📘 Episode 2: The Cold Welcome
The morning after their sudden marriage was colder than the night before.
Ayesha stepped into the grand kitchen of Zayan's mansion. Marble floors, shining counters, and silent staff — everything looked perfect, but felt empty.
"Madam, would you like some breakfast?" a maid asked politely.
Madam?
It felt strange. She wasn't used to being called that.
She shook her head. "No, thank you."
Before she could leave, Zayan entered the room.
He wore a black suit, hair perfectly styled, like always. But his eyes — cold and distant.
"You're still here?" he asked, not even looking at her directly.
"I live here now," Ayesha replied, forcing calm in her voice.
Zayan smirked. "You live in a house. That doesn't mean you belong here."
His words stung like fire, but she didn't flinch.
"I'm your wife now," she said. "At least show some respect for the name."
Zayan stepped closer, his face inches away from hers.
"This marriage is a deal, Ayesha. Nothing more. You're here because I allowed it — don't forget that."
Ayesha looked straight into his eyes. "You can't scare me, Zayan. You may have destroyed my family's name, but you won't break me."
His jaw tightened, surprised by her boldness. But he said nothing and walked away.
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Later that evening, Ayesha stood alone in the balcony, watching the sunset.
Her heart was heavy, but her soul was stronger than ever.
She had come here as a sacrifice.
But she would stay as a fighter.
And no matter how much Zayan tried to push her away,
he would one day realize —
the woman he married wasn't weak.
She was fire.
And he was about to burn.