The Billionaire's Bride [ Rewritten]

Part 22 | You owe me a dance

Late night Update! A pretty long one.

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The heavy, suffocating weight that had crushed my chest earlier completely evaporated, replaced by the sweet, lingering warmth of his confession.

From across the manicured lawn, the smooth, sweeping chords of a slow waltz drifted out from the open patio doors of the charity gala. Out here, in the secluded corner of the vast backyard, the crowded party felt a million miles away. The breeze rustled through the surrounding trees, and the soft twinkle of fairy lights overhead made everything feel beautifully surreal.

Without saying a word, Kartik slid his right hand down to the small of my back. His left hand caught my fingers, lacing them securely through his. With a gentle, commanding pull, he drew my body flush against his chest.

" Now you owe me a dance."

I let out a soft, breathless laugh, my steps automatically synching with his, as he guided me into the rhythm of the music under the open canopy of stars. My head was still dizzy from the realization that he actually loved me.

I tilted my head back to look at him, my eyes bright with amusement despite the lingering vulnerability in my chest.

" I thought you hated the music they play at these galas."

"I do," Kartik murmured. His grip tightened just enough to pull me a fraction of an inch closer, his eyes locking onto mine with a fierce, possessive intensity that made my breath hitch.

"But I hate seeing you in someone else's arms infinitely more. The next time you feel like dancing... you better remember whom to ask for."

A spark of my feisty self flared up, a brilliant, challenging smile breaking across my face. I leaned back slightly against his arm, completely unfazed by his mock-stern tone as the breeze swept a stray lock of hair across my face.

"Are you jealous, Husband?"

Kartik didn't even hesitate. His gaze dropped to my lips for an agonizing second before rising back to meet my eyes.

"I am, wife. "

The sheer, unapologetic honesty in his confession sent a rush of heat straight to my cheeks. Under the soft glow of the backyard lights, I felt entirely exposed to the warmth of his gaze. Trying to regain my composure against his overwhelming proximity, I missed a step on the uneven grass.

Before I could trip, Kartik effortlessly caught my weight, swirling me into a tight, protective dip that left me breathless, before smoothly bringing me back up twirling so my back is pressed against his chest.

He lowered his head slowly, pressing a trail of lingering kisses along my neck and down the curve of my exposed back. Each touch burned through me, soft and deliberate, making it impossible to think straight.