Page 65 of One Hellish Wedlock
Radhika laughed, brushing aside her concern. “Stop joking. And I’m not taking no for an answer. It’s my birthday, and I’m giving you an order.”
Aanya shook her head with a reluctant smile. “You’re impossible. Fine. I’ll wear it.”
“Good.” Radhika beamed, cupping her cheeks before leaving. “Come soon.”
As the door clicked shut, Aanya’s smile slowly faded.
She turned back to the gown in her hands, staring at the red silk as if it might answer all the questions tangled in her heart.
This doesn’t mean anything,she told herself.It’s just a dress. Just a night. And nothing’s changed.
With a quiet sigh, she began to change, still unsure whether she was dressing up for Radhika’s birthday… or stepping a little too close to a line she’d promised not to cross.
**************
Downstairs, Reyansh was entertaining guests, introducing Radhika and Rishi to some new business clients he had invited for the evening.
“Reyansh, it’s lovely to meet your family,” one of the clients said. “But where’s your wife? We’ve heard she’s back in town.”
He scanned the room. Aanya hadn’t made her appearance yet.
“There she is,” Radhika said, pointing toward the stairs.
Reyansh turned around with the rest and stilled seeing Aanya descending gracefully, wearing a red gown. It clung to her curves in all the right ways. He had no idea Sunny had included something likethatin her wardrobe. His assistant clearly had good taste. But the thought of another man choosing such outfits for Aanya stirred something possessive in him.
Aanya, meanwhile, felt every pair of eyes trained on her as she made her way down. Her pulse raced. Was something wrong with her appearance? Did she look absurd?
“Reyansh, go get her!” Radhika whispered, nudging him forward.
He moved toward the stairs without protest. When he reached her, he slipped an arm around her waist, drawing her close.
“Smile,” he whispered in a low, velvety tone.
Cameras flashed. Lights blinded. Aanya forced a smile, remembering her role. Her heart pounded, not just from the attention, but from how easily Reyansh played the part of a devoted husband.
Anand and Kyle entered the party at that very moment when Reyansh and Aanya were posing for the cameras. Anand’s eyes shone.
“Is this really happening?” he murmured, awestruck.
“It looks fake,” Kyle replied dryly.
Anand turned to her, clearly disheartened. “For once, Kyle, think positive.”
“I can’t lie my feelings,” she countered. “This sudden sweetness between them looks staged. They can fool the world, but not me. I can read their faces.”
He sighed and took her hand. “Let’s go greet them.”
Just then, Reyansh’s voice rang through the hall.
“Ladies and gentlemen, many of you have asked me about my wife—whether at parties, events, or casual gatherings. Tonight, I officially introduce to you... Mrs. Aanya Reyansh Chopra.”
Aanya swallowed hard.Mrs. Aanya Reyansh Chopra? Not Aanya Malhotra. Could one announcement erase an entire identity?
She smiled again for the cameras.
“I’m grateful for your presence here tonight, to celebrate my sister’s birthday,” Reyansh continued. “Bring the cake, please.”
The staff brought it in and placed it on the centre table. Guests gathered. Aanya and Reyansh stood beside Radhika as she cut the cake amid cheers and applause. The celebration began in earnest. Reyansh popped open a bottle of champagne, the sound echoing across the room. Aanya’s eyes lit up at the sight, only to darken when he leaned close.
