Here's the first chapter of "Shadows of Obsession".
Mumbai, India
February 12th
Aurora "Rory" Rao stared at her reflection, adjusting the delicate silver necklace her mother had gifted her. Tonight was her 22nd birthday, and her best friend, Samantha "Sam" Sharma, had planned a surprise party.
As she descended the stairs, the aroma of samosas and biryani wafted through the air, making her stomach growl. The doorbell rang, and Sam's excited voice echoed through the hallway.
Rory's heart sank as she saw Julian "Jai" Blackwood standing beside Sam, his piercing gaze locking onto hers. Tall, dark-haired, and impossibly handsome, Jai exuded confidence and power.
"Happy birthday, Rory," Jai said, his deep voice sending shivers down her spine.
Sam nudged her. "Surprise!"
Rory forced a smile, feeling uneasy. Jai's family owned Blackwood Industries, a conglomerate with interests in real estate, tech, and finance. His reputation preceded him - ruthless, cunning, and calculating.
As the evening wore on, Rory found herself trapped in conversations with Jai's business associates. Jai's eyes never left hers, making her skin prickle.
As the clock struck midnight, Sam dragged Rory outside for a birthday toast. Under the starry sky, Rory confessed her discomfort.
"Sam, why is Jai here?"
Sam's expression turned serious. "He's interested in investing in your mother's dance academy. Your mom's been struggling to make ends meet."
Rory's stomach twisted. Her mother's dance academy was her passion project.
As they returned inside, Jai cornered Rory by the window.
"Aurora, I have a proposal for you," Jai said, his voice low and husky. "Marry me, and I'll save your mother's academy. Refuse, and it'll crumble."
Rory's world tilted. "What?"
Jai's eyes gleamed with determination. "You'll be my wife, and in return, your mother's academy will thrive. You'll want for nothing."
Rory felt trapped, like a bird in a gilded cage.
"What makes you think I'll agree?" she asked, trying to keep her voice steady.
Jai's smile was a cold, calculated thing. "You'll do it, Rory. You'll do it for your mother."
As the room spun around her, Rory realized she had no choice. Her mother's future hung in the balance.
"I'll do it," she whispered, the words tasting like poison.
Jai's eyes flashed with triumph. "Excellent. We'll announce our engagement tomorrow."
Rory's heart sank, lost in the shadows of Jai's obsession.
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YOU ARE READING
~Shadow of Obsession~
Misteri / Thriller*Genre:* Psychological Thriller, Romance *Tagline:* "When love turns deadly, escape is just an illusion." *Description:* In the dark underbelly of Mumbai's elite, Rory Singh finds herself trapped in a web of deceit and desire. Jai Blackwood, her cha...
