Devil's Bride

Escape to Paradise

Ayaan sat in his study, his hands resting on the dark mahogany desk as he watched Maya from afar. She was sitting by the window, lost in thought, the weight of her earlier encounter with Mahendra evident in the way she clutched the edge of her saree. Her distress stirred something fierce within him.

He closed his laptop with a decisive thud and made his way to her. “Maya,” he said softly, sitting beside her. “We’re leaving.”

She blinked, startled. “Leaving? Where?”

“To Malaysia. I’ve decided it’s time we take a break from all of this,” he said, gesturing around the mansion. “Just you and me. Away from this house, the business, and everything else.”

Maya looked hesitant. “Ayaan, is it really the right time? Your father—”

“I don’t care what my father thinks,” he interrupted firmly, taking her hands in his. “You’ve had enough stress since we got married. It’s time for us to enjoy our time together. This is about you and me, Maya. Nothing else matters.”

The next morning, Ayaan walked into his father’s study to deliver the news. Mahendra Rathore looked up from his paperwork, his sharp eyes narrowing as soon as he saw the determined expression on his son’s face.

“Where are you off to now?” Mahendra asked coldly, sensing Ayaan’s purpose.

“We’re going on our honeymoon. Malaysia,” Ayaan said, his tone leaving no room for argument.

Mahendra’s brow furrowed in disapproval. “Ayaan, this is not the time for leisure. We’re in the middle of a critical negotiation with the Singhs. You are needed here. Do you realize the risks you’re taking by abandoning your responsibilities now?”

Ayaan remained unfazed. “The business will survive without me for a few days. You’ve built this empire to withstand storms, haven’t you?”

“This is no storm; this is negligence!” Mahendra’s voice rose. “You’ve already been distracted enough since your marriage. Now you’re running off on a whim? Do you even realize what’s at stake?”

Ayaan leaned forward, his eyes blazing. “What’s at stake, Father, is my wife’s happiness. And that comes before any deal, any negotiation, or any empire. I’m going, and that’s final.”

Mahendra’s jaw tightened, his hands gripping the armrest of his chair. He wanted to argue further but knew his son well enough to recognize the resolve in his voice. For all his power, Mahendra Rathore understood there were battles he could not win, and Ayaan’s love for Maya was one of them.

“Very well,” he said icily. “Do as you please. But don’t expect me to clean up the mess when things fall apart.”

Ayaan smirked, unbothered by the veiled threat. “There won’t be a mess, Father. I’ll handle my responsibilities when I return. But for now, my wife and I have plans.”

Within hours, Ayaan and Maya were aboard his private jet, soaring above the clouds. Maya couldn’t hide her excitement, despite her initial reluctance. She kept peeking out of the window, marveling at the view, her worries momentarily forgotten.

“This is… beautiful,” she murmured, her eyes wide.

Ayaan, sitting beside her, chuckled. “Just wait until you see the beaches of Langkawi. You’ll fall in love all over again.”

Maya turned to him, her cheeks tinged pink. “I already have,” she said softly, her words catching him off guard.

Ayaan reached for her hand, his fingers brushing hers gently. “Then let’s make this trip unforgettable,” he said, his voice low, promising.

As the jet sped toward their destination, Maya felt a growing sense of peace, her fears fading with each passing mile. For the first time since their marriage, she truly believed that everything might just be okay—as long as Ayaan was by her side.

The warm Malaysian breeze greeted Ayaan and Maya as they stepped out of the private jet onto the tarmac. The sun was setting, casting the sky in hues of orange and pink, as though nature itself was celebrating their arrival. A sleek black car awaited them, and the chauffeur opened the door with a polite bow.

Maya hesitated before stepping inside, glancing at Ayaan. “Isn’t this too much? It feels so extravagant.”

Ayaan smirked, leaning close to whisper, “Nothing is too much for you, Mrs. Rathore. Get used to it.”

Blushing at his teasing, Maya slipped into the car. The journey to their resort was breathtaking, with lush greenery and shimmering blue waters stretching as far as the eye could see. Maya kept peeking out of the window, her awe bringing a satisfied smile to Ayaan’s face.

Their destination was a luxurious private villa nestled on a secluded beach. The villa had a glass front that overlooked the ocean, with waves gently lapping at the shore. Ayaan had ensured they had complete privacy, leaving no room for interruptions.

As they stepped inside, Maya gasped. The interior was stunning, with white marble floors, a canopy bed adorned with sheer drapes, and fresh flowers arranged elegantly on every surface. The soft sound of the ocean breeze filtered through the open windows, filling the space with tranquility.

“Ayaan, this is… too beautiful,” she said, turning to face him.

Ayaan shrugged, his hands casually tucked in his pockets. “It’s nothing compared to you,” he replied, his voice soft but intense.

Her cheeks flushed again, and she quickly looked away, pretending to admire the decor. He chuckled, clearly enjoying her shyness.

Later that evening, Ayaan led Maya to a candlelit dinner set up on the beach. The sand was cool under their feet as they walked hand in hand. A soft melody played in the background, and the scent of the sea mixed with the aroma of the exquisite dishes laid out before them.

Maya hesitated as she picked up a fork. “Ayaan, you’ve been doing so much… I feel like I should—”

“Should what?” he interrupted, raising an eyebrow. “Let me remind you, Mrs. Rathore, that this is my time to spoil you. No protests allowed.”

She laughed softly, shaking her head. “You’re impossible.”

“And you’re irresistible,” he shot back smoothly, making her cheeks warm again.

They talked and laughed through the meal, with Ayaan sneaking in compliments and teases that left Maya flustered but undeniably happy.

As the night deepened, Ayaan stood behind Maya, both of them gazing at the moonlit waves. He wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her close. She tensed slightly at first, but his warmth soon melted her nervousness.

“Maya,” he said softly, his lips brushing against her ear. “You’ve changed me. I don’t know what life was before you, and frankly, I don’t care to remember. You’re my world now.”

She turned to face him, her eyes shining with emotion. “Ayaan…”

Before she could say more, he cupped her face gently, his eyes locking onto hers. “I mean it. I’d give up everything—business, power, all of it—just to see you smile. That’s all I need.”

Tears welled up in her eyes, but this time, they were tears of happiness. She leaned into his embrace, whispering, “You don’t have to give up anything, Ayaan. I just want you.”

As they returned to the villa, the intimacy between them grew. Ayaan didn’t rush; he took his time, sensing her every emotion and making her feel cherished. Every touch was deliberate, every kiss filled with passion and reverence.

For Maya, it was an overwhelming but beautiful experience, the beginning of a new chapter in their journey together.

And for Ayaan, it was a moment of complete fulfillment, knowing that he finally had the love of his life by his side, truly and completely.