Why did he push me away?

On the other end of the call, her ex-mother-in-law's languid voice resonated, "Yes… get to the point. Ask whatever you want to."

Hearing this, Anesha's expression turned solemn, her demeanor reflecting unshaken determination.

Without preamble, she asked, "Ex-mother-in-law…!! I know you are privy to everything about Dev. That's why I want to know—why did he push me away? What compulsion drove him to do this? Why didn't he even let me see our baby's face?"

As soon as Anesha voiced her question, an unspoken silence settled over the call, stretching across both ends like an invisible thread.

Moments later, the sound of deep, deliberate breathing reached her ears, breaking the stillness.

Unconsciously, Anesha's grip on the phone tightened, her knuckles whitening with the weight of anticipation.

Then, her ex-mother-in-law's serious tone pierced through, layered with meaning, "Listen, cute cat…!! Devansh had his reasons for pushing you away. Reasons bigger than you can imagine. I can't explain it all over the phone—it's far too complex. I'm currently out of town, but I'll be back the day after tomorrow. We'll meet, and I promise to answer every question you have. But until then, don't misunderstand Devansh. Whatever he did, it was for your own good. And my little cute cat…!! You do know how much he loves you, don't you?"

Hearing those words, Anesha drew in a deep breath, her lips pressing together to suppress the whirlwind of emotions inside her.

She knew, perhaps better than anyone, that Devansh loved her deeply—just as she loved him.

Yet, at this moment, an invisible wall loomed between them, erected by circumstances neither could fully control. Devansh had already taken the first step to tear it down, but no matter how hard Anesha tried, she couldn't bring herself to do the same.

Without saying another word, Anesha ended the call and stood still for a few moments, as if letting the air clear around her. Then, regaining her composure, she returned to preparing dinner.

Anesha was no stranger to adversity.

Having lost her entire family at the tender age of twelve and later being betrayed by those she held dear, she had learned to navigate life's storms on her own, caring not just for herself but for Manan too.

From a young age, she had shouldered responsibilities far beyond her years, battling a selfish world that left no room for kindness. Over time, she had mastered the art of dealing with even the harshest of situations with calm and composure.

She had grown so resilient that no matter how dire the circumstances, fear or panic never crossed her mind.

By now, she had accepted that troubles and challenges were her constant companions—two things that would never leave her until her final breath.

After decorating the dining table with a variety of delectable Chinese dishes,

Anesha stood to the side, her hands clasped behind her back, her striking hazel-green eyes fixed on Devansh.

Sitting in his chair, Devansh glanced at her briefly. She was swaying her shoulders slightly, like a child unable to contain their excitement, her gaze unwaveringly on him.

Her hair and clothes were slightly disheveled from working in the kitchen, but instead of looking untidy, she appeared irresistibly charming, almost angelic.

Noticing the curiosity glimmering in her eyes, Devansh shifted his focus back to the food in front of him.

Pouring himself a bowl of hot and sour soup, he took the first sip.

Anesha immediately asked, her voice tinged with eagerness, "How is it? Does it taste alright?"

Devansh paused, turning his emotionless gaze toward her.

Embarrassed by his lack of response, Anesha bit her lip and lowered her head, silently chastising herself for her childishness.

Devansh, however, continued to observe her intently, his piercing gaze trailing from her head to her toes.

In the two years since their separation, his ex-wife hadn't changed in the slightest. She was still as he remembered her four years ago.

As innocent as a lamb…!! As vibrant as a teenager…!! And as inquisitive as a child…!!

After a long moment, he finally spoke, his voice deep and commanding, "Sweetheart…!! Come here. To me."

Anesha lifted her head, her eyes meeting his, her breath hitching at the intensity of his tone.

After a brief pause, she hesitantly began walking toward him, her small, measured steps echoing in the silence.

What should have taken seconds felt like minutes, and as soon as she reached him, Devansh wrapped his strong hands around her delicate waist and pulled her onto his lap.

Her waist was so petite that it seemed to fit perfectly into less than half of his palm.

The suddenness of his action made Anesha blink rapidly, her beautiful eyes widening slightly as she looked at him.

Yet, she wasn't entirely surprised—this wasn't the first time he'd done something like this. Devansh had always been this way.

Holding her firmly, he pulled her even closer, closing whatever little distance remained between them.

Anesha's body stiffened, a wave of sensational goosebumps coursing through her.

Devansh leaned in, his warm, deep breaths brushing against her ear.

Caught off guard, Anesha squeezed his shirt tightly in her fists, her eyes fluttering shut.

With a faint touch of his wet lips to her ear, Devansh whispered in a low, alluring voice, "Sweetheart... this soup is absolutely delicious, but it doesn't even come close to you."

The meaning behind his words, shameless and profound, sent a flush of crimson rushing to her ears and face.

Devansh's gaze softened as he noticed the delicate pink of her nose and cheeks, a hint of a smile playing on his lips.

Leaning closer, he kissed the tip of her nose and murmured, "Sweetheart… you're still the same. No one could ever change you."

Anesha heard him, but words escaped her.

Frozen in place, she sat silently on his lap, her mind racing with thoughts about their closeness and his audacious words. Her face turned an even deeper shade of red, as though her skin, delicate and thin, might betray her with a visible blush of blood.

Devansh held her for a moment longer before returning to his meal, still cradling her in his arms. Every now and then, he paused to feed her with his own hands.

Without protest, Anesha obediently accepted the food, quiet and still, like a statue carved to perfection.

When they finished, Devansh stepped outside the cottage. Anesha followed to see him off.

The driveway in front of her charming cottage was lined with sleek black Mercedes cars, but standing tall among them was Devansh's magnificent Rolls Royce Boat Tail.

Though his garage housed many luxury cars, Devansh had an unmistakable preference for this one, using it regularly.

Leaning effortlessly against the Rolls Royce, Devansh turned his gaze toward Anesha, who seemed to be searching for words she couldn't quite say aloud.

His hands rested casually in his trouser pockets, and even in that simple stance, he radiated charm and class, his presence commanding attention effortlessly.

With his face concealed behind a mask, his aura grew even more enigmatic and magnetic.

Sensing her hesitation, Devansh broke the silence. "Do you have something to say?"

"Yes… I need to go to Delhi tonight." Anesha finally voiced her thoughts, her tone tentative, almost as though seeking his permission.

Devansh's eyes lingered on her for a moment before he reached out, his arm wrapping around her waist as he pulled her closer.

Tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear with deliberate care, he said softly, "Go. But take care of yourself. And when I call, make sure you answer without delay. Understood?"

"Understood," she replied quietly.

Her hands rested on his broad chest, and her lips curved into a gentle smile as she looked up at him.

With his towering height, Anesha had to tilt her head all the way back, her gaze meeting his.

After a few moments, Devansh pressed a tender kiss to her forehead. "I have to leave the country tonight. If you need anything, reach out to Raunak or Shiv. And whatever you see on the news… don't believe it. Take it as a joke, alright?"

"Alright," Anesha replied, nodding with the eagerness of a diligent student.

As Devansh's convoy of cars disappeared down the road, a soft smile lingered on Anesha's lips as she turned back toward the cottage.

Just as she reached the door, she felt something metallic and weighty around her neck.

Stopping, she glanced down and saw a delicate platinum chain with a ring attached to it.

The ring, though simple, was exquisitely beautiful, featuring a rare gray, cone-shaped diamond that added to its allure.

Anesha studied the ring and chain for a moment before looking in the direction where Devansh's car had disappeared.

The jewelry hadn't been there before, and there was no doubt—Devansh had placed it on her. But when and how…?

Puzzled, she scratched her head, shaking off the thoughts, and walked back inside the cottage.

By the time the ever-studious Manan returned, arms laden with books, the sky had grown darker.

As he stepped into the living room, a broad grin spread across his face. "Didi(Sister), the world's smartest and most obedient child is back home!"

Hearing his voice, Anesha, seated in her studio, smiled.

While editing videos on her laptop, she replied, "If the world's smartest and most obedient child has returned, tell him to put his books on the study table and eat something from the kitchen. Once I'm done, I'll arrange the books. Oh, and don't forget to feed Master."

"Alright, Didi…!! Well, the world's smartest and most obedient child—your brother—will arrange his own books. You don't have to worry about that. Just focus on your work," Manan said with a playful smirk.

Sprawled lazily across the couch like royalty, he ignored the scathing glare Raunak was giving him while holding a heavy stack of books.

Manan looked at Raunak and laughed. "Alright, Master Raunak! I know I've troubled you a lot today, and you've been an immense help. For that, I truly thank you. But could you please do me one more favor? Take these books to my room and put them on my study table. My room's that way."

Raunak glared at him silently, thinking to himself, This boy is a master manipulator. Sweet words pour out of him when he needs something done. Otherwise, his tongue is sharper than poison.

After dinner, Manan went to arrange his books.

Anesha's flight was scheduled for 7 PM, and she had an hour left before she had to leave.

Raunak had decided to stay at the cottage with Manan until Anesha returned.

Meanwhile, Anesha's friends were also expected to arrive and planned to stay at the cottage in her absence.

Seated in the living room, Anesha was using her phone when Ankit, Meera, and Mahi arrived.

As soon as they saw her safe and sound, the three of them pulled her into a group hug.

The sudden gesture startled her, but once she realized who it was, she hugged them back with a smile.

Cradling Anesha's face with motherly concern, Meera asked, "Annie, sweetheart… are you alright? You didn't… commit a murder last night, did you?"

Hearing this, Anesha narrowed her eyes, shooting her friend a sharp look.

____________________________

What will happen next?

To know…

To be continued…