Chapter 71

The Wedding That Never Was

The Wedding Day – 4:45 PM

Venue: Manik's Ancestral Palace, Jaipur

The air was thick with perfume, marigolds, and whispers.

In the back garden, guests buzzed about the elegant setup—silk tents, flowered arches, and the soft rhythm of dhols echoing across the palace grounds.

But inside the haveli, behind a closed doorway, Manik stood with his sister Priya, adjusting the collar of his sherwani.

"You're really doing this," she said, eyeing him sharply.

"I am."

"She still loves Lex."

Manik didn't look at her. "I know."

Priya's voice dropped. "And she's carrying Lex's child."

Micah and Sky had just turned the corner when they heard it.

Micah froze. Sky stopped mid-step, his jaw tightening.

"You're sure?" Priya whispered.

Manik sighed. "She doesn't know I found out. But I saw the medical file. The conception date was the week after she stayed with him. She thinks it's mine—but I knew. I chose not to tell her."

"You're protecting her," Priya said gently. "But what happens when Lex finds out?"

Sky didn't wait.

He turned and bolted.

---

5:00 PM – Groom's Waiting Room

Lex was pacing like a caged animal. His nerves weren't from jealousy or heartbreak anymore—he was wired. Something was off. Every instinct screamed that today wasn't just a wedding.

It was an ambush.

The knock came fast—urgent.

Sky burst in, breathing hard. "Lex. You need to hear this. Now."

Lex turned.

"What?"

Sky grabbed his shoulder. "Rhea's baby. It's yours."

Lex blinked.

Sky didn't wait. "Micah and I overheard Manik and Priya talking. He knows. But he's pretending it's his. He's been lying to you. To her."

Lex's heart thundered in his chest. "You're sure?"

Sky nodded. "It all fits."

Lex stared at the floor for a second… then looked up.

"She's not marrying him."

Sky blinked. "What are you going to do?"

Lex's voice dropped.

"I'm going to take her back."

---

5:45 PM – Bride's Room

Rhea sat in front of the mirror, dressed in gold and crimson. Her makeup was flawless, but her eyes were distant. Her hands trembled on her lap.

The room was empty—just her and the silence.

Until the door clicked open.

She turned.

Lex stood there, wearing black, his hair slightly damp, eyes blazing.

"You can't be here," she said softly, standing up.

"I know the truth now, Rhea," he said. "The baby. It's mine."

She froze.

He walked closer. "Why didn't you tell me?"

Tears welled in her eyes. "I didn't know how. I didn't want to ruin your life again."

"You didn't ruin anything," he said, voice fierce. "But this wedding—this lie—it ends now."

He held out his hand.

"Come with me."

Rhea looked at the mirror, at herself in the bridal lehenga. Her life was split in two—Muri and Rhea. Past and future. Fear and freedom.

And now… Lex.

She took his hand.

---

6:00 PM – At the Mandap

The music had started. Guests gathered, Manik walked toward the altar in full groom's attire, a nervous smile on his lips.

Until a whisper passed through the crowd.

"She's missing."

The priest looked confused. Priya stood, eyes scanning the crowd.

And then Manik knew.

He stepped down from the mandap just as a palace guard rushed to him.

"Sir… the bride's gone."

---

Outside the Palace – 6:15 PM

Lex's black SUV tore through the gates, Rhea beside him, veil off, wind in her hair, her hand protectively over her stomach.

Sky and Micah followed behind in a second car.

Lex glanced at her.

"Where do you want to go?"

She looked at him with teary eyes and smiled faintly.

"Anywhere you are."

But just as they disappeared down the road… a car behind them peeled off the highway. No license plate. No headlights.

Cartwright had seen everything.

And they were no longer going to wait..