3

Anvika’s POV

Anger surged through my veins like a wildfire as I glared into Rivansh’s cold, unrelenting eyes. The air around us felt heavy, thick with tension, like the entire world was holding its breath—waiting.

A storm was brewing, not just in the skies above but inside me.

I stepped forward, determined to unleash every word raging in my mind, the consequences be damned. But just as I opened my mouth, the edges of my vision blurred. A wave of dizziness crashed over me, and my legs faltered.

Before I could hit the ground, two strong hands caught me—firm, unyielding.

“What happened?” Rivansh’s voice broke the eerie silence. It was colder than ice, yet there was something else there—something I couldn’t quite place. Warmth? Concern? No. It couldn’t be.

“Nothing,” I muttered, pulling myself upright and shrugging off his hold. My pride wouldn’t let me lean on him, no matter how weak I felt. “I’m fine.”

I could see his dark eyes narrow, studying me like I was a puzzle he couldn’t solve. I looked away, taking a shaky breath to steady myself.

“It’s just…” I paused, swallowing hard. My voice came out sharper than I intended. “It’s just the exhaustion of standing and working for twelve hours straight, performing a surgery that saved someone’s life. Add to that the fact I haven’t had a proper meal in two days.”

His brow furrowed, the faintest flicker of strain visible on his otherwise impassive face. I didn’t care. I wasn’t done.

“And you know,” I continued, my voice laced with quiet defiance, “just when I thought I’d take a break, maybe grab a meal, someone decided it would be a good time to kidnap me.”

I could feel the fury rising inside me again, pushing aside the weakness that threatened to pull me under. My heart was pounding, but I stood tall, my gaze locking onto his.

A shadow of something I couldn’t read passed through his eyes—surprise, irritation, maybe amusement. He didn’t say anything, so I pressed on, despite the knot of fear tightening in my chest.

“Look,” I said, forcing my voice to stay steady, “I don’t care who you are or what you want. But right now, my body’s ready to collapse, and you’ll be signing a death certificate instead of a marriage contract if you keep me standing here much longer.”

I paused, bracing myself for his reaction, then added, “Can we please sit somewhere—anywhere? A restaurant, maybe. Somewhere I can eat something, get some strength back. And then, if you still want me to sign… whatever it is you’ve got, I’ll at least be awake to do it.”

The temple was silent, the only sound my own unsteady breathing and the faint crackle of burning oil lamps. Rivansh stared at me, his gaze so piercing it felt like he could see straight through me.

For a moment, I thought he’d refuse. That he’d remind me who held the power here. But then, to my surprise, the corner of his lips quirked up—just slightly.

“Fine,” he said, his voice low and smooth, the calm before a storm. “We’ll go.”

The way he said it made my stomach twist. It wasn’t a kindness. It was a decision—one that felt far too calculated.

“Thank you,” I said, though I knew it was less gratitude and more a desperate need to keep myself conscious.

Rivansh turned sharply, signaling one of his men. Within moments, a sleek black car pulled up in front of the temple steps. I climbed in, my head spinning, but I stayed quiet.

As the car sped away, I could feel Rivansh’s gaze on me—watching, observing. I kept my eyes fixed on the window, the dark streets outside blurring past.

I didn’t know what lay ahead. I didn’t know why this man had taken me, or what sick game he was playing.

But one thing was certain—I wouldn’t let him break me.

Not now. Not ever.