Page 85 of One Hellish Wedlock
“Reyansh,” Shagufta greeted with surprise and a little too much delight.
Reyansh stiffened, then gave her a courteous hug. Aanya crushed Navya’s hand in a death grip, making her yelp.
“Ow! What the hell?” Navya muttered.
“That’s the she-devil I was talking about.Shagufta Khanna.”
Navya subtly scanned Shagufta from head to toe and then zeroed in on how the woman kept finding ways to graze Reyansh’s arm while talking.
“She’s… beautiful,” Navya muttered.
Aanya glared at her. “Whose side, are you?”
“Yours, obviously. But now Igetit. She totally wants your spot. The way she’s eyeing him? Yeah, she’s got plans.”
“They’ve known each other since childhood,” Aanya muttered.
“Just friends… or childhoodlovers?” Navya teased.
“Shut up.”
“Oh my God. You’re jealous.”
“I amnotjealous.”
“Liar,” Navya grinned. “I can read your face. You’re getting attached to him. You can’t stand seeing him with another woman. And that kiss at the house? Sealed the deal. Admit it.”
Before Aanya could snap back, Shagufta approached.
“Hello, Aanya. So nice to see you again,” she said sweetly, offering a handshake and then a hug, one that was far too rehearsed.
“Same here,” Aanya replied, keeping her voice neutral.
“Congratulations on the job,” Shagufta whispered in her ear before pulling away.
Aanya froze. How the hell did she know? There was only one way.Reyansh. He’d told her? When? The thought made Aanya’s blood boil.
“I’ve got a few things to handle. You all enjoy,” Shagufta said, flashing Reyansh another radiant smile before sauntering off.
Aanya swallowed her irritation and followed the family to their table. Reyansh trailed close behind.
Just as Aanya was about to take a seat beside Radhika, Radhika raised her hand. “No, not here. Sit beside your husband. That’s your place, always beside Reyansh.”
Aanya gritted her teeth but faked a smile, then took her seat next to Reyansh. Moments later, a chilled bottle of Champagne was placed on the table.
Her eyes widened.
“It’s fruit Champagne,” Reyansh muttered under his breath, anticipating her reaction.
She rolled her eyes. Alcohol was forbidden under their contract, but honestly? With Shagufta hovering nearby, even fizzy juice might as well be vodka.
She popped the bottle and poured drinks for everyone.
“To Aanya’s new job,” Rishi said, raising his glass.
Everyone toasted. Aanya downed her glass in one go and set it down with more force than necessary. Reyansh noticed.
“Stop acting like that,” he warned under his breath. “Di will catch on.”
