Page 106 of One Hellish Wedlock
“Enjoy the party.”
She was relieved he hadn’t reminded her not to drink but she’d follow that rule anyway. She had no doubt he could have someone watching her from the shadows just to keep her in check. That wasn’t needed thought. She’d been committed to this deal and at no cost she would break any of its rules now.
Night – Navy’s Birthday Party
“Happy Birthday to you…”
The crowd chorused as Navya cut the cake. She fed the first piece to Aanya, then passed it around to others. Soon, the champagne flowed. Aanya made sure to stick to a mocktail. The music boomed, but Aanya stood away from the centre, sipping her soft drink and scrolling through her phone. Navya noticed and walked up to her with a glass of champagne in hand.
“Drink?”
“No thanks, I’m fine,” Aanya replied, gesturing to the mocktail.
Navya narrowed her eyes. “He’s controlling you.”
“It’s not that. I have a flight early in the morning. Can’t risk it.”
“Oh right, South Africa, right? Why are you even going?”
“Reyansh has a conference there. You know he is doing some joint venture with Dad’s company.”
“Fine. But what will you be doing there? I mean, what about your job?”
“I took leave.”
“This is happening fast, babes,” Navya said, folding her arms.
“What do you mean?”
“I mean, his sudden interest in you...it doesn’t sit right with me. He must have some motive.”
Aanya took another sip. “Motive? What are you suggesting?”
“He wants what every husband wants from their wife.”
Aanya stiffened understanding the implication.
“Come on, Navya. Don’t paint him like that.”
“Why not? He’s your husband. You’re living together. Maybe he wants to make this real.”
Aanya fell silent. That hadn’t crossed her mind before. Navya pressed on.
“But what matters the most is… what doyouwant, Aanya?”
Aanya thought hard before shrugging.
“I’m pretty sure he doesn’t want that either,” she replied quietly.
“How can you be so sure?”
Aanya hesitated, then confessed. “I think he’s planning to divorce me. I overheard him talking to Nani about it.”
“What?” Navya gasped. “If he’s planning to end this, then don’t you dare let him get close to you. If he touches you, punch him.Hard. If this relationship is destined to end in divorce, then he has no right to touch you, emotionally or physically. I’ve seen what it did to you last time, Aanya. I won’t stand by and watch you fall apart again. Do you hear me?”
Aanya burst into laughter, despite Navya’s serious face.
“Navya, you think too much,” she said, pulling her into a hug. “Reyansh isn’t desperate. He’s got better options. If there’s one thing I trust him with, it’s this. He won’t complicate an already messy arrangement.”
