"You can fight me until your last breath... but the more you do, the harder I’ll pull," he said, giving me a challenging look.

I’ve always fought with him—no matter how small the issue—but we never back down in front of each other.

I take a step closer to him. Just a few inches more and our chests would touch.

"What exactly do you hope to gain from this marriage? You already hold a 25% stake—are you aiming for more? If you think this will give you control over me or a chance to dominate me, let me make one thing absolutely clear: that’s never going to happen," I said, my eyes burning with anger.

He thinks he can win against me... in his fucking dreams.

He doesn’t say anything—just gives me a smirk.

He opens his mouth to reply when voices and laughter from outside interrupt him.

A towering presence despite his age, Mr.Devendra Bapurao Rane (Saransh's grandfather), the owner of Rane Industries, walks in with the quiet authority of a man who built empires from dust. His silver hair is neatly combed back, revealing a strong and sharp forehead, observant eyes that miss nothing—cold steel beneath a warm smile. He’s dressed in a classic three-piece suit, accessorized with a vintage gold watch.

Walking beside him with easy camaraderie is Mr. Yashvardhan Rajiv Segal (my father)—sharp, charismatic, but with visibly tense eyes when he sees me as they enter the cabin.

I glance at them, then at him—who immediately straightens up. The playful, dangerous edge in his expression vanishes like a shadow. His voice turns calm and authoritative as he greets his grandfather and my father.

“Dadu,” he nods respectfully, his eyes glinting with quiet control. His gaze shifts to my father, a businesslike smile forming on his lips.

“Good afternoon, Dadu,” I greet as I walk toward them.

“Aarohi... thank you, beta, for coming despite your busy schedule. My daughter works so hard,” he says, caressing my head.

He was my late grandfather’s best friend. He reminds me of him. He also loves me dearly, but a few years ago... he passed away.

“But Dadu, why did you call me here?” I ask, though deep down, I already know the answer.

They both exchange a look, then turn to me. (No, please, no. Don’t say it.)

“We want to talk to both of you about a very important matter. I know Saransh already knows, but Aarohi, please listen first—then react,” my father says.

I can sense the upcoming storm.

He sighs deeply, clearly carrying the weight of this decision.

“You know your grandfather and Saransh’s grandfather were best friends. Our families have been close for years. Your grandfather always had a wish—that one of his grandchildren would marry Devendra Uncle’s grandchild. To fulfill that wish and to protect Piya, we decided to get her married to Yatharth (your brother). But as you know, things turned out differently... and Piya ended up marrying Arhaan. So, your grandfather’s wish remained unfulfilled.

“But this isn't just about friendship anymore. It’s about securing the future of both companies—and protecting you, Aarohi.”

He pauses, looking at me directly, his expression both apologetic and resolute.

“You two have to get married. Not only to fulfill Dad’s wish but also for the sake of both companies,” he finishes.

“But…” I begin, only to be interrupted by Saransh’s grandfather.

“Aarohi beta, we know how you feel right now. It’s okay—take your time to think. But remember, as per your grandfather’s will, you must get married before you turn 26. He did it only for your good. He once told me he was worried you would never get married unless he wrote it into his will. Remember—he loved you,” he says, patting my head before walking out. My father nods and follows him.

I stare at the closed door.

“I know my grandfather did that to protect me from...”

“Aarohi.” His voice pulls me back to reality.

“What?” I ask.

“Are you signing the papers today or another day?” he asks.

“Which papers? Don’t tell me you’ve already drawn up a marriage contract,” I ask, curious.

“No, baby. The court papers confirming that you’re getting married according to your grandfather’s will,” he says.

“You don’t need to worry about my life or the will. It states that I have to marry someone before turning 26—otherwise, 55% of my company’s shares go to charity. Only 20% will remain with my family,” I say.

“But there’s no mention of anyone specific,” I add with a mocking tone. “It’s true that I need to get married—but it’s not necessary that I marry you.”

He glares at me.

His eyes burn with slight anger at my next attempt to get on his nerves.

“I’ll find someone better than you to marry. Instead of this marriage of convenience, I’ll do a contract marriage. Doesn’t that sound better?” I say.

“Better, huh?” He tilts his head, studying my face with cold amusement.

“You really think you can find someone better than me? Someone who can handle the fire that comes with being with you? Someone who can match your ambition, power, and control? Aarohi, no one else will keep up with you like I can. You can try—but deep down, you know this is the only choice,” he says, leaning in closer, his voice a low, dangerous whisper.

He takes a step back, a devilish smirk playing on his lips.

“Go ahead. Find someone. But when they fail... remember who was here, waiting, ready to give you exactly what you need,” he says.

“You... you asshole!” I curse and storm out of his cabin, my sandals clacking angrily against the floor.

He loves getting on my nerves. But what the hell do I do now...?

An idea clicked in my mind, and I immediately called my PA. She answered in just two rings.

"Hello ma'am, has your meeting with the Ranes ended? Should I tell you today's schedule?" she asked.

"Yes, the meeting is over, but cancel all my appointments for today and come to the address I sent you," I replied.

"Is everything okay, ma'am? Should I—" she was saying when I interrupted her.

"Jiya, just do as I say," I said firmly.

"Okay, ma'am."

Next, I called my best friends and asked them to meet me at

our usual hangout spot.

"What! What! What!" all three of them screamed when I told them my plan...