"I'm not marrying you."
Aarohi's voice was firm—but her fingers tightened slightly.
Kunal didn't even look at her.
The car moved smoothly through the city traffic, silence stretching between them.
"I need to talk to you," Aarohi said again, lifting her chin. "How did you even find me?"
No answer.
He simply stared out of the window, calm… unreadable.
Aarohi studied his face.
Perfect.
Cold.
Dangerous.
It was frustrating how someone could look this good—and still feel so distant.
Then suddenly—
Kunal spoke.
"How much?"
Aarohi frowned. "What?"
"How much money do you want to marry me?"
For a second—
She thought she heard wrong.
"What did you just say?"
Kunal finally turned his head, his sharp gaze locking onto hers.
"We can't change what happened," he said flatly. "So I'll take responsibility. I'll marry you."
Aarohi stared at him.
Was this a joke?
"I don't think that's necessary."
"I'm not joking."
His tone didn't change.
"If you agree, we can get married right now."
Aarohi blinked.
Then suddenly—
She laughed.
Loud.
Uncontrolled.
This man was talking about marriage like it was some business deal.
And yet—
There was no humor on his face.
Only seriousness.
Which made it even more absurd.
"What exactly do I gain from marrying you?" she asked, folding her arms.
Kunal's eyes darkened slightly.
"If you become my wife, I'll cover all your expenses," he said. "You'll have a place to live. Security."
A pause.
"And when we divorce, I'll give you enough money so no one can ever look down on you again."
Aarohi's laughter faded.
That last line—
Hit differently.
He continued, calm and precise.
"If you have someone you like, I won't interfere. Once this ends, you'll be free."
Silence.
Aarohi looked away.
Her mind started racing.
If she agreed—
She wouldn't have to go back.
She wouldn't have to marry Raghav.
She wouldn't have to live under Sonia's control.
But—
Could she trust him?
"…So divorce is already decided?" she asked slowly.
Kunal nodded.
"Yes."
"Then what do you want from me?"
"Cooperation," he replied. "We'll sign a contract. You won't expect anything beyond that."
Aarohi exhaled softly.
"You're unbelievably rude."
"I'm being clear."
She looked at him again.
"You do realize," she said quietly, "we just met. We don't even know each other."
Kunal's gaze didn't waver.
"What else is left to know?" he said.
Aarohi froze.
"I already know enough."
The meaning behind his words hit instantly.
Her face flushed with anger.
"That night wasn't just my fault," she snapped.
Kunal looked away.
"Fine," he said calmly. "I won't bring it up again."
A pause.
Then—
"But as my wife, I'll give you respect. And a peaceful life, as much as possible."
For the first time—
There was something different in his tone.
Not cold.
Not sharp.
Just… honest.
"I'm not trying to trap you," he added quietly. "That's why I made this decision."
Aarohi stared at him.
Something about that moment—
Felt real.
And before she could overthink—
She nodded.
"Yes."
The wedding happened fast.
Too fast.
No rituals.
No emotions.
Just signatures.
Like a contract.
Because that's exactly what it was.
"Ma'am, please."
The driver opened the car door respectfully.
Aarohi paused for a second.
Ma'am.
She wasn't used to that.
Not yet.
On the other side—
Kunal stood, tall and composed, his expression unchanged.
He looked like someone who belonged to a completely different world.
Perfect.
Untouchable.
And now—
Her husband.
"I've already informed my family," Kunal said, walking ahead. "There won't be a public wedding."
Aarohi nodded.
"That's good. I don't want anyone to know either."
Kunal let out a faint, almost mocking breath.
"After the way we met… secrecy is better for you."
Aarohi's expression hardened.
"I told you—that was an accident."
Her calm voice carried a sharp edge now.
Every time that night was mentioned—
It burned.
Kunal closed his eyes briefly.
"I know," he said. "And I said I wouldn't bring it up again."
A pause.
Then he added—
"I didn't marry you by choice."
Aarohi looked at him.
"I love someone else."
The words were simple.
But they carried weight.
Aarohi didn't react immediately.
Instead—
She studied him.
And for the first time—
She felt something unexpected.
Not anger.
Not resentment.
But… understanding.
"Don't worry," she said quietly. "I'm not here to take her place."
Kunal looked at her.
Surprised.
"Our marriage is just… an arrangement," she continued. "We'll respect the contract. Nothing more."
Kunal nodded slowly.
"Good."
Silence returned.
But this time—
It felt different.
Less hostile.
More… dangerous.
Because beneath this calm agreement—
Two broken lives had just been tied together.
And neither of them knew—
This "contract" would soon become something neither of them could control.