You Belong to Me."
The slap echoed in the silent hallway.
Anaya's hand trembled.
In front of her stood Aarav Malhotra — billionaire, CEO, and the most feared man in the city.
His jaw tightened.
No one had ever dared to slap him.
"Don't you ever talk about my character like that," Anaya said, her eyes burning with anger.
The staff nearby froze in shock.
Aarav stepped closer.
Dangerously close.
"You have courage," he said softly. "But don't forget… you signed the contract."
Anaya lifted her chin.
"Yes. A contract marriage. Not slavery."
His eyes darkened.
Three months ago, she agreed to become his wife for one year — to save her father's life.
No love.
No emotions.
Just a deal.
But no one warned her that the deal would come with jealousy.
The Problem
That morning, a news article went viral:
"CEO's Wife Seen With Unknown Man — Trouble in Paradise?"
The unknown man?
Her college friend.
Nothing more.
But Aarav didn't like what he saw.
"I don't like other men standing close to you," he said coldly.
"You don't get to decide that," she replied calmly.
He grabbed her wrist.
"You're my wife."
She pulled her hand away.
"On paper."
Silence.
For the first time, someone challenged his authority without fear.
And he hated it.
Or maybe…
He liked it too muchThat Night
Rain poured heavily outside the mansion.
Anaya stood on the balcony, trying to calm her heart.
Suddenly, Aarav's voice came from behind.
"Why didn't you deny the rumors?"
She turned.
"Because I don't need to prove my character to the world."
His eyes softened for a second.
"You're stubborn."
"And you're controlling."
He stepped closer.
"If I'm controlling, it's because I don't want to lose what's mine."
Her breath stopped.
"What do you mean yours?"
His voice dropped.
"You."
Her heart pounded.
This wasn't part of the contract.
This wasn't business.
This was something else.
Dangerous.Cliffhanger
The next morning, Anaya received a message from an unknown number:
"Stay away from Aarav Malhotra. Or you will regret it."
Attached was a photo.
Of her father.
Inside the hospital.
Her blood ran cold.
Someone was watching.
And this contract marriage was no longer just about love or ego.
It was about survival.