(Ayesha’s POV)

Ayesha stood by the mirror, her fingers tracing the bruises along her collarbone. Last night’s memories were a blur — soft touches turning into cold rejection by morning. Rudra had shut down again, slipping back into the ruthless man who only knew how to hurt.

And now… now she had to face his family. Pretend like they were a happy newlywed couple when in reality, their marriage was built on blood and revenge.

A knock on the door made her jump. Before she could answer, Janki Thakur walked in — her mother-in-law, the matriarch of the Thakur family. She carried herself with the grace of a queen, but there was kindness in her eyes, hidden beneath her sharp gaze.

"Ayesha, beta." Janki smiled softly, her bangles jingling as she adjusted her pallu. "Come sit with me."

Ayesha obeyed, sitting beside her on the sofa. Rudra wasn’t in the room — and for once, Ayesha was relieved.

"How are you adjusting, bahu?" Janki asked, her voice gentle.

Ayesha forced a smile. "I’m fine, Ma."

Janki studied her face carefully, as if searching for cracks in the lie. But instead of pressing further, she placed her hand on Ayesha’s. "I know my son can be… difficult. He’s his father’s shadow — too stubborn for his own good."

Ayesha said nothing, knowing that no words could describe the storm her marriage truly was.

"But now you are his wife. And in our family, a wife’s most important duty is to give this family an heir." Janki’s voice was calm, but the weight of her words settled heavily between them.

Ayesha’s throat tightened. An heir. A child. With Rudra.

The very idea made her heart ache. They hadn’t made love — not really. Every touch between them was a battle, a war of punishment and broken hearts. How could she bring a child into such darkness?

"I… I understand," Ayesha said softly, her fingers twisting the edge of her dupatta. "We will try."

Janki smiled approvingly. "Good. I want to see my grandchild soon. Maybe a baby will soften my son’s heart."

Ayesha’s heart twisted painfully at the hope in Janki’s voice — a hope she couldn’t destroy, even though her marriage was nowhere near real.

Before Janki could say more, Rudra entered the room. His sharp gaze swept over both women before locking onto Ayesha. There was something different in his eyes today — suspicion, curiosity… maybe even doubt.

"Ma," he greeted curtly.

"Rudra," Janki stood, patting his shoulder. "I was just reminding your wife about her responsibilities. I expect good news soon."

Rudra’s jaw ticked, but he nodded. "Of course, Ma."

Once Janki left the room, the silence between Rudra and Ayesha was suffocating. He crossed the room, standing dangerously close to her.

"Good news?" Rudra’s voice was low, mocking. "Planning to have my heir, wife?"

Ayesha lifted her chin, forcing steel into her spine. "That’s what your mother expects. We have to play our roles, don’t we?"

Rudra stepped closer, his fingers brushing a strand of hair from her face. The touch was deceptively soft. "You’re good at playing roles, Ayesha. You played the perfect lover once… and then the perfect liar."

Her heart raced, but she forced herself to hold his gaze. "And you? You played the perfect monster."

His grip tightened on her chin, but there was no true anger in his eyes — just frustration and confusion. "Tell me something, wife." His voice dropped to a whisper. "Did you really leave me for money? Or is there something you’re still hiding?"

Ayesha’s stomach twisted with fear. He’s starting to doubt the lie.

If he ever knew the truth — the real reason she left — everything would unravel. Her pain, her sacrifice, the secret she buried deep inside her heart — it would all come flooding out.

She couldn’t let that happen.

"Yes," she said softly, her voice cold. "I left for money. You were just a stepping stone, Rudra. I never loved you."

His hand dropped away as if she slapped him. His face hardened, mask back in place. "Liar," he whispered, but this time the word didn’t hold anger — just aching disbelief.

He turned away, leaving her alone with the lie that had already cost her everything.

But Ayesha knew one thing — she could handle Rudra’s hate. It was his love that terrified her. Because love meant truth. And the truth could destroy them both.

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End of Chapter 14