Page 54 of One Hellish Wedlock
Anand walked to her slowly, his expression softening as he watched the fire in her eyes. “You think about her more than she realizes. I often wonder why she still resents you.”
Kyle let out a bitter laugh. “She hates me because I tell her the truth. I don’t sugarcoat her mistakes. But I don’t hate her, Anand. Not even a little. She tests my patience, yes. She triggers my worst instincts, but... I don’t hate her. I loveyoutoo much to hate someone who’s a part of you.”
Her voice cracked just slightly as she said that. Anand cupped her face gently and kissed her forehead.
“I know. I just hope one day Aanya can see the mother in you.”
Kyle shook her head. “I don’t need her to. I’m not trying to steal her mother’s place. I never was. And if she never accepts me, that’s fine too.”
Anand smiled at her response. “You and your attitude.”
He pulled her into a warm embrace. Kyle remained motionless, lost in thought.
When she married Anand, she had no expectations from his daughter. She knew Aanya would need time, space, patience.
But what followed was anything but growth. Aanya remained cold, distant always viewing Kyle asthe other woman, not even acknowledging her as a stepmother. Over time, despite Anand’s efforts, the rift only widened. Teenage rebellion turned to open defiance. School complaints poured in. College troubles followed. And Kyle, being the one left to deal with it all, became the enemy. Their fights were epic, like two wildcats tearing each other apart with words sharper than knives. It was then that Anand first floated the idea of marriage to help Aanya find responsibility and maybe, in the process,herself.
A shrill ring shattered her thoughts.
“Excuse me,” she said to Anand and picked up the phone from the bed.
“Hello?”
“Is this Kyle Aunty?”
“Yes. Who’s speaking?”
“Hello, Aunty. I’m Radhika, Reyansh’s sister.”
Kyle exchanged a glance with Anand, then tapped the speaker button.
“Hello, Radhika. How are you? I heard you arrived in India today.”
“Yes, this morning. But how did you find out?”
“Aanya mentioned it. We actually ran into her and Reyansh at a lingerie store today.”
Radhika chuckled.
“And she did mention a party,” Kyle added.
“Yes! In two days. Please don’t miss it. Uncle too. I’d really love to have you both there.”
Kyle looked to Anand again, silently asking for his approval. He nodded.
“Yes, we’ll come,” she confirmed.
“Thank you so much. I’ll see you both soon!”
The line disconnected. Kyle set the phone down slowly.
“I told you,” she muttered. “All of this... every bit of this drama is because ofher. Radhika is the soul of that family. Reyansh would walk through fire for her.”
Anand exhaled in growing disbelief. “I should talk to Aanya and ask her what is happening.”
Kyle raised a sceptical brow. “You really think she’ll answer?”
“I have to try.”
