Rhea’s POV

The soft morning sunlight entered through the huge glass windows.

Rhea slowly opened her eyes.

For a moment she forgot where she was.

Then reality hit her.

Malhotra mansion.

Her new house.

Her new life.

Her forced marriage.

Her eyes immediately moved toward the couch.

Karthik was gone.

The blanket was neatly folded.

She sat up slowly.

Her head felt heavy after crying almost the whole night.

Just then the bedroom door knocked softly.

A maid entered.

“Good morning, ma’am.”

Rhea gave a small smile.

“Good morning.”

“The family is waiting for you downstairs for breakfast.”

Rhea nodded nervously.

“I’ll come.”

After the maid left, Rhea walked to the mirror.

The red sindoor in her hairline reminded her again.

She was Rhea Malhotra now.

But the name still felt strange.

She took a deep breath and walked out of the room.

Dining Hall

The Malhotra dining hall was enormous.

Everyone was already seated.

Praveen Malhotra, the grandfather, sat at the head of the table.

Beside him sat Sumeet Malhotra.

Across from them was Ayesha Malhotra, Rhea’s mother-in-law.

Rhea stepped inside nervously.

All eyes turned toward her.

Her fingers tightened around her dupatta.

“Good morning,” she said softly.

Before anyone else could speak, Anjali smiled brightly.

“Good morning, bhabhi!”

Rhea’s face softened.

“Good morning.”

Kiaan waved playfully.

“Welcome to the jungle.”

Anjali elbowed him.

“Shut up.”

Rhea almost laughed.

But Ayesha’s cold voice cut through the moment.

“You’re late.”

Rhea immediately looked down.

“I’m sorry… Mom.”

Ayesha’s eyes scanned her from head to toe.

“You’re the daughter-in-law of the Malhotra family now.”

Her tone was sharp.

“Learn to behave like one.”

Rhea nodded quietly.

“Yes.”

Just then a chair moved.

Karthik walked into the dining hall.

His presence instantly changed the atmosphere.

Power.

Authority.

Silence.

Rhea’s eyes lifted toward him for a second.

But he didn’t even look at her.

He sat down calmly and started eating.

As if she didn’t exist.

Her chest tightened.

Breakfast continued in uncomfortable silence.

Kitchen – Later

Rhea stood near the kitchen counter helping the servants arrange plates.

She wanted to feel useful.

Just then Ayesha entered.

Her expression was clearly irritated.

“What are you doing?”

Rhea turned quickly.

“I thought I should help.”

“You thought wrong.”

Rhea blinked.

“This house has servants.”

Ayesha folded her arms.

“You just focus on not embarrassing this family.”

The words hurt.

But Rhea simply nodded.

“I understand.”

Before Ayesha could say more—

Anjali suddenly appeared.

“Mom, I need Rhea bhabhi for something.”

Ayesha frowned.

“For what?”

Anjali grabbed Rhea’s hand.

“Girl talk.”

And dragged her away.

Once they reached the hallway, Anjali sighed.

“Don’t mind her.”

Rhea looked confused.

“She hates everyone?”

Anjali laughed.

“Mostly.”

Rhea smiled weakly.

“Thank you.”

Kiaan appeared behind them suddenly.

“Hey bhabhi.”

Rhea turned.

“Yes?”

He grinned.

“Just letting you know… you are the nicest person in this house so far.”

Rhea giggled softly.

For the first time since the wedding…

She didn’t feel completely alone.

Karthik’s POV

Karthik sat inside his office in the Malhotra mansion.

His laptop screen displayed business reports.

But his mind wasn’t focused.

His phone vibrated.

A message appeared.

Harshita: “Miss you.”

His expression softened instantly.

He grabbed his car keys and stood up.

Within minutes he was driving through Mumbai’s busy streets.

Soon he stopped outside a luxurious café.

Harshita was already waiting.

She looked glamorous as always.

When she saw him, her face brightened.

“Karthik.”

She hugged him tightly.

He held her for a moment.

“I hate this,” she whispered.

“This marriage.”

Karthik’s jaw tightened.

“So do I.”

Harshita pulled back and looked into his eyes.

“You still love me… right?”

Karthik didn’t hesitate.

“Yes.”

Her lips curved into a satisfied smile.

Exactly what she wanted to hear.

She placed her hand on his arm.

“Then prove it.”

“How?”

“Don’t let that girl take my place.”

Karthik’s voice turned cold.

“She never will.”

Across the café, a man sat quietly watching them.

His sharp eyes studied Karthik carefully.

Aryan Darat.

A dangerous smile appeared on his face.

“So this is the famous Karthik Malhotra,” he murmured.

His gaze shifted to Harshita.

“And that innocent little bride…”

His smile widened.

“This game will be fun.”

Because Aryan Darat had only one goal.

Destroy the Malhotra empire.

And he had just found the perfect way.

Through Rhea.

Back at Malhotra Mansion

Rhea stood on the balcony outside her room looking at the city.

The wind played with her hair.

She whispered softly to herself.

“Maybe… things will get better.”

But destiny had very different plans.

Because her life had just entered a world filled with—

Power.

Manipulation.

And dangerous love.

And the man who hated her today…

Would one day become obsessed with her.

How was the chp !??

Do you all enjoy 😉.

Don't forget to comment and vote guys

Bye!!