Book 1 of "The Alliance Series"
Can be read stand alone.
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"Marry him, or I'll ruin your company and destroy your career," his words echo in my mind like the toll of a relentless bell. How can a fa...
Sitting in front of the mirror, my reflection stares back at me. The red dupatta draped over my head feels heavier than ever, as if the weight of the entire universe rests on my shoulders. My bridal lehenga, adorned with embroidery, shines under the soft light, and the bangles on my wrists jingle faintly every time I move. I should feel like a princess, a bride eagerly awaiting her moment to step into a new life. But inside, there's nothing but an unsettling silence.
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Adira's Wedding Dress
If this were a love marriage-or even just a normal one-I'd probably be happy, excited, even. But this isn't that. My mind drifts back to the life I've led, rewinding through my past like a movie. Did I ever get the time to fall in love? Or was I always too afraid, scarred by my past and the coldness I grew up with? I craved love-real, deep, unconditional love-from a man who would cherish me, or maybe even from my father. But love was always something distant, like a dream I was never allowed to have.
Today, I'm marrying a man I barely know, someone chosen by my father, not for me but for his own gain. A business alliance. An arrangement that secures his power and wealth. And me? My feelings, my desires-they were never part of the equation. My father never asked what I wanted. Why would he? In his world, daughters are bargaining chips, not individuals with dreams and hopes of their own.
"Adira, are you ready?" Radhika's voice pulled me from my thoughts. She walked in with my mother, her face glowing with emotion. My mother's eyes, misty with tears, held a mix of pride and sadness. Radhika wrapped her arms around me, pulling me into a hug.
"You're looking so beautiful," she said softly. I forced a smile, knowing they believed I was happy. After all, hadn't I played my role perfectly in Rathore's palace, pretending to be the dutiful bride-to-be? I didn't want to add to their worries, so I kept quiet, maintaining the facade. Once this wedding is over, I'll be free-at least that's what I hope. Free from the control, the expectations, and most of all, from my father's interference in my life. That's my only prayer.
"Let's go, everyone is waiting for you at the mandap," my mother said, her voice breaking slightly.
Nervousness settled deep in my stomach as I took slow, measured steps toward the mandap. The soft sound of my anklets echoed in the hallway as we approached. I caught a glimpse of Ranveer standing there, surrounded by the warm glow of the fire and the gazes of our families. Fireworks went off as the bride's entry was announced, and the burst of light reflected in his eyes as he watched me approach.
