A Dangerous Proposition

Arya sat frozen in her chair, Veer's words echoing in her mind.

A public engagement.

The idea was absurd. Impossible. And yet, Veer Carson had proposed it with the same cold logic he applied to everything else.

Across the table, Rohan was visibly tense. "Veer, you can't be serious."

Veer leaned back in his chair, fingers steepled together. "I wouldn't have suggested it if I weren't."

Arya swallowed. "You think announcing an engagement will stop Tara Bowman?"

"Yes." His tone was measured, confident. "Tara thrives on power and control. She believes she still has a chance to manipulate the situation. If we remove that possibility, she'll be forced to rethink her next move."

Arya let out a disbelieving laugh. "And what happens when she calls our bluff?"

"She won't," Veer said simply. "Because to the world, it won't be a bluff."

Her breath caught. "You mean—"

"It has to be convincing." His gaze locked onto hers, unwavering. "Which means public appearances. Photographs. A ring."

Arya's pulse pounded. "You're asking me to lie to the entire world."

"I'm asking you to play a role," he corrected. "One that will keep you safe."

Rohan scoffed. "And what do you get out of this, Veer?"

Veer's expression remained unreadable. "Control over the narrative."

Arya shook her head. "I don't know if I can do this."

"You don't have to decide now," Veer said, standing up. "But the longer we wait, the more dangerous this becomes."

With that, he strode out of the dining room, leaving Arya and Rohan in stunned silence.

Later that day, Arya wandered through the vast garden of the Carson estate, her mind a tangled mess.

A fake engagement.

The very thought made her stomach twist.

She wasn't blind—she knew Veer Carson was powerful, influential. And undeniably attractive. But he was also cold, calculating. A man who made decisions based on strategy, not emotion.

And yet…

For the first time, she had seen something different in his eyes last night. Regret. Maybe even guilt.

She sighed, rubbing her temples. She didn't want to be a pawn in this game. But if it meant protecting herself—and keeping Tara Bowman at bay—did she really have another choice?

Footsteps crunched against the gravel path behind her.

"I figured I'd find you out here," Rohan said, stepping beside her.

She glanced at him. "If you're here to talk me out of it, don't bother. I haven't even agreed yet."

Rohan crossed his arms. "And yet, you're considering it."

Arya exhaled. "What would you do if you were me?"

Rohan hesitated. "Honestly? I don't know. But I do know Veer. He doesn't make empty promises. If he says this will protect you, it will."

Arya looked away. "That's what scares me."

That evening, Arya found herself standing outside Veer's study, heart pounding.

Just say no, she told herself. Tell him you won't do it.

Before she could lose her nerve, she knocked.

"Come in," came Veer's voice.

She pushed open the heavy wooden door and stepped inside. The room was dimly lit, lined with shelves filled with books and files. Veer sat behind a massive desk, his gaze sharp as he looked up.

"You've made a decision," he said, more statement than question.

Arya took a deep breath. "I'll do it."

For the first time, something flickered in Veer's expression. Something almost like relief.

"You're sure?" he asked.

"No," she admitted. "But I don't see another way."

Veer nodded. "Then we start tomorrow."

Her brows furrowed. "Start what?"

"Making it real," he said simply.

Arya's stomach twisted. This was really happening.

"What's the first step?" she asked.

Veer reached into his desk drawer and pulled out a velvet box. He flipped it open, revealing a stunning diamond ring.

Her breath hitched. "You already had this prepared?"

Veer met her gaze. "I had a feeling you'd say yes."

Arya stared at the ring, her pulse racing. There was no turning back now.

The next morning, Arya stood in front of the mirror, adjusting the delicate bracelet on her wrist. She had barely slept, her mind restless with what lay ahead.

Today, she and Veer Carson would step out into the world as an engaged couple.

There would be cameras. Questions. Speculation.

And Tara Bowman would be watching.

A knock on her door made her jump.

"Ready?" Veer's voice came through the door.

Arya took one last steadying breath before opening it.

Veer was dressed in a crisp black suit, looking every bit the powerful businessman that he was. But there was something different in his eyes today—an intensity that sent a shiver down her spine.

She forced a smile. "Let's do this."

They walked to the waiting car together, their hands brushing for just a moment.

It was nothing. Just an accident.

But it still sent Arya's heart into a tailspin.

The press conference was held at one of Veer's luxury hotels. The moment they stepped out of the car, flashes exploded in every direction.

Reporters shouted questions. Photographers snapped pictures.

Veer, ever composed, placed a hand on Arya's lower back and guided her forward. The touch was light, barely there, but enough to make it clear—this was real.

At least, to everyone watching.

They took their places at the podium, and Veer's deep voice cut through the noise.

"Thank you all for coming," he said smoothly. "I know there has been much speculation in the past few weeks, and I'd like to take this opportunity to address it."

A hush fell over the crowd.

Veer turned to Arya. His gaze was steady, unreadable. And then—

He took her hand.

Arya's breath caught.

"I am pleased to announce my engagement to Arya," Veer continued, his voice firm. "We've chosen to keep our relationship private until now, but we are ready to share this moment with all of you."

Murmurs spread through the crowd. Arya's pulse pounded in her ears.

A reporter stepped forward. "Mr. Carson, when did this relationship begin?"

Veer didn't miss a beat. "Several months ago. We wanted to be sure before making any public statements."

More questions followed, but Arya barely heard them.

Because out of the corner of her eye, she saw her.

Tara Bowman stood at the edge of the crowd, her expression thunderous.

She had taken the bait.

And something told Arya that this game was only just beginning.