The silence after those messages was worse than any threat.
I stared at my phone for what felt like hours, fingers frozen over the screen.
Who was "mine"?
Who dared claim Elliot?
And why did my heart tighten at the thought?
At school, my friends chatted nonstop about their crushes, their dates, their latest dramas.
Aryana Das—the quiet, invisible girl—watched from the sidelines, feeling more alone than ever.
Because my real life wasn't about crushes or parties.
It was about secrets.
---
That night, my phone buzzed again.
A new message. No number saved.
> "Your father's world is darker than you know.
He doesn't want you involved.
But you're already too deep."
I shivered.
I wanted to scream.
I wanted to run.
But mostly, I wanted answers.
Who was this shadow warning me? Friend or foe?
---
Meanwhile, far away in a penthouse glittering with luxury, Aeron Rosel sat behind his massive oak desk, his cold eyes scanning reports from his empire.
Business deals, shipments, whispers of rivals—all mapped out like chess pieces.
His favorite saying echoed in his mind:
"You don't have to marry if you have money. Just have boytoys, princess."
No wife. No ex-wives. Only girlfriends who came and went, pawns in his game.
And now, his youngest daughter, Aryana—his wild card—was stirring the calm.
He didn't know if he wanted to protect her… or use her.
---
Back in Guwahati, I couldn't sleep. Mili's soft breathing in the next room was the only comfort.
I touched the red ribbon in my hair—the same one I wore at school—the one someone noticed.
I was being watched.
Hunted, maybe.
But I wasn't ready to be scared.
Not yet.
Because if money was the love potion…
Then I was about to drink the strongest brew.
---