I woke up earlier than usual, the soft morning light filtering through the curtains. My eyes fell on the figure beside me—Avira—still fast asleep. Her hair was spread messily across the pillow. Closed eyes, soft pink lips, small nose, completely off guard which made my protective instinct increased.

I didn’t move, just lay there admiring her. There was something peaceful about the way she slept—like all the fire and resistance from yesterday had melted away.

I reached out and brushed a stray strand of hair from her face. She didn’t stir, too deep in sleep to notice, and I couldn’t help but let my eyes wander to her lips.

My jaw clenched as I remembered the way I had kissed her—rough, demanding, without giving her a chance to response or resist. I hated the way that thought made my chest tighten. Pushing the memory aside, I slipped out of bed and headed to the bathroom.

After getting dressed and ready for the day, I made my way downstairs. The grand staircase under my footsteps, and I strode into the luxurious living room, dropping onto the leather sofa. Unlocking my phone, I scrolled through emails and messages, but my mind wasn’t on business.

It was on her.

The silence of the mansion was comforting, but something felt different today. Maybe it was the way the sun lit up the room, or the fact that it was our first morning as a married couple.

Just then, I heard the soft, rhythmic tinkling of anklets echoing through the hall, followed by the faint jingles of bangles clinking together. I looked up, and time seemed to slow down. My breath hitching.

She was descending the stairs like a princess, hesitant at the entrance to the living room, wearing a baby pink saree that hugged her curves perfectly. The vermilion in her hairline was like a blazing mark of my claim on her, and the delicate chain around her neck made something primal in me stir in me.

My wife.

I couldn’t look away, couldn’t breathe. She was a vision—something pure and untouchable in the heart of my world.  The sight of her nearly knocked the air out of me.

She looked down, clearly nervous, her fingers playing with the edge of her saree. I realized I hadn’t said anything and just staring at her.

“Good morning,” I broke the silence, my voice gentle unusually.

Her head jerked up slightly, eyes meeting mine. “Good morning,” she replied softly, almost hesitantly.

I got up from the sofa and gestured for her to follow me. “Come on. I’ll give you a tour of the mansion. You should know your way around.”

She nodded, and I led her through the sprawling halls, pointing out various rooms—the grand dining hall, the library, the indoor garden, her anklets tinkling softly as she followed me. I couldn’t help but glance back at her every now and then, the sight of her wrapped in that saree making something unfamiliar and possessive twist in my chest. Maybe this marriage wouldn’t be as suffocating as I thought.

Her eyes were wide, absorbing everything like a curious little bird. I couldn’t help the faint smirk tugging at my lips when she gasped at the sight of the massive indoor pool.

“That’s... huge,” she whispered, almost as if speaking too loudly would break the illusion.

I raised a brow, trying to suppress my amusement. “It’s just a pool, Printsessa.”

She shot me a quick glare, and I found myself pleased that her fire wasn’t completely gone.

When we finally returned to the living room, I noticed how she seemed more at ease—less guarded. For some reason, that settled something in my chest. I didn’t want her to feel like a prisoner here.

“You can go wherever you want,” I said, trying not to sound too harsh. “Just don’t go to the basement. Understood?”

She nodded, looking at me with those doe eyes that I couldn’t quite figure out. I hated how they seemed to make me feel—like I was exposed somehow.

Before I could think too much about it, I turned to head toward my study. I needed some space to clear my head. This girl was messing with me more than I cared to admit.

“Um... why do you call me printsessa, Viktor?” she asked, glancing up with curiosity in her eyes. “I mean... I have a name.” I halted in my way and turned to look at her.

I couldn’t help the faint smirk that formed on my lips. “Because that’s what you are—a princess. You may not see it, but you carry yourself like one. Graceful, stubborn, regal... it suits you.” I added, lowering my voice, “I like the way it sounds on my tongue.”

Her cheeks flushed pink, and I almost chuckled at how easily she got embarrassed. Before she could question it further, she looked around nervously. “What should I make for breakfast? Any suggestions?”

I arched a brow. “You don’t have to make breakfast.”

She blinked, confused. “Why not?”

“There are plenty of maids, housekeepers, and a butler for that. You don’t have to do any work.”

I called the butler over and introduced him to Avira. He gave a respectful bow and offered a polite greeting. The grand entrance doors swung open, and Max walked in with his usual charming grin.

“Ah, there’s the newly weds! So,” he drawled, eyeing the both of us with a mischievous glint. “How was the first night? Any beds broken?”

Avira turned crimson, her hands gripping her saree as she glanced away. Her discomfort didn’t go unnoticed, and I shot Max a cold glare.

Max raising a brow. “Oh ho! That red face tells me everything!” He smirked, leaning back with his hands behind his head. “Man, I knew you’d be quick, but—”

“Max,” I cut him off with a warning tone, He raised his hands in mock surrender, still grinning like an idiot. “Just curious, boss.”

I moved closer to Avira, subtly positioning myself between her and Max. “Shut it, Max,” I warned, voice low and controlled.

Max just shrugged, seemingly unfazed “Sheesh. Didn’t think you’d be this possessive so soon.” he turned his attention back to Avira. “By the way,” he started, scratching his chin. “I heard that Indians don’t call their sister-in-law by name. They use some respectful title, right? I asked my angel, but I forgot what she said.”

Avira smiled, looking more relaxed now. “It’s ‘Bhabhi’,” she said, her tone light and patient.

Max’s eyes lit up with recognition. “Right! Bhabhi! I’ll just call you that from now on.”

She gave him a small amused smile, and I didn’t miss how the tension had faded from her posture. I didn’t know whether to be grateful or annoyed at Max’s way of handling things. One thing was for sure, he was the only one who could make this awkward situation lighter.

Avira smiled at him. “You’ve learned it well, Devar Ji.”

Max blinked, caught off guard. “Wait, what does that mean?”

I smirked. “She just called you her little brother-in-law.”

Max opened his mouth, then closed it again. His brows knit together like he was processing something. Then—of course—he managed to make it worse.

“Little?” he demanded, looking down at himself then back up, his expression turning scandalized. “I’m not little, Bhabhi! In any way!”

Avira’s smile froze.

A beat of silence.

Avira’s brows knit, confused at first, and then—unfortunately for Max—realization dawne then her cheeks turned bright pink.

I grined, teeth flashing. “Oh? Should we ask for photographic evidence?”

“VIKTOR!” she shrieked, mortified.

Max’s jaw dropped. “Are you insane?! I’m not showing you—”

“You’re the one insisting you’re not little,” I pointed out, voice as calm as if we were discussing dinner plans. “I’m simply proposing you back your claims.”

She let out a mortified whimper, burying her face in both hands.

“I hate both of you,” she mumbled, voice muffled.

Max pointed at me accusingly. “This is your fault!”

I raised a brow. “My fault you started ranting about your… measurements?”

Avira made a noise that sounded like she was dying inside.

“What?” he huffed, glancing between us. “She said little! I’m just clarifying—”

“You’re clarifying something no one asked about,” I drawled.

Max’s eyes widened as it finally clicked. “Oh—oh, no—no, that’s not what I—damn it!”

Avira just shrugged. I couldn’t help but feel a weird satisfaction seeing her getting comfortable slowly. I crossed my arms. “Relax, Devar Ji,” I mocked, giving him a smug look.

“Unbelievable!” Max grumbled, sulking like a child. “Now even my own Bhabhi is bullying me. I’m telling my Angel about this.”

I smirked. “Oh? So you’re running to Riya to complain now? Didn’t take you for a tattletale, Max.”

He straightened, pretending to be dignified. “Please, as if my angel would take your side. She’ll definitely support me.”

Avira chuckled at that. “Pretty sure she’ll just laugh at you like the rest of us.”

Max threw his hands up. “I’m surrounded by traitors!”

I couldn’t help but let out a low chuckle. “Keep it up, and you’ll end up sleeping outside with the guards.”

Max gasped dramatically. “My own brother, casting me out after one night! And just because I’m charming and insightful about his married life!”

I shook my head. “Insightful, my ass.”

Avira just rolled her eyes, holding back her laughter. “You really do make it easy to mess with you, Max.”

He pointed an accusing finger at her. “You’re supposed to be on my side! You’re the Bhabhi! You’re supposed to pamper your Devar ji!”

I raised a brow. “If you want pampering, go to Riya. Maybe she’ll have mercy on your soul. Why would my wife pamper you” I slid my hand around her waist making all of us amused.

Max just muttered something under his breath, clearly annoyed, and I smirked, victorious. Avira couldn’t help but giggle, and I couldn’t deny it—seeing her that relaxed made me feelunexpectedly ... content.

I couldn’t resist throwing it back at him. “Careful, Max. Or I might just tell your Angel how you’re always running your mouth. I’m sure she’d love to hear how interested you are in my bedroom affairs.”

Max’s shockingly said  “Oh, come on. You wouldn’t dare,” he shot back “please…”

“Then behave yourself” I warned and he nodded in defeat.

I sat at the grand dining table, feeling a bit lost in the vastness of the mansion. Breakfast was being served, and I couldn’t help but admire how everything looked so perfect—almost unreal. Viktor was already seated at the head of the table, sipping his black coffee with that usual stern expression. Max was at the other end, casually munching on toast and scrolling through his phone.

I cleared my throat softly, trying to break the silence. “Um… do you live here alone?”

Viktor raised his eyes to me, clearly not expecting the question. Max snorted, giving me a sly grin.

“Oh no, he lives with his imaginary friends,” Max quipped, and I couldn’t help but crack a small smile.

Viktor just shot him a glare. “Shut up, Max.”

I bit my lip to suppress a laugh and glanced back at Viktor. “I mean… this mansion is so huge. Don’t you feel lonely living here by yourself?”

He seemed to think for a moment before replying, his tone low. “My father lives in another mansion, and Elena has her own place. I’m used to being on my own.”

“Oh…” I hesitated. “And your mother?”

****

Viktor can survive bullets, betrayals, and boardrooms...But one question about his mommy and BOOM-emotional damage unlocked. 😶
Keep your tissues ready, Schwarzlings. We're about to dig into scars no bullets ever touched. 💔👀 #BraceYourselves

💌 Hey my precious Schwarzlings,
If you enjoyed this chapter, please don't forget to drop a precious vote & comment-your thoughts truly mean the world to me and keep this story alive! 🌹
And make sure to follow me to get notified as soon as the next update drops-so you never miss a heartbeat in Viktor and Avira's journey. 🖤