Page 200 of One Hellish Wedlock
He nodded. “She’s here.”
“Seriously?” she blinked. “That’s… unexpected. Did they drop the divorce petition?”
“I don’t know yet,” he replied. “Why don’t we find out tonight, over dinner?”
She smiled, eyes lighting up. “Yeah… we should.”
Reyansh watched her quietly, soaking in the way her face glowed with hope. Seeing her so invested in her father’s happiness, wishing for a second chance at love for him and Kyle, only made him prouder. His wife wasn’t just strong, she had the rare grace to root for others, even when life hadn’t always been kind to her.
CHAPTER 34
Award Function
Aanya, in a red silky gown that hugged her figure with elegance, felt every bit like a star as she walked hand in hand with her husband. All eyes followed them…some filled with admiration, others with envy, especially those lingering on the most desirable man in the room, who was now unmistakably taken.
“Dad,” Aanya exclaimed, wrapping her arms around Anand as soon as they entered the venue.
“Sweetheart,” Anand replied, holding her tightly. “What are you doing here? Reyansh didn’t mention anything about you coming.”
“He didn’t know,” she said with a grin.
“That’s a wonderful surprise,” Anand smiled, clearly pleased.
Kyle, who had been chatting with someone across the room, joined them moments later.
“How are you doing, Aanya?” she asked.
Aanya smiled back at her stepmother who looked stunning in a black gown. No one would have guessed she was over fifty.
“I’m good. It’s nice to see you both…togetheragain.”
Anand and Kyle exchanged a brief glance before smiling back at her, the silence between them was warm rather than strained.
“Shall we?” Reyansh interjected, his arm gently resting on the small of Aanya’s back.
They all made their way inside and took their seats as the ceremony began. Nearly an hour passed before the award forBest International Business Tycoon of the Yearwas announced and Reyansh’s name echoed across the hall.
He stood up and before heading to the stage, he hugged his wife. The audience erupted into deafening cheers and applause.
Aanya’s eyes welled with unshed tears as she listened to his speech. He spoke with precision, dignity, and heart. The moment he mentioned her name, her hand instinctively rose to her chest. He dedicated the award to those who had been part of his journey, and she was one of them.
When he returned, Reyansh handed her the trophy.
She kissed the trophy and held it close to her heart, a mischievous sparkle in her eyes.
Reyansh leaned in with a smirk. “Kissing the trophy? Not me?”
She arched a brow, lips curving into a playful grin. “Why would I kiss someone who, just a few hours ago, threatened to spank me?”
He chuckled, voice dropping low as he leaned a little closer. “Sweetheart, that wasn’t a threat. That was a promise. And I’m still waiting to fulfil it.”
Her eyes widened just a bit, heart skipping, but she held her ground. “Then maybe I’m saving all my kisses… for after you deliver on that promise.”
His gaze darkened with amusement and heat.
“You tease like that, and I just might collect what’s mine…right here, right now.”
A deep blush bloomed across her cheeks, creeping down to her neck. She glanced around, suddenly hyper-aware of the glittering crowd around them and then elbowed him, trying to suppress the giddy smile playing on her lips. But he caught her hand, twining his fingers with hers. The host returned to the micand the lights shifted slightly onstage, forcing them to return their attention back to the stage.
