18 | sweet confession
Well, sunshine, you can change the page color too, you know. ???
Then do it—for my story. Oops... our story. ????
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The heavy oak doors of their bedroom clicked shut, locking out the chaos of the party, the whispers of the elite, and the prying eyes of the world. In the dim, ambient light of the room, the atmosphere shifted instantly from chaotic comedy to suffocating intimacy.
Avyukt carried Avantika in his arms as if she were the most precious, fragile artifact in existence. He didn't just see a drunk wife.
he saw the woman who had just publicly claimed him, driven by a raw, unadulterated jealousy that he hadn't anticipated.
It thrilled him more than any multi-million-dollar deal ever could.
He laid her gently on the plush mattress. Instantly, Avantika groaned, shifting uncomfortably.
The heavy designer lehenga, the stiff can-can, and the sharp safety pins securing her dupatta were digging into her skin. Even in her dazed state, she began to clumsily pull at the heavy jewelry around her neck.
Seeing her struggle, Avyukt's protective instincts kicked in. He knew there was no way she could sleep in this heavy bridal attire.
"Stay still, bachha," he murmured, his deep voice dropping to a low, soothing whisper.
Sitting on the edge of the bed, he leaned over her. His hands, usually so firm and commanding in the boardroom, became incredibly gentle. Slowly,
deliberately, his fingers brushed against the nape of her neck as he unclasped her heavy diamond necklace.
Avantika shivered at the cold touch of his fingers against her warm skin. One by one, he removed her heavy earrings and the bangles, placing them safely on the nightstand.
As he reached for the dupatta, his knuckles brushed against her bare waist, making her breath hitch. With utmost care, he unpinned the heavy fabric, freeing her shoulders from the weight.
As he went to pull back to give her space, Avantika's hands suddenly shot out, tightening their grip on his expensive suit jacket. Her knuckles were white, anchoring him to her.
"Don't go..." she mumbled, her voice laced with the heavy fog of alcohol, her usual walls completely broken down.
Avyukt paused, hovering just inches above her face. The stoic, unreadable mask he wore for the business world melted away. His dark eyes burned with an intensity that could scorch.
Slowly, he unbuttoned his suit coat with one hand, never breaking eye contact, and let it drop carelessly to the floor, remaining only in his crisp white shirt.
"I'm not going anywhere," he whispered, his warm breath fanning over her face.
"You're annoying," Avantika pouted, her cheeks flushed crimson. She looked up at his sharp jawline, her eyes welling up with a sudden, emotional
vulnerability. "And your dress... I hated it tonight. Why did she have to match with you? You're my husband."
Hearing those words from her lips-my husband-something snapped inside Avyukt. For sixteen long episodes, they had played a game of cat and mouse, hiding behind force marriage and pride. But tonight, the truth was out.
He braced his forearms on either side of her head, trapping her in his warmth. A soft, breathless laugh escaped his lips. "Are you finally admitting it, Avantika? That you can't stand another woman looking at me?"
"I was just... I don't like her," she whispered, turning her face away to hide the sheer intensity of his gaze.
Avyukt gently but firmly caught her chin with his thumb and forefinger, forcing her to look back at him. His touch was electric. "There is no 'her', Avantika. Look at me. From the
moment you walked into my life, my eyes haven't left you. Anna means nothing. You are the only one who has any right over me."
Avantika's breath hitched. The alcohol had made her bold, but his words made her heart race faster than any dance ever could. Her fingers tangled into his dark hair, pulling him down that final, agonizing inch. "Prove it, Avyukt."
He let out a low growl, a sound of pure surrender. "You're going to blame the juice tomorrow, aren't you?" he muttered against her lips. "But I won't let you forget this."
He didn't hold back. His lips met hers in a kiss that was a long time coming-deep, possessive, yet filled with a tender reverence that took her breath away. Avantika melted into him, her hands gripping his shoulders as the world spun around them.
When he finally pulled away, both of them were breathless. Avyukt's gaze was dark, heavy with a promise for the future. He knew she was too
intoxicated for anything more.
With practiced gentleness, he unhitched the heavy, uncomfortable skirt of her lehenga, pulling the bulky fabric down and leaving her comfortable in her soft inner skirt and blouse.
He quickly grabbed one of his own oversized, soft cotton shirts from the closet and carefully slipped it over her shoulders so she could sleep peacefully.
Finally, he pulled the silk duvet over her, tucking her in securely.
Instead of leaving, Avyukt slid into the bed beside her. Avantika instinctively sought out his warmth, burying her face into his chest and inhaling his scent of sandalwood and rain. His strong arm wrapped around her waist, pulling her flush against him.
As he ran his fingers through her messy curls, watching her features soften into sleep, a quiet smile played on his lips. This night was a turning point. The ice king had officially thawed, and tomorrow, he was going to make sure his wife accepted the love she had so beautifully demanded .
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Q: "Do you ever regret making him wait?"
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author note ( or request )
??????
Sorry for disturbing you guys. ?? Just a little self-promotion.
If, after finishing this book, you have a little time left, I'd be truly grateful if you gave Royal Library a chance.
If you want to read about a man who stands beside you when the entire world stands against you... a man who becomes your strength when everyone questions you... a man who trusts you so deeply that he refuses to believe you're wrong, even if you tell him you are...
Then Royal Library might be the story you're looking for. ???