Page 7 of One Hellish Wedlock
“He needs to make himself available. I’m hisonlydaughter,” Aanya snapped back.
“Don’t remind me,” Kyle muttered, her voice laced with disdain. “Anand and I cannot keep cleaning up your mess every single time. Grow up, Aanya.”
Aanya let out a bitter laugh. “What a joke. I’m in this messbecause of you. And now you have the nerve to tell me that? You pretend to be this elegant, educated woman in front ofeveryone, don’t you? I wish you’d used even one percent of that intelligence before ruining my life.”
“Stop it, Aanya,” Kyle roared, standing from the couch and striding off to a more private corner of the suite, away from the washroom.
“I won’t stop!” Aanya’s voice rose. “And you better stop expecting me to dance to your tune. Just tell Dad to call me the moment he’s done. It’s urgent.”
Without waiting for a reply, Aanya ended the call and hurled her phone across the bed. The call had only intensified her hangover and worsened her already foul mood. Hearing her step mother’s voice first thing in the morning? Nothing could ruin a day faster.
Delhi
“Boss, the Malhotra couple is here,” Sunny informed as he approached Reyansh, who was waiting in the private business lounge of one of Delhi’s most elite hotels.
Reyansh rose from his seat, straightening the cuffs of his crisp suit as the Malhotra couple entered. Kyle was the first to offer a bright, polished smile. Reyansh returned it with a stiff, formal nod.
“Mr. Malhotra. Mrs. Malhotra,” he greeted, shaking hands with both of them in a businesslike manner.
“It’s been a while since we last met,” Anand said as he took a seat.
“Yes, I believe the last time was at the Summer Fashion Event in Thailand?” Kyle added, glancing at Reyansh.
He nodded slightly. “That’s right.”
Reyansh turned to Anand. “How’s your health, Mr. Malhotra? I heard about your knee.”
“Much better. Had the surgery done in New York. You wouldn’t even guess which knee was the problem. I’m walking just fine now,” Anand said with a small laugh.
“Glad to hear it,” Reyansh replied, leaning back into the plush leather couch. “Mr. Malhotra, I assume Kyle informed you why I asked for this meeting.”
Anand gave a hesitant nod. “Yes… she mentioned it. It was quite a shock, to be honest. Aanya has never contactedyoufor money before. I later checked my phone and realized I had missed her calls, which must be why she turned to you.”
Reyansh listened silently.
“But don’t worry,” Anand added quickly. “I’ll reimburse you whatever amount you gave her. I’ll have a cheque sent to your office.”
Before he could finish, Kyle interjected.
“Anand, what are you saying? It’s this attitude that keeps her from learning any responsibility. You’re always ready to patch things up without making her face the consequences.”
Before the argument could escalate, Reyansh raised a hand, cutting in.
“That’s not why I asked to meet you, Mr. Malhotra. Please, relax.”
Anand and Kyle exchanged confused glances before turning their attention back to him.
“Then what is it, Reyansh?” Kyle asked cautiously.
Reyansh shifted his gaze to Anand, whose confusion hadn’t lessened.
“I want you to call your daughter back to India,” Reyansh said plainly. “My sister’s birthday is next month. She’s visiting with her husband, and I’m throwing a private party—just close friends and family. I want Aanya to attend the party with me.”
Anand blinked in surprise. Kyle froze beside him, trying to gauge the real meaning behind such a request. Something didn’t add up.
Kyle narrowed her eyes. “Let me get this straight. You want to officially introduce Aanya to the world as your wife? I mean, yes, peopleknowyou’re married, but you two have never made any public appearances. That was your choice, remember?”
“That decision was made eighteen months ago, Kyle,” Reyansh replied smoothly. “People change. So do their decisions.”
