“If you stay,” Dante said,
“you will become my wife.”
The word echoed in Aruna’s mind like a curse.
Wife.
Not freedom.
Not safety.
Not choice.
A contract disguised as love.
Aruna stared at him, her heart pounding violently.
“You think marriage will fix everything?” she asked.
Dante did not answer immediately.
He stepped closer, his presence overwhelming.
“I don’t fix things,” he said quietly.
“I claim them.”
Aruna felt a chill.
“So I’m just another territory for you?” she said.
Dante looked at her.
“No,” he replied.
His eyes darkened.
“You are the only territory I refuse to lose.”
The words were dangerous.
Not romantic.
Dangerous.
That night, Aruna could not sleep.
She sat on the balcony, her knees drawn to her chest.
The city below looked indifferent, unaware of t
