The Engagement Dinner
821 Words
The penthouse Lakshya insisted she call “home” felt like a gilded cage. Every corner gleamed with cold elegance—glass, steel, and polished black stone—but none of it made her feel welcome.
Shanaya sat before the dressing table, staring at her reflection. The pale gold gown he’d sent over fit her perfectly, hugging her curves in a way that made her feel even more exposed.
She had no idea how he’d known her size.
Or maybe she did.
A knock at the bedroom door startled her. She turned to see Ananya, standing in the doorway with a small, respectful nod.
“Mr. Malhotra asked me to help you prepare,” she said, her voice soft but distant.
Shanaya swallowed her resentment. “I can manage on my own.”
Ananya hesitated. For a moment, something almost sympathetic flickered in her eyes. “He isn’t always as he seems.”
“Is that supposed to comfort me?”
“No,” Ananya said quietly. “It’s just the truth.”
With that, she stepped back and closed the door.
---
The car ride to the Royal Highkings’ grand ballroom was silent. Lakshya sat beside her, dressed in a perfectly tailored black tuxedo. He looked every inch the powerful billionaire who ruled the city—and her life.
When the car stopped, he reached for her hand before she could pull away.
“You don’t have to be afraid of me,” he murmured.
“I’m not afraid,” she lied.
He studied her face, his dark eyes unreadable, then brushed his thumb over her knuckles.
“Then hold your head high,” he said softly. “You’re mine now—and tonight, everyone will see it.”
---
They entered the ballroom together, and conversation rippled through the crowd like a current of electricity. Chandeliers blazed overhead. Waiters drifted past with trays of champagne.
Heads turned. Cameras flashed.
Shanaya forced herself to keep her chin lifted as Lakshya guided her to the center of the vast space.
Tamanna Chopra stood near the bar in a sleek red dress, her gaze locking onto Shanaya with unmistakable jealousy. Shanaya felt the weight of it but refused to look away.
“Lakshya,” Tamanna called in a low, sultry voice. “I didn’t realize you were bringing…company.”
His hand tightened around Shanaya’s waist possessively. “She’s not company, Tamanna. She’s my fiancée.”
The word hit Shanaya like a physical blow.
Tamanna’s smile didn’t reach her eyes. “So it’s true.”
“It’s true,” Lakshya confirmed, his tone leaving no room for argument.
A hush fell over the guests as an older man in a crisp grey suit approached—Amit Kapoor, Utkarsh’s father.
“Lakshya,” Amit said carefully, “I hope you know what you’re doing.”
“I always do,” Lakshya replied, his gaze never leaving Shanaya’s face.
Amit’s eyes softened as he turned to her. “My dear, if you ever need help—”
“She won’t,” Lakshya interrupted, his voice soft but edged in steel.
Shanaya’s heart slammed against her ribs. She had never felt so exposed in her life.
A waiter offered a tray of champagne. Lakshya took two glasses, handing one to her with a faint smile.
“Drink,” he ordered gently. “You look like you might faint.”
“I don’t want this,” she whispered.
He bent close enough that his breath warmed her ear.
“You already have it,” he murmured. “There’s no going back.”
---
Later in the evening, as the guests mingled and the cameras snapped photos of her diamond ring, Shanaya slipped away to the terrace to breathe.
The city sprawled below, glittering and endless. For a moment, she imagined running. Disappearing.
“Thinking of escaping?”
She spun around. Lakshya leaned against the doorway, one brow lifted, as though he’d been expecting exactly this.
“You can’t keep me here forever,” she said, her voice unsteady.
He came toward her with that smooth, predatory grace that made her pulse skitter.
“Maybe not.” He stopped in front of her, his gaze intent. “But you signed yourself over to me. And I won’t let you forget it.”
“You don’t own my heart,” she snapped.
“No,” he agreed softly. His hand came up to cup her jaw, tilting her face up to his. “But I will.”
Her breath caught. He bent his head, and for one charged moment she thought he would kiss her in front of everyone.
Instead, he pressed his lips to her temple—gentle, possessive, final.
“You belong to me, Shanaya,” he murmured. “And tonight, the world knows it.”
---
⚠️ Content Warning:
This novel contains mature themes, possessive relationships, and dark romance intended for readers 18+. Reader discretion advised.
- Writer
