Page 23 of Trapped By the Maharaja
“We’ll walk you through the contract again,” Reema said. “As discussed, the terms are negotiable, but His Highness’s requirements are clear: a temporary marriage, a legally recognized heir within the stipulated timeframe, and complete discretion.”
Sanjana’s gaze didn’t waver as she looked directly at the two lawyers. Her voice was steady and cool. “If I refuse?”
Reema Chaudhary hesitated for just a beat, exchanging a glance with Ananya before replying. “Then His Highness is under no further obligation. However, as per our understanding of the situation, your position at the hospital will bereconsidered, and any ongoing legal complications involving you and your colleagues... may proceed without further intervention.”
The unspoken threat hung heavy in the air.
“What if I get the contract published in all news channels and gossip magazines?” Sanjana asked. “The Devara Maharaja wanting a contract marriage to produce an heir is quite shocking to the public. I’m sure I would make enough money for me not to work again in my lifetime.”
The silence that followed Sanjana’s threat was long and tense.
Reema’s pen slipped from her hand. Ananya blinked hard, and Ram’s assistant’s poised expression faltered just long enough to reveal the flash of panic beneath.
“You… can’t do that, Dr. Shetty,” Reema said, though her voice had lost some of its practiced confidence.
Sanjana leaned forward, her elbows on the table, voice low and precise. “Why can’t I?” she challenged.
“Because being a doctor who saves lives is your passion,” Ram’s deep voice replied. “No amount of money can replace what you truly love.”
Sanjana turned sharply toward Ram. He watched her coldly.
“You don’t know me anymore,” she gritted. “Do you want to risk being on the news and gossip magazines?”
His mouth twisted into a dark smile. “Yes, I would risk it.”
Sanjana clenched her fists on top of the table. She was so sure she could use the threat to get him to back away. But instead, he met her challenge head-on.
He knew she could never trade her passion for saving lives for money.
Damn you, Ram.
But she wasn’t ready to give up the fight. She had to fight to escape from the unholy contract.
“What if I am unable to have children within the three years?” she asked. “Wouldn’t it be better for you to marry a royal woman, preferably someone much younger who is in their early twenties?”
Ram's gaze remained steady on her. “I don’t want anyone else. I already made my decision and I picked you to have my heir.”
Sanjana’s breath caught in her throat. She was reminded of the time when he had spoken those words in the past. At that time, it was a love confession. Or so she had thought.
She knew better now.
“You are a ruthless bastard,” she gritted.
Ram didn’t say anything. The room was silent for a long, tense moment.
“Fine. Let’s negotiate the terms,” she spat.
There was a dark flash of victory in his eyes. She knew he thought he had won, but she was determined not to make it easy for him.
Sanjana dragged her gaze away from Ram’s face. The legal counsel and assistant sat frozen, as though unable to believe someone dared to call the Devara Maharaja a ruthless bastard.
Sanjana took a breath and raised her chin. “First, I will continue working at the hospital. Full-time. My duties as a doctor triumph over everything else.”
The lawyers hesitated, glancing at Ram. He gave a curt nod.
Sanjana was annoyed that he didn’t argue.
“Second,” Sanjana continued, her voice firmer, “A significant sum will be donated to upgrade the hospital, especially the pediatric wing. Equipment, beds, specialist training. I want it to become one of the best in the region.”
