Chapter 30: chapter 29

Naina’s mother entered the room, her gaze landing on the unfamiliar faces. “Who are they?” she asked, her tone curious.

Naina quickly introduced them. “This is Rivaan’s mom, and this is Katie, a family friend. They’re here to meet Rivaan.” She gestured for them to come inside.

As they settled in, Naina couldn’t help but wonder, Where is Rivaan? Her heart raced as her worst fear crept closer. Naina’s mother turned to Rivaan’s mother, asking, “Do you have their wedding pictures? Whenever I ask, they say it’s at his family house. Do you have any on your phone?”

Hearing this, Rivaan’s mother and Katie exchanged shocked glances. “What wedding?” Rivaan’s mother exclaimed, her voice rising in disbelief.

“Naina and Rivaan's wedding,” Naina's mother replied, a hint of pride in her voice.

“Rivaan never got married without informing me! He will never marry her!” his mother retorted, anger flashing in her eyes.

“Of course they are married! My daughter is pregnant. What’s wrong with her marrying your son?” Naina’s mother shot back defensively.

She turned to Naina. “You are married, right?”

Naina lowered her head, silence hanging heavily in the air. Suddenly, a sharp pain stung her cheek. Her mother had slapped her, leaving a vivid red mark that throbbed with pain. A tear rolled down Naina's cheek as Rivaan’s mother and Katie smirked at the unfolding scene.

“How can my son marry her? She’s a whore and a gold digger! Look at her belly! Everyone can see she’s eight or nine months pregnant, not five! She must be carrying some dirty child and trying to pass it off as my son’s. Who knows who she’s been selling her body to for money?” Rivaan’s mother spat, her words dripping with venom.

Before she could continue, Naina shouted back, “Enough! You can say whatever you want about me, but not a single word against my baby!”

Rivaan’s mother didn’t relent; she and Katie continued their tirade, provoking Naina further. The moment they spoke ill of her child, Naina’s restraint snapped, and she lunged to slap Rivaan’s mother.

“How dare you?” a booming voice interrupted. It was Rivaan, standing in the doorway alongside Anamay.

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