Page 87 of One Hellish Desire

“Heading out again to steal Daadi’s dreams from me?”

I don’t mean to provoke, but I need to know. Before I realize, Vikram pins me to the car.

“Wear a red dress tonight. I’m taking you somewhere special.”

He’s changing the subject?

“What if I don’t wear red? What if I don’t go out with you at all until you tell me what are you doing with Devki Estate?”

He eyes me warily.

“Then I’ll dress you up myself. Your choice, Mrs. Cub Singh Grover.”

He gets in the car. I should be scared, but I’m more amused by the nickname.

CHAPTER 24

MAAHI

It’s already late evening, and I know Prince Pompous will be home any moment. He wants to take me out, but I have no interest. He’s been gone all day, probably scheming to steal Devki Estate from me. A knock at the door breaks my thoughts, and Meera aunty enters. Since Vikram agreed this morning that I could stay with Daadi for work, Meera aunty has been annoyed and hasn’t spoken a word to me.

“I knew it,” she snarls. “Vikram’s almost home to pick you up, and you’re not even getting ready.”

I sigh in disbelief.

“You don’t need to tell me what to do. I’m mature enough to make my own decisions.”

“Mature? You?” She laughs. “You’re selfish and opportunistic.”

I’m done with my mother-in-law’s taunts.

“If you’re done praising me, please leave.”

“Well, I am leaving. Tomorrow I’m leaving with my son and husband. Even though I don’t accept you as my daughter-in-law, I wished you hadn’t broken my son’s heart by refusing to join us.”

She drops a bag on the bed.

“This is a dress for tonight. I don’t want you wearing those typical salwars with annoying doris at the back.”

Now I’m more pissed.

“But your son loves them,” I smirk, crossing my arms. “He can’t keep his hands to himself when I wear one.”

Her brow furrows, showing disbelief or disinterest in her son’s preferences.

“Take it back,” I say handing the bag again to her. “I’m a fashion designer with better taste than you. Just because you’ve lived abroad for two decades doesn’t mean I need your fashion advice. I’ll wear what I like, not what you and your son want.”

She is silent for a few seconds, then mutters, “I don’t understand what my son saw in you.”

“Ask your son that. He can write a book on me,” I wink and head to the closet. I’d rather get ready than argue with my mother-in-law.

Within an hour, I’m dressed and looking in the mirror. I have no idea where Vikram is taking me, but I’ve chosen a red shimmering gown with silver earrings. My hair is tied in a bun, leaving my nape bare.

I feel Vikram’s presence before I see him in the mirror. He’s standing at the bedroom door, admiring me. My pulse quickens as he approaches, dressed in a black suit and shirt, with a silver tie matching his shrewd eyes. I start to turn, but he presses my shoulders, forcing me to keep looking at him in the mirror. I wait for him to speak, growing annoyed at his silent staring.

“What are you doing?” I snap.

“Capturing your look. After all I have to survive without this gorgeous face for a while.”

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