Nilima walked with heavy, hesitant steps toward the private wing of the hospital, which Ayan had transformed into a temporary command center. As she stepped into the room, she felt an unnatural chill—it wasn't the air conditioning, but the sheer weight of Ayan Malhotra's persona. Ayan was seated behind a massive mahogany desk, his focus sharp as he signed a series of legal documents. His face bore its trademark expression: a mask of cold, unbreakable discipline. As soon as he sensed her presence, he raised his piercing gaze, measuring her like a predator evaluating its prey.
"Sit," Ayan's voice held a command that left no room for hesitation. Nilima sat quietly in the plush velvet chair opposite him, her heart hammering against her ribs like a trapped bird.
Ayan set his gold-nibbed pen down and spoke with surgical precision. "All arrangements for your family have been finalized. My private jet will be ready at dawn. We are departing for London. Your father will be treated at the world's leading cancer research center. For your family's residence, I have arranged a secure, luxury estate on the outskirts of London."
Nilima breathed a sigh of relief that almost brought her to tears, but Ayan's next words turned that relief into cold dread. "According to my terms, I am traveling to London with you tomorrow. However, we will not be staying. As soon as your family is settled, you and I will board the jet back to India that same evening. Our wedding is in exactly two days."
Nilima's eyes widened in shock. "So soon? And... won't my family be there for the wedding? My mother and brother... they will feel so hurt that I am taking such a massive step without them."
Not a single muscle moved on Ayan's face. "No. We will settle them safely in London and return. My cousin is like a vulture circling us. If he discovers who you are or uncovers your background, he will not hesitate to use your family to destroy me—and them. Therefore, no one must know about your family's existence. They are under my radar and my protection now, but their safety depends on your silence."
Ayan stood up, his tall frame casting a long shadow over the desk. He walked slowly until he stood directly in front of her. He was so tall that Nilima had to crane her neck back to meet his eyes. There was a frozen warning in his gaze. "I am a man of my principles, Nilima. I despise those who break rules. Those who defy my regulations or dare to betray me face punishments they remember for seven lifetimes. This is not a game. Do you understand?"
Nilima nodded tremulously. She realized she was now a prisoner in a gilded cage, and Ayan Malhotra was the only one with the key.
"Now, come. It's time to meet my grandfather. The performance begins now," Ayan said in a clipped, dry tone before walking out. Nilima forced a fake smile onto her face, wiped her damp palms, and followed him.
When they reached the Grandfather's suite, the atmosphere was thick with emotion. The Chairman looked better than he had in weeks, his eyes bright with hope. Ayan reached out and took Nilima's hand. His grip was so firm that Nilima felt the pressure on her wrist, but to the world, it looked like the protective touch of a devoted lover.
"Grandfather, this is Nilima. Your future granddaughter-in-law," Ayan said, his voice dropping into a tone of warmth and tenderness that startled Nilima. He was a terrifyingly good actor. "We are getting married in just two days with your blessings. I have finalized all the arrangements."
Tears of joy welled in the Grandfather's eyes. He reached out with a trembling hand to bless Nilima. "Ayan, you have given my soul peace. Now I am certain that the Malhotra empire is safe." He immediately signaled his assistant to summon the board members and lawyers to the hospital's conference room.
Before the board of directors, the Chairman made the official declaration. "As I stipulated, Ayan has fulfilled his responsibility. He is getting married. Therefore, in accordance with the will, I hereby declare Ayan Malhotra the official and sole CEO of Malhotra Industries."
The room erupted in applause, but amidst the celebration, there was one man whose eyes were burning with pure hatred.
Ayan's cousin, Siddharth, stood in the far corner of the room. His face was flushed with a mixture of rage and disbelief. He had been entirely confident that Ayan would fail to find a bride, eventually leaving the throne vacant for him to seize. He had even prepared bribes for the board members, but Nilima's sudden arrival had acted like acid on his grand plans.
As the meeting concluded, Siddharth intercepted Ayan in the corridor. "Congratulations, big brother! You move fast. Finding a bride overnight? Quite the miracle," he said, his voice dripping with sarcasm.
Ayan didn't let go of Nilima's hand. He looked Siddharth straight in the eye, his expression unwavering. "Your eyes are always on things that belong to others, Siddharth. That is why you never win. Learn to accept your defeat."
Siddarth slammed his fist against the marble wall as Ayan and Nilima walked away. "Not so easily, Ayan!" he hissed under his breath. "I will dig into this girl's past. I'll unearth every bit of filth I can find. The day I find out who she truly is, I will set fire to your throne and your lie of a world."
Nilima glanced back at Siddharth, and a chill of unknown fear gripped her. The game of power had truly begun, and she was right in the center of the crossfire.