Page 18 of One Hellish Wedlock
Aanya smirked. “Yeah, well… I’m nothing if not unpredictable.”
Navya rolled her eyes, but Aanya had already turned away.
“I’m going to Dad’s office today. I want to know what’s happening with the paperwork. The sooner I can get out of this country, the better.”
She headed back to her room to change, fully aware that walking into her father’s workspace in shorts would only invite unnecessary attention.
Malhotra Office – Same Day
“Where’s Dad?” Aanya asked, storming into the reception area of Malhotra Enterprises.
The receptionist, Dolly, immediately stood up, startled but quick to recognize her. “Good morning, Ma’am.”
“Morning, Dolly. Now tell me, where’s my father?”
“Sir is in the conference room with—”
Before Dolly could finish, Aanya had already begun striding purposefully down the hallway. Panic flared in Dolly’s eyes as she rushed after her. “Ma’am, please! You can’t go in there. He’s in a meeting!”
Aanya didn’t slow. She shoved the conference room door open with both hands, silencing the room in an instant. Three heads turned toward her. But instead of her father, her eyes locked on the last person she expected to see across the polished mahogany table.
Reyansh Chopra.
Her husband.
Fate clearly had a flair for drama.
She blinked away the flicker of surprise and forced her features into a mask of icy indifference. Without acknowledging anyone else in the room, she stepped inside.
“Dad, are the papers ready?” she asked coolly.
“Aanya?” Anand stood up from his chair, clearly rattled. “What are you doing here?”
Reyansh leaned back into his seat, arms folded, his sharp gaze locked on her as if assessing every move she made.
“You never cared where I was all these months. Never asked how I was or what I was doing,” she snapped, eyes narrowing at her father. “So please, let’s not pretend we suddenly care about each other’s whereabouts. I’m here for the paperwork. If it’s ready, I’ll sign and leave.”
A smirk tugged at the corner of Reyansh’s lips, followed by a low, taunting chuckle.
“Mr. Malhotra,” he said dryly, “I don’t have time for theatrics. Ask your daughter to wait outside until we’re done here.”
Anand looked mortified, unsure which way to turn. But Aanya didn’t flinch.
“Why don’tyouget out, then?” she fired back at Reyansh, stepping forward.
That was when Kyle stood from her seat.
“Enough, Aanya. Show some respect. He’s not only our most valued client—he’s yourhusband.”
Aanya threw her head back and laughed, loud and mocking. “Oh, this is rich. You people crack me up. I’m your daughter, Dad…but my dignity? That doesn’t matter to you. And him—” she jerked her thumb toward Reyansh, “—he never gave a damn either. But sure, I’m expected to bow and smile and play thegood girlfor the two of you. Hilarious.”
Something flickered in Reyansh’s eyes—guilt? No. Whatever it was, it vanished quickly as he stood.
“Mr. Malhotra,” he said, rising up from his seat. “It seems we’ll need to continue this meeting another time.” He then glanced at Aanya once before adding. “Or never.”
Aanya crossed her arms, clearly satisfied and watched with a smug grin as Reyansh made his move to leave.
“Reyansh, please,” Kyle called out in desperation.
