Until I Find My Star

Chapter 26

Guys all I'm asking is to engage in the comments and vote section. It gives me some energy to write more.

Author's Pov:

The moment they stepped inside the lavish club, Anu felt like every eye was on her. She's already not over at the stunt he pulled at his office days back and now this.

"Smile," he murmured, his lips barely moving. "You wouldn't want them to think something is wrong, would you?"

Swallowing hard, she forced a small smile, though her body remained rigid.

The chandeliers cast a golden glow, reflecting off the marble floors, the clinking of glasses and hushed murmurs creating a symphony of wealth and power. But none of it mattered. The only thing she could focus on was Vikram's possessive grip on her waist, his touch burning through the fabric of her saree.

She wanted to pull away, to put distance between them, but he tightened his hold, his fingers pressing into her skin in silent warning.

Just then a waiter approached, bowing slightly before handing Vikram a drink. Without hesitation, Vikram took it and handed it to her.

"Drink."

Anu hesitated, her fingers barely brushing the glass. Her throat was already dry from the anxiety clawing at her, but she knew better than to refuse. Still, she shook her head, stepping back slightly. "I... I don't drink anymore, Vikram. And my son is at home—"

The moment the words left her mouth, the air around them changed.

Vikram's grip on her wrist tightened, his knuckles whitening. His eyes darkened, a flicker of something dangerous flashing through them.

"Our son," he corrected, his voice low and sharp. "Don't forget that, Anu."

She swallowed hard, her pulse pounding in her ears. His fury was barely contained, simmering beneath the surface.

"I didn't mean—"

"You didn't mean to remind me that you still think of him as yours alone?" he interrupted, his grip tightening painfully. "That you still think you can keep parts of your life separate from me? Still trying to plan to escape, my little wife?"

She winced, but he didn't let go. Instead, he stepped closer, his breath hot against her ear. "You don't get to choose what parts of you belong to me, Anu. Every part of you—every thought, every breath—is mine. And don't even think about escaping. I found you once and it won't be hard to find you again."

The cold finality in his voice sent a shiver down her spine.

Without another word, he shoved the glass back into her hand. "Drink."

Her fingers trembled as she stared at the amber liquid, knowing there was no escape. She could feel the weight of his expectations, of his demand for obedience.

Slowly, she lifted the glass to her lips, taking the smallest sip, hoping it would satisfy him. But Vikram only smirked, his hold on her waist tightening possessively.

"Good girl," he murmured.

Satisfied, Vikram finally released her waist, but only to intertwine their fingers, a silent yet obvious claim to everyone in the room.

"Vikram, it's been a while."

A deep voice interrupted her thoughts, and she turned to see a tall, well-dressed man approaching them. He exuded confidence, his sharp gaze flickering over her before settling on Vikram.

Vikram smirked, his grip on her hand tightening ever so slightly. "Indeed, Rajesh. It has been too long."

Rajesh's gaze lingered on Anu for a moment longer than necessary. "And you must be the wife Vikram has been keeping hidden, though I saw you last week at his office but before I could approach you guys left."