Happy Holi Everyone❤
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Vedika's POV

"It's our wedding night baby. What else will i do other than this?" He replied making me feel horror in the dark.

I struggled against him, to get away from him.

Thanks to my stars, he finally loosened his grip on me and moved back.

I immediately sat on the edge of the bed and switch on the night lamp for better visibility.

When my eyes adjusted to the lights, I glanced at him who was already gazing me.

I lowered my eyes when I saw his bare skin. Atleast he had a trousers on, I had a relief.

But then I realised in what situation I am in. I immediately pulled the comforter to cover me.

I got embarassed as he saw me in my night dress which was hardly covering my legs.

And on top of this, I was not wearing my bra underneath. But is it my fault. Who would have thought he would enter my room in the middle of the night.

I turned my gaze towards the door which was locked.

"How d...did you enter the room? And what are you doing here?" I formed the question and presented it to him.

I turned towards him and again commented before he answer my previous question.

"And can you please put on some clothes?" I asked him.

He lifted his brows and smirked at my request, his gaze lingering on me for a moment before he stood up from the bed.

With an effortless grace, he walked over to the closet, where he retrieved a t-shirt.

As he dressed himself, I couldn't help but feel a sense of relief wash over me.

The sight of him in just his trousers was too distracting, and having him fully clothed helped ease some of the tension in the room.

Once he was dressed, he turned back to face me, his expression unreadable.

"As for how I entered the room, let's just say I have my ways," he replied cryptically, his tone tinged with amusement.

I furrowed my brows in confusion, wondering what he meant by that. But before I could press him further, he continued speaking.

"As for why I'm here, well, last time I remember it was my room, now ours." he said while I was shocked at the revelation.

This is... Is master bedroom, his room. Then what am I doing here?

"This is your room? Then, why Uncle Rex showed me this room?" I enquired hoping for him to say that he will correct this mistake tomorrow.

"Do you want everyone in this house to know that we have contractual marriage?" He enquired.

"I... I do not want that. But, how can we share the room?" I asked with a frown.

"Let me clear you one thing Vedhikaa. You may think it as a deal, but for me it is a real thing. Our vows are real, our marriage is real." He replied making my eyes widen with his confession.

When I entered into this, I had only one motive in my mind and that was to bail out Pa.

But now, listening to him, his talks, I can see that he has taken everything very seriously.

"I was not ready to enter into this marriage. I only signed for the deal, an arrangement, where I will get my uncle's freedom in exchange of your need which I am not aware of till now" I said with all the emotions and frustration in my heart.

How can he turn all things like this. I am not ready for any relationship, especially with him.

"I may give you time to adjust, but if you think that we will be living as strangers, that is a big NO" He declared casually, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

His words, his declaration made my eyes sting with the tears.

I don't know why his words are effecting me. I didn't want to face him, so I just lie down on the bed and covered my face wholly in the blanket.

I shook my head, trying to wrap my mind around the situation. This couldn't be happening. It felt like a nightmare, a twisted joke that fate had played on me.

I expected him to leave me alone in this room as I didn't want to face him but next moment, I found the bed dipping next to me and his male scent evaporated in the air.

I got stiff with his proximity.

He switched off the light making the room dark once again. As I turned stiff and trembling in fear, I heard his voice.

"well, Vedika. I won't force you to do anything you don't want to," he said, his tone surprisingly gentle.

Relief flooded through me at his words, but I couldn't shake off the lingering sense of unease.

Despite his assurances, I couldn't trust him completely. There was something about him, something dangerous and unpredictable, that made me wary.

"You can relax a bit. I won't touch you, I promise" He promised giving me further relief.

Still I couldn't sleep as peacefully as I was doing earlier due to his presence on the same bed. He is a stranger for me, above that a man.

I feel him shifted to other side of the bed. I removed the blanket from my face peeking at him, who was now facing to the opposite side.

I tried to relax a bit as I tried to put my trust that he won't cross the line this time. Still, I placed a pillow inbetween creating a barrier.

I gazed at the unique ceiling of the room. As I looked at it, the familiarity in it with the one I saw in his other mansion, made me wonder of the mystery behind it.

Does he like butterflies that much? Or is there any other significance behind it.

The butterfly in a black colour with the flame of orange black shade around it making it look like it is burning with the ashes covering all around.

Well, I didn't wander around the thoughts and tried to sleep a little. I will have to adjust with the unforeseen circumstances for now, but I'll definitely need to figure out a solution in the morning.

With a heavy heart and a mind full of questions, I eventually drifted off into an uneasy sleep, hoping for some clarity in the light of day.

Alvaro's POV

As I heard her steady breathe, I know she was asleep. I opened my eyes and turned towards her.

I know it was a difficult situation for both of us. She was clearly uncomfortable with our unexpected situation, and I couldn't blame her.

But her words echoed in my mind, reminding me of the reality of our arrangement.

I couldn't deny that I had developed genuine feelings for her, despite the unconventional circumstances of our marriage.

But I also knew that pushing her into anything she wasn't ready for would only make things worse.

So, as she slept peacefully beside me, I made a silent vow to respect her boundaries and give her the time she needed, at the same time to make sure that she get used to my presence and touch.

Earlier, I was only teasing her, trying my luck, maybe I overdo it. But I couldn't help, want to touch her and feel her.

Heck, What is happening to me? Where is the old Alvaro who resist the women, even in the close proximity, who would not let any woman to come near him.

It is not like woman have not tried to get closer to me. Given my status, all of them would swarm around me like bees. Yet I never looked anyone more than a glance.

Women are nuisance and i knew they would be a hindrance in my mission. Yet I couldn't control myself in front of Vedika.

Have I put her in danger by making her closer to me? However, when I gazed at the familiar ceiling, my resolution get strong. I won't let her be that butterfly. I will protect her at any cost.

When I opened my eyes again, I realised I slept and it was already morning.

This is the second time i have slept peacefully, without any restlessness. First time was when I slept with her on the same bed that night when I saved her.

That night bought some memories back in my mind.

I clenched my teeth in anger as I feel I should have castrate those bastards for touching what was mine.

I still remember her hazed expressions when that guy was above her ready to molest her. She was clearly dizzy at that time, her emotions were haywire.

When I took her in my arms that night, I knew that, something was wrong with her. She was not in her senses.

It was pure luck that I thought to drop at that party. I instructed my assistant to drop the gifts for the birthday girl, who was a daughter of my business associate.

When I was in my car, waiting for my assistant to deliver gifts, I heard someone's scream.

I wanted to ignore that, as it was not my business to meddle in between. But again, I couldn't ignore it.

Instinct kicked in, and I rushed towards the source of the scream, only to find Vedika in a compromising situation.

That night, I couldn't control my anger seeing her in danger. It was like a switch flipped inside me, and all I could think about was protecting her.

I couldn't find the culprit behind the act, as those bastard were not left in a position to speak a word. I didn't insist as my first priority was her at that moment.

As I was not aware where to go in that condition, I bring her to my place.

I was feeling fear at that moment after a very long time. The emotions she evokes in me without doing anything, perplexed me.

When doctor told me she was only sleeping due to the substance given in her drink to make her unconcious for few hours, I was relieved.

I told the doctor to change her clothes as she vomited all over her clothes on the way to the home. As I didn't had any woman's clothing, I gave her my shirt.

She gave me a look of disapproval. Firstly, it was not her duty to change her clothes and secondly, I gave her only shirt, and that too a man's shirt.

I would have changed her clothes but thinking about her reaction, I didn't do it. As I had no female staff in my mansion, I could only ask the doctor, the only female available at that time.

I was gazing at her for the whole night. I don't remember when I slept beside her and when she left my place in the morning.

I was disappointed as I didn't get to see her in the morning. But who knew that soon I will be seeing her every morning in my bed. It brought me an immense joy.

I turned myself towards her who was sleeping like a baby with the blanket tugged upto her neck.

I slowly leaned towards her. Her long lashes kissing her undereyes with her cherry blossom lips tugged into a straight line.

It urged me to taste those lips but somehow I managed to divert the direction to kiss her on the forehead only, without lingering for more than a second.

"Good morning, my little kitten" I whispered softly in her ears before standing up to start my morning routine.

It has been a routine for me to wake up at dawn and get ready to work by 8 in the morning. No holidays, no leisure trip. Work is my life and revenge is my ultimate motto.

Before exiting the room after dressing up for the day, I glanced at her for the last time who was still asleep.

I don't remember when was the last time when I woke up this refreshed. A smile lingered on my face for sometime but I composed it and go back to my emotionless mood after looking at Rex who was waiting for me in the dining room as usual.

"Good Morning, young master" He greeted me with a mischiveous smile, when I took the head chair at the dining room.

I can see something is cooking in his old mind. Anyway, I ignored it and nodded at him.

I opened the newspaper which was lying on the table, to have a look into the business world.

Meanwhile, Rex served my black coffee as usual. I took a sip of my coffee while glancing at the latest news.

"I can see you had a nice sleep last night, young master with the young mistress." Rex commented making me frown.

"Looks like you're more interested in my nights than your own" I said sarcastically.

"You're absolutely correct. My ultimate wish is to see you happy and enjoying your life to the fullest" He further said with a grin.

I ignored him and diverted my attention back to the newspaper.

"Bu... But, young master" Rex started with some hestitaion.

"Is there something on your mind, Rex?" I asked, sensing his hesitation.

Rex cleared his throat before speaking. "Forgive me for intruding, young master, but I couldn't help but notice... the situation with young mistress."

I raised an eyebrow, wondering where he was going with this. "What about it?"

"It's just... I feel that she is not into you that much, sir," Rex replied carefully. "I could sense her hesitation in her actions and words."

Nothing can hide from his old eyes.

I nodded at his words, understanding his concern.

"I'm aware of that, Rex. But circumstances dictated our arrangement. She was not ready for this commitment. It was the need of the hour and you're very aware of my difficulties."

Rex hesitated again before continuing, "And what are your intentions regarding her, sir? She seems... unsettled by the situation."

I sighed inwardly, realizing that Rex was probing deeper into a topic I preferred to keep private. "My intentions are to keep her at my side and fulfill my goal. Beyond that, it's not something I wish to discuss."

Rex nodded, though his expression remained troubled. "Of course, sir. But it won't be long to reach the news of your marriage to their ears. I just hope everything works out for the best."

His words reminds me the complexities and the dynamics of my life.

"It will, Rex. I will make sure of it. As far as my marriage is concerned, it is not the right time to disclose. I want her to be prepared for the situation she will face in the near future." I said, with a deep frown on my forehead.

For a second, I was unsure if she would be able to cope up with all the situation and revelations in the future.

But as I have decided to include her in this, I will make sure that everything goes on according to my plans.

As I returned to my newspaper, my thoughts lingered more on Vedika and the uncertain path ahead.

This reminds me something.

"Rex" I called him again.

"Yes young master" He asked me.

"Tell her to join our office from the next week. I want her to get accustomed to the home first. Rest, Ben will handle regarding her joining of office." I conveyed him before getting up from my chair.

He was surprised with my words, still didn't comment on it.

When I left the dining room, my mind was already occupied with the tasks of the day ahead.

But despite the distractions, one thing remained clear: Vedika's presence had already begun to shift the dynamics of my carefully constructed world. And whether for better or for worse, only time would tell.

Vedika's POV

As I opened my eyes, I realised sunlight was already peeking from the window and it was almost 9'o clock in the morning.

I shifted my eyes to other side of the bed only to find it empty. I sighed in relief at his absence.

To my surprise, I slept peacefully throughout the night, despite the unusual circumstances.

But as reality sunk in, I felt a mixture of emotions swirling inside me - confusion, fear, and a sense of being trapped in a situation I never asked for.

I slowly sat up, wrapping the blanket around me for comfort as I processed everything that had happened last night.

The memory of his unexpected presence in the room sent shivers down my spine, and his words echoed in my mind, reminding me that it is an actual thing for us, at least for him.

As I sat on the dinning room after taking a quick shower, I looked at the variety of dishes on the table.

From pancakes to muesli, and from fresh fruits to pastries, the table was adorned with an array of breakfast options.

However, my appetite was nowhere to be found as my mind was preoccupied with thoughts about the strange turn my life had taken.

As I picked at my food, lost in my thoughts, Rex's voice brought me back to reality. "Good morning, Vedika," he greeted me with a warm smile.

"Good morning, Uncle Rex," I replied, trying to muster up a smile of my own, though it felt forced.

"Did you sleep well?" he asked, his tone filled with genuine concern.

I hesitated for a moment before nodding. "Yes, thank you. The bed was comfortable," I replied, not wanting to delve into the complexities of my feelings about sharing a bed with Alvaro.

Rex seemed to sense my discomfort and didn't press further.

Instead, he busied himself with serving me some breakfast, though my appetite was still nonexistent.

As I picked at my food, I couldn't help but feel a sense of unease settling over me. Despite Alvaro's assurances last night, I couldn't shake off the feeling that I was walking into a trap.

Therefore, I decided to talk to Rex.

"Umm, Uncle Rex" I called him softly.

"Yes, my dear" He asked warmly.

"I would like to change my room" I said hesitatingly.

Although Devil told me not to disclose our private matters to anyone, I couldn't help but have to discuss this matter.

"Is something the matter with the room. Is it not as per you liking? I can get it changed as per your taste?" he asked.

I like the room but not the person additionally gifted to me with the room. I wanted to retort with this remark.

"I want to stay alone" I said, after some hesitation.

Rex's expression softened as he regarded me with understanding. "Of course, Vedika. I understand, this must be a difficult adjustment for you."

He paused, considering his words carefully before continuing. "But I must inform you that the master bedroom is designated for you and young master as per his instructions. Changing rooms might not be possible."

I felt a surge of frustration at his words, feeling trapped in this situation even further. "But Uncle Rex, I don't feel comfortable sharing a room with him. Is there any way you can arrange a different room for me?"

Rex sighed, his brow furrowing with concern. "I will speak to him about your concerns and see what can be done. In the meantime, try to make the best of the situation, my dear. Things will work out in due time."

His words offered some semblance of reassurance, but I couldn't shake off the feeling of being trapped in this marriage, this arrangement that I never asked for.

"Further, young master asked me to inform you that you will be joining the office from next week. So, you have a whole week to enjoy your time and do as per your wish" He said.

I nodded at him. I am aware of this as I got the email from the HR in the morning regarding this.

As Rex left the room to attend to his duties, I couldn't help but feel a sense of unease settle over me once again.

After finishing my breakfast with a half heart, I found myself again in my so called room. I sigh and decided to make my own decision.

Since he has given me opportunity to do as my heart wishes. I could make a full use of it. I smiled slyly.

I walked out of the room and turned to the room opposite to this master room.

I opened the room only to find it clean and equipped with all furniture. I sighed in relief.

I turned my attention back to the master bedroom, feeling a mix of reluctance and determination. With a deep breath, I made up my mind.

Ignoring the lingering discomfort, I began packing my belongings, determined to move into the room opposite. Well, my belongings were already packed in my luggage but few items which I earlier took out, I packed them all.

It was a small act of defiance, but it felt like a step towards reclaiming some control over my life.

As I finished packing, I hesitated for a moment, wondering if I should inform him before moving. But then I decided against it. He could figure it out on his own.

With my bags in hand, I made my way to the other room, feeling a sense of relief wash over me as I stepped inside. It may not be a permanent solution, but for now, it was enough.

As I unpacked my belongings and settled into my new space, I couldn't help but feel a sense of empowerment. I may be trapped in this marriage, but I refused to let it define me.

With a newfound resolve, I vowed to take control of my own destiny, one step at a time. And as I looked around my new room, I knew that this was just the beginning.
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