Chapter 3 - The Proposal
The towering glass doors of Malhotra Industries loomed before Ira Sharma, reflecting the restless city behind her. She took a deep breath, clutching the strap of her worn-out handbag tighter. Her heart pounded against her ribs, a mix of nervousness and anticipation. Today was important—this job interview could change everything.
Stepping inside, she was greeted by a vast marble lobby, the cold air-conditioning sending a shiver down her spine. It was nothing like the small offices she had worked in before. This was power, authority, dominance. This was Aarav Malhotra’s empire.
“Miss Ira Sharma?” A woman in a sleek black suit stood before her, professionalism radiating from her posture.
“Yes, that’s me.” Ira quickly nodded.
“Follow me. Mr. Malhotra is waiting for you.”
The words sent a strange chill down Ira’s spine. The CEO himself? She had expected to meet with HR or a manager, but not the man who owned this empire.
Her fingers clenched into fists as she followed the woman into the private elevator. The doors slid shut, enclosing her in silence. As the floors climbed, so did the pounding in her chest.
When the elevator doors finally opened, she stepped into a world of dominance.
A massive floor-to-ceiling glass window overlooked the entire city. The office was dark, sophisticated—black leather couches, glass shelves stacked with files, and in the center of it all, a mahogany desk where he sat.
Aarav Malhotra.
He didn’t even look up immediately. He was leaning back in his chair, one hand resting on his jaw, eyes skimming through a file with utter disinterest.
Ira swallowed, feeling like she had stepped into a lion’s den.
“Sit.” His deep, commanding voice sent a shiver down her spine.
She obeyed.
Seconds stretched into minutes before he finally closed the file and looked at her. And when he did—it felt like he saw right through her.
Sharp dark eyes, sculpted features, a presence so overpowering it made her breath hitch. He wasn’t just powerful—he was the storm itself.
“You applied for the position of personal assistant.” His tone was unreadable.
“Yes, sir.”
He leaned forward slightly, placing his elbows on the desk. “Do you know why you’re here?”
Ira blinked. “For the interview?”
Aarav let out a dark chuckle. The sound was unsettling. “No, Miss Sharma. You’re here because I have a proposal for you.”
Her brows furrowed. “A proposal?”
Aarav leaned back in his chair, watching her with a predatory gaze. “Marry me.”
Silence.
Ira’s breath caught in her throat. For a second, she thought she misheard him. But the intensity in his gaze told her she didn’t.
“Excuse me?” She whispered, her voice barely holding its strength.
“I said, marry me.” Aarav’s voice was sharp, unrelenting. “For six months.”
Ira stared at him in disbelief. Was this some kind of joke?
“I— I don’t understand. You don’t even know me.”
Aarav tilted his head slightly. “I don’t need to. This isn’t about love, Miss Sharma. It’s about business.”
A heavy silence settled between them. Ira could barely process his words.
“But… why me?”
Aarav’s jaw tightened slightly, as if the question annoyed him."Because you are desperate, and desperate people do not make unnecessary demands." “You need money. I need a wife. It’s simple.”
Her breath hitched.
How did he know?
His piercing gaze never wavered. “Your father’s medical expenses, your pending loans, the struggle to survive—I know everything, Miss Sharma.”
Ira’s fingers trembled. This man—this stranger—knew her desperation.
Aarav stood up, walking towards her with slow, calculated steps. The room felt smaller, suffocating. He stopped in front of her, leaning down slightly.
“You have two options.” His voice was dark, commanding. “One, you walk out of this office and continue struggling for the next few years, watching your father suffer.”
Ira’s breath hitched.
“Or two—” His fingers brushed under her chin, tilting her face up to meet his gaze. “You sign the contract, marry me for six months, and I will solve all your problems.”
Her heartbeat thundered in her ears. This was insanity.
“I…” Ira’s voice wavered. “This is ridiculous. Marriage isn’t a deal—”
“To me, it is.” Aarav’s expression darkened. “I don’t believe in love, Miss Sharma. I need a wife, not a lover. And you—” He smirked. “You need an escape.”
Tears pricked her eyes. This wasn’t fair. This wasn’t how she imagined marriage, love, life…
But deep down, she knew. He was right.
She had no choice.
Aarav straightened, his presence towering over her. “I’ll give you 24 hours.” He turned, walking back to his desk. “After that, this offer is gone.”
Ira swallowed, her mind spiraling. She stood up, gripping the chair as her legs wobbled.
Without another word, she rushed out of the office.
But as she stepped into the elevator, one thought consumed her—
Was this truly her only way out?