Author's Pov ( Pls rules in the end of the prologue)

The heavy wooden doors of the Rathore estate's private study shut out the distant murmur of Rajasthan's evening winds. Inside, the room smelled of old paper, rich mahogany, and expensive tobacco-a space where empires were managed and silent agreements were struck.

Sitting in a high-backed velvet armchair, Vaishali Rathore adjusted the silk pallu of her elegant saree. Despite her age, her eyes held a sharp, unmistakable authority. Across from her sat Vikram Rathore, her son, reviewing a set of financial portfolios, while Veer stood by the floor-to-ceiling glass window, his tall silhouette looking out over the moonlit desert landscape and the sprawling city lights beyond.

"The dates have been finalized with the Sharma family," Vaishali announced, her voice calm but leaving no room for argument. "The alliance is settled."

Vikram nodded slowly. "Rajveer Sharma is an honorable businessman, Ma. His family's reputation in the upper circles is impeccable. This merger stabilizes our public holdings perfectly."

Veer didn't turn around. His hands were folded behind his back, his posture rigid. "You could have chosen any corporate merger to stabilize the holdings, Dadi. An arranged marriage wasn't necessary."

"A merger protects money, Veer. A family protects a legacy," Vaishali replied, her tone softening slightly as she looked at her eldest grandson. "You carry too much darkness on your shoulders, beta. This house needs light, and Meher Sharma brings exactly that. She is elegant, intelligent, and possesses a strength that doesn't need to shout to be heard."

Veer turned his head slightly, his dark eyes catching the ambient light of the study. To the world, he was the ruthless CEO of the Rathore Empire-unyielding, cold, and calculated. But beneath that exterior lay a web of dangerous responsibilities and a past scarred by betrayal. He had no room in his life for vulnerability, let alone a wife.

"She is entering a world she knows nothing about," Veer said, his voice dropping to a low, quiet tone. "This house is not a sanctuary."

"Then you will make sure it becomes one for her," Vaishali said firmly, standing up. "I have given my word to the Sharmas. You will marry her, fulfill your duties, and provide her with the respect and security she deserves as a Rathore."

Veer looked back out at the horizon. He respected his grandmother above all else, and his loyalty to the family was absolute. If a marriage of responsibility was what was demanded of him, he would execute it perfectly-like any other business transaction.

He didn't need to love her. He just needed to protect her from the darkness that followed his every step.

"As you wish, Dadi," Veer murmured.

A few miles away, in the quiet, art-filled library of the Sharma residence, Meher sat by the window, a sketchpad resting on her knees. The charcoal pencil in her hand moved gracefully across the paper, capturing the intricate patterns of a blooming lotus.

The door opened softly, and her elder brother, Daksh, walked in, his expression clouded with concern. He leaned against the bookshelf, watching her for a moment before speaking.

"Dad just confirmed the final meeting with the Rathores," Daksh said, his tone hesitant. "Meher... you don't have to agree to this just to please the family. Veer Rathore... people whisper about him. They say he's a machine. Cold, emotionless, and dangerous to cross."

Meher paused her sketching and looked up. Her expression was calm, her dark eyes reflecting a quiet resilience. She knew this day would come. In their world, alliances were a part of life.

"Every person has layers, Bhai," Meher said softly, offering a reassuring smile. "No one is entirely devoid of goodness. If Dad believes this is the right step for our family, I trust him. I don't expect a fairytale. I only expect responsibility, and I can handle that."

Daksh sighed, walking over to pat her shoulder. "You are too good for this world, Meher. Just promise me you won't let their world change who you are."

"It won't," she promised quietly.

But as she looked back down at her sketchpad, a sudden chill rippled through the quiet room. She didn't know the depth of the darkness she was about to step into, or that her quiet life was about to be tied to a man everyone feared.

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Rules

For Updates (upcoming chapters)

• I will update 2 times a week in particular days.

• Days that I will uate upcoming chapters is Wednesday and Saturday.

• No one will ask for chapter before particularl day or double update.

• If I am not able to update on days that I have chosen then I will update next day or I wil upload notice on conversation when will next update wil come.

• If you want faster update pls vote and comment.

• And if I put any Target in future atleast you have to vote if you don't comment that's okay but you have to vote.

• If you have any problem with any characters than it's your problem not mine and pls don't send bad comment any about characters I will not bear it.

• AND MOST IMPORTANT DO NOT COMPARE MY BOOK WITH YOUR FAVOURI

TE AUTHOR as I already mentioned in warnings.

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