Aarya sat in his mansion like a prisoner wrapped in luxury.
"You have two choices," Rivan said calmly.
She looked at him with anger.
"I'm not choosing anything."
He stepped closer.
"Then I'll choose for you."
Silence.
Then—
"Marry me."
Aarya felt like the ground disappeared.
"What…?"
"It's simple," he continued, like he was discussing business.
"You marry me… your family stays safe."
Her eyes filled with tears.
"And if I say no?"
His expression didn't change.
"Then they suffer for your courage.