Destiny For Unlikely Vows

Chapter 42

Two days had passed since I started avoiding him, and honestly, I was relieved not to face him. Lately, his behavior has been strange. But what's even more confusing is what happens to me when he's near—it's like a monkey doing somersaults and bungee jumping in my stomach.

I've read enough novels to know this is how love often begins between two completely different people. Could this be happening to me too? No, no... that's impossible. He might just be physically attracted to me, but I'm not even beautiful. Besides, he already has a girlfriend—Tanya, from high school. I've heard rumors that they like each other. Maybe I should ask Celine—she's close to him. At least then, I'd have some clarity.

I got up and freshened up. I'm on sick leave—well, he forced me to take it. After finishing my morning routine, I slipped into my pajamas, tied my hair into a messy bun, and headed downstairs. I assumed he'd already left for the office, but to my dismay, there he was—sitting at the dining table. And he didn't look happy. Now what have I done? I haven't even seen him for the past two days, so why the anger?

I ignored him and walked over to the kitchen island where Celine was preparing soup. Then I heard it—my name. Riya. My heart skipped a beat. Why is he calling me?

Still lost in my own thoughts, I didn't react until he snapped at me again, louder this time: "Are you deaf?" Flustered, I blurted out, "Yes—I mean, no." I was stammering, confused, and before I could gather myself, he said, "I need to talk to you. Come to my room."

With my heart pounding, I followed him. What could he possibly want? Why is he so angry?

When we entered his room, he slammed the door behind us, startling me. Then he said the words that stung more than I expected:
"You need to sign the divorce papers today. Tanya's parents are forcing her to marry someone else."

Oh, so that's why he's upset—his girlfriend is being forced to marry someone else. But seriously? Tanya is a well-established doctor. Can't she decide her own life partner? Are her parents that orthodox?

Funny coming from me, though—I married a complete stranger in the 21st century just because I didn't want to upset my grandparents. Maybe Tanya is stuck too, like I am.

While I was lost in that thought spiral, he snapped me back to reality.
"What now? Changed your mind about the divorce? Why aren't you saying anything?"

I was stunned—more at myself than him. How could I be so stupid to think there could ever be something real between us?

Gathering my thoughts, I finally replied, "No, that's not the case. Tell me where to sign. I'll do it."
I added, "I'll move back to my rented apartment today. I don't have much to pack anyway."

He looked at me, surprised. "What?"

I repeated firmly, "If I'm divorcing you, I won't stay here. Why would I be in your way? Just tell me where to sign." I looked him straight in the eyes, trying not to break.

He stared back, eyes filled with an emotion I couldn't read. Did he expect me to cry or beg? How foolish I'd been to think he could ever fall for me. Those stupid novels...

Anyway, I have a family to take care of. I can't waste time on such delusions.

Suddenly, he stepped closer and said mockingly, "So eager to divorce me and leave, aren't you?" Then he laughed sarcastically.

"But let me make one thing clear," he added coldly. "Just because we're getting divorced doesn't mean you're leaving this house. You owe me. You'll pay back every rupee you've cost me."

He leaned in close, smelled my hair, and then walked toward the door. Just before exiting, he said,
"You'll get the divorce papers this evening. But you're not leaving this house. Not now. Not ever. Not until I say so."

His words cut deep. I was hurt—and angry. So I snapped back, "Once I've repaid your so-called debt, I'll leave. And you won't be able to stop me."

He smirked. "That's never going to happen." And with that, he left.

I didn't break down in front of him. Instead, I calmly walked to my room, shut the door, and cried—hard. One of my worst habits is that when I'm sad, I miss my mom even more. I stared at myself in the mirror, crying like a victim, asking life the same question: Why me, always?

But then, something in me snapped.
What am I doing? I'm not some weak, pathetic girl.

I washed my face, looked at myself in the mirror, and whispered,
"No more expectations—from anyone. Not even from family. Expectations only hurt. I have to focus on my career."

With that determination, I took out my laptop and began working through the pile of tasks I'd been putting off.

Hey Reader, sorry for late update but from now on you will get regular updates every week. Sorry again, I try not to disappoint you.