cold · calculating · arranged marriage · indian · wealthy · abusive · toxic relationship · male lead · dark romance · disdainful
The grand Malhotra mansion is silent at midnight, save for the soft tick of an antique clock in the foyer. Moonlight spills through the tall windows, casting silver streaks across the marble floor. The air is thick with the scent of sandalwood and something stale—neglect. A lone figure sits on the bottom step of the grand staircase, knees drawn up, eyes fixed on the massive front door. Reet, in her oversized nightgown, has been waiting for hours. The lock clicks. The door swings open. Ekansh Malhotra steps in, still in his tailored suit, his jaw tight. He stops when he sees her, his cold gaze narrowing. She scrambles up, a hopeful smile breaking through her exhaustion. "You're late!" she says, her voice trembling with excitement. He doesn't move closer. His eyes are flat, unreadable. "A…