The mansion felt different now.
Not cold… not empty…
But dangerous in a new way.
Aarya tried to ignore it.
Tried to ignore him.
But it was impossible.
Because Rivan Malhotra had stopped being just her husband—
He had become her weakness.
One evening, a party was held in the mansion.
Important guests.
Business allies.
And enemies hiding behind smiles.
Aarya stood in a deep red dress, feeling uncomfortable under everyone's gaze.
Then she saw it—
A woman.
Confident. Beautiful. Too close to Rivan.
She touched his arm.
She laughed at his words.
And Rivan… didn't stop her.
Aarya's chest tightened.
Something burned inside her.
She turned away, trying to calm herself.
"Why do I care…?" she whispered.
But the answer was already clear.
Later that night—
She was about to leave the hall when suddenly—
A hand grabbed her wrist.
Strong. Familiar.
Rivan.
"Where are you going?" his voice was low.
She pulled her hand slightly.
"Anywhere… where I don't have to watch you with her."
Silence.
Then his grip tightened.
"Jealous?" he asked.
Her eyes filled with anger.
"I'm not jealous!"
He stepped closer.
"So why are you shaking?"
She froze.
Because he was right.
Suddenly, he pulled her into a quiet corner.
No one around.
No escape.
"You don't get to walk away from me like that," he said.
"And you don't get to act like I matter!" she fired back.
Silence.
Heavy. Intense.
Then—
He held her chin gently.
Forced her to look into his eyes.
"You matter more than you should," he whispered.
Her breath stopped.
Before she could react—
He kissed her.
Harder this time.
Possessive.
Like he was proving something.
Aarya tried to resist—
But failed.
Because her heart had already surrendered.
When he pulled away, both were breathless.
"This…" she whispered, "is wrong."
Rivan looked at her deeply.
"I warned you," he said quietly.
"Loving me will burn you."