The air in the study was suffocating. Avyant stood still, staring at the papers in his father’s hands as if they would catch fire under his glare. The signature at the bottom—her signature—mocked him. "She married you for money," his father said, his voice calm, controlled. "She signed these papers herself. What more proof do you need?" Sanjita stood at the doorway, her breath uneven. She remembered signing those papers. Remembered the way she had been forced, how she had no choice. But how could she explain that now? How could she make him understand? "Avyant, I—" "Don’t," his voice was sharp, cutting through the space between them. His dark eyes locked onto hers, demanding an answer. "Tell me it’s a lie, Sanjita. Tell me you didn’t do this." Tears welled in her eyes, but she couldn’t force the words out. Avyant’s stepmother let out a dramatic sigh. "What’s the point of asking? She won’t deny it. Because it’s true." His Dadi remained silent, her face unreadable, but her presence only made the silence heavier. Avyant exhaled, his jaw tightening as he took a step back. "I should’ve known." His voice was quiet, almost to himself. Then, louder—colder—he said, "I think I’ve heard enough." Sanjita felt her heart shatter as he turned away from her. "No, Avyant, please—" But he didn’t stop. And this time, she feared he never would. 🌼🌼🌼🌼🌼🌼🍁🍁🌼🌼🌼🌼🌼🌼 Avyant X Sanjita Prince X Rose Rude X Sweet Hot X Spice