UNWILLINGLY HIS

Unexpected move

Samaira's POV
The air in the room is thick with anticipation as Advait steps onto the podium, his signature confidence radiating through the crowd of reporters. My heart pounds in my chest, but not out of nervousness. No, it's not fear but the beginnings of an idea—one that could finally tilt the scales in my favor.

I sit beside him, the small weight of the mangalsutra around my neck and the faint smear of sindoor on my forehead feeling heavier than they should. These symbols, though foreign to me now, have become tools in a game I never wanted to play but refuse to lose.

The press leans forward, cameras flashing incessantly as Advait clears his throat and begins.

Advait's POV
I scan the room, observing the eager expressions of journalists ready to pounce on the story of the year. A year ago, I had walked out of a wedding that should have united two families. Today, I stand here as a man rectifying—or rather, rewriting—that narrative.

"This press conference," I start, letting the words hang for dramatic effect, "is about something deeply personal and professional."

The whispers start almost immediately. I can sense the reporters piecing things together. Good. Let them guess. The real punch will be in the confirmation.

"I am here to announce that I, Advait Singh Shekhawat, am now married to Samaira Singhania. The woman standing beside me is not just Samaira singhania but Mrs. Adwait Singh Shekhawat"

The room erupts. Gasps echo off the walls, and a flurry of hands shoot up, accompanied by overlapping questions.

Samaira's POV
I expected this reaction. The shock, the disbelief. After all, most of the people in this room were present a year ago when I was left at the altar. Now, they see me as a bride in every sense of the word. The mangalsutra and sindoor are impossible to miss.

The murmurs grow louder, some reporters unable to contain their curiosity. One finally manages to get the mic, his voice slicing through the chaos.

"Mr. Shekhawat, why did you marry the same woman you left at the altar? What changed?"

Advait's POV
The question is inevitable, and I already have my answer prepared. I glance at Samaira for a fleeting moment, her calm exterior revealing nothing of the storm inside.

"It’s simple," I reply smoothly, meeting the reporter's gaze head-on. "Love has its own timeline. Sometimes, it takes losing someone to realize their worth. That’s what happened with me. I love samaira more than anything now, and no matter what life throws at me I will never let her go. I will always protect her no matter what."

More murmurs, more questions waiting in the wings. But I can feel the room starting to shift. The narrative is being controlled, just as I planned.

Samaira's POV
Love? I have to hold back a scoff. If only these people knew the truth behind this charade. But his answer, though rehearsed, is brilliant. It paints him as a man who learned from his mistakes—a narrative the public eats up.

Another reporter jumps in. "Mrs. Shekhawat," she begins, addressing me directly, "what made you give Mr. Shekhawat a second chance after what happened last year?"

My breath catches for a moment, but I quickly recover. "Some decisions," I say, mustering a soft smile, "are about more than just the past. They're about the future, we both have forgotten what all have happened in the past and have decided to give our relationship a new chance and of course it's human tendency to make mistakes and if a person has realised his mistake then there's no harm in forgiving." I can't believe I am saying this

It's vague but effective, and the reporter nods, scribbling furiously.

Advait's POV
She's playing along perfectly, and I can’t help but feel a twinge of pride. She’s learning to navigate this game as well as I do.

As the press conference begins to wind down, I take a step forward to deliver my closing remarks. But before I can utter a word, Samaira’s voice rings out, cutting through the room like a blade.

"I’d also like to add something," she says, standing from her seat.

Samaira's POV
I’ve rehearsed this in my mind a dozen times since Advait pulled this stunt. If he wants to use me to strengthen his position, then I’ll do the same.

"Our marriage isn’t just a union of two individuals," I announce, my voice steady and commanding. "It’s a union of two legacies. Shekhawat Industries and Singhania Enterprises will be merging into a partnership that will redefine the business landscape."

The room falls silent for a beat before erupting into chaos. Reporters scramble to ask follow-ups, their excitement palpable.

Advait's POV
My jaw tightens, though I keep my expression neutral. She’s outmaneuvered me—again. The merger wasn’t part of my plan, but her declaration leaves no room for debate. If I contradict her now, it will raise suspicion.

I glance at her, a mixture of frustration and admiration brewing within me. She’s brilliant, I’ll give her that. But this game isn’t over.

I step forward and with a forced smile confirms her announcement to avoid any suspicions.

Samaira's POV
I meet his gaze, noting the subtle tension in his jaw. Good. Let him feel cornered for once. My move secures not only my family's business but also my position in this mess of a marriage. If he wants me to play his game, I’ll play it on my terms.

As the reporters continue their frenzy, I sit back down, a small, victorious smile tugging at my lips.

Advait's POV
The press conference concludes, and as we exit the room, I lean closer to her, lowering my voice.

"Well played," I whisper, my tone a mix of annoyance and admiration.

"But.. I continue " Mergers doesn't work like that. Validation from board members of both companies is required and then there have to sign a contract for it, so that there are no complications in the future, so now tell me, what were you thinking while announcing this news?" I say, my gaze fixed at her

She glances at me, her smile unwavering. "That's not my concern, you're the powerful CEO of the country's leading Shekhawat industries and I guess you will manage it well. After all, it was your plan to bring me here, so now face the consequences"

And with that, she walks ahead, but before she can go any further I with a firm but gentle voice say "Anything for you, Mrs. Shekhawat"

I know arguing with her was pointless as the damage had already been made, but it was not at all a bad contract for my company, so I was not furious.

I referred to her as Mrs. Shekhawat as I very well know how much that title annoyed her;she practically hated it and I loved teasing her.

When I saw her trying hard to keep her demeanor calm but her cute small eyes filled with confusion and annoyance, I got the satisfaction I was looking for.

She certainly was not expecting this reaction from me, she must have expected from me a furious or annoyed reaction and not agreeing to her words.

But if she was unpredictable so was I.