The Unwanted Royal Marriage

35. Next step, Together.

Adhyay's POV

As Meera stepped off the stage, my mind was racing, trying to piece together what I had just witnessed. The Flower Plus. The name that had been circulating in business circles, with whispers of its mysterious CEO—a hidden genius who had built an empire out of nothing. And that CEO was Meera. My Meera.

She had managed to keep it from everyone, including me, all this time. Her strength, her resilience—it was like seeing her in a new light. I thought I knew her, but tonight, I realized just how much there was still to learn. She had built this dream on her own, while balancing the weight of the Oberoi Groups and our marriage. I couldn't help but feel immense pride in her. But, admittedly, there was also a pang of something else. Maybe it was hurt, or just the feeling of not being let into her world fully. She had done all of this alone, shouldering the burden herself.

But more than anything, I felt admiration. This was the woman I had fallen in love with, and tonight, she had shown me a side of her that I would never forget.

Suddenly, the emcee's voice echoed through the hall, pulling me from my thoughts. "And now, we come to the final award of the evening—the CEO of the Year award!"

The spotlight swung back to the stage, and I shifted in my seat, glancing briefly at Meera. She gave me an encouraging smile, her eyes filled with pride as if she already knew the outcome.

I felt my pulse quicken. I had been nominated for this award several years in a row and had won it consecutively, but tonight felt different. Tonight, I wanted this award not for myself, but for us—to dedicate it to her, to our journey together.

"And the CEO of the Year goes to... Mr. Adhyay Ranawat, CEO of the RR Industries!"

Applause erupted around me, and my team cheered, Dhruv, Dev, Devi, Abhimaan, and Rajat clapped me on the back as I stood up my heart racing. Meera's smile widened, and I caught her eye again. She nodded, her look saying, This is your moment.

As I walked to the stage to accept the award, her revelation still echoed in my mind. This was more than an award—it was a new chapter for us. And as I accepted the trophy, I knew that whatever came next, Meera and I would be facing it side by side.

I stood at the podium, the weight of the award in my hands and the eyes of the room on me. But as I looked out over the crowd, my gaze found its way back to Meera, seated elegantly in her chair, her hands gently folded on her lap. She looked back with a mixture of pride and something deeper—understanding, maybe.

"Thank you to everyone who made this award possible," I began, my voice strong but slightly unsteady as my thoughts churned. "Each year, winning this award has been an honour, but tonight, it carries a new meaning."

I glanced at Meera again, catching her soft, steady smile, and I knew I wanted her to hear these words. "Success, to me, has always been about dedication and hard work. But lately, I've realized there's something beyond just those principles. Success can come when you're inspired, and tonight, I realize how much of my inspiration comes from my family, and most importantly..." I paused, the hall going still, "my wife."

There was a murmur of appreciation in the crowd as Meera's expression softened, her cheeks flushing as she looked back at me.

"I didn't know, until recently, just how strong and remarkable a partner I was blessed with. Meera has been my strength, my drive, and seeing her resilience and the things she's accomplished—things I didn't even know she was working on—has only made me realize that success isn't defined by titles or awards. It's defined by the people who lift us up."

My voice became more heartfelt, speaking to her in a way only she would understand. "Meera, tonight isn't just my night. It's yours too. You've shown me that the true strength in a partnership is lifting each other, even in silence. And for that, I'm forever grateful."