Chapter 8

Avah's Pov

The moment Roman left the room, the air grew heavier, charged with the weight of his grandfather's gaze. I could feel it boring into me, assessing, judging, dissecting every inch of me without a single word.

"Sit," he commanded sharply.

I obeyed, perching on the edge of the chair as though the slightest movement might shatter the tense silence.

"What's your name, girl?" His voice was like steel; hard, cold, and unforgiving.

"Avah," I replied, keeping my tone steady despite the rapid thudding of my heart.

"Avah," he repeated slowly, as though tasting the name. His piercing eyes narrowed. "Do you know who you are sitting in front of?"

"Yes, Sir," I said carefully. "Roman told me you are his grandfather."

His lips twitched in what might have been amusement, but the glint in his eyes remained sharp. "That's right. I am also the man who built the empire your... fling is destined to inherit. Which means I do not tolerate liabilities, Miss Avah. Now tell me—why should I allow a girl with no history, no family, and no worth to marry into my legacy?"

The words were like a slap, each syllable digging into the fragile confidence I'd managed to muster. My hands clenched in my lap as I fought to keep my expression neutral.

"With all due respect, Sir," I began softly, "I didn't ask for any of this. I never intended to meet Roman, let alone end up here. But..." I took a shaky breath, meeting his eyes for the first time, "if you think I'm a liability, you don't know me. I might not remember who I was before a year ago, but I know who I am now. I work hard, I don't give up, and I don't expect handouts—not from Roman, not from you, not from anyone."

His brows lifted slightly, and for a brief moment, I thought I saw something akin to approval flash in his eyes.

"And yet, here you are," he said smoothly. "A nobody, standing in my house, demanding to be taken seriously."

"I'm not demanding anything, Sir," I replied firmly. "I'm just asking for a chance. A chance to prove I'm more than you think I am."

I don't even know why I was asking for a chance. I didn't know these people and neither should I care about their approval. But since I had mesed with them. It seemed it would be safer this way.

The room fell silent, the weight of his scrutiny pressing down on me like a physical force.

"Raise your head," he commanded, his voice softer now, yet still carrying the authority of someone who was used to being obeyed.

I hesitated but complied, lifting my gaze to meet his. His sharp eyes studied my face, and for a fleeting moment, something flashed across his features, recognition? Surprise? Whatever it was, it vanished as quickly as it had appeared, replaced by his usual stoic expression.

"You remind me of someone," he murmured, almost to himself.

"Someone you know?" I asked cautiously, my voice barely above a whisper.

He didn't answer immediately. Instead, he leaned back in his chair, his fingers steepled together as he continued to regard me with a calculating gaze.

"It doesn't matter," he said finally, his tone dismissive but laced with something I couldn't quite place. "What matters is this: I will allow this marriage."

My breath hitched. I hadn't expected that.

"But there are conditions," he continued, his voice firm. "You and Roman will get a marriage certificate within the week. I don't care how you do it, but it must be done. And understand this—this is not a suggestion. It is an order."

"Within a week?" I repeated, stunned.

"Is there a problem?" he asked, his tone daring me to challenge him.

"No, Sir," I said quickly, shaking my head.

"Good," he said, leaning forward slightly. "This family does not tolerate disobedience or failure. If you cannot meet my expectations, you will find yourself out of Roman's life and out of this house before you can blink. Do I make myself clear?"

"Yes, Sir," I replied, forcing my voice to remain steady despite the chaos swirling inside me.

He nodded, a small, almost imperceptible gesture of approval. "You may leave. Send Roman back in."

I stood, my legs feeling like jelly as I made my way to the door. But just as I reached it, his voice stopped me.

"One more thing, Miss Avah," he said. I turned to face him, my heart in my throat. "Do not make me regret this decision."

I swallowed hard, nodding before slipping out of the room. As I closed the door behind me, I leaned against the wall, my head spinning.

What had just happened?

Roman stood a few feet away, his arms crossed and his expression unreadable.

"What did he say?" he asked, his voice tinged with curiosity and concern.

I took a deep breath, steadying myself before replying. "He said we have to get married within a week."

I watched Roman disappear into his grandfather's study, the heavy door closing behind him with a resounding finality. My thoughts raced as I stood in the hallway, my legs rooted to the spot.

What the hell just happened?

This man had been yelling at me moments ago, glaring at me like I was the worst decision Roman had ever made. And then, out of nowhere, he decided we should get married.

Marriage? To Roman? The man I met one night under questionable circumstances?

Am I missing something?

I stared down at my trembling hands, the weight of his words still pressing on me. I didn't even know Roman beyond that night. And as far as I could tell, he didn't know me either.

But here I was, being thrown into something that felt like it was spiraling way beyond my control.

What did his grandfather see in me? Why the sudden change?

And more importantly, why should I marry him?

This was supposed to be a one-night stand. A mistake, maybe. A bizarre twist of fate, sure. But marriage?

My head throbbed, and my chest felt tight. The truth was, I didn't even know who I was. My life before a year ago was a blank slate. And now I was being thrust into someone else's life, their world, their expectations.

What does Roman even think of this? Does he even want this?

I glanced at the closed study door, trying to guess what was being said behind it. Whatever it was, I had a sinking feeling my life was about to change in ways I wasn't prepared for.