The Billionaire's Bride [ Rewritten]

Part 26 | Into You like Flames

Naira glided the lipstick against her lips in one bold stroke, the nude brownish-pink shade bringing warmth to her features.

Just as she reached for the door, her gaze flickered to the clock. "Shit. I'm late."

For a man of punctuality, 30 minutes of wait should sound a reckless waste of time.

Yet when it came to his wife, Kartik had all the time in the world.

As Naira descended the grand staircase, draped in a simple yellow saree, she looked like a dream brought to life. Her loose waves cascaded over her shoulders, and the radiant smile lighting up her face made it impossible for Kartik to look anywhere else.

He rose to his full height from the couch, dropping his phone into his pockets at once. The click of her heels echoed through the foyer before she stopped in front of him.

"You're staring again."

A slow smile tugged at his lips.

"I'm thinking."

"What about?" she asked, one eyebrow arching playfully.

"That." His finger hooked around the delicate waist chain he'd gifted her the previous night. With a gentle tug, he pulled her closer.

"How did I get so lucky?"

His voice dropped to a whisper as he brushed his lips against the spot beneath her ear. Instantly, her cheeks turned a soft shade of pink.

"You promised me a date," she reminded him with a laugh, catching his hand and pulling him toward the door. "Come on. We're already late."

Kartik followed willingly.

"We have all night, sweetheart."

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Half an hour later, the car rolled through ornate wrought-iron gates and into a secluded lakeside farmhouse.

Naira gasped, visibly stunned by the view in front of her.

Kartik led her along a lantern-lit pathway winding toward a charming lake house nestled beside the water. A knowing smile lingered on his face as he watched her take in the surroundings.

"What is all this?" she asked, slowing her steps.

The lake house overlooked the tranquil waters, tucked away in a secluded corner of the countryside.

Warm fairy lights hung from the wooden pergola above, casting a golden glow over the cozy terrace filled with lush plants, flickering candles, and comfortable seating. Beyond the railing, the lake shimmered beneath the sunset, reflecting streaks of gold and orange across its surface.

With the gentle evening breeze, soft candlelight, and breathtaking view, the place felt intimate, peaceful, and almost magical.

"A surprise."

Kartik pulled out a chair for her before taking the seat opposite.

"You planned all this?" she asked, unable to hide her amazement.

"Yes." His eyes softened. "For us."

A bottle of wine rested in an ice bucket beside the table. He uncorked it and poured the deep ruby liquid into two crystal glasses before handing one to her.

"What's the occasion?" she asked quietly.

Kartik lifted his glass. "No occasion."

His gaze never left hers.