Shattered Illusions

3

Ayan's POV

After dropping his wife off he left for his warehouse

Ayan's eyes narrowed as he listened to his business partner's concerns. "The Smith deal is faltering," Ryder explained, his voice laced with urgency.

Ayan's jaw clenched. "I won't let it slip through our fingers," he growled, his mind racing with strategies.

Ryder hesitated. "Ayan, perhaps it's time to reconsider—"

"No," Ayan cut in, his tone final. "We'll find a way to salvage this deal. I won't be undermined by petty setbacks."

As the conversation concluded, Ayan's thoughts turned to Ziya. Her quiet demeanor intrigued him, but he pushed aside the distraction.

He had no time for emotional entanglements.

Later that night, as Ayan entered his bedroom, he found Ziya already asleep. Her peaceful face belied the turmoil brewing within him.

He approached her, his eyes tracing the contours of her face. For a moment, he forgot about the Smith deal, about his empire.

But the moment passed.

Ayan turned away, his expression hardened. He wouldn't let emotions cloud his judgment.

Not even for his wife.

After making a cunning plan he left the place nd started his way back to his mansion in which now he had a wife..

Ayan's patience snapped as he called out to Ziya for the third time. "Ziya, get up! Now!"

Her groggy voice filtered through the door. "Y-yes?"

"Come down in 10 minutes," Ayan ordered, his tone devoid of emotions.

Ziya's heart raced as she scrambled out of bed. She hastily wrapped her duppata around her head and rushed downstairs.

Anna directed her to the study, where Ayan awaited.

Ziya's small steps echoed through the corridor, and Ayan's gaze narrowed. Something about her hesitant pace tugged at him, but he dismissed it.

As she entered, Ayan's commanding presence filled the room. "Come here, wifey. I don't have all night."

Ziya's eyes, slightly red from lack of sleep nd crying, met his for a fleeting moment before dropping to the floor.

Ayan's jaw clenched. "Eyes on me, wifey."

She slowly raised her gaze, and their eyes clashed – his blue oceanic depths locking with her honey-brown warmth.

Ziya quickly looked away, but Ayan found himself annoyed. Why did her submission irk him?

He continued, his voice firm. "You're here for one reason: to solidify my business ties with your family."

Ziya's gaze returned to his, a spark of determination flickering within.

Ayan's eyes narrowed. What was she thinking?

"I expect obedience," he stated, his tone unyielding.

Ziya nodded, her voice barely audible. "Yes."

Ayan's gaze lingered on hers, searching for something. But what?

The air thickened around them

___________________________________________

Ziya's pov:-

As I stood before Ayan, his piercing gaze made my heart race. Why did he affect me so?

"Why am I here?" I dared ask, my voice barely above a whisper.

Ayan's expression remained unyielding. "You're here to solidify my business ties with your family."

His words stung. I felt like a pawn in a game I didn't understand.

I nodded, trying to appear obedient. But inside, a spark ignited.

How could I navigate this loveless marriage? What secrets lay hidden behind Ayan's cold facade?

As I met his gaze, I sensed a flicker of emotion. But it vanished, leaving only his icy stare.

I must tread carefully. Ayan's world was unfamiliar, and I didn't know the rules.

Yet, with each passing moment, I felt an inexplicable pull toward him.

Why?
__________________________________________________________

Ayan's pov

As Ziya stood before me, her eyes flashing with determination, I felt a flicker of surprise.

She wasn't as timid as I thought.

Her gaze met mine, and for an instant, I sensed a spark of connection. But I quashed it.

I couldn't afford emotions.

Yet, Ziya's quiet strength intrigued me. Where did she hide that fire?

Her nod was obedient, but her eyes betrayed a hint of defiance.

Interesting.

I made a mental note: keep her close, monitor her movements.

Ziya's family ties were crucial to my business expansion.

But as I gazed into her honey-brown eyes, a nagging thought emerged:

Was I using her, or was she using me?
______________

Comment and like if uh do♥️