Page 101 of One Hellish Wedlock
Shagufta had been blindsided, shaken to her core. It wasn’t just heartbreak. It was betrayal. Everything crumbled around her until she stumbled upon Aanya’s mother’s will. That discovery had restored her sense of control. If Reyansh had married Aanya only to fulfil a clause and seize an inheritance, then there was still hope. He wasn’t in love. The marriage wasn’t real, not in the way that mattered. It was just another strategic move in his relentless game of power. And as long as it remained that way, Shagufta believed she still had a chance to take her rightful place beside him.Someday!
Chopra Mansion – Later that evening
When Reyansh returned home, Radhika informed him Aanya still hadn’t come from work.
“She’s not home yet? Her working hours should be over,” he frowned, concern slipping through.
“She’s staying late to wrap up everything before your South Africa trip. That’s reasonable, right?” Radhika replied gently.
His displeasure was obvious, and Radhika caught it instantly.
“Rey,” she said patiently, “you think like a boss. You want control over everything. But Aanya’s not an asset. She’s your wife. Start respecting her commitments.”
He exhaled through his nose, rolling his eyes. “When did I ever say otherwise? Is it such a crime to want to take my wife away for a few days?”
“It’s not. But don’t pressure her. She’s already doing more than anyone expected.”
That, he had to admit, was true. Who would have thought that the pampered Malhotra heiress would one day work her fingers to the bone for independence? And oddly enough, he admired her for it.
Just then, Nani returned from the temple, overhearing the tail end of their conversation.
“Radhika,” she said, handing over a small box. “Keep this prasad in the temple.”
Radhika nodded and left. Reyansh was about to retreat to his room when Nani halted him.
“Reyansh, what is going on with you?” she asked curtly.
He stared at her, puzzled. “What now?”
“I heard you’re taking Aanya to South Africa,” she said sharply. “Why? I thought bringing her into this house was a temporary arrangement for Radhika. But now you’re making things more complicated. Are you still thinking about that divorce we discussed?”
Before he could respond, the front door clicked open. Aanya entered and froze. She’d clearly overheard enough. Her eyes met his, shocked, disappointed.Divorce?
Nani sighed in frustration and walked away. Reyansh was about to say something, but Radhika appeared just then.
“Aanya! Good, you’re home. Reyansh was just asking for you.”
Aanya forced a smile for Radhika, skilfully diverting her attention away from Reyansh. But inside, she was reeling. The shock still hadn’t settled. It wasn’t that she hadn’t expected Reyansh to consider divorce eventually. Part of her always knew that day might come. But if he truly intended to end their marriage, then why waste time planning trips and playing the perfect husband? This wasn’t just for Di’s sake. No, it felt like something more.
She exchanged a few words with Radhika before heading toward their bedroom. Reyansh followed.
His travel bag lay open on the bed, half packed. She ignored it and went straight to the bathroom. When she came out, he was folding his shirts and organizing his things like the efficient man he was.
“How was your day?” he asked.
He had the audacity to ask about her day after nearly ruining it with his relentless nudging for leave updates? She wiped her face with a towel and responded coolly, “Good. Met some new clients.”
Reyansh paused mid-pack. Her tone made it clear. Whatever was brewing between them had just taken a sharp turn. And Reyansh knew, sooner or later, he’d have to address that topic. Because he wasn’t ready to let her slip through his fingers... not again.
“Why is Prem pushing you to interface with clients already? You’re still a trainee.”
“Maybe he appreciates my work. My designs. My ideas,” she shot back without hesitation.
Reyansh nodded, remembering the suggestions she’d casually made about his office cabin during her visit to Chopra group. He had implemented them. The changes looked fantastic and impressive. Just like her vision.
“At least someone acknowledges it,” she added pointedly.
Snapping out of his thoughts, Reyansh watched her move to the mirror and begin brushing her hair.
