"Behind the mask of innocence lies a hunger for revenge, where power reigns supreme and secrets dictate the game."
•••
Ananya's light conceals dark shadows.
Secrets fester.
Revenge fuels.
Betrayal lingers.
Obsession rules.
What will Trayaksh do whe...
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Without taking her eyes off Ritika, who had yet to notice her, Ananya shoved the bag into the receptionist's hands and abruptly turned to leave.
"Mrs. Khatri?!" The receptionist called out in confusion.
Ananya barely registered it. Her heart was pounding, her footsteps brisk as she headed for the exit.
But before she could get far, another female voice from behind called out, "Ananya!"
She had never heard Ritika's voice before, but there was no mistaking it now. Every fiber of her being screamed that this was her.
With a stony expression, Ananya quickened her pace, walking straight out of the building. She reached her car, ready to slide inside and shut the world out, but just as the guard moved to close the door, she heard it again. "Ananya!"
Instinctively, and against her better judgment, Ananya looked up. And there she was. Just a few steps away, closing the distance with a broad, cheerful smile.
"Hey, I'm Ritika," She called out brightly, "but I'm sure you already know that."
Ananya didn't respond, her face impassive. Instead, she gestured for the guard to shut the door. The man had earlier hesitated when he saw Ritika calling to his lady boss, but at Ananya's gesture, he hastily moved to follow the order.
"Hey, wait!" Ritika exclaimed, holding out her hand to stop him. "I mean... I know this is sudden, but will you have coffee with me? Just a block down." She pointed to the left.
Ananya's gaze flickered briefly to the direction Ritika had pointed. The ease with which Ritika navigated this space, as if Trayaksh's office was a regular haunt for her, didn't escape her notice.
When Ananya remained silent, Ritika's radiant smile faltered.
"No?" She asked hesitantly. Then, in a softer tone, she added, "I just... I wanted to get to know you. The person who married Trayaksh."
Ananya's eyes flashed upon hearing her husband's name spoken by Ritika. Several long beats passed. Then, finally, she responded. "Fine."
Ritika's smile returned, brighter now. She moved toward the Bentley, assuming she would ride along, but Ananya smoothly stepped out before she could reach the door.
"We'll walk," She announced curtly.
Ritika blinked, caught off guard. Her eyes flickered to the road she had pointed to earlier, then to Ananya's car.
