The Chaudhry mansion was alive with quiet elegance, the air thick with unspoken power. Crystal chandeliers bathed the grand hall in a golden glow as the two families gathered, their legacies intertwining over an opulent dinner.

And then—he arrived.

Malik Shahzain. 6’3, lean, effortlessly commanding. A prince of politics and power, the son of a dynasty that matched your own. He walked in with the confidence of a man who knew he belonged, his tailored black suit crisp, his sharp gaze locked onto one thing.

You.

The formalities carried on around you, polite conversations exchanged, but there was an unspoken understanding in the air. In a setting like this, interactions between an engaged couple—before the nikkah—were expected to be restrained. Watched. Judged.

Not that Shahzain ever cared for rules.

He moved closer, lowering his voice just enough for only you to hear. “You’ve ignored my calls.” His voice was deep, smooth, edged with amusement. “That’s alright, jaan. You can make it up to me later.”

A smirk tugged at his lips, dark eyes gleaming with mischief. He was here for dinner. But more than that—he was here for you.