CRIMSON VOWS

Chapter 6 : The Engagement Night

The air smelled of jasmine, but Aira could only taste ash.

Laughter drifted through the hall, elegant, well-mannered, and empty. Every corner of the estate gleamed beneath warm golden lights, wrapped in flowers and quiet luxury. It looked like a celebration.

To Aira, it felt like attending her own funeral.

She stood at the top of the staircase, the black velvet choker resting against her neck. The diamond teardrop at its center felt less like jewelry and more like a mark she could never erase.

Her mother had fastened it around her neck in silence. Neither of them had spoken about what it meant.

They didn't need to.

Everyone understood.

Dressed in a golden saree he had chosen, Aira began her slow descent. Her heels echoed across the marble floor as every pair of eyes turned toward the woman who had become Dominic Moretti's fiancée overnight.

But he hadn't arrived yet.

A part of her wanted to run.

Another wanted to lock herself inside her room and throw the choker into the fire.

Instead, she lifted her chin and walked with quiet dignity.

If she broke tonight, he would win.

She refused to give him that victory.

She had barely reached the center of the hall when the grand doors opened.

Silence swept through the room.

Dominic Moretti walked in.

He wore a perfectly tailored black silk kurta with subtle embroidery along the collar. Every step carried quiet confidence, and every glance commanded attention.

His eyes found hers immediately.

For a long moment, neither of them looked away.

Then Aira broke the silence first by turning her gaze elsewhere.

A faint smile appeared on Dominic's face.

He walked toward her without hurry.

The guests instinctively stepped aside, whispering among themselves. Some smiled politely. Others watched him with unmistakable fear.

No one dared stand in his way.

When he finally stopped before her, he leaned in just enough for his voice to reach only her.

"You said you'd wear black."

"I wanted to," she replied calmly. "But gold hides bloodstains better."

A quiet laugh escaped him.

"I like that answer."

"You won't when the blood is yours."

His eyes darkened with amusement rather than anger.

"Good."

Then he straightened and spoke loudly enough for the nearby guests to hear.

"You look beautiful tonight, fiancée."

The word struck her harder than any threat.

Dominic turned toward her parents.

"You've raised her well," he said with effortless politeness. "Strong enough to fight me."

Neither of them answered.

He looked back at Aira.

His voice dropped once again.

"I was right."

"About what?"

"You refuse to bow."

She stared directly into his eyes.

"I never will."

His smile returned.

"We'll see."

Around them, guests applauded as photographers captured smiling faces and exchanged congratulations.

No one realized the woman standing beside him had signed away her freedom only hours before.

Dominic gently lifted her hand for everyone to see.

To the guests, it looked romantic.

To Aira, it felt like another chain.

He leaned closer once more.

"Four days."

She met his gaze without hesitation.

"I'll spend every one of them wishing you'd disappear."

"I know."

His answer came without hesitation.

"And you'll spend every one of them thinking about me."

She scoffed.

"I'd rather spend them planning your funeral."

His smile widened.

"I'd expect nothing less."

The ceremony continued beneath laughter, music, and endless congratulations.

No one noticed that neither the bride nor the groom ever truly smiled.

---

Later that night...

The last guest had finally left.

The house was quiet again.

Aira stood alone in her bedroom, gripping the edge of her dressing table.

The choker still rested against her neck.

She reached up and touched it.

It suddenly felt heavier than before.

Her phone vibrated.

One new message.

Unknown Number.

«Did they applaud for us tonight?

You looked beautiful pretending you weren't standing beside me.

Sleep well, Aira.

I'll see you again soon.

– D»

She stared at the screen.

Then she threw the phone onto the bed.

She wanted to hate him.

She already did.

But what frightened her most wasn't his money...

Or his power...

It was the certainty in his eyes.

From the moment he'd seen her, Dominic Moretti had never once doubted that she would become part of his world.

And for the first time...

Aira wondered how far he would go to make sure she never left it.