The Billionaire's Bride [ Rewritten]

Part 31 | The Award Night

"Naira, if you don't open this door in three seconds, I am officially telling Kartik that you've been kidnapped by your own wardrobe!"

Rudra's dramatic voice cut through the heavy wood of my bedroom door, followed by a rapid, theatrical knock.

"I'm coming, I'm coming!" I laughed, throwing a final, panicked glance into the vanity mirror. I smoothed down the sleek fabric of my emarald evening gown, checked my curls one last time, and pulled the door open.

Rudy stood in the hallway, looking remarkably sharp in a tailored tuxedo, though he was currently checking his watch with exaggerated agony. The moment he looked up, his theatrical impatience melted away.

"Okay, wow," he admitted, leaning against the doorframe. "I take it back. Take another three seconds. You look stunning. I won't mind If you ditch my brother and be my date for tonight."

I rolled my eyes, a fond, you-are-impossible smile breaking across my face. " Seriously, do you have any actual plans of finding yourself a girlfriend."

" Too much effort." Rudy chuckled, offering his arm with a dramatic bow as we began walking down the grand staircase. " Isn't being the charming, single brother-in-law enough."

"I am personally making it my mission to find you someone who can actually match your ridiculous energy," I teased, stepping down into the foyer.

"Good luck with that, beautiful. I'm a rare breed." He grinned, guiding me out into the cool evening air and holding the car door open with a flourished bow. "After you. Let's go watch my brother win an award he definitely wouldn't have gotten without you keeping his life together."

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The crimson red carpet rolled out into a sprawling, opulently decorated banquet hall, completely transformed to host the elite business world. The atmosphere hummed with the collective energy of industry titans, high-profile entrepreneurs, wealthy investors, and a relentless sea of flashbulbs from reporters.

The Titanium Awards were considered the pinnacle of corporate achievement. Knowing how tirelessly Kartik had poured his soul into his five-year flagship project made my heart swell with an overwhelming sense of pride.

Through the crowd, I spotted Kartik deep in conversation with a high-profile couple. The moment his eyes met mine, he gracefully excused himself and began weaving through the sea of guests toward us.

Good lord!

I thought, a flush rising to my cheeks.

Is it just me, or is he entirely too hot to handle tonight?

"Hi, sweetheart." Kartik's voice was a low rumble. " You look beautiful. " He slid a possessive arm around my waist, pulling me securely against his side before bending down to press a soft kiss to my cheek.

I giggled, the rough texture of his evening stubble sending a familiar, pleasant tickle across my skin.

"Look at you two. It's your first official award ceremony since You got married. " a cheerful voice interrupted. It was Arjun, who was also slated to receive an award tonight, walking up with Aditi on his arm.