An Inconvenient Flame

Chapter 18

Hello, I am back, I am sorry for the late update. Actually I am back home, and due to all festivities it became to difficult to snitch some time out for the update. But I am back. Sorry for disappointing.

But let's dive back to our story.

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It's been a week since the last interaction happened. And I am already wondering is all this a mistake.

And nothing in its full capacity is able to thew my spirit and correct my pessimistic thoughts.

Abhiraj has left to fend on myself in this secluded place. Not even a single word has been shared between us. Me and Ivaan are sleeping in the different room, and he didn't even look bothered with it.

The marriage may not have been a voluntary decision from my side. Still, expectations sowed the seeds of finding love, in my heart among all the chaos, only to be destroyed with that contract.

I was not prepared for that, hell nothing could have prepared me for that disaster of a thing. My day started with a good promise of bringing Ivaan with me forever, but forced into a dark hole with Abhiraj's decision or whatever that was.

But why the fuck do I care? My life has always been this way; marriage is building a life with someone, and I have always been by myself then why the hell does it hurt all of a sudden?

It was your time to gain companionship and let go of all your responsibilities off your shoulders. A voice speaks from somewhere within.

"Ishika," My knees wobble, I haven't still become used to him even after being cooped up in this mansion for the past 11 days.

I turn around, my eyes lock with his blank ones. Indifference feigning his body. It seems as if he's the master of hiding his emotions.

He walks towards me, surprisingly a woman following him.

Abhiraj joins me in the living room and stands behind me. Both of us are opposite to this stranger lady.

The woman gives a polite smile. "Good evening Mrs.Rajvansh. Congratulations on your marriage. I am Dhriti Ananda. I am your new personal secretary." I am startled. It takes a good second to realize what she said. Mrs Rajvansh. Okay, enough to digest but Secretary? It doesn't sit well.

I nod at her and give her my best fake smile, " Nice to meet you, Ms. Ananda."

"Please call me Dhriti." She shakes her head. A pretty smile on her face. I can't properly comprehend her age but she's probably in her late 20s. A pretty lady, with black hair. She is a couple of inches taller than me.

Abhiraj clutches my waist softly, his fingers touching my bare skin peeking under the emerald crop top. He collects me in his arms, my head touching his lower chest. My heart is beating a mile a minute. I have never ever been in such close proximity with a man.

"Dhriti is been appointed as your secretary. You can directly contact her for any matters you require. She'll answer to you not me. Since we don't have a permanent cleaning and cooking staff, you can hire a staff if you don't like this arrangement." His words spread vibration down my spine, goosebumps fluttering on my skin.

I at him, giving a grateful nod.

"Dhriti, the driver will drop you back at the office. Ishika will contact you for further discussions."

"Have a great evening, " And she walks away.

His hands retreat, and I pull away from him taking a sigh of relief. That closeness felt as if a shard of heat spreading caused from a burn.

"You___mine___secr" My words are as muddled up as my thoughts. That touch shouldn't cause such reaction.