Page 34 of One Hellish Wedlock
“Aanya, wait,” he called.
She ignored him and raised her hand to flag down a taxi. But before she could flee, he caught up, gripped her wrist, and yanked her back.
“You don’t walk away when I haven’t finished talking,” he growled.
She jerked out of his grip. “And you don’t get to expect me to participate in this circus. I’m not going to lie to a pregnant woman, give her false hope, and then watch her break down. When it all falls apart, you and your grandmother will point fingers atme.I won’t be your scapegoat.”
“No one will blame you. I promise,” he said firmly.
She studied him, trying to understand where this confidence came from. Then she softened, trying reason instead.
“Look… I know you love your sister. Just tell her the truth. Say you tried talking to me and I declined. She’ll get over it.”
“No, she won’t. She’ll try to callyou, meetyou, and convinceyouherself.”
“Fine. Let her. I’ll refuse her too. Just give me her number.”
Reyansh clenched his jaw. “Enough. You want this deal for your father? Then this is the cost. Agree to my plan, and I’ll handle everything else.”
Aanya met his gaze for several tense seconds. Then she exhaled in defeat.
“Fine. Why should I care? She’syoursister. You figure out what lies to feed her. I’m in. Happy?”
He let out a slow breath. He hated himself for doing this to Radhika, but her fragile pregnancy was reason enough. Her doctors had warned them against emotional stress. This was his only way to shield her.
“Alright. We’ll meet tomorrow at—”
“Your office. Sign the contract. Yeah, yeah, I know the drill,” she snapped.
He noticed the flicker of stress behind her sarcasm. She hadn’t been prepared for any of this and neither had he.
“After you sign, we’ll start prepping you. Sunny will brief you.”
Her eyes narrowed. “Prepping me?”
“Etiquette,” he said flatly. “I’m particular about conduct. You’ll learn how to speak, behave, and respect her and my family. No slip-ups.”
Aanya clenched her fists. Now he was dictating her behaviour too?
“Can I punch you now? I’m sure you wouldn’t appreciate it in front of your sister,” she seethed.
He raised a brow. No woman had ever wanted to hit him before. Not openly, anyway.
“We’ll revisit that once Di leaves. C’mon. I’ll drop you home.”
She muttered something under her breath and followed him reluctantly. He waved at the valet, got into the car with her, and waited for her to fasten her seatbelt.
“Seatbelt,” he ordered.
“Who wears one at night?” she grumbled.
“People who want to live.”
She rolled her eyes. “Right. How could I forget I’m in the car with a rulebook? Tell me, where do you buy so much patience to follow every social rule?”
He ignored her sarcasm and asked instead, “Where are you staying?”
“Navya’s place.”
