The clock on the wall seemed to tick louder with every passing second, each sound echoing like a hammer against Arshi's heart. Five minutes. He had given her only five minutes to surrender her dignity or face a life-long sentence as his bride.
Inside her room, Arshi stared at the crimson dress. It felt like a trap, a beautiful, silky spiderweb designed to pull her deeper into Joy's world. Tears blurred her vision as she reached for the zipper of her blue suit. She felt defeated. To protect her father's peace, she had to let the monster win this round.
Precisely five minutes later, the door handle turned.
Joy didn't knock. He never did. He walked in, leaning against the doorframe with his arms crossed over his chest. His eyes swept over her, and for the first time that morning, a slow, satisfied smirk curved his lips.
The red dress fit her like a second skin. The deep V-neck and the way the fabric hugged her waist made her look breathtaking—and she hated it. She felt exposed, not because of the dress, but because of the way he was looking at her.
"Perfect," Joy whispered, walking toward her. The floorboards didn't even creak under his polished shoes. He stopped right in front of her, the scent of his cologne overwhelming her senses.
"I... I'm wearing it. Now leave me alone," Arshi said, her voice barely a whisper.
"Not yet." Joy reached for the small velvet box on the vanity. He opened it to reveal a necklace—a thin gold chain with a single, blood-red ruby. It looked like a drop of blood frozen in gold.
"Turn around," he commanded.
Arshi stood still, her body rigid.
"Arshi... don't make me repeat myself," he warned, his voice dropping to that dangerously low register.
Slowly, she turned her back to him. She felt the cold metal of the necklace touch her skin, followed by the searing heat of his fingers as he fastened the clasp. But he didn't pull away. Instead, he leaned down, his lips brushing against the sensitive skin of her neck.
"You are mine, Arshi. Everything you wear, every breath you take, belongs to me," he murmured. "If I see you in that pathetic blue again, I'll burn your entire wardrobe. Do I make myself clear?"
Arshi closed her eyes, a single tear escaping. "Yes."
"Yes, who?"
"Yes... Joy."
"Good girl." He turned her around, his thumb wiping the tear from her cheek with a tenderness that was more terrifying than his anger. "Now, let's go down and show your father how beautiful you look in my gift."
As they walked downstairs, Arshi felt like a puppet being led by its master. Her father's eyes lit up when he saw them.
"MashAllah! Arshi, you look stunning! Joy, you really have great taste."
"I only choose the best for what's mine, Uncle," Joy replied, pulling out a chair for Arshi with mock gallantry.
Breakfast continued with her father chatting about Joy's new business venture—a massive office building in the heart of the city. But under the table, Arshi felt Joy's hand rest firmly on her knee. His grip was a constant reminder: I am here. I am watching. You cannot run.
Suddenly, Arshi's phone buzzed on the table. A notification from Instagram popped up—a comment from her classmate, Rohan, on her last photo: "You looked great yesterday! See you at the library at 10?"
The air in the room suddenly turned freezing. Joy's hand on her knee tightened until it was painful. He had seen the notification.
The charming smile on Joy's face didn't falter, but the look in his eyes promised a storm that would destroy everything in its path.
"Uncle," Joy said, his voice eerily calm. "I think Arshi needs a new phone. This one seems to be... attracting too much trash."
Author's Note:
Joy's jealousy is on another level! 😱 Who is Rohan, and is he about to become Joy's next target?
• Should Arshi try to warn Rohan to stay away?
• What will Joy do to Arshi's phone?
Don't forget to 'Add to Library' and let me know your thoughts in the comments! The real drama is just beginning! 👇🔥