Page 228 of One Hellish Wedlock
“Calm down?” he barked. “My wife wants to walk into danger, and you want me to relax? I told you she might be linked to Vicky. You want me to ignore that and sit back while you play hero?”
Reyansh’s worry for her was sincere, but she had her reasons too.
“I have guards,” she argued. “Your own men.”
“I don’t care. I don’t trust anyone else with your safety. You’re not going near her without me.”
That did it. Her patience snapped.
“Stop controlling every move I make, Rey! I’m not the girl I used to be—the one who didn’t even know what her life stood for. I know what I’m doing. I’m capable of making my own damn decisions.”
He stood frozen, staring at the phone in disbelief. Did she really not understand? This wasn’t about control. It was about love. Protection. Desperation.
“Save it,” he growled. “We’ll finish this face-to-face. And when we do, I’ll remind you that being capable doesn’t mean you need to carry every burden alone. Especially not when you’re married.”
Aanya closed her eyes. She hadn’t meant to lash out like that.
“We will speak later, Reyansh. I am getting late for work,” she said.
“Don’t hang up on me,” he snapped.
“I’m not! I’ll call you later,” she replied, then ended the call with a frustrated sigh.
Aanya hated the way she’d just spoken to her husband. This wasn’t who she was. She wasn’t trying to prove her independence or question her ability to handle Shagufta alone. She only wanted to lighten the burden Reyansh carried. He had enough on his plate with Vicky. If she could manage one threat, he could focus on the other. That’s what marriage was about right? Sharing the weight, not piling it on one person’s shoulders.
But for now, she needed to calm his anger. He was undoubtedly upset, and if she didn’t reach out, he’d stay that way all day. She picked up her phone and typed a quick message.
‘Baby… I love you. Please trust my instincts this time.’
She hit send. No reply.
It was impossible to guess what he was thinking, what he might be planning now. But how did he even find out about her plan? Why did Sunny tell Reyansh?
She quickly dialled Sunny’s number, but he didn’t answer either.
Her heart sank.
Something was off.
Evening – Resto Pub
Shagufta had been living in California for over a month, and this particular upscale resto-pub had become her usual place to hang around. The thump of loud music didn’t stop her from arguing into her phone, voice slurred slightly from the alcohol, yet she remained sharply aware.
“I’m wasting my time here, do you understand? I have a business to run. I’m not your damn slave,” she snapped, slamming her empty glass on the counter for a refill.
“I don’t care what your father wants. You promised to handle this, and now you can’t just back out.” She paused to listen, exhaling sharply. “Fine. Do it. I don’t care how, but get it done.”
She barely noticed someone settling into the next stool until a familiar voice ordered a mocktail. Shagufta turned, eyes narrowing as recognition dawned.
“Aanya?” she muttered, disconnecting the call at once.
Aanya gave her a slow, deliberate smile. It only heightened Shagufta’s confusion.
“Hi, Shagufta,” Aanya greeted, lifting the mocktail to her lips. “Nice place, isn’t it?”
Shagufta quickly set her phone aside, silently praying Aanya hadn’t overheard her call.
“What… What are you doing here?” she asked, forcing a casual tone.
