Ivan just got back to his villa from the market, and he couldn't stop thinking about a girl he saw there. Her stunning beauty made Ivan determined to have her, no matter what. Even though he's known for being a womanizer, after seeing her, he lost interest in other women. He wanted her in his home, by his side, in his arms.

It's the first time he's felt this way about any woman. It could be her innocence or his own desire driving him. Only time will reveal the truth.

Suddenly, his phone rang. He answered it quickly—it was his PA. He said he had sent all the details about the land, but there was a problem and he was on his way over.

After hanging up, he checked his email to review the details. The land was owned by Prakash Reddy, (also known as Kavya’s father.) Prakash was the family patriarch, with two sons, a daughter, a wife, and a daughter-in-law. To his surprise, Kavya was the girl he had seen in the market earlier that day.

Now, an evil plan began to form in his mind.

Kavya’s brother had sold the land to another person, double-crossing Ivan by doing so. Their greed had led them to make a grave mistake—they didn't realize they were dealing with Ivan. He had bought the land indirectly, wanting to keep a low profile as it was meant to be a surprise for his grandfather.

As his PA entered his study, he instructed him to bring Prakash Reddy and his sons here immediately.

Ivan sat in his imposing leather chair, a stern look etched across his face as he awaited the arrival of the Reddy family.

The door to his office swung open, and Prakash Reddy, flanked by his sons, was ushered in. They looked bewildered and tense, understanding the gravity of their situation.

"Mr. Reddy," Ivan began, his voice cold and commanding, "thank you for joining me today, though I wish the circumstances were different.

"Prakash, trying to steady his voice, replied, "What is the meaning of this, Mr. Rajwansh? Why were we brought here against our will?"

Ivan leaned forward, placing his hands on the desk. "Let's not pretend you are unaware of the missteps your family has made. The land you sold was meant for me, yet your greed led you to double-cross me."The room was heavy with tension as Ivan's gaze swept over the frightened faces of the Reddy family. He continued, "I have a way to resolve this, a deal that will ensure your family's safety and well-being. But it requires a significant sacrifice on your part."

Prakash’s voice trembled. "What kind of deal?"

Ivan’s expression was unwavering. "You must repay me with interest. Alternatively, your daughter, Kavya, will marry me. This will settle any debts, and I will back off from the land. It’s non-negotiable. If you refuse, the consequences for your family will be severe. Now, the choice is yours.

"The shock was palpable. Prakash looked at his sons, his wife, and then at the steely eyes of Ivan. The choice was cruel and stark. The safety of his family was at stake, and the power imbalance left them with little room to maneuver.

After a long, tense pause, Prakash lowered his head in defeat. "For the safety of my family... we accept your terms."

Ivan’s lips curled into a faint, satisfied smile as he stood up. "A wise decision, Mr. Reddy."

As the Reddys left his office, Ivan sat back down, contemplating the next phase of his plan. He could purchase any land here and carry out his project, but he needed Kavya at any cost, and he had just secured that. His dominance was undisputed, and this move had just proven it once again.

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In the Reddy house, Kavya was utterly shocked after what her father told her. His statement still echoed in her mind, "I have fixed your marriage; you have to marry mr. Rajwansh." But before Kavya could respond, her father continued, "We have so much debt to him, we can't pay him back in money,So, we've decided to marry you off to him ."

Her heart cracked under the weight of his words. They were selling her to clear their debt. What was her fault in all this? Why did fate write only pain in her share? Tears flowed from her eyes, her nose red from constant crying.

"From your childhood, we gave you everything; now it's your turn to repay us."

That was the last straw. The final thread that tied her to her family snapped. With a heavy heart, Kavya accepted her fate. She resolved that after her marriage, no matter what happened, she would never return to this place where love was just another currency.

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Kavya's POV:

The marriage is set for two days from now. I don't know much about him; my family arranged everything. All I know is his name, Ivan Rajwansh—a heavy name that carries a dominating tone. I haven't seen him; I can only imagine what he looks like. There’s a significant age gap between us; I’m 20 and he’s 30. But age doesn't seem to matter to anyone here. I just hope he at least respects me and sees me as family, not as a burden like my own family does.

Suddenly, my mum came into my room and sat beside me. She stroked my hair and said, "I am sorry, beta, for bringing you into this cruel family. Just remember to always support your husband and listen to him. On your first night, give yourself fully to him, from your heart to your body."

I just nodded and hugged her, hiding the storm of emotions inside me.

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On their wedding day, the ceremony was held in the traditional Maharashtrian style. Kavya was dressed in a beautiful Nauvari saree, its rich hues of green and gold perfectly complementing her delicate features. The saree was intricately designed with traditional motifs, and her hair was elegantly tied in a bun adorned with jasmine flowers. Golden jewelry – a blend of necklaces, bangles, and earrings – completed her bridal look, each piece carefully chosen to enhance her natural beauty.

Ivan wore a traditional dhoti and kurta, the fabric pristine white, offset with a maroon velvet shawl draped over his shoulder. His ensemble was completed with a turban that matched his shawl, and his look was regal, befitting the gravity of the occasion.

As the rituals began, Ivan was fully involved in the proceedings until he saw Kavya descending the stairs. At that moment, he was mesmerized by her beauty; the way her attire caught the light with every step she took, and how her eyes seemed to capture the very essence of the ceremony. Their eyes met, and Kavya was shocked to realize the man she was marrying was the same one she had encountered before—her memories flashed back to a fleeting meeting whose significance she hadn't grasped at the time. Ivan, recognizing her surprise, winked at her reassuringly, a playful smile forming in his mind, knowing they were destined to be more than just strangers.

Kavya, still reeling from the surprise, found herself stepping forward to join him at the ceremonial area. The rituals unfolded around them, each step in the ceremony drawing them closer not just as husband and wife but as two individuals rediscovering each other. Ivan felt a profound joy seeing Kavya as his bride; she was the same woman who had unwittingly captured his thoughts since their brief encounter. Her elegance and composure under the weight of such a surprise spoke volumes about her strength and resilience.

From Kavya’s perspective, the day was a whirlwind. She had entered into this arrangement with reservations, her heart heavy with the duty she felt towards her family. However, seeing Ivan, a familiar face, as her groom added a new layer of emotion to the day. It wasn’t just about fulfilling a duty anymore; it was about forming a connection, tentative and unexpected, yet filled with potential. The realization that they had met before, even briefly, provided her with a slight comfort amidst the overwhelming rituals.

As they were pronounced husband and wife, Kavya felt a mix of emotions; surprise, relief, and a curious sense of hope about what the future might hold with Ivan, who had already begun to soften the edges of her apprehension with his small gestures and smiles.

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I hope you enjoyed this chapter. I'd love to hear your thoughts and feedback. Additionally, please let me know what you're hoping to see in the next chapter.