Before she could respond, he rose smoothly from his chair. He slipped on his suit jacket, and it fell into place without a single wrinkle. She couldn’t tear her eyes away from his fingers as he adjusted his gold cufflinks, flipping them with practiced flicks of his thumbs.
Her cheeks burned at the way his thumb stroked the cufflink in a smooth motion.
“An agent will contact you today,” he said. “She’ll show you the Dalview property.”
Her head jerked up. “I haven’t agreed,” she said.
“You haven’t refused,” he countered.
Then he nodded once, appearing formal and distant rather than like a newlywed husband.
“I’ll see you at midnight,” he said before walking away.
The security fell into formation as soon as he stepped out of the door. And then, he was gone.
The room felt larger and strangely colder.
Yamini sat there, staring at the half-eaten breakfast.
She didn’t know whether she wanted to be pissed at him or thank him.
He was infuriating. Controlling. Cold.
And yet, he had seen her work and understood her needs.
Her fingers tightened around her teacup.
She was married to a man who touched her only at night, spoke to her only in facts, and somehow knew exactly what kind of light she needed to create her work.
Bharat Jogra unsettled her.
She still didn’t know whether he wanted to help or destroy her.
???
Two hours later, Yamini stared up at the tall, sleek commercial building.
Pooja let out a low whistle beside her.
“Oh my god,” Pooja said. “Do you know where we’re standing right now?”
Yamini folded her arms, suddenly aware of the knot forming in her stomach. “I’m guessing you’re about to tell me.”
“This is theDalview Collective,” Pooja said, eyes shining with excitement. “The most premium property in the entire nation! Ground floor hosts curated art exhibitions. Invitation-only previews. International collectors fly in just for those openings.”
Yamini swallowed. “I see.”
“I shot a launch party here last year,” Pooja continued in excitement. “You can’t justrenthere. You need to earn the prestige of being worthy of it.”
Yamini felt the knot tighten in her stomach.
“What is it?” Pooja asked, reading Yamini’s expressive face clearly.
“He didn't offer me this because he's generous,” Yamini muttered. “He offered it because it keeps me in his close control.”
“What?” Pooja asked in a hushed voice. “Why wouldn’t he offer this place to you? You are the Jogra maharani.”
Yamini wasn’t too convinced.
