Page 121 of One Hellish Wedlock
“By tomorrow.”
“Done.”
She leaned back in her chair, a thousand thoughts rushing through her mind. It was the perfect opportunity—freedom, growth, a clean break. But why, then, did her heart feel so unbearably heavy?
Chopra Mansion
“What? In California?” Radhika gasped.
“Yes, Di,” Aanya said, her excitement bubbling over. “My boss wants me to assist the team there. There’s a huge project,and they’re short on interior designers. Shikha and I are both asked for relocation.”
Radhika beamed with pride. “That’s incredible! When do you leave?”
“Next week,” Aanya replied. “It’s a year-long project. I can’t wait.”
For a woman who once floated through life aimlessly, this felt monumental. Radhika could see it in her eyes.
But then Radhika was suddenly sad. “And what about Reyansh?”
Aanya’s smile faltered.
“To work there for an entire year… you’ll have to leave him behind. Are you willing to do that?”
Aanya’s heart stilled. Of course, she’d already planned to leave once Radhika returned to California. And Reyansh, after everything that happened wouldn’t stop her. But then… why did the thought of leaving feel like something inside her was cracking?
And why was it that when she had finally earned her wings, it suddenly hurt so much to fly?
CHAPTER 22
Chopra Mansion
“No, Aanya,” she whispered to herself, staring into the mirror. “This is your only chance to reclaim your life. You can’t miss this golden opportunity now.”
After telling Radhika about her potential transfer to California, Aanya had begun to view everything from a different angle. How would Reyansh react to this news? Would he support her, or would he try to sabotage it with the power he had and cancel her onsite offer using his contacts in Icon Interiors? If he truly cared, if his feelings for her were even half as deep as he claimed, then he would let her take this leap. He wouldn’t be that selfish. But love and war rarely played by the rules. What if Reyansh used that very love to tether her down, keeping her close at the cost of her dreams?
“Whatever happens, I won’t step back now. I’ve made my decision and this is it.”
She stared hard at her reflection, drawing courage from her own determination.
“Don’t be afraid, Aanya. This isyourlife. And no Reyansh Chopra can take that from you.”
Wanting to rehearse the impending conversation, she took a deep breath, and began role-playing both sides of the argument.
She turned to one side, straightening her posture and deepening her voice.
“What the hell? California? No way. Tell your boss to find someone else. I’m not letting you work away from me,” she barked, mimicking Reyansh’s commanding tone.
Then she spun to the opposite side, softening her voice into her own.
“Reyansh, I’m not asking. I’m telling you. This is my dream job. I’m going.”
Back to the Reyansh role, she stiffened her jaw and grabbed her own forearms dramatically.
“Watch your tone, Aanya. Don’t you ever talk to me like that!” she shouted, echoing his usual go-to line in an argument.
Then she flinched back with a pretend gasp.
“Great,” she snapped sarcastically. “Let’s just stop talking altogether once I’m gone. That way, you won’t lose your temper, and I’ll be free to work in peace.”
