Aira

The sun had barely begun to set when I walked out the college gates, spotting the sleek black car right where he said it would be.
I don’t know why, but my heart fluttered.
Not out of fear.
Not entirely.
There was something about knowing he was still watching, still waiting... that made me feel seen in a way no one else ever managed.
I opened the passenger door and slid in, shutting the noise of the outside world behind me.
He didn’t say anything at first.
His hand stayed on the steering wheel. Sunglasses still on. Jaw tight.
Then he spoke.

“You didn’t call during the day.”

“I was in class. You told me not to talk to anyone.”
I paused. “So I followed all the rules.”
He looked at me now.
Slowly.
A quiet smirk tugged at his lips.

“Good.”
That one-word praise made my chest tighten, warmth rushing to my cheeks. I looked away quickly, pretending to adjust the seatbelt.

“Anyone tried talking to you?” he asked as he started the engine.

“Just friends. Girls mostly. I didn’t talk to any guy. Not even when—”
I cut myself off.

He raised an eyebrow.
“When?”
His voice was casual. But I knew better.

“Nothing. Just a classmate smiled at me. I didn’t smile back. I walked away.”

Silence stretched in the car like a shadow.
Then he chuckled. Low. Dangerous.
“I see.”
I didn’t dare ask what he meant by that.

We drove in silence for a while.
But it wasn’t the awkward kind.
It was… loaded.
Like something was about to be said. Or done.
When we reached home, he killed the engine and looked at me again.

“You kept your word today,” he said.
I nodded, eyes meeting his for a brief second.

“I told you. If you behave, things will be easier.”
He reached into his coat and pulled out something small.
A velvet box.
I blinked.

“What is—?”
“Open it.”
I did.
A delicate silver chain rested inside, its charm shaped like a small padlock.
My breath hitched.

“It’s not for fashion,” he said.
“It’s a reminder. You’re mine. And you kept your promise.”
I swallowed.

“Do you like it?”
I nodded. “Yes.”
“Good. You will Wear it everyday.”
He didn’t need to tell me twice.

🥀✨🥀✨🥀

I wore the necklace that night.
And every day after that.
Not because he told me to…
But because something about it made me feel owned in a way that didn’t terrify me anymore.
Just… grounded.
Like even in the chaos of everything, there was one thing that didn’t shift—Him. And the fact that I was his.

Days passed.
Routine became rhythm.

College to home. Home to college.
Every morning, his car would be waiting.
Every evening, I’d find him either in his office, his bedroom… or silently watching me walk through the front door.
I kept my head low, followed the rules, didn’t talk to anyone unnecessary.
And in return?
He didn’t lash out. Didn’t punish. Didn’t touch.
He even took me to see mom once every week.
He never said it, but I could feel it—this was his way of showing care.

We barely spoke in words.
But in silences?
He said a lot.
And I listened.
Everything was going fine about college too.
Just one problem—our class had a presentation coming up, and the groups were made by the teachers.
Unfortunately, I was paired with Pearl and Ayden.
Pearl… she’s sweet, cute, and one of my good friends. Always good in studies too. I was happy to have her in my group.

But Ayden… Ayden is different. Playful. Flirty. The kind of guy who casually calls me baby.
We were good friends once. But not anymore.
Not since I came into this contract.
I can’t afford to be friends with anyone now.
Not until this contract ends.
And I didn’t tell Karan about this group.
Because if I did? He would lose his mind.
And I have no idea what the consequences would be.
Anyway… just a few more days.
Then all of this will be over.
Or at least… that’s what I keep telling myself.

I’ll get the money for this one month… pay off the bills… cure mom… and take her home.
That’s all that matters.
Once I walk out of this house, will I be able to forget everything that happened here?
Will I forget the nights of fear?
The moments of pain?
Will I… forget him?
Karan.
Or will he haunt me forever?

That thought burned deeper than I wanted to admit.

🥀✨🥀✨🥀