For a second, I forgot how to breathe.
The moment Avni stepped into the engagement venue, bathed in the golden glow of the fairy lights, everything else faded into the background.
The murmuring voices, the clinking of glasses, even the sickeningly sweet congratulations from the guests-I heard none of it.
Because all I could see was her.
she looked like something out of a damn dream.
The white lehenga hugged her body perfectly, the intricate embroidery adding a regal touch to her already commanding presence.
Her long, dark hair cascaded in soft waves over her shoulder, tiny jasmine flowers woven delicately into the strands.
And that face. Not a single sign of nervousness. No hesitation. Just those sharp, defiant eyes challenging me across the room as if this entire engagement meant nothing.
Beautiful. Deadly. Mine.
The thought struck me before I could stop it. And for the first time in my life, I wasn't sure if winning this game would be a victory... or my downfall.
I quickly masked whatever ridiculous emotions had flashed across my face, shoving my hands into my pockets as she walked toward me. Walked? No, marched.
Avni Rajput never did anything gracefully when it came to me. She stopped in front of me, her fake smile plastered on so perfectly that anyone who didn't know her would think she was the happiest bride-to-be in the world.
But I knew better.
She was fuming inside. And I enjoyed every second of it. "Ms Rajput," I greeted, letting my smirk tug at my lips. "You almost look happy to be here."
Her eyes narrowed slightly. Good, challenge me, sweetheart. "Oh, I am happy," she shot back, voice sickeningly sweet. "Can't you tell?"
A low chuckle escaped me. "I'd believe that if you weren't gripping your purse like you were about to throw it at my face."
Her grip loosened immediately, and I knew I had struck a nerve. I leaned in slightly, watching as her jaw clenched. Predictable.
Before she could fire back, her father's voice filled the space around us. "Ladies and gentlemen, thank you all for being here tonight. Today marks the union of two great families, two legacies coming together..."
Blah. Blah. Blah.
I tuned out the speech, my focus still locked on Avni.
She stood there, her posture stiff, hands curled into fists at her sides. Every inch of her screamed resistance, even as the crowd clapped and cameras flashed. She was fighting this. Fighting me.
And I loved it.
I watched her force a smile, but I could see it-behind that practiced expression, she was already planning how to make my life hell. I knew because I was planning the same damn thing.
When they finally announced the ring ceremony, I turned to her and pulled out the ring box. The moment I flipped it open, I caught the flicker of something in her eyes.
Resignation.
Ah. There it was. The acceptance that no matter how much she fought, this was happening.
"Shall we?" I asked, tilting my head slightly.
For a second, I thought she was going to snatch the ring and throw it into the nearest champagne glass. But instead, she extended her hand, her fingers steady, her expression unreadable.
Interesting.
I slid the ring onto her delicate finger, the cool metal resting against her warm skin. The crowd clapped, cameras flashing even more aggressively now. Then, it was her turn.
She took the ring, her movements slow, deliberate. I expected hesitation. I expected defiance. But instead, she leaned in just slightly, a smirk ghosting her lips.
"Congratulations, fiancé," she murmured in a tone so sweet it made my stomach clench. "Get ready. Because after this, your life will never be the same."
For a brief second, I just stared at her. This woman. This impossible, infuriating woman.
I let out a quiet chuckle, shaking my head as I leaned in just as close. "Oh, sweetheart," I whispered, my breath brushing against her ear. "I was about to say the same to you."
I pulled back, slipping my hands back into my pockets as I watched her face. She didn't flinch. Didn't waver.
But the slight flicker in her eyes told me everything I needed to know.
She wanted to ruin me. Too bad.
And I was scared because maybe i would let her ruin me before i can ruin her........
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Take careð