Married to the Grumpy Billionaire

Ananya

The morning sun streamed through the windows, casting golden streaks across the marble floor of our room. I stood in front of the mirror, adjusting my outfit—a knee-length fitted dress with cap sleeves. After days of adjusting to my new role as Aarav's wife in a bustling joint family, I was finally going to college.

I wanted to feel like myself again.

Satisfied with how the dress hugged my frame, I grabbed a light shrug to pair it with. But before I could put it on, I heard the bathroom door click open.

Aarav stepped out, freshly showered, his shirt unbuttoned and his hair damp, beads of water sliding down his chest. For a brief moment, I froze, my cheeks heating as I quickly looked away.

"Ready for college?" he asked casually, though his tone was laced with something unreadable.

"Yes," I replied, trying to sound nonchalant.

But then, his eyes trailed down to my dress, and his entire demeanor shifted.

"What are you wearing?" His voice dropped, rough and edged with disapproval.

I turned to face him, confused. "A dress. Why?"

He stepped closer, his jaw tight. "It's too revealing."

I blinked at him, utterly baffled. "It's not revealing! It's just a dress, Aarav. Everyone wears this to college."

"Not you," he snapped, his dark eyes narrowing.

My temper flared. "Why not? What's the problem?"

He crossed his arms, towering over me. "You're my wife. I won't have anyone staring at you like this."

His words struck a nerve. "This is ridiculous! You can't control what I wear, Aarav. You're being unreasonable!"

He took a step closer, his presence overwhelming. "Unreasonable?" His voice dropped lower, but his intensity only increased. "Do you know how hard it is for me to even think about you walking out of this house with every guy staring at you? I won't allow it, Ananya."

My chest tightened, anger and hurt bubbling to the surface. "You're being unfair! This is my life, Aarav!"

Before he could respond, I grabbed the shrug, threw it over my shoulders, and stormed out of the room.

Ananya

I didn't make it far.

As I reached the living room, my steps faltered, and the tears I'd been holding back spilled over. Aarav's words replayed in my head, the weight of his possessiveness sinking in. I knew he cared, but this felt suffocating.

I sank onto the couch, trying to calm myself, but the tears wouldn't stop.

"Ananya."

His voice was softer now, filled with concern. I looked up to see him standing there, his expression conflicted.

"I'm sorry," I whispered, my voice trembling. "I didn't mean to upset you, but I just wanted to feel like myself again."

Aarav sighed, running a hand through his hair before walking toward me. Without a word, he crouched down in front of me, his hands gently wrapping around my wrists.

"I didn't mean to hurt you," he said quietly. "I just... I can't stand the thought of anyone looking at you the way I do."

I looked at him, startled by his honesty.

"You're my wife, Ananya," he continued, his voice thick with emotion. "I know I'm overbearing, but it's because I..." He hesitated, his grip tightening slightly. "Because I care. Too much."

Something in his tone broke the last of my defenses. Before I could stop myself, I threw my arms around his neck, burying my face against his shoulder.

He didn't move for a moment, as if stunned by my sudden gesture. But then his arms came around me, pulling me into his lap as he settled on the couch.

"You're such a handful, baby," he murmured against my hair, his voice a mix of exasperation and affection.

The endearment sent a jolt through me, but I didn't pull away. His hand rubbed soothing circles on my back, his touch surprisingly tender.

"You're not mad anymore?" I asked hesitantly, my voice muffled.

He chuckled softly, the sound vibrating through his chest. "How can I be mad at you when you look at me like that?"

I pulled back slightly to look at him, and the intensity in his eyes made my breath catch. "Like what?"

"Like you trust me, even when I don't deserve it," he said quietly, brushing a stray tear from my cheek.

His words left me speechless.

"You're mine, Ananya," he continued, his voice dropping. "And I'll protect you, even from myself if I have to."

My heart thudded in my chest as his gaze dropped to my lips, but he didn't move closer. Instead, he pressed a soft kiss to my forehead, the gesture filled with unspoken promises.

"Go get ready," he said after a moment, his tone returning to its usual gruffness. "I'll drop you off at college."

I nodded, slipping out of his lap. But as I turned to leave, I couldn't help but glance back at him.

And the small smile on his face was enough to make me believe that, despite our differences, we might just figure this out together.