A Husband Without Love
718 Words
The mansion was too quiet.
Too big.
Too unfamiliar.
Anaya stood near the large glass window, still in her wedding dress, staring at the dark city outside. The lights below looked distant… almost unreal.
Everything felt unreal.
Just a few hours ago, she was in a crowded wedding hall.
Now she was here.
In a place that didn’t feel like home.
In a marriage that didn’t feel real.
A soft sound broke the silence.
The door opened.
Anaya turned slowly.
Arjun walked in.
Calm. Composed. Untouched by everything that had just happened.
He removed his coat and placed it neatly on the chair, as if this was just another ordinary day.
Not his wedding night.
Not the beginning of a life with someone.
For a moment, neither of them spoke.
The silence grew heavier.
Then finally—
“Sit,” he said.
His voice was low.
Controlled.
Not harsh… but not kind either.
Anaya hesitated for a second before sitting at the edge of the bed.
Her fingers tightened slightly over the fabric of her dress.
Arjun walked closer.
Each step slow.
Measured.
When he stopped in front of her, the air itself felt tense.
“Let’s be clear about something,” he said.
She looked up at him.
Waiting.
“This marriage is an arrangement.”
The words were simple.
But they hit hard.
Anaya swallowed quietly.
“I understand,” she replied.
And she did.
At least… she thought she did.
“Good,” he said.
His eyes studied her for a moment.
As if trying to read something she hadn’t said.
“Then you should also understand,” he continued, “there are rules.”
Her heartbeat quickened.
“Rules?”
“Yes.”
He turned slightly, walking a few steps away before speaking again.
“You don’t interfere in my work.”
A pause.
“You don’t ask unnecessary questions.”
Another pause.
“And most importantly…”
He turned back toward her.
His gaze sharper now.
“You don’t try to find out things that don’t concern you.”
Anaya felt a chill run through her.
Something about his words didn’t feel normal.
It felt like a warning.
“Why would I do that?” she asked carefully.
Arjun didn’t answer immediately.
Instead, he stepped closer again.
Close enough that she could feel the intensity of his presence.
“Because curiosity,” he said quietly, “has consequences.”
Her breath caught.
For a second, the room felt smaller.
Like the walls were closing in.
“Don’t worry,” she said, trying to stay calm. “I’m not interested in your life.”
That was a lie.
Even she knew it.
Something about him…
Something about this marriage…
It didn’t feel right.
Arjun watched her for a few seconds.
Then suddenly, he reached out.
Anaya froze.
His fingers lightly lifted her chin, forcing her to look at him.
The touch was not gentle.
Not harsh either.
But controlled.
Possessive.
“You should be,” he said softly.
Her heart started racing.
“Because now… it is your life too.”
For a moment, neither of them moved.
Neither of them spoke.
Then he let go.
Just like that.
As if nothing had happened.
“You can change,” he said, turning away. “Your things are already arranged.”
With that, he walked toward the door.
“Where are you going?” the question slipped out before she could stop it.
Arjun paused.
But didn’t turn.
“I don’t stay in one place for too long,” he replied.
Then he left.
The door closed behind him.
And once again—
Silence filled the room.
Anaya sat there, unmoving.
Her heart still racing.
Her mind filled with questions.
Rules.
Warnings.
Secrets.
And something else.
Something she couldn’t explain yet.
She slowly touched her chin where his fingers had been.
A strange feeling lingered.
Not fear.
Not comfort.
Something in between.
Confusing.
Dangerous.
Her eyes moved toward the door.
He was gone.
But his presence still remained.
Heavy.
Unavoidable.
Anaya took a deep breath.
Trying to steady herself.
Trying to understand what she had just stepped into.
But deep inside—
She already knew.
This marriage was not simple.
This man was not normal.
And this life…
Was only going to get more complicated.
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