A week passed in the blink of an eye.
Jaya had spent the past few days in constant turmoil, torn between relief that her mother was finally recovering and the crushing reality that she was now bound to a man she wanted nothing to do with.
Today was the day her mother, Rekha, was being discharged from the hospital. It should have been a happy occasion, yet Jaya couldn't shake the anxiety pressing down on her chest.
She had lied.
She had told her family she had accepted a deal to work as a maid in Ajay's house for a year. In reality, she was his wife. But she wasn't planning to stay his wife for long.
Jaya knew she needed time—time to find a way out before her family discovered the truth. A year. That's what she told herself. Within a year, she would find a way to end this marriage and walk away.
A Mother's Concern
Jaya sat beside her mother on the hospital bed, adjusting the shawl around her shoulders. "Are you comfortable, Ma?" she asked softly.
Rekha smiled weakly and patted Jaya's hand. "You fuss over me too much, beta. I am fine now."
Chaya, who was sitting on the other side of the bed, crossed her arms. "You might be fine, Ma, but I'm still not okay with Jaya working for that man."
Jaya swallowed, but her expression remained neutral. "Chaya, it's just a job. I'll be fine."
Her mother sighed. "Still… Ajay is not someone you should trust blindly. A man like him—wealthy, powerful—they always have ulterior motives. Just be careful."
Jaya forced a smile. "I will, Ma. Don't worry."
The guilt in her mother's eyes made Jaya's chest tighten. Rekha thought Jaya had taken this job out of desperation to pay for her medical bills. But in truth, Jaya had been tricked, manipulated into a marriage she never wanted.
Her mother couldn't know. Not yet.
Chaya huffed. "I still don't get why you have to live there. Can't you just work and come back home?"
Jaya had rehearsed this lie a hundred times. "It's part of the agreement. I have to stay there."
Chaya frowned. "That's weird. I don't like it."
"Neither do I," Jaya muttered under her breath.
But she had no choice.
A car horn outside made her heart skip a beat. Ajay was here.
Jaya grabbed her small suitcase and took a deep breath. She turned to her mother and sister, forcing another smile. "I'll visit as soon as I can."
Rekha cupped Jaya's face with both hands, her expression full of motherly concern. "Take care, beta."
Chaya hugged her tightly. "If that guy gives you any trouble, call me. I'll come running."
Jaya chuckled softly, hiding the lump in her throat. "I'll be fine."
The Ride to the Unknown
Ajay leaned casually against his sleek black Bentley, his signature smirk in place as Jaya approached. "You're late, wifey."
Jaya ignored him and slid into the car, her expression unreadable.
Ajay shut the door and got in beside her, starting the engine. As he drove, he glanced at her sideways. "You're awfully quiet."
Jaya didn't respond.
Ajay chuckled. "We haven't even moved in together yet, and my wife is already giving me the silent treatment."
Jaya clenched her fists. "You… You…" She turned to glare at him. "Don't make fun of me. And don't ever call me your wife again."
Ajay grinned. "Okay, wifey."
Jaya groaned, turning away to look out the window. The city lights blurred past as they drove further out of town.
Ajay's Penthouse
The Bentley pulled up in front of an exclusive residential tower, standing tall against the night sky. Jaya's breath hitched slightly as she took in the luxurious surroundings.
Ajay smirked. "Welcome home."
Jaya's fingers tightened around her suitcase. This wasn't her home. It never would be.
She followed him inside, stepping into a private elevator that took them straight to the top floor. When the doors slid open, Jaya's eyes widened slightly.
The penthouse was massive. Floor-to-ceiling windows offered a breathtaking view of the city skyline. The modern decor, the plush leather couches, the expensive artwork—it all screamed wealth and power.
Jaya swallowed.
She didn't belong here.
Ajay strolled inside like he owned the world—because, in many ways, he did. He turned to her, hands in his pockets. "Well? What do you think?"
Jaya crossed her arms. "It's… big."
Ajay laughed. "That's it? Just 'big'?"
Jaya shrugged. "It's just a house."
Ajay raised an eyebrow. "It's a penthouse, actually. Worth more than ten apartments combined."
Jaya rolled her eyes. "Good for you."
Ajay smirked. "Well, now it's yours too, wifey."
Jaya clenched her jaw. "Stop calling me that."
Ajay gestured toward the staircase. "Your room is the second door on the left. Mine's the master bedroom at the end of the hall."
Jaya sighed in relief. At least she wouldn't have to share a room with him.
She grabbed her suitcase and headed upstairs without another word.
Once inside her assigned room, she locked the door and exhaled deeply. The room was just as luxurious as the rest of the house, with a king-sized bed, elegant furniture, and a balcony overlooking the city.
Jaya sat on the edge of the bed, her hands gripping the sheets.
This was it.
The start of her new life… for now.
But she wasn't staying.
Within a year, she would find a way to escape.
Before it was too late.
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