A LOVE UNBOUND

Chapter 3: Jennifer's Return

JENNIFER POV

The high-rise buildings of Mumbai feel like old friends as I step out of the taxi. It's strange, being back here after everything. Once, I thought I’d never need this city again. I had it all—a wealthy husband, luxury, a perfect life. But now? Now, I’m back in Mumbai, and the world I left behind is all I have.

When I heard Aryan’s name in the divorce court halls, something shifted in me. I hadn’t thought of him in years, hadn’t let myself dwell on the boy I once left for bigger dreams. But as my life crumbled, as I watched everything I’d chased turn to dust, the memory of Aryan became sharper, more enticing. He was still the one who would’ve done anything for me. And in that moment, I knew where I needed to go.

I’d heard whispers that Aryan was married now, to some sweet, small-town girl named Siya. Rumor was she’d supported him through thick and thin, been the perfect wife, the doting mother to their son, Advik. But honestly, what did that girl have on me? A life of quiet devotion? A string of homemaking skills? She had no idea who Aryan really was, who he’d been with me.

And then there was Advik. Aryan’s son. Aryan’s and hers. But from the moment I saw that little boy, I knew I had my way in. All it took was a couple of toys, some sugary snacks his mother would never approve of, and he was looking at me like I was some sort of fairy godmother. Kids are easy that way—they want, and they take. Give them what they can’t have, and they’re yours.

The first time I met Advik, I could sense the frustration bubbling in him. Poor boy, stuck with a mother who didn’t let him have anything fun. All it took was a few gentle questions, a soft tone, and he started telling me everything. How he wished he could have pizza every night, how his mommy wouldn’t let him eat his favorite sweets. I listened, nodding and sympathizing, as if I couldn’t imagine how “awful” it must be for him.

“Don’t worry, sweetheart,” I told him, slipping a chocolate bar into his hands. “You have me now. And if I were your mommy, I’d let you have all the treats you wanted.”

The way his face lit up was priceless. He looked at me like I was some magical answer to his every problem. I started planting little ideas, gentle nudges. “Wouldn’t it be fun if we could spend more time together, just us?” I’d say, watching his eyes sparkle with excitement. I could already see the cracks forming in his relationship with Siya, his real mother. Just a few more pushes, and he’d be convinced that he needed me in his life, not her.

Then there was Aryan. Seeing him after all these years was surreal. He looked... successful. Confident. But there was still that softness in his gaze, that hint of the boy I once knew. I could feel him torn, like he wasn’t quite sure where to put me. So, I did what I always do best—I played on his sympathies.

I told him I’d been hurt, that my ex-husband had left me broken and penniless. I left out the parts where I’d spent his money on frivolous luxuries, the way I’d dismissed Aryan for someone richer all those years ago. I played the victim, painting a picture of heartbreak and struggle, and Aryan… well, he was Aryan. He couldn’t just turn away from someone in need, especially not someone he once loved.

“I don’t know what to do, Aryan,” I’d say, letting my voice crack just enough. “I feel like I’ve lost everything. You’re the only one who ever truly knew me.”

It worked. I could see the sympathy, the conflict, growing in him. And that was enough. Just a few more encounters, and he’d remember the love we once had. He’d realize that I was worth more than that plain little wife of his, that our history was worth more than his safe, predictable marriage.

I’ve heard of women like Siya—martyrs who give and give, expecting loyalty in return. But I know men. I know how to get under their skin, how to make them question things they thought they’d already decided. All I have to do is remind Aryan of the fire we once shared, and he’ll forget all about his dutiful wife.

And then there’s Advik. My little pawn, eager to please, desperate for the approval he feels he’s been denied. With him on my side, Aryan won’t stand a chance. After all, what father doesn’t want his son to be happy?

As I leave his office tonight, I feel a thrill pulse through me. It’s just a matter of time. The life I lost will be mine again, and with Aryan, Advik, and my own son Cody, I’ll finally have everything I deserve.

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