Riya stood outside the tall glass building, her fingers tightly gripping the file in her hands.
Her heart was racing.
"This is my last chance… I can't mess this up," she whispered to herself.
The building in front of her screamed luxury. People walked in confidently, dressed in expensive suits, while she stood there in her simple outfit, feeling completely out of place.
Taking a deep breath, she stepped inside.
The cold air hit her face as she entered the grand lobby. Everything looked perfect—polished floors, shining lights, and people who seemed to belong here.
Unlike her.
"Miss Riya?" the receptionist called out.
"Yes… that's me," she replied nervously.
"You're late. The CEO is waiting for you."
Riya frowned slightly.
CEO? Why would the CEO take my interview?
Something felt off, but she didn't have the luxury to question it.
"Third floor. Last cabin," the receptionist instructed.
Riya nodded and quickly made her way to the elevator.
Each second felt heavier than the last.
As the elevator doors opened, her heartbeat grew louder. She walked slowly down the quiet hallway, her heels making soft clicking sounds.
Finally, she stood in front of a large black door.
She hesitated.
Then knocked.
"Come in," a deep voice echoed from inside.
Her breath hitched.
There was something about that voice… something strangely familiar.
She pushed the door open.
A tall man stood near the glass window, his back facing her. His posture was straight, confident… powerful.
"Finally," he said, his voice calm but sharp.
Riya swallowed.
"I'm sorry, sir. I—"
"Late," he interrupted.
She lowered her gaze. "Yes, sir."
Slowly, the man turned around.
And in that moment—
Riya's world stopped.
Her eyes widened in shock.
"Y-you…?"
The file slipped slightly from her hands.
It was him.
The same man.
The stranger from last night.
The one she had married.
Her breathing became uneven.
"No… this can't be real," she whispered.
The man looked at her calmly, a faint smirk appearing on his lips.
"Surprised?" he said.
Riya took a step back.
"What are you doing here?" she asked, her voice trembling.
He raised an eyebrow.
"I should be asking you that," he replied coldly.
Silence filled the room.
Riya's mind was spinning.
Last night…
The forced marriage…
The situation she had no control over…
Everything came rushing back.
"You…" she struggled to speak, "You're the CEO?"
He walked towards her slowly, his eyes never leaving hers.
"Yes," he said. "Arjun Mehra."
Her heart skipped a beat.
Arjun… Mehra.
That name…
It felt heavier now.
He stopped right in front of her.
Too close.
"So," he continued, his voice low and dangerous, "you came here for a job… Mrs. Mehra?"
Riya froze.
Mrs… Mehra.
The words echoed in her ears.
"How do you know—"
She stopped mid-sentence.
Of course, he knew.
Because he was her husband.
Her secret husband.
"This job…" she tried to stay calm, "I didn't know it was your company."
Arjun smirked.
"Lies don't suit you," he said.
"I'm not lying!" she snapped.
For a moment, their eyes locked.
Tension filled the air.
Then suddenly—
Arjun leaned slightly closer.
"Listen carefully," he said in a cold whisper.
"This marriage… means nothing."
Riya's chest tightened.
"It was just a deal," he continued. "And it will stay that way."
Her fingers clenched.
"Then why did you marry me?" she asked, her voice breaking slightly.
Arjun's expression darkened.
"That's none of your concern."
Silence again.
Heavy. Uncomfortable.
Riya looked away.
"Do I still have the job?" she asked quietly.
Arjun stared at her for a few seconds.
Then turned away.
"You'll start from today," he said.
Her eyes widened.
"Really?"
"Yes," he replied. "But remember one thing."
He looked back at her, his gaze sharp.
"No one should know about this marriage."
Riya nodded slowly.
"I understand."
"And if you break this rule…" he added.
She held her breath.
"I will make sure you regret it."
A chill ran down her spine.
This wasn't just a job anymore.
This was a trap.
And she had no way out.