Returning to the mansion felt like entering a different world. Julian, who used to avoid her, now wouldn't let her leave his side. He was attentive, kind, and looking at her as if she were the only woman on earth.
"Aria, you've been so quiet," Julian said as they sat in the living room. "I know I haven't always been the best husband before the accident... I feel it in my gut. But I want to make it up to you. I want us to be a real family."
Aria forced a smile, her heart heavy with guilt. Every time he kissed her hand or asked about her day, she felt like a fraud. She was living in a beautiful dream built on a foundation of lies.
Later that night, Aria found her private journal—her "Darpan"—hidden in the library. In it, she had recorded every cold word Julian had ever said and the exact terms of their $5 million contract.
"Rule Number One: No falling in love," the page mocked her.
"What are you looking at, my love?" Julian's voice came from the doorway.
Aria jumped, quickly hiding the book behind her back. Her heart hammered against her ribs. If he read this, the illusion would shatter. The man who loved her would be replaced by the man who bought her.
"Just... some old notes," Aria lied, her voice trembling.
Julian walked closer, his gaze searching hers. "You're hiding something from me, Aria. I can feel it. Is there something about our past I should know?"
The mirror of truth was beginning to crack.