Mumbai, India
February 13th
Rory's mind reeled as she stared at the diamond-encrusted ring on her finger. Last night's proposal still felt surreal. Jai's words echoed in her mind: "Marry me, and I'll save your mother's academy."
She hadn't slept, her thoughts consumed by the weight of her decision. The academy was her mother's lifeblood, and Rory couldn't bear the thought of it failing.
As she descended the stairs, her mother, Nalini, greeted her with tears in her eyes. "Beta, I'm so proud of you. Jai is a good man. He'll take care of you."
Rory forced a smile, feeling guilty for hiding the truth. "I know, Maa. I'll make you proud."
The doorbell rang, and Sam burst in, carrying a bouquet of flowers. "Happy engagement, Rory! I'm so thrilled for you!"
Rory's smile faltered. Sam didn't know the truth either.
Jai arrived soon after, his eyes locked onto Rory's. "Shall we announce our engagement to the press?"
Rory nodded, feeling trapped.
The rest of the day blurred together - photoshoots, interviews, and congratulatory calls. Rory played the role of the happy fiancée, but her heart ached.
As the sun set over Mumbai, Jai took Rory to his penthouse apartment. The city lights twinkled below, but Rory's gaze was drawn to the cold, calculating look in Jai's eyes.
"You'll make a perfect wife, Rory," Jai said, his voice dripping with possession. "You'll learn to obey, to please me."
Rory's skin crawled. "I'll try," she whispered, playing the part.
Jai's smile sent shivers down her spine. "I'll teach you everything you need to know."
As the night wore on, Rory realized she was trapped in a gilded cage, with no escape.
YOU ARE READING
~Shadow of Obsession~
Mystery / 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...
