THE PERFECT DECEPTION

Chapter 26

Anupama

To the outside world, I was merely a wife ensnared in a house shimmering with sequins and rich aromas of spices. Within the vibrant realm I had crafted alongside my caveman of a husband, I was more than just a woman—I was the architect of an exquisite tapestry that enveloped us. As I deftly guided the staff with warm authority, I saw Jonathan lounging in the corner, his amused grin barely hidden behind a steaming cup of coffee and the glow of his laptop screen.

With a playful wink, I clicked my watch, the light catching the glint of the delicate bracelet. Even though this was my ex-husband's wedding, he did not need to linger in the shadows, shrouded in indifference. Jonathan let out a long, exaggerated yawn, dismissing the carefully arranged decorations with a wave of his hand. He carelessly thrust the laptop into Nico's surprised chest, who let out an exasperated groan, rolling his eyes at Jonathan's nonchalance. 

Jonathan slowly brushed a strand of curled hair away from my face, his fingers lingering for a moment longer than necessary. He pressed his index finger against my nose ring, tilting it playfully to the side. "You're too beautiful," he said, his voice warm and inviting, "especially in red."

His smile was infectious, sparking a warmth within me. As I caught his gaze, I noticed how his features softened; the small creases around his eyes deepened in thought while my smile became a playful red desire, a perfect match for the silk lehenga set I wore. I felt exposed yet cherished under his attentive stare as if the fabric itself glimmered in the light of his admiration.

"If I were to marry you," he began, his voice dipping as if the question's weight was almost too much to bear, "would you look even more stunning? Would I even deserve someone like you? Would you have second thoughts about us?"

His hands enveloped mine, and I felt a tremor pass between us, a gentle shake of uncertainty. "Would I make a good husband to you, my angel?" he asked, his eyes searching mine for answers. In that moment, I saw his longing and the fear of unworthiness mingling with his love, laying bare the depth of his feelings for me.

I gently cupped his face, my fingers grazing his jawline, and kissed his cheek tenderly. "The only thing that's your fault is not finding me earlier," he groaned, his voice thick with emotion as he leaned in to plant a soft peck on my lips. "My biggest regret was not finding you sooner." I let out a loud laugh that echoed through the room, drawing the attention of everyone around us. Today, I felt a surge of confidence that made me momentarily indifferent to what others thought about me and my man, whose many shades were painted with the deepest red of blood—my own.

"Laughing so much," Devika huffed under her breath, a frown creasing her brow as she stood beside me while Rhys shot her a sly smirk. "Devika, aaram karo; dost ne tumhe pareshan karna bhi shuru nahi kiya hai. Tum pahle se hi bawal macha rahe ho," I said firmly, my tone commanding enough to catch Jonathan's attention. His eyes darkened, glints of coldness flickering within them before he spoke sternly, "Leave Devika." The edge in his voice drew a smile to Devika's lips as she gleamed happily while Rhys shook his head stubbornly. He glanced back at Devika, her eagerness palpable.

"Jonathan is right," Rhys said, the hurt evident in his expression as he rubbed his chin contemplatively. "I'll just be by the drinks since Levi and Kinjal are out. Someone has to play the alcoholic." He sighed, distancing himself from Devika with an air of longing, suddenly aware of his isolation in a crowd where his presence felt unnecessary.

Naomi, pushing back her braids with an exasperated gesture, said, "Baby girl, you're being harsh." Devika clicked her tongue in annoyance. "Why must he annoy me like a damn pest?"

"Harsh doesn't even begin to cover it," Naomi replied resolutely, her gaze now piercing at Nico, casting a cold stare back at her. "When someone pours their heart out, that pain lingers for a long time."