Page 137 of One Hellish Wedlock
“I haven’t forgotten, Nani.” He wiped his mouth with a napkin and stood. “But I remember what I failed to do for her too.”
Leaving his breakfast half-eaten, Reyansh walked away. Nani stared after him. Was he serious? Had Reyansh really fallen for Aanya and was this marriage, which started as a convenience, turning into something dangerously real?
Day 3 - Chopra Group Office
Shagufta stormed into Reyansh’s cabin without warning. He wasn’t surprised. He had expected her reaction the moment she learned the news. His secretary followed close behind, flustered.
“Sorry, sir, she refused to wait,” the woman explained apologetically.
“It’s alright. You may leave,” Reyansh said calmly.
The door closed behind them, leaving the two alone.
“You’re pulling out of our company merger?” Shagufta spat, disbelief and fury flooding her voice.
Reyansh had sold his shares in their jointly-held company to another stakeholder in the same business.
“Yes,” he said evenly. “Take a seat.”
“Why?” she demanded, her voice rising.
“Why?” His voice hardened as he stood from his chair. “You really didn’t see this coming? I can’t believe it.”
“Oh, I get it. You’re punishing me for that fragile little wife of yours,” she mocked. “Taking your frustration out on our business?”
“Wrong,” he shot back. “I’m not taking out her frustration on anyone, in fact, I’m honouring her wish. To cut off my ties with you and especially now when I’ve enough reasons to do so.”
Shagufta’s expression flickered with disbelief.
“You brainwashed her against me,” he accused, stepping closer. “Did you really believe that would break us?”
She didn’t answer. She couldn’t.
“Yes, it caused friction. But I’m proud of the way Aanya handled it with maturity.”
“Maturity?” she laughed bitterly. “She left you, Reyansh. Open your damn eyes.”
“She left, and I let her go because that’s what real relationships are built on. Respect. Trust. Compromise. We may have started wrong, but we’re trying to learn what it means to be in a real marriage.”
Her face contorted with rage. All her efforts, her manipulations, and schemes failed.
“I don’t believe this. You’re really going to wait around for her? You think she’s worth that kind of loyalty? You know how wild she gets when she’s drunk. What if she finds someone else there? She won’t hesitate to toss you aside.”
“Mind your words, Shagufta Khanna,” Reyansh growled. “You’re talking about my wife. I won’t tolerate your filth again.”
The fire in his eyes made her take a cautious step back. He was deadly serious.
“I’m sorry,” she said quickly, as if she could still calm the storm.
But he didn’t budge.
“As for the merger,” he continued icily, “I want no more business with you. And no more friendship. I warned you before to stay out of my personal life. You chose to ignore that. This is the consequence.”
He returned to his chair, picked up a file, and flipped it open.
“Sunny will prepare the final withdrawal paperwork by tomorrow. Your new partner will reach out to you soon. Focus on that, Shagufta. If you’re smart, you’ll protect what’s left of your company.”
Shagufta stared at him, her pride stung, her plans in tatters. Reyansh, unaffected, reached for the intercom.
