Chapter 2 A Deal with the Devil

Aurelia stepped into the grand Mahendra estate, her heels clicking against the polished marble floor. The air inside was thick with the scent of sandalwood and something else-something cold, like the weight of old money and rigid traditions. She barely had time to take it all in before a voice, low and authoritative, broke through the tense silence.

"My parents are waiting," Rafael said, his tone devoid of warmth.

Aurelia turned to look at him, meeting his dark gaze with unwavering defiance. If he thought she was going to cower in his presence like she had years ago, he was sorely mistaken.

"Lead the way," she said, lifting her chin.

Without another word, Rafael turned and strode down the long hallway, his movements precise and controlled. He walked as if the world bent to his will, as if every step he took was measured and deliberate.

Aurelia followed, her heart pounding in her chest. Every instinct screamed at her to turn around, to run, to find a way out of this madness. But there was no escape. Not when her parents had already made the decision for her.

The moment they entered the lavish sitting room, all eyes turned to them.

Rafael's parents sat on the grand leather sofa, their expressions unreadable. His father, a man with a sharp jawline and an air of quiet authority, merely raised an eyebrow at her arrival. His mother, elegant and composed, offered a tight-lipped smile.

Aurelia swallowed. She had faced tough professors and ruthless seniors, but the Mahendra family was in an entirely different league.

"Aurelia," Rafael's mother finally spoke, her voice smooth but firm. "It's good to see you again."

"Likewise, Mrs. Mahendra," Aurelia replied, forcing a polite smile.

The woman's gaze flickered to her son before settling back on her. "I'm sure you both understand why you're here."

Aurelia's fingers curled slightly against the fabric of her dress. Oh, she understood. She just didn't want to accept it.

Rafael, standing beside her like a statue carved from ice, finally spoke. "Let's be direct." His voice was clipped, businesslike. "Neither of us wants this. So let's be clear on where we stand."

Aurelia's breath hitched slightly, but she kept her expression blank. "Go on."

Rafael turned to her, his dark eyes piercing. "This is nothing more than an arrangement. A contract. We do what is expected of us, and in return, our families get what they want."

Her nails dug into her palm. "And what about what we want?" she asked, voice edged with frustration.

For the first time, something flickered in Rafael's gaze. Something unreadable.

"It doesn't matter," he said simply.

A heavy silence fell over the room.

Aurelia felt the weight of the decision pressing down on her. She had always dreamed of love-of a romance filled with passion and choice, not cold agreements and forced obligations. But reality was cruel, and the Mahendra family was not the kind of people one could refuse.

"I assume you have conditions," Rafael's mother said, sipping her tea as if they were discussing business rather than her son's future.

Rafael nodded. "Yes. I expect her to follow certain rules."

Aurelia's head snapped toward him. "Rules?"

His gaze didn't waver. "If we are to convince everyone that this marriage is real, we need to play the part. That means no unnecessary drama, no scandals, and most importantly-" he stepped closer, his voice lowering to something almost dangerous, "-you do not interfere with my life, and I won't interfere with yours."

Aurelia clenched her jaw. "Fine. Then I have conditions too."

Rafael tilted his head, waiting.

"If we're doing this, I won't be treated like a burden," she said, meeting his gaze head-on. "I won't be some pawn for your family's games, and I won't be controlled like some obedient little wife."

A muscle ticked in Rafael's jaw, but he said nothing.

His father, who had been silent until now, finally spoke. "Then we are in agreement." His voice was deep, final.

Aurelia's stomach twisted as she realized what she had just done.

She had just agreed to marry Rafael Mahendra.

And there was no turning back.