Page 31 of One Hellish Wedlock
“I wish I could,” Navya replied, eyes gleaming with mischief. “I’m dying to know what goes down tonight.”
Aanya’s cheeks flushed at her words.
“Cut it, Navya,” she warned playfully. “It’s an official meeting… just happening in the most unofficial way. Weird, right? And I still have to convince him to let me have at least one damn drink.”
Navya laughed. “Since when didAanya Malhotrastartconvincing? I thought she only issued royal commands.”
Aanya rolled her eyes and laughed despite herself. “Whatever! Just give me a hug and wish me luck.”
The girls embraced tightly. There was more unspoken in that hug than either of them let on. When they pulled apart, Navya walked her out to the car, her arm slung protectively around Aanya’s shoulder. She stood at the curb, waving until the vehicle disappeared down the lane and out of sight.
As the red tail lights faded, Navya’s smile dimmed.
Whatever Aanya was walking into might seem thrilling now, maybe even empowering, but Navya had witnessed her best friend at her lowest. She’d seen her when she had no home, no support, no one to hold her or tell her that life could still turn around. And if this new chapter turned out to be another dead end... Navya wouldn’t forgive it.
And if Reyansh Chopra dared to hurt Aanya again?
She would break his arrogant nose without a second thought.
Disco
Aanya waved energetically as Reyansh stepped out of the car and handed his keys to the valet. Though waving back wasn’t in his nature, Reyansh returned the gesture, albeit stiffly. He wasn’t the type to exchange casual smiles and waves. His world thrived on firm handshakes, business suits, and boardroom formalities. This carefree vibe wasn’t his domain.
As soon as he reached her, his gaze swept over her, head to toe. Aanya caught it instantly, glancing down at her outfit.
“Don’t tell me you expected something more conservative than this,” she challenged, raising her voice above the thumping bass of the club.
Reyansh shook his head. “I’m just glad you didn’t go shorter,” he muttered, his tone gruff but honest.
She exhaled dramatically, then giggled. “Afraid the metal heart might melt?” she teased, giving a light punch to his chest.
That single gesture left him speechless. Was she like this with every man she met or washean exception?
“Shall we go in?” he asked, shaking off the thoughts clouding his head.
“Yup.”
Without wasting another second, she led the way inside. The music pounded through the floorboards, loud enough to rupture eardrums. Aanya, immediately catching the rhythm, began swaying to the beat and made her way toward the bar. Just as she was about to order a drink, Reyansh caught her wrist and shook his head in warning.
She frowned, remembering his strict text earlier:No drinks tonight.
“Just one,” she pleaded, widening her eyes for dramatic effect.
“No,” he snapped, dragging her toward a private VIP couch set apart from the dance floor.
“You are such a bore,” she yelled over the music as she followed him.
“And you’re painfully addicted,” he shot back. “Can’t you skip alcohol for just one damn night?”
Aanya clenched her jaw in irritation. “Fine. You win; I lose. At least let me get a lemonade. I’m parched.”
“I’ll get it,” he offered, rising.
“No, thanks. You won’t know how I like it. I’ll manage. You want anything?”
“I’m good,” he replied.
“Cool.”
