Page 201 of One Hellish Wedlock
After the ceremony, he introduced her to his circle of friends and their wives. Aanya felt comfortable among them; they were easy-going and genuine.
“You know, Aanya,” Reyansh said with a playful glance her way, “these guys have been hounding me to finally introduce you.”
“Obviously,” Jas jumped in. “We had to meet the woman who actually managed to steal this guy’s heart.”
Aanya smiled and gave Reyansh’s hand a gentle squeeze, a subtle flash of possessiveness in her expression.
“But honestly, Aanya,” Jas added with a chuckle, “we always thought he’d end up with Shagufta. She was his bestie, after all. Not that we liked her. She has too much attitude. We’re honestly relieved he married you instead.”
Aanya’s smile stayed in place, but her eyes sharpened with mischief. “Well, good thing he didn’t settle for attitude when he could have all this charm instead,” she said sweetly, tilting her head toward Reyansh. “So... how’s your bestie doing these days?”
“Long story,” he muttered under his breath. “I’ll tell you at the hotel.”
She grinned, eyes sparkling. “Make sure it’s a short version. I have better plans for our night.”
Reyansh’s eyes burned with desire, making it increasingly difficult to stay focused while mingling with friends. The casual chatter around them only heightened the tension between them.
Eventually, they managed to slip away from the venue. On the drive back, Aanya leaned in and murmured for him to stop somewhere quiet before heading to the hotel. Without a word, he gave their driver the instructions who steered the car toward a secluded stretch near the beach and pulled over.
A few couples walked along the distant shoreline under a velvet sky.
“This place is so soothing,” Aanya whispered as she stepped out of the car, letting the sound of waves calm her. “I’ve always loved beaches.”
Reyansh joined her.
“Let’s take a walk then.”
She couldn’t have asked for more.
The driver left to park the car, giving them space. Aanya looked at Reyansh and grinned.
“Take off your shoes.”
He arched a brow.
“Trust me,” she added. “It’s the best way to feel the sand.”
He sighed but obliged, removing his shoes. She did the same, and together, barefoot and hand in hand, they walked along the beach.
Reyansh pointed to a distant lighthouse and shared its history. She listened with fascination, surprised by how much he knew.
“I always wanted to buy a beach house,” he confessed.
Aanya smiled. “Nothing’s impossible for you.”
“I know,” he agreed. “I could’ve bought one already. But who would live in it? Just me?”
Her expression softened. She understood what he meant.
“Our future was been hanging by a thread for so long,” he murmured.
“But not anymore,” she replied. “Now we are together. As husband and wife.”
She lifted her hand, letting the light catch the ring he had slipped onto her finger during his last visit to California. He hadn’t noticed it until now, and the sight of it still on her warmed his heart.
“Would you like to live in a beach house too?” he asked, turning to face her fully.
She put on a thoughtful face. “On one condition.”
