Page 126 of One Hellish Wedlock
“I heard you’re flying to California.”
How did she know that? Who was feeding her information? Aanya silently fumed. Shagufta probably had her spies, especially where Reyansh was involved.
“Yes,” she answered shortly.
“That’s wonderful,” Shagufta replied with false enthusiasm. “Every woman should stand on her own feet.”
Of course she would say that. Aanya saw through it. Shagufta probably couldn’t wait for her to leave so she could circle back into Reyansh’s life. But Aanya trusted Reyansh, at least enough to believe he wouldn’t fall for this woman’s charm.
“Thanks. If you’ll excuse me, I need to pick a gift.”
“I can help,” Shagufta offered sweetly. “I know exactly what Reyansh likes.”
Aanya clenched her jaw, flashing a sarcastic smile. “The gift is for his sister. And I know her preferences. Thanks, but I’ll manage.”
Ignoring the irritation burning in her chest, Aanya turned away and began scanning the shelves.
“Your mood looks off. Did you and Reyansh had a fight?” Shagufta commented behind her. “Is he upset about your California move?”
Aanya didn’t respond.
“Or is it about your mother’s will?”
Now she froze.
Her head snapped back to face Shagufta, confusion clouding her eyes. “Mymother’s will? What are you talking about?”
Shagufta smiled inwardly, but on the surface, she wore regret.
“Oh... I didn’t mean to bring that up. I assumed Reyansh told you. It’s nothing. Forget I said anything.”
Aanya grabbed her arm. “What do you know about my mother’s will? And what does Reyansh have to do with it?”
Shagufta hesitated dramatically. “Aanya, I really don’t want to come between you two.”
“Cut the act and speak,” Aanya snapped.
Shagufta sighed, then nodded. “If you insist.”
Aanya let go of her arm.
“Reyansh married you because of your mother’s will,” she said, dropping the bomb with ease. “You know how business-minded he is. He doesn’t do anything unless there’s profit involved. I don’t know the entire contents, but there’s a clause in it. Something that benefits the man who marries you. That’s what I know. The rest... you’ll have to discover on your own.”
Aanya felt as if the floor beneath her shifted.
Could it be true?
Reyansh had said he was drawn to her. That he had been smitten from the first time. But was that a lie? Was everything, every word, every look, just part of his plan?
“Find the will, Aanya,” Shagufta added coolly. “Everything will make sense.”
With that, she turned and walked away, leaving Aanya staring blankly at the gifts in front of her, none of which mattered now.
If even a fraction of what Shagufta had said was true… then Reyansh Chopra had broken her in a way no one else ever could.
Chopra Mansion
Aanya returned home and immediately began helping Radhika with her final packing. The car was due to arrive anymoment to take them to the airport. Despite the rush, her thoughts remained consumed by the revelation of her mother’s will.
