Page 84 of One Hellish Wedlock
She might’ve tried to hide it, but he read her like a book.
Without another word, Aanya stepped backand gently smoothed the front of his shirt, patting it lightly, like a wife checking to make sure she hadn’t creased the perfectly ironed fabric during their embrace.
“I’ll go change,” she said, dismissively, turned on her heel and bolted toward the bedroom.
Reyansh stood frozen, his entire face red like a tomato. His heart thudded, his ears burned, and his mind? Blank. Absolutely blank.
Radhika sauntered over to her brother and slipped her hand into his.
“So…” she said with a grin. “All that anger melted pretty fast, hmm? Aanya should have used this trick much earlier. Would’ve saved you a hundred hours at the gym.”
His flush deepened, but he quickly masked it with a scowl. He didn’t reply. Just turned away and walked off with his face still burning, chest tight, and the warmth of her lips still etched into his skin.
CHAPTER 15
Aanya found it nearly impossible to concentrate with Reyansh sitting so close. Ever since that impulsive kiss earlier, her thoughts had turned to chaos. She sat quietly in the backseat beside Navya and Radhika, while Reyansh drove with Rishi sitting next to him at the front passenger seat. Determined to avoid looking at him, she distracted herself by recounting her interview experience, especially the part where she had boldly refused to accept the job if it was offered using her father’s or Reyansh’s name as reference.
“References strengthen your profile,” Reyansh interrupted from the driver’s seat. “There would’ve been no harm if they considered you because you’re my wife.”
Aanya leaned forward slightly, voice sharp. “Didyouneed a reference when you built this empire?”
Reyansh said nothing, though the tight clench of his jaw said plenty. Radhika quickly stepped in.
“Reyansh, let it go. What matters is that Aanya got the job. This is a new beginning for her, and I know she’s going to do just fine.”
Aanya gave Radhika a grateful smile, comforted that at least someone in this family truly believed in her.
Then, instinctively, her eyes flicked upward and she caught the rearview mirror.
Reyansh was already looking at her.
His gaze didn’t falter. He kept his hands steady on the wheel, face unreadable, but his eyes held something different. Something quiet... and proud. It was a look that said more than words ever could.
The kind of look a man gives when he won’t say what he feels… but can’t hide that he feels it.
She held it for a moment longer than she should have, before she turned away and rejoined the conversation with Radhika and Navya, pretending her pulse hadn’t just betrayed her.
They arrived at the Bristo pub within thirty minutes. As Reyansh handed the keys over for valet parking, Aanya trailed behind the others.
“Reyansh, isn’t this the place Shagufta owns?” Radhika asked casually as they walked toward the entrance.
Reyansh cast a quick glance at Aanya, whose face paled at the mention. “Yes, Di. She owns it.”
Aanya’s stomach sank. She grabbed Navya’s arm and pulled her back from the group.
“In the entire city,thiswas the only place you found to celebrate my job?” she whispered with clenched teeth.
“Why? You don’t like it?”
“Ihatethe woman who owns it.”
Navya blinked. “Seriously? Why?”
“Long story,” Aanya snapped. “Just pray she doesn’t show up tonight.”
Reyansh turned just then, looking back to check on Aanya and Navya, and Aanya immediately stepped forward, forcing herself inside before he grew suspicious.
As if summoned by name, Shagufta appeared out of nowhere.
