His Wife (A Contract Marriage Story) by Heer Mangtani

Chapter 41

Later at the gala, I found myself on the dance floor, even though I didn’t want to be. I was forced by none other than my husband, who after dinner came to me and stood there with his hand extended.

Some people gushed, others whispered.

I couldn’t refuse with the number of eyes on us, so I kept my hand in his. And then I circled my hand around his neck while his’ found their way on my waist, holding me close as he swayed with me slowly to the music.

“You don’t dance, 1 mumble. A quiet observation, a statement I remembered him make the last time we were here.

“I do with you. He twirled me when I wasn’t expecting it, and held me before I could stumble.

I bury my head in his chest. “Lily’s watching”

“She can.”

I blink. “Are you trying to make her jealous?”

“I don’t have a any reason to.”

“Then why did you react like that looking at her, like you were some antelope caught in headlights?”

“I’m sure you could find an example more suited than calling me an antelope.” He smiles, but he’s the only one amused. He pauses when I don’t take the bait for a topic change, and then answers, “Things are a little more complicated than you think.”

I pull away from him and he reluctantly lets me go. “Then make simple, because the emerald in my wedding ring isn’t my birthstone. It’s hers.”

He pauses. Looking into his eyes, I could see no surprise in them

“You knew that.” My voice was soft but accusatory as I try keeping my expressions neutral for the sake of the eyes on us. “Because this ring, it was never meant for me. It’s hers?”

He remains silent again, and its weight felt heavy on my shoulders. I pause waiting for him to deny my accusation, my guess, but it never comes,

A humourless chuckle escape my lips, not out of anger but just hollow sadness. “I’m wearing her ring? You bought this ring

for her?”

nod. “I did, but that was long before I knew you,

don’t. I just feel sad for myself, and also for the man in front of me. “You were

have to. His eyes

looking away from him, drinking away

I couldn’t hold it anymore, not even for pretence. I felt so sad for him, all ready to propose to the obvious. love of his life, having to forcefully marry me instead. And I felt sad for me, thinking we have a

compose myself before I can look at him again. “Is there more

go home?” He pleaded. Gabriel never pleaded. He ordered. He demanded.

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12:33 Tue, Jun 4

Chapter 41

and he never pleaded.

dancing, others in their own conversation, some even leaving. I didn’t want to go home, I didn’t want to go to a place where every

worried about

it? Why can’t

“This isn’t the place.”

the next big scandal. And I and Gabriel

I nodded.

be held by him, but 1 let him put his hand on my waist as we walked out. I didn’t want to be in the car with him, but I let him open the door to the car for me in front of media standing outside and smiled like the pretend wife

Gabriel didn’t like music, but I didn’t miss the gesture when he asked the driver

the window for the entirety of the journey, barely waiting for

exited

with him now. Maybe I was overreacting, but I just needed

floor, leaving the ear shot

want to

nod any way, and then follow

room.

then turns towards me. “I want

all

and then slipping it onto my finger like I was a replacement for her- which I probably was to you,

tongue slightly licks his upper lip,