During a charity gala, Maya cornered Tharani. "You do know the contract ends in a month, right? Rudra marries for convenience. Once the inheritance is secured, he discards what he doesn't need. He loves me, Tharani. You are just the tenant."

"You were a child, Rudra. It wasn't your fault. Punishing yourself for twenty years won't bring them back. But living... living might honor them."

Rudra grabbed her wrist, his grip firm but gentle. "Maya? What does she have to do with us?"