Love Rivals: The Day I Saw Your Tears

74. Once Rival, Now Wife

(Ryan's Pov)

I chuckled, trying to hide the truth of my feelings. "I was shocked when you confessed. I thought, 'She's still not over me? What should I do with her now?'" I smirked, leaning back. "I kept thinking, 'It's not easy to forget someone like me, huh? But how is she going to move on if she's stuck waiting forever?' Those thoughts kept me awake that night."

She rolled her eyes, got up and threw the cup in the trash bin and went upstairs. I watched her heading to my room freely as if it's her own room. And I really liked how comfortable she was although it was completely a new environment.

The next morning, as I stirred awake, my gaze naturally fell on Sarah. I got up quietly and walked over to where she was sleeping, a soft smile tugging at my lips. She was curled up under the blanket, looking more like a ten-year-old than the woman who was now my wife. I stood there for a moment, just watching her, unable to suppress the strange warmth spreading inside me.

It was hard to believe that this girl, the one I had once despised, the one I had prayed so often to be free from, was now my wife. She had become my weakness, the person I couldn't imagine my life without. The realization hit me hard, almost surreal. How did this happen?

The sharp sound of the clock striking seven snapped me out of my thoughts. Reality set in again, and I shook my head, pushing aside the lingering emotions. I headed for the shower.

I stepped out of the restroom, trying to shut the door as quietly as possible, but it still made a soft bang. The sound was enough to stir Sarah awake. She blinked a few times, her eyes adjusting to the light.

"I didn't know you were such an early bird," I teased, a small smirk playing on my lips.

She glanced over at the clock, which now read 8:30. Barely awake, she mumbled a half-hearted, "Oh," as if the time barely registered in her groggy mind. Without another word, she got up and headed straight to the bathroom to freshen up, still moving in that sleepy daze.

After finishing my call on the balcony, I walked back into the room and spotted Sarah in her familiar outfit-a loose sweatshirt and joggers-standing in front of the mirror, casually brushing her hair. Without glancing at me, she asked, "Your parents aren't that traditional, right? Is it okay if I wear this?"

Leaning against the wall, I watched her through the reflection, letting the moment linger. "No one's going to care what you wear," I replied casually. "You're fine." I kept my gaze on her, expecting some reaction, but she stayed composed, tying her hair up in a messy bun, completely unbothered by my presence.

As she was about to step out, I grabbed her wrist, gently pulling her back. Reaching for the sindoor stick, I applied a small mark on her forehead, my fingers brushing her skin lightly. "Don't forget this," I whispered, my voice low. "Mom would be disappointed if you did."

Her hand clenched slightly, a subtle sign of nervousness. Smirking, I leaned in just enough to tease, "Oh, I didn't realize a simple gesture like this could get you so flustered. Didn't know I could affect you so easily."

As soon as she walked out of the room, I settled in front of my laptop for a meeting. Just as I started typing, I heard her voice calling from the hallway, "Ryan, no one's home."

Without looking away from the screen, I replied, "Mom and Dad must've gone to the hospital."

She lingered at the doorway and asked, "Did you take the day off?"

"Yeah," I nodded, still focused on my laptop.

There was a brief silence before she asked, "What about breakfast?"

A smirk spread across my face as I glanced up at her. "Sarah," I teased, "you'll have to cook for yourself today."

She didn't seem phased and simply replied, "Okay," before heading towards the kitchen.

I focused on my work again. After a while a soft knock interrupted my thoughts. I glanced toward the door, and there stood Sarah, holding a plate of sandwiches. She didn't say a word, but the faint smile on her face told me she understood the situation. Without a sound, she tiptoed into the room and gently placed the plate on the bed, careful not to disturb the silence.

As I tried to focus on my work, my mind wandered to how things had shifted-especially without Nitya. She had refused to help me any further, leaving me to navigate this new reality on my own. Finishing the task at hand, I picked up the plate and, with a sandwich half in my mouth, decided to see what Sarah was up to.

Downstairs, she was sitting comfortably, enjoying her food while watching TV, completely engrossed. I dropped onto the couch beside her, watching her for a moment before I spoke. "Thank goodness," I said with a grin. "At least we won't fight over this-we both like to eat while watching TV. But will you change the channel?"

And just like that, our playful banter began.