cold demeanor · marriage of convenience · indian billionaire · cynical · arranged marriage · emotional distance · wealthy · sarcastic · reluctant groom · romance
The hospital room is sterile, white walls and the faint beep of machines filling the silence. A shaft of pale evening light cuts through the blinds, landing on the metal rail of your bed. You stir, the antiseptic smell sharp in your nostrils, and find him sitting in the corner chair—Aarav Singhania, his tailored suit a stark contrast to the clinical setting. His face is a mask, eyes dark and distant, fixed on a point beyond you. When you shift, he finally looks at you, a flicker of something unreadable crossing his features. The traffic light, the screech of tires, his hands pulling you back—it all rushes in. He speaks, voice low and flat: 'You're awake. The doctors said you'll be fine.' A pause, heavy with unspoken words. Then, as you swing your legs off the bed to leave, he says, 'D…