The Billionaire's Bride [ Rewritten]

Part 28 | Let the World Know

I eased the door open to see my beautiful wife, perched on a high-backed chair like royalty, utterly engrossed in savoring a mug brownie.

Leaning against the doorframe, I crossed my arms and just watched her. She let out a soft, appreciative sigh at the next bite, completely oblivious to the world and entirely careless about her immaculate makeup or the expensive fabric she was wearing. Slowly, she licked the back of the spoon, catching the last remnants of the creamy, chocolate sweetness.

A low chuckle escaped me, breaking the silence.

Naira's head snapped up, the spoon still caught between her lips. When she saw me, a sheepish, guilty smile spread across her face.

"I couldn't resist the craving," she mumbled around the spoon.

Pushing off the wall, I walked over to her. I plucked a tissue from the vanity and gently wiped away a smudge of chocolate at the corner of her lips.

"Great, I messed up my lipstick," she complained, though there was no real bite to it. "Now I have to reapply it." She turned to the dressing table, her eyes scanning the neat row of cosmetics.

"Looking for this?" I held up a sleek golden tube, catching her shade.

As she reached for it, I deftly pulled my hand back out of reach. Her brow furrowed into a frown.

"Give me a kiss first."

"Kartik! We are getting late, give it to me now," she huffed, lunging slightly to grab the makeup accessory.

I raised it higher, entirely unbothered by her whining. I was in no mood to let her win this. " Think about it " I reasoned, a smirk tugging at my lips. " It's only going to get ruined when we kiss anyway, and then you'll just have to reapply it all over again. Why not just kiss me now and save us both some time?"

Naira rolled her eyes, giving me a look that clearly said 'you are impossible.'

Before she could argue, a sharp knock rattled the wooden door. "Naira, are you ready? Everyone is downstairs," Siya called out.

"Y-yeah, Siya! I'm just finishing up. Give me five minutes!" Naira called back, her voice tightening slightly with a sudden rush.

"Alright, see you downstairs!" Siya's footsteps faded down the hallway.

Naira turned back to me, her eyes narrowing. "When did you lock the door?"

"When you were busy having your moment with the brownie," I replied, offering her a sly, victorious smile. "You asked for it. I warned you."

"Okay, fine!" She crossed her arms tightly over her chest and closed her eyes, tilting her chin up. "You can kiss me."

God, she was breathtaking even when she was annoyed.

I inched closer, leaning down until I could feel the warmth of her breath. My lips brushed agonizingly slow against hers, tracing the soft edges of her mouth-and then, with a sharp grin, I completely backed away.