Page 66 of One Hellish Wedlock
“Don’t touch a drop,” he whispered roughly.
Aanya scowled, mouthing a curse as he turned away with a smug smile. Of course, the contract said no alcohol for two months. But tonight, of all nights, she wanted to celebrate. She didn’t want toacthappy. She wanted tofeelit.
“Aanya, where’s your drink?” Radhika asked, looking puzzled.
“I’m not drinking, Di,” she replied with a soft smile. “I’m keeping you company instead.”
“Did Reyansh stop you?” Radhika asked with a slight frown.
Aanya pouted dramatically. “Yes. He thinks I need to stay in control.” She added a smile to soften her words, but inside, a rebellious spark had already ignited.What if she pretended to drink?She wouldn’t break the rules... but she could make him squirm thinking she did. Just a little. Just enough to see his reactions.
CHAPTER 12
Chopra Mansion – Birthday Party
“Hello, Reyansh,” Kyle greeted as she approached him mid-conversation with a group of guests. Reyansh turned swiftly at the familiar voice, offering a formal smile to his in-laws. He extended a hand, which Anand took with practiced grace.
“Glad you could make it,” Reyansh said politely.
“Of course,” Anand replied. “We could never miss your party. I must say, it’s quite extravagant. These arrangements are definitely over the top.”
“Thank you, Mr. Malhotra,” Reyansh said, his pride evident. “I always aim for the best.”
“We’re well aware of your taste, Reyansh. Which is exactly why we’re... surprised by how easily you and Aanya reconciled,” Kyle interjected. “It does seem a bit sudden, especially after how furious you were that she left in the first place, eighteen months ago.”
Reyansh didn’t flinch. Instead, he met her gaze with controlled charm.
“Are you disappointed that we patched things up, Kyle?”
Kyle smirked, not missing the calculated dodge in his reply.
“That wasn’t the answer I was looking for.”
“You’ll find your answers soon enough,” he said coolly. “By the way, have you met my sister yet?”
“No,” Anand replied.
“Then come along. She’ll be happy to see you both.”
Reyansh led them across the hall toward his sister.
“Di, this is Mr. Anand Malhotra and his wife, Kyle. Aanya’s parents,” he introduced.
Radhika’s face lit up with warmth.
“Hello! I’m so glad to finally meet you both.”
Kyle embraced her, offering a surprisingly gentle smile. “Which month?” she asked, gesturing toward Radhika’s rounded belly.
“Beginning of the fourth,” Radhika replied.
“Ah, just five more to go before you welcome your little one.”
Radhika rested a hand on her stomach, her smile turning tender. “Yes... I can’t wait.”
“I heard your doctors advised bed rest. Then why travel all the way to India?” Kyle asked, a note of accusation in her tone.
“I couldn’t resist meeting Reyansh’s wife,” she admitted. “He told me about his decision to give their marriage another chance. I wanted to be here to support him. But I’ll be leaving in two months. I can’t risk traveling in the final trimester.”
