A Public Betrayal
653 Words
Aarini should have known it wouldn’t be that easy.
A fake engagement.
A staged romance.
A cold, calculated business move.
She had convinced herself that as long as she played her part, everything would stay under control.
But control was an illusion.
Especially when it came to Kian Malhotra.
The Gala Invitation
The email arrived early the next morning.
INVITATION: THE MALHOTRA FOUNDATION ANNUAL GALA
Aarini read the subject line twice before clicking it open.
The details were formal and precise, detailing a lavish black-tie event at the Grand Orchid Hotel.
Aarini barely skimmed through it before reaching the important part:
“As Kian Malhotra’s fiancée, your attendance is expected.”
Her stomach twisted.
She knew this moment would come—the first public test of their arrangement.
A night filled with powerful business moguls, scrutinizing eyes, and whispered conversations.
And worst of all?
Meera and Rohan Malhotra would be there too.
Aarini exhaled, setting her phone down.
This was dangerous territory.
And yet, she couldn’t afford to hesitate.
Because whether she liked it or not, this game was already in motion.
A Dangerous Dance
The night of the gala arrived too quickly.
Aarini stood in front of the mirror, smoothing down the deep crimson gown that hugged her figure perfectly.
The diamond engagement ring on her finger sparkled under the soft lighting, a silent reminder of the role she had to play.
A knock at the door pulled her attention.
She turned just as Kian walked in—and the world tilted slightly.
He was dressed in a sharp black tuxedo, the crisp lines and tailored fit making him look even more devastatingly powerful.
For a moment, neither of them spoke.
Then Kian’s gaze swept over her slowly.
His jaw clenched. “You’ll do.”
Aarini rolled her eyes. “That’s the best compliment you can manage?”
Kian smirked. “If I said more, you might think this is real.”
Her heart stuttered—but she forced herself to ignore it.
Because it wasn’t real.
No matter how much it felt like it.
The Gala Begins
The moment they stepped into the ballroom, every head turned.
Whispers followed them like a shadow.
“That’s Kian Malhotra’s fiancée?”
“She’s stunning.”
“But isn’t this a little sudden?”
Aarini kept her posture perfectly poised, her fingers curled around Kian’s arm.
She smiled at the curious gazes, keeping her expression composed—even as her pulse thundered.
But just as she was starting to settle into the act…
She saw them.
Meera and Rohan.
Standing by the grand staircase, watching them with knowing smiles.
And before Aarini could react, Meera raised her champagne glass in mock celebration.
As if she already knew a secret Aarini didn’t.
The Betrayal
The night dragged on in a haze of introductions and fake smiles.
But the tension in the air? Undeniable.
Kian was stiff beside her, his responses clipped.
And then—just as Aarini was excusing herself for a moment of air—she saw it.
A waiter, discreetly slipping a small, sealed envelope into Rohan’s hand.
Rohan opened it, eyes scanning the contents.
And then—he laughed.
A slow, victorious sound.
Aarini’s stomach twisted.
She took a step forward, her instincts screaming.
But before she could reach him, Rohan turned.
And then—with deliberate, cruel amusement—he lifted the paper slightly.
Just enough for Aarini to catch a glimpse.
One word stood out, bold and unmistakable:
CONTRACT.
Her blood ran cold.
No.
It couldn’t be.
But as Rohan’s smirk deepened, she knew.
He had proof.
Somehow, some way—he had gotten his hands on the contract detailing their fake engagement.
And in this room, full of business elites and media?
He wouldn’t keep it a secret for long.
Aarini’s hands curled into fists.
This wasn’t just a game anymore.
This was war.
End of Chapter 8
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- Writer
