Being Rohan's fake wife didn't just mean facing reporters and cameras.
It also meant facing people who clearly didn't want her there.
End of Chapter 7
Next Chapter: The Jealous Actress