Destiny For Unlikely Vows

Chapter 43

For the past two days, I haven't seen her. And I hate to admit it—but it feels like I'm getting addicted to her. Last night, I tried opening her room door, and luckily, it was unlocked. She was fast asleep. Peaceful. Beautiful.

There's no denying it—she's stunning. I wanted to touch her, hold her... kiss her. But I didn't. I knew if she woke up, she'd misunderstand. She already doesn't think highly of me. The last thing I want is for her to believe that all I see in her is physical attraction.

But I won't let her leave me. She thinks I asked her to stay in this house just because I want my money back. She's so naive—she even agreed to work like a maid just to repay me.

Today, when I finally saw her again after two whole days... damn. She's always had this quiet charm, but how did I never notice her back in school? She's naturally beautiful—she doesn't wear makeup, except for the ever-present lip balm on her lips that I seem to notice every single time.

But right now, I'm stuck in a mess. Tanya called. Her father is forcing her to marry someone—a hospital MD in India, filthy rich and politically connected. The marriage is happening in a week. It's part of a major business deal, and Tanya's father won't take no for an answer.

She begged me to help her. She wants me to pretend to be her husband—just long enough for her to convince her family that she's already married. It has to look real. Every detail has to be flawless. Because if her father's men—his so-called "spies"—find out this marriage is fake, she'll be in serious danger.

So to make it work, I have to divorce Riya.

I convinced myself it was the right thing. Once Tanya's issue is sorted, I'll remarry Riya—properly, openly, in a way she deserves. No hiding, no lies.

But when I told her about the divorce... the way she looked at me—it shattered something in me. Her eyes welled up. Was that pain? Disbelief? Or... was it because she feels something for me?

God, I hope so.

But the timing couldn't be worse. I know I'm hurting her now, but I'll explain everything once this is over. I'll win her back.

Anyone who knows me might wonder—why go to such lengths for Tanya? Why hurt the only girl I've ever truly fallen for, just to help someone from my past?

But they don't know the full story.

Tanya once saved my grandmother's life. When every doctor gave up, she didn't. She wasn't even a licensed doctor back then—still completing her MBBS—but she did everything she could. Found the right surgeon, arranged everything, and stayed by my grandmother's side until she fully recovered. She sacrificed her own studies—faced a backlog just to help me.

I owe her.

My grandmother once hoped I'd marry Tanya. At that time, I didn't oppose it. Marriage was never part of my future plans anyway, but I was willing to go along with it for my grandparents' sake. Tanya seemed like the right fit.

Then... Riya happened.

Out of nowhere, my grandparents arranged my marriage to a complete stranger. I was shocked. Furious. But when I saw her—I froze. Something about her... I don't even know how to explain it. And yet, despite that pull, I mistreated her. Took out all my frustrations on her. I acted like a complete jerk.

My grandparents raised me better than that.

Now, after all that, I asked her for a divorce. And the first thing she did? Agree. Said she'd move out today. No questions, no drama. Just like that. She was ready to leave.

But I can't let her go. Not like this. I hate that I've put her in this position. I hate that she's hurting because of me. But for now, let her think I'm the villain. Let her hate me. It's better than her getting caught in this mess.

Tanya's father... he's not just a powerful man. He has links to the mafia. If Riya gets caught in this situation, she won't stand a chance. I need to keep her safe—even if it means she misunderstands everything.

But if she thinks she can leave this house and go live with her so-called "friend" Ankit, she's living in a dangerous illusion. That's never going to happen.

Not while I'm still breathing.

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