The Charade

45| 𝕳𝖊 𝖎𝖘 𝖘𝖔 𝖕𝖔𝖜𝖊𝖗𝖋𝖚𝖑

Chapter 46 and 47 is published on Scrollstack!

AUTHOR'S POV

The moment Adhikrit revealed everything, Kashi fainted in his arms, the truth was too hard to digest. He didn't wake her; instead, he let her rest peacefully, her head nestled against his chest.

When they reached their destination, Adhikrit ensured no one disturbed her sleep. A soft smile tugged at the corner of his lips as he gazed down at her-his wife, finally resting in his arms after months of tension.

He didn't know what she would say when she woke up, but he wouldn't let her make any wrong decision that's not in his plan, right? And he was sure she would stay by his side.

Without a word, Adhikrit gently picked her up as if she weighed nothing. He held her close, keeping her warm against the cool night air, and began walking toward their car. A slight rustling sound echoed in the background as Ruhi followed with baby Reyaan in her arms, who slept soundly but wore a faintly irritated expression.

Adhikrit paid no attention to the attention-seeker.

Once they were safely inside the car, Adhikrit carefully settled her into the seat next to him, making sure her head rested against his shoulder. He looked down at her, brushing a strand of hair away from her face, his eyes softening briefly as the car sped toward their destination. He wouldn't wake her until they reached the mansion, in modified words the castle.

This destination is an island, hidden from the world and owned by the Agnihotris. Few knew it even existed.

This island was no ordinary place. Known as "the headquarters," it was a dark, secretive home where the Agnihotris operated far from prying eyes. In the center of the island stood their castle, old and grand, with tall towers and stone walls blending into the shadows. The house had been there for centuries, and from a distance, it looked like part of the landscape-easy to overlook unless you knew where to look.

The island was surrounded by rocky cliffs, and the sea below was wild and dangerous, making it difficult for anyone to reach. Only the Agnihotris knew the hidden paths leading from the land to their island. Inside, the mansion was like a maze, with long hallways and hidden rooms. The island had everything necessary to support them, and they operated and managed their affairs from there. Anyone who came to this place could never leave without being watched. Those who tried to betray them were erased before they even realized they had made the attempt.

For now, this mansion was about to feel the presence of its Highness and the upcoming King.

Adhikrit stepped out of the car, Kashi still asleep in his arms, and began the walk toward the mansion. His footsteps echoed against the stone floors of the grand entry hall as he passed through. The chandeliers above him flickered with a cold, almost ghostly light, casting long shadows across the marble. But to him, this was no threatening place-this was home. The island was his kingdom, and the mansion, his throne.

Their bedroom was on the highest floor, offering two very different views. On one side lay the endless ocean, waves stretching far into the distance. The other side faced a dense, uninhabited forest behind the mansion. The room itself was both elegant and dark, with high ceilings and large windows that perfectly framed the sea and forest. The bed was spacious, covered in rich fabrics, and an entire wing of the room served as a closet.

Adhikrit gently laid Kashi on the soft bed, her body sinking into the blankets. He sat on the edge, watching her breathe peacefully in the dim light. For the first time in months, her face looked calm, as if the storm inside her had finally begun to settle.