Page 77 of One Hellish Wedlock
She reached for it, but hesitated. Her eyes met his once more.
“Is this a gift?”
“It is,” he confirmed with a curt nod.
“Why? It’s not my birthday, and it’s certainly not our anniversary.”
“Just take it,” he repeated, turning the bottle slightly so she could see the card tied to its neck.
She read it silently:
For my errant behaviour last night.
Her eyes shimmered. She hadn’t expected him to apologize, least of all like this. It was clear he regretted what he’d said.
“This feels more like a bribe than an apology,” she remarked.
“Call it whatever you want,” he muttered, taking off his coat.
Aanya stiffened at the sight. The last thing she needed was a bedroom strip, even if the man undressing was her legal husband.
“Fine. I’ll accept it,” she said, holding the bottle firmly. “We’ll open it together someday… perhaps on the last day of this ridiculous deal. That day, you and I will finally be free to choose our lives again.”
She walked away, leaving Reyansh motionless. That last line echoed louder in his head than anything else she’d said.
Few Days Later
Reyansh and Anand Malhotra met to finalize the joint venture that would bind their companies together. The meeting went smoothly. Both men were confident in their alliance, believing it would prove beneficial for both families. Contracts were signed; hands were shaken.
Later that day, Anand messaged Aanya thanking her for making it happen. He even sent an invitation for a dinner at Malhotra Mansion. Aanya read the message but chose not torespond. She had done her part. Her father had secured his deal. That was enough. She no longer cared for her share of the monthly pocket money, as she had once planned. She didn’t want her father’s money or her husband’s. She intended to earn her own, and that conviction now burned fiercely inside her.
Just then her phone pinged with an email notification. She clicked it instantly, her heart racing when she read the subject line. It was from a renowned company in the field of home interiors. She read the message and gasped in joy.
“Di! Di!!” she called out, rushing out of the room.
Radhika emerged from the kitchen, holding a ladle and wearing a soft smile. “Aanya? What is it? Why are you screaming?”
Aanya flung her arms around her and planted kisses on both cheeks.
“Di, they’ve called me for an interview tomorrow!”
“What? Oh my God, that’s amazing! Which company?”
Aanya showed her the details on her phone. Radhika lit up with joy.
“I didn’t think they’d pick my profile,” Aanya admitted.
“They saw your determination, Aanya. That’s what brought this opportunity to you. Don’t let it slip through your fingers.”
“I won’t,” she whispered, hugging her again.
“You’re going to tell Reyansh now, aren’t you?” Radhika asked.
Aanya stepped back, her smile fading. “No, not yet. Let me get the job first then I’ll tell him.”
Radhika accepted her decision with a quiet nod. “As you wish. Now let me finish the kheer and tell Rishi the good news.”
Aanya beamed as she watched her leave.
