The next morning…
Riya walked into the office.
But something felt… off.
Everyone was staring at her.
Whispering.
"She stayed late with sir yesterday…"
"Did you see? Lights were on till night…"
"Something is definitely going on…"
Riya felt uncomfortable.
"What are they even thinking…?"
She quickly went to her desk.
"Miss Riya."
She looked up.
Vikram was standing there.
"Sir is calling you."
Her heart started beating faster.
"Did I do something wrong…?"
Inside the cabin—
Arjun Mehra was already waiting.
Calm. Serious. Unreadable.
"You called me, sir?"
"Sit."
Riya quietly sat down.
There was silence.
A long one.
Then—
Arjun finally spoke.
"I have a proposal for you."
Riya frowned slightly.
"Proposal…?"
Arjun looked straight into her eyes.
"Marry me."
For a second—
Time stopped.
Riya blinked.
"Sorry… what?!"
"I need you to marry me," he repeated calmly.
Riya stood up immediately.
"This is not funny, sir."
"I'm not joking."
Her mind was spinning.
"Why would you even say that?!"
Arjun leaned back in his chair.
"Because it's a contract."
Riya froze.
"Contract… marriage?"
"Yes."
Silence again.
But this time… heavier.
"Listen carefully," Arjun continued.
"I need a wife for six months."
Riya stared at him like she couldn't believe this was real.
"For what reason?!"
"My personal reasons."
His tone was cold again.
"I don't care about love, emotions, or drama."
"I just need someone to act as my wife."
Riya shook her head.
"No… this is insane."
Arjun stood up and walked closer.
"I'll pay you."
That made her stop.
"A large amount."
Riya clenched her fists.
"This is wrong."
"Is it?" Arjun asked calmly.
"You need money."
"You need stability."
"This solves your problems."
Riya looked at him, hurt.
"You think I can be bought?"
Arjun's eyes didn't move.
"I think everyone has a price."
That hit hard.
"I'm not like everyone," Riya said firmly.
For a moment—
Neither of them spoke.
Then Arjun handed her a file.
"Read it."
Riya hesitated… then took it.
Inside—
All the terms were written.
6 months contract
No real relationship
Must act like a perfect wife in public
Payment after completion
Her hands trembled slightly.
"This is crazy…"
She looked up.
"Why me?"
Arjun's gaze softened… just a little.
"Because you're different."
Riya's heart skipped a beat.
"I'll give you time to think," Arjun said.
"But not too much."
Riya slowly nodded.
"I need time."
As she turned to leave—
"Riya."
She stopped.
"Don't make the wrong decision."
Outside the cabin—
Her mind was in chaos.
"Marriage…? With him…?"
She looked at the file again.
Then closed her eyes.
"This could change everything…"
Riya's decision 😳
Money vs self-respect ⚖️
Unexpected emotional moment