Page 208 of One Hellish Wedlock
“For everything,” Kyle replied softly. “But mostly… for making me feel like I have a child too.”
Aanya’s throat tightened. Kyle and her father had always tried to have a child together, but it had never worked out.
“Kyle—” Aanya began, but Kyle raised a hand, silencing her.
“Let me speak, Aanya. I don’t know if I’ll get another chance to say this.”
Aanya nodded, her heart open and listening.
“When your father proposed to me, I knew he was doing it foryou.He wanted a woman who could be a mother to his daughter, someone who could fill the space your real mother left behind. But I wasn’t ready. And I didn’t want to lose a man like him, so I agreed. I loved him, truly… but I couldn’t bring myself to loveyou.I was insecure, afraid you’d take him away from me. I should’ve tried harder to make peace between us, but I failed. My mind got in the way. Please… forgive me.”
Aanya reached out and gently rested her hand on Kyle’s shoulder.
“It’s okay,” she said quietly. “I hold nothing against you anymore.”
Kyle smiled faintly and wiped away a tear before it fell.
“Well, that wasn’t the most poetic apology,” she added, trying to lighten the moment, “but I hope it counts.”
“It does,” Aanya said with a teasing smile. “I accept both—your mehndi and your apology.”
Kyle laughed, the tension easing between them.
“Let’s get you dressed before your father storms in here and yells at me.”
Aanya nodded, her heart lighter than it had felt in years.
Kyle stepped over to the table and retrieved the bridal lehenga Reyansh had personally chosen. A deep maroon piece with diamond embellishments stitched into its borders—classic, bold, and breathtaking.
“Oh my God,” Aanya gasped. “This is... this is stunning.”
“Your husband has excellent taste,” Kyle replied proudly. “He had the top designer of the country create this just for you.”
“I thoughtIwas the one surprising him, by flying in for his award ceremony,” Aanya murmured, fingertips grazing the lehenga with love.
“He’s been planning this remarriage for weeks,” Kyle replied. “He just needed the right moment and you gave it to him.”
Aanya pouted. “I hope I can carry all that weight. This lehenga weighs more than me.”
Kyle smirked, her tone playful. “Just bear it until the evening. After that, you probably won’t be wearing it much longer.”
Aanya blushed furiously. Was Kyle seriously teasing her about the wedding night?
After helping her dress up, Kyle left to check on the other preparations, just then her phone beeped. Aanya glanced at the screen. It was her beloved husband’s email.
She rolled her eyes with a smile.
Seriously? He was just in the next room, and he was still sending her emails?
Typical Reyansh.
Wife,
I’ve always kept my promises, Aanya, and today I vow to keep you blissfully happy for the rest of our days.
P.S. I can’t wait to marry you… again.
Husband.
