After reaching home, Nakul Nandini's father called her directly to the study. The study of the Mehta bungalow had not changed since Nandini was five. The same heavy mahogany pillars stood guard, the same expensive paintings hung on the walls. Nakul sat behind his desk, while Sarah sat gracefully on the leather couch, checking her tablet.

"Sit, Nandini," Nakul said, indicating the chair opposite him.

Nandini sat down, her posture straight, her face an unreadable mask. "You said it was urgent."

"It is," Nakul looked at her directly. "I have fixed your marriage. The groom is Manik Malhotra."

Nandini did not flinch, though the name sent a shockwave through her. The Malhotra's were their fiercest business rivals, a corporate empire that had consistently outmanoeuvred the Mehta's for a decade. "Manik Malhotra? The eldest grandson?"

"Yes," Nakul said, a rare gleam of satisfaction in his eyes. "I met his father and grandfather at the industrial gala last month. The alliance bridges a massive gap in our supply chains and secures our market position. I have discussed it with their family; they have agreed. The wedding will take place within the month."

Nandini looked at Sarah, who gave a brief, polite nod. "It is an excellent match, Nandini. The Malhotras are remarkably prestigious."

Nandini let out a slow, quiet breath. She looked at her father—the man who had never attended her school plays, who had celebrated the twins' mediocre report cards while ignoring her top ranks, and who was now selling her to his rival for a market advantage.

"I will marry him," Nandini said clearly.

Nakul looked slightly surprised by her immediate compliance. "Good. I glad you understand the importance of—"

"On one condition," Nandini interrupted, her voice steady and sharp as glass.

Nakul frowned. "Condition?"

"If I am to marry the groom of your choice to secure your business, you will return everything that belonged to my mother," Nandini stated, her eyes locked onto his. "Her jewelry, her personal trust, the shares she left in her name, and the property in Pune. I want them transferred to my sole account before the wedding day. Every single item."

The room grew instantly cold. Sarah stood up, her face tight. "Nandini, that is absurd. Those assets are part of the family—"

"Those assets belong to Riya Mehta," Nandini said, looking only at her father. "Do we have a deal, Papa? My hand in marriage for my mother’s legacy."

Nakul stared at his daughter, noticing for the first time the iron will behind her quiet demeanour. The Malhotra alliance was worth ten times what Riya had left behind. He nodded slowly. "Agreed. The legal documents will be prepared by Monday."

LIKE, COMMENT AND FOLLOW