Devil's Bride

Growing Feelings

The morning sunlight poured into the grand estate as Maya hummed a tune while tending to the flower arrangements in the garden. It was one of her favorite things to do, a peaceful ritual she never missed.

Ayaan, standing by the large window of his study, watched her intently. She had no idea how captivating she was, with her loose braid swaying as she worked, her smile as bright as the morning sun. He decided it was time to act on his thoughts.

As Maya reached for a particularly high branch to pluck a flower, Ayaan appeared behind her.

“You’ll break your neck climbing like that,” he said, plucking the flower for her.

Maya startled and turned to glare at him. “Do you always sneak up on people like that?”

“Only on people who think they’re invincible,” he teased, handing her the flower.

She took it begrudgingly, muttering, “I could’ve done it myself.”

“I know,” he replied with a smirk. “But why should you, when I’m here?”

She rolled her eyes, but Ayaan didn’t miss the slight blush on her cheeks.

---

Later that day, Maya wandered into the kitchen to prepare snacks for Ayaan’s grandfather. To her surprise, she found the maids already at work, the table laden with her usual choices.

“What’s all this?” she asked.

One of the maids smiled. “Sir Ayaan instructed us to prepare everything before you arrived. He said you shouldn’t have to work so much.”

Maya blinked in surprise. “He… said that?”

Before she could process it, Ayaan strode in, his expression as nonchalant as ever.

“Problem?” he asked, noticing her puzzled look.

“No, just… why would you do this?”

He shrugged. “Is it so strange to make your life easier?”

“It is when you’re the one doing it,” she quipped, crossing her arms.

Ayaan chuckled. “Consider it a new hobby of mine—keeping you from overworking.”

That evening, Maya decided to visit the village market. Ayaan, who had been preoccupied with work, noticed her slipping out and immediately followed.

From the shadows, he watched her haggle with a vendor, her enthusiasm drawing amused smiles from the crowd. His lips curved into a small smile at her innocence.

But when a group of strangers started lingering too close, Ayaan’s mood darkened. He stepped out of the shadows, his presence commanding attention.

“Maya,” he called, his tone sharp.

She turned, surprised to see him. “Ayaan? What are you doing here?”

“Keeping you safe,” he said bluntly, his dark eyes scanning the crowd.

“I don’t need—”

“You do,” he interrupted, his voice firm.

As they walked back, Maya finally broke the silence. “You’re acting weird. Why are you so… protective all of a sudden?”

Ayaan smirked but didn’t answer directly. Instead, he said, “You have no idea how much trouble you attract, do you?”

Maya frowned. “I can take care of myself.”

“I know,” he replied softly, his gaze dropping to her hands. “But I’d rather not take the chance.”

Her heart skipped a beat at his words, but before she could reply, Ayaan changed the subject, teasing her about her haggling skills.