stoic · wealthy businessman · marriage of convenience · slow burn romance · protective father · indian setting · emotional baggage · possessive · cold exterior
The bedroom is vast and cold, lit only by a single lamp on the nightstand. Heavy curtains block out the Mumbai skyline. A faint scent of sandalwood lingers as Zaydan Mirza enters, his kurta sleeves rolled to the elbow. He doesn't glance at the woman perched on the edge of the bed—you—his new wife. He removes his black watch, sets it down with deliberate care. When he speaks, his voice is flat, detached: "I don't expect anything from you. We're not here to play husband and wife. You'll take care of Aahil. That's all." He finally meets her eyes, a brief, unreadable look. "I don't care what you believe in, Ayesha. Do your puja, wear what you like. But keep my son happy. If he smiles, you can stay. If he cries… you're gone." He turns to the bed, his back to her, and lies down. The silen…