Maya opened the door to the guest room and stepped aside. "You'll be staying here, Miss Aira."

The room was elegant but cold - modern art on the walls, spotless sheets, and not a trace of warmth. It didn't feel like a home. It felt like a cage.

Aira nodded silently, stepping inside. Her fingers grazed the edge of the bed as she took in the stillness.

She barely had a moment to breathe before she felt him.

Karan.

He had entered silently, the door clicking shut behind him. She froze when she felt his presence behind her - too close, too intense.

His breath brushed against her ear, his voice low. "Do you like your new home, little fighter?"

A shiver ran down her spine. She turned to look at him, heart hammering against her ribs.

She hesitated. "There's no... lock on the door?"

He gave a dark smile. "Why would I lock something I own?"

Her heart skipped. She hated how easily he could rattle her.

He was watching her-his eyes dark, unreadable, as if daring her to run, knowing she couldn't.

"I'm not yours," she whispered.

His lips curved into something between a smirk and a warning. "You are. For thirty days. Every breath, every move - you signed it away."
She tried to step back, but he didn't move, forcing her to hold her ground.

"Dinner's in ten minutes," he said, backing away slowly, "Wear something decent. You represent me now."

And then he was gone, leaving her trembling and furious.

🥀🥀🥀

The dining room was dimly lit, the only sounds were the ticking of an ornate clock and the soft clink of cutlery.

Karan sat at the head of the long table like a king, and she - just another item he owned.

She sat across from him, arms folded tightly, refusing to be the first to speak.

But he was calm, enjoying his wine like there was no war unfolding in the air between them.

Finally, Aira snapped, "Why did you bring me here? You could've just told me the rules."

"You'll understand them better when you live them," he said without looking up.

She stared at him, stunned. "How do you even know where I live?"

He tilted his head, almost amused. "I know everything about the people I buy."

Her eyes flared. "I'm not something you can buy."

"Don't pretend this wasn't a transaction," he said flatly.

The words hit like a slap.

He leaned forward, voice dropping. "You signed up to be mine for a month. That includes living under my roof. My rules. My terms."

Her fists clenched. "And what if I break the rules?"

Karan smirked - dangerously calm. "Then the money stops. And your mother loses her bed in the ICU."

Her breath caught. The silence that followed was crushing.

"Eat," he ordered softly. "Or don't. Just know your choices affect more than just you now."

Her fork shook slightly in her hand as she lifted it.

This wasn't dinner.
This was the start of a war she hadn't trained for.

Author :- Hello sweethearts....tell me you liked this chapter or not.

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