Chapter 22: A Glimpse Into His World

Kiara's POV

After the incident at his office, I couldn't shake the feeling of curiosity about Reyaansh's world. Though I knew about his dual life as a CEO and a Mafia King, I realized how little I had seen of the life he led outside our home. It wasn't long before an opportunity presented itself.

It was Sunday, and I was relaxing in the living room with a book when Reyaansh walked in. He was dressed casually in a black shirt with the sleeves rolled up, paired with dark jeans. Even in his most relaxed attire, he carried an air of authority that was impossible to ignore.

"Kiara," he began, his tone lighter than usual, "I have to handle something at the estate tonight. Come with me."

I blinked at him in surprise. "You want me to come with you? To the estate?"

"Yes," he said, his eyes locking with mine. "It's time you see more of my world. I don't want you to feel like an outsider in any part of my life."

---

Later that evening, we drove to the estate, a sprawling mansion on the outskirts of the city. The guards at the entrance nodded respectfully as we passed, and I couldn't help but notice the discreet weapons they carried. It was a stark reminder of the life Reyaansh led.

When we arrived, the grandeur of the estate took my breath away. The mansion was a blend of old-world charm and modern luxury, with chandeliers that glittered like stars and halls that echoed with history.

Reyaansh led me to a large, elegant room where a group of men sat around a table, discussing business in low voices. They immediately stood when they saw him, their deference to him palpable. Reyaansh introduced me simply as his wife, and though their gazes were respectful, I could sense their curiosity.

He guided me to a seat beside him, his hand resting protectively on my chair. As the men resumed their discussion, I tried to follow along, but their coded language and subtle gestures left me confused. Still, I observed Reyaansh with fascination. He exuded calm authority, commanding the room with nothing more than his presence.

---

After the meeting, Reyaansh gave me a brief tour of the estate. He showed me the gardens, the private quarters, and the study, which was filled with leather-bound books and framed photographs of his family.

"This is where I spend most of my time when I'm here," he said, gesturing to the desk. "It's not as glamorous as it looks, but it's part of who I am."

I nodded, taking in the weight of his words. "It's beautiful," I said softly. "And I'm glad you brought me here."

Reyaansh's lips curled into a small smile. "You're part of this now, Kiara. You're part of me. I don't want there to be any secrets between us."

His honesty warmed my heart, and as we walked back to the car, I realized how much he trusted me. It wasn't just his world he was sharing-it was his vulnerability.

---

As Reyaansh and I walked toward the car, a sudden gust of wind sent a chill down my spine. The estate's atmosphere, which had seemed welcoming just moments ago, now felt heavy and foreboding. I tried to shake the unease settling over me, but my steps faltered when I saw him.

A man stood in the shadows near the garden's entrance, his piercing gaze locked on me. He was tall and broad-shouldered, with a sharp, angular face and an air of menace that sent a shiver through me. His presence was suffocating, his expression unreadable, but it was his eyes-cold, calculating, and all too familiar-that rooted me to the spot.

My chest tightened, and my vision blurred as memories I had buried deep within me came rushing back. The sound of cruel laughter echoed in my mind, the sting of humiliation burning my skin as if it were yesterday. My hands began to tremble, and I clutched the fabric of my sari, desperate to steady myself.

Reyaansh noticed immediately. "Kiara?" he asked, his voice laced with concern as he stepped closer to me. "What's wrong?"

But I couldn't answer. My throat felt dry, and my body refused to move. The man took a step forward, his lips curling into a smirk that sent me spiraling further into the depths of my panic. It was him. The man from my past. The one who had haunted my nightmares and fractured my peace.

---

"Kiara, look at me," Reyaansh said, gripping my shoulders gently but firmly. His commanding tone cut through the haze, and I forced my eyes away from the man to meet his. His gaze was steady, a beacon of strength that pulled me back from the edge.

"He's... he's from my past," I finally managed to choke out, my voice trembling.

Reyaansh's expression darkened instantly, his jaw clenching as his protective instincts flared. He turned to the man, his sharp gaze assessing him with the precision of a predator sizing up his prey.

The man didn't flinch under Reyaansh's scrutiny. Instead, he tilted his head slightly, as if amused by the situation. "Ah, so this is the infamous Mrs. Rathore," he drawled, his voice smooth but laced with malice.

Reyaansh stepped in front of me, shielding me from the man's view. "Who are you, and what do you want?" he demanded, his tone low and deadly.

---

The man smiled, his confidence unshaken. "Oh, we go way back, Kiara and I," he said, ignoring Reyaansh completely. "Don't we, little one?"

I flinched at the nickname, a fresh wave of panic washing over me. Reyaansh noticed and took a threatening step toward the man, his fists clenched at his sides.

"You have ten seconds to leave," Reyaansh warned, his voice like ice. "Or I'll make sure you regret ever setting foot here."

The man chuckled, a sinister sound that made my stomach churn. "Relax, Mr. Rathore. I'm not here to start trouble. Not yet, anyway." He cast one last lingering glance at me before turning on his heel and disappearing into the shadows.

As soon as he was gone, I collapsed against Reyaansh, my legs unable to hold me up any longer. His arms came around me instantly, his touch grounding me in the present. "I'll protect you, Kiara," he whispered fiercely. "No one will ever hurt you again."

---

As we walked toward the car, I felt the cool evening breeze brush against my skin. Reyaansh's hand lightly rested on my lower back, a gesture that felt both protective and reassuring. The estate had left me awestruck, but more than that, it had given me a glimpse into the weight of responsibility he carried.

"You seem deep in thought," he said, glancing at me as we approached the car.

"I am," I admitted, looking up at him. "There's so much more to you than I realized. This world, your world-it's not easy, is it?"

He stopped walking, turning to face me. "No, it's not," he said quietly. "But having you by my side makes it bearable." His words were sincere, and the way his eyes softened made my heart flutter.

I reached for his hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. "I'm here, Reyaansh. Whatever this world throws at us, we'll face it together."

---

The drive back home was quiet but comfortable. I stole glances at him as he drove, his focus unwavering. The moonlight streaming through the window highlighted his sharp features, and for a moment, I was lost in the thought of how lucky I was to have him.

"You're staring," he said, breaking the silence, a smirk playing on his lips.

I flushed, looking away quickly. "I wasn't," I lied, crossing my arms.

He chuckled softly, the sound low and warm. "You're terrible at lying, Kiara."

I couldn't help but laugh, the tension from earlier fading into a moment of lightheartedness. It amazed me how easily he could switch between the powerful Mafia King and the teasing husband who made me feel safe and cherished.

---

When we arrived home, the house was quiet, most of the family having retired for the night. Reyaansh walked me to our room, his hand still firmly on mine as if afraid to let go.

As I changed into my nightdress and slipped into bed, I thought about everything I had seen and learned tonight. His world was vast and dangerous, but it was also filled with loyalty and respect. And now, it was my world too.

Reyaansh climbed into bed beside me, his presence a comforting weight. "Goodnight, Kiara," he murmured, his voice soft and steady.

"Goodnight, Reyaansh," I whispered back, closing my eyes. Despite the challenges that lay ahead, I felt a sense of peace. With him by my side, I knew I could face anything.