The resounding crack echoed through the grand halls of the Rathore mansion.
Shikha’s head snapped to the side, her cheek burning red from the impact. She staggered back, eyes wide in utter disbelief.
It wasn’t Bella.
It was Vidyut.
His hand was still raised, fingers clenched into a tight fist, his entire body vibrating with unfiltered rage.
The room stood silent, the weight of his actions hanging thick in the air.
Bella exhaled softly, her gaze flickering between Vidyut and the woman who had just been put in her place. Her husband had done what no one else ever dared—he had slapped the filth right off Shikha Bedi.
Shikha, however, had no words.
A sharp gasp left her lips as she clutched her burning cheek, eyes brimming with shock and humiliation.
“Y-You…” she stammered, voice shaky. “You hit me?”
Vidyut took a menacing step forward. “You deserved worse.”
His voice was ice, his fury barely contained beneath the surface.
Shikha’s lips quivered, but before she could spew more venom, Bella stepped in.
And that was when the real humiliation began.
Bella’s lips curled into a slow, mocking smirk. She took her time, stepping toward Shikha until there was nothing but air between them.
“Let me get this straight,” Bella began, her tone sickeningly sweet, laced with mockery. “You really thought you could waltz in here, spew your cheap, desperate words, and I’d actually care?”
Shikha blinked, caught off guard.
Bella tilted her head. “Oh, sweetheart, you must have forgotten—you’re nothing but a washed-up, used-up whore.”
Shikha’s face twisted in rage. “You—”
But Bella wasn’t done.
“You cheated on him, remember?” she continued, stepping closer. “You spread your legs for another man while he remained loyal to you. And now you have the audacity to stand in his house, insult his wife, and expect what? Respect?”
Bella let out a cruel chuckle.
“Oh, Shikha, you’re even more pathetic than I thought.”
Shikha’s lips parted, her eyes filling with unshed tears. The insult cut deep.
But Bella wasn’t done.
“You call me a replacement?” Bella scoffed, crossing her arms. “No, darling. I replaced nothing. You were never his love. You were never his family. You were a mistake.”
Shikha flinched.
Bella’s voice softened, but the threat in her tone was unmistakable.
“You see, the difference between you and me is simple.” She leaned in, lowering her voice to a deadly whisper. “I didn’t have to spread my legs to make him mine. He gave himself to me—willingly.”
Shikha let out a broken gasp.
Bella’s smirk widened. “That’s what eats you alive, doesn’t it? The fact that I didn’t have to beg.”
Vidyut stood behind Bella, his expression unreadable. But his silence spoke volumes. He let her have this moment.
Because she deserved it.
Because she was right.
Shikha’s hands curled into fists. Her breathing turned erratic, her body trembling with humiliation. Tears burned her eyes, but she refused to let them fall.
“You think you’ve won?” she spat, voice shaking. “You think just because you’re playing house with him now, you’ll have a happy ending?”
Bella arched a brow. “Oh, sweetheart, I already won the moment you walked out of his life.”
Shikha’s breath hitched.
Her lower lip trembled as she looked between Bella and Vidyut. Then, with a sharp turn, she grabbed her bag and stormed toward the door.
But just as she reached the entrance—
A slow clap filled the air.
She froze.
The entire room turned to the source of the sound.
And there he was.
Vihaan Rathore.
Standing casually by the doorway, arms crossed, an infuriating smirk playing on his lips.
“Oh, this was entertaining,” Vihaan drawled, stepping inside. “I mean, really, I should have brought popcorn.”
Shikha’s face burned with embarrassment. “Vihaan—”
“Oh, don’t Vihaan me,” he cut her off, smirk widening. “You really thought you could pull that cheap stunt and walk away with dignity?”
Shikha’s nostrils flared. “I have nothing to say to you.”
Vihaan laughed. “That’s a first. The great Shikha Bedi, who used to run her mouth like a bitch in heat, suddenly has nothing to say? My, my, what a turn of events.”
Shikha’s fists clenched. “You’re disgusting.”
Vihaan let out a mock gasp. “And yet, not as disgusting as you.”
Before she could turn away, Vihaan leaned in, lowering his voice just enough for her to hear.
“Tell me, Shikha,” he mused, “how does it feel to be thrown away like garbage?”
Shikha stiffened.
Vihaan’s smirk grew cruel.
“How does it feel to know that even after spreading your legs, you still weren’t enough to keep him?”
Shikha sucked in a sharp breath.
Vihaan’s eyes glinted darkly. “Oh, did that hurt?” he whispered mockingly. “Do you need a tissue?”
Shikha snapped.
Her hand raised, about to slap Vihaan—
But he caught her wrist.
Firm. Unyielding.
And then, in the coldest tone, he murmured, “Don’t. Even. Try.”
Shikha’s entire body trembled.
Then, with a strangled cry, she ripped her hand away and stormed out of the house.
The room fell into silence.
Vihaan let out a satisfied sigh, brushing imaginary dust off his sleeves. “Well, that was fun.”
Bella exhaled, rubbing her temples. “God, she’s exhausting.”
Vidyut, however, didn’t move.
His gaze was locked on Bella—on the fire in her eyes, on the strength in her stance.
And in that moment, he realized just how much he loved her.
This woman. His woman.
Bella met his gaze, and for the first time since the scandal broke, she smiled.
..
The door slammed shut behind them.
Vidyut barely had a second to breathe before Bella turned on him like a storm unleashed.
"You—" she pointed a sharp finger at him, eyes blazing with fury. "Were you seriously going to explain yourself to me? In front of that woman?"
Vidyut blinked, taken aback. "Bella, I—"
"Oh, don’t ‘Bella’ me, Mr. Suryavanshi!" she snapped, stepping closer. "Were you so afraid that I wouldn’t trust you? That I’d actually believe that cheap stunt she pulled?"
Vidyut opened his mouth to respond, but—
"Shut up!" she cut him off before he could even try.
He did. Instantly.
Bella folded her arms, tapping her foot against the floor, her glare piercing through his soul.
"You actually thought I needed an explanation?" she seethed. "What do you take me for, Vidyut? Some insecure, naive fool?"
Vidyut gulped.
Shit.
"No! Of course not!" he defended quickly, hands raised. "I just—"
"Just what?" she challenged, tilting her head. "Just felt the need to stand there and justify yourself in front of her?!"
"I didn’t want you to doubt me!" he blurted out.
Bella let out a bitter laugh, shaking her head. "Doubt you?" She took a step closer, until their faces were mere inches apart. "Tell me something, husband—do you doubt my faith in you?"
Vidyut froze.
He had no answer.
Bella scoffed. "Because if you did, then that means you don’t know me at all, Vidyut Suryavanshi."
"Bella—"
"Answer me!" she demanded, poking a finger into his chest. "Do you really think I’d fall for her cheap tricks?"
Vidyut sighed, rubbing his temples. "No, of course not."
"Then why the hell were you explaining yourself like a scared teenager caught cheating?!" she roared.
Vidyut flinched.
Damn, she was terrifying.
He opened his mouth—closed it. Opened it again. But all that came out was a meek, "I panicked."
Bella stared.
Vidyut blinked.
Then—
"YOU PANICKED?!"
Vidyut instinctively took a step back, but Bella followed, eyes burning like fire.
"Wow. Wow," she huffed, throwing her hands in the air. "The great Vidyut Suryavanshi—business tycoon, ruthless in boardrooms, feared by enemies—panicked like a little boy in front of his wife?!"
Vidyut scratched the back of his head, trying not to look guilty. "I mean… when you put it like that—"
"Oh, I’ll put it however I want," Bella cut in sharply. "Because this—" she gestured wildly at him—"is unbelievable!"
Vidyut sighed, shoulders slumping. "Bella, look, I was just worried. I didn’t want you to feel hurt. I didn’t want—"
Bella groaned, pinching the bridge of her nose. "Vidyut, you absolute idiot. Do you even know me?"
Vidyut pursed his lips. "I mean… I thought I did, but right now, I feel like I married a mafia queen instead of a doctor."
Bella narrowed her eyes. "Keep talking, Mr. Suryavanshi, and you'll be sleeping on the couch tonight."
Vidyut’s eyes widened in horror.
"Wait, wait, wait—Bella, love, jaan, meri maa, please—" he pleaded, reaching for her hands. "Not the couch! Anything but the couch!"
Bella smirked. "Oh? But I thought you panicked. Maybe you need a cool place to reflect on your actions."
Vidyut's jaw dropped. "That’s cruel."
Bella arched a brow. "Cruel? Oh, love, you haven’t seen cruel yet."
Vidyut gulped.
He was screwed.
He immediately changed tactics, pulling her into his arms, nuzzling into her neck like a desperate puppy.
"Please, jaan," he murmured, voice full of honey. "You don’t want to separate a husband from his wife, do you? From his bed? From his warm, loving wife who smells like vanilla and roses?"
Bella rolled her eyes but felt her lips twitch. "You’re such a drama king."
Vidyut pulled back, batting his lashes. "Does that mean I get to sleep in the bed?"
Bella pretended to think. "Hmm…"
Vidyut panicked again.
"Bella, please!" he whined.
Bella burst into laughter.
"Oh my God, look at you!" she gasped between giggles. "The Vidyut Suryavanshi, the mighty king of the corporate world, reduced to a begging mess in front of his wife!"
Vidyut grumbled. "Of course. Because my wife is terrifying."
Bella smirked, poking his chest. "Damn right, I am."
Vidyut sighed dramatically, wrapping his arms around her waist, pulling her flush against him.
"I’m never going to win an argument, am I?" he muttered.
Bella grinned, standing on her toes to kiss his cheek. "Nope."
Vidyut sighed, resting his forehead against hers.
"But, Bella?" he whispered.
"Hmm?"
He pulled back just enough to look deep into her eyes.
"I love you," he murmured, voice raw with sincerity. "And I will never let anything break your trust in me. Ever."
Bella’s breath hitched.
For a moment, she softened.
Then—
She smirked.
"Good," she said. "Because if you do, I will break your bones."
Vidyut groaned.
His wife was impossible.
But damn it, he loved her anyway.
And as he pulled her into his arms, pressing a deep, lingering kiss to her forehead, he realized—
Even in their wildest fights, even in their craziest arguments—
He wouldn’t change a damn thing.
---
The soft glow of the bedside lamp cast a warm hue over the dimly lit room. The rhythmic sound of the clock ticking blended with the soothing hum of the air conditioner. The world outside their haven was still, but inside, a quiet, beautiful symphony played—one composed of love, warmth, and the unbreakable bond of a family.
Bella lay comfortably on Vidyut’s lap, her head resting against his strong chest, her body curled in the safest place she had ever known. On top of her, their little Ruhani slept soundly, her tiny hands gripping Bella’s nightshirt, her delicate eyelashes resting against her rosy cheeks.
Vidyut's fingers traced lazy patterns along Bella’s arm as he watched his girls in complete awe. This was home. This was love. This was everything.
Bella shifted slightly, nuzzling closer to his warmth, inhaling his familiar scent. She felt his heartbeat, steady and strong, a rhythm she had grown to love more than anything else in the world.
Silence stretched between them—not an uncomfortable one, but one that spoke volumes in the language of love. A language where words were unnecessary, where the warmth of an embrace, the brush of fingers, and the steady rise and fall of breathing said more than a thousand confessions ever could.
But then—
"Be—Bella?"
Vidyut’s hesitant voice broke the silence, his fingers stilling against her skin.
Bella hummed softly, her eyes half-lidded from exhaustion, but her heart still alert to his every word, his every breath.
He hesitated, then tried again, his voice barely above a whisper.
"Do you really think... that I deliberately didn’t announce you as my wife to the world?"
Bella’s eyelids fluttered open.
Vidyut was staring at her—his usual confidence nowhere to be seen. Instead, his dark, soulful eyes held uncertainty, guilt, and the fear of losing something precious.
Bella’s heart clenched.
She knew this look.
The fear of not being enough. The fear of hurting the one you love without realizing it.
Slowly, she lifted her hand and cupped his cheek, running her thumb gently over his stubble. Her husband. Her Vidyut. The man who had given her everything—even when he thought he didn’t deserve her.
"You think I’d doubt you?" she asked, her voice soft but firm.
Vidyut swallowed, his Adam’s apple bobbing. "I don’t know. After everything, after Shikha’s drama, after how I—" He sighed, rubbing his face. "I just… I don’t want you to think I was ashamed of you."
Bella’s heart ached.
She could see the struggle in his eyes—the guilt, the insecurity, the need to be reassured.
This man, feared by the world, powerful beyond measure—was scared of losing her.
Without another word, Bella leaned up and pressed a soft kiss against his lips.
It wasn’t demanding, nor hurried. It was gentle, warm, filled with love and understanding.
Vidyut’s body stilled under her touch, but within seconds, he melted into the kiss, his lips moving slowly, almost cautiously, as if afraid she would pull away.
When she did, she rested her forehead against his, their breaths mingling, their hearts beating in sync.
"I love you, Vidyut," she whispered.
Vidyut exhaled shakily.
"And I trust you," she continued, her fingers threading through his hair. "With all my heart."
Vidyut closed his eyes, his hold on her tightening as if she were his lifeline.
The weight of his fears, his worries, his doubts—all of it melted away in those three simple words.
Bella trusted him.
That was all that mattered.
He pulled back slightly to look at her, his gaze full of love, devotion, and silent gratitude.
"You really do?" he asked, still in disbelief.
Bella rolled her eyes with a small chuckle. "Oh, for God’s sake, Vidyut, how many times do I have to say it?"
He smirked slightly. "Maybe a few more."
Bella flicked his forehead playfully. "You are impossible, Mr. Suryavanshi."
"But you love me anyway," he teased, his cocky demeanor making a comeback.
Bella shook her head in amusement, then looked down at their daughter. Ruhani stirred slightly in her sleep, her tiny body shifting closer to Bella’s warmth, her soft breaths tickling Bella’s skin.
"More than I ever thought possible," Bella murmured, her eyes softening.
Vidyut followed her gaze, his lips curving into a tender smile.
His wife. His daughter. His entire world.
"You know," he mused, resting his chin atop Bella’s head, "I don’t think I ever imagined myself like this."
Bella looked up at him. "Like what?"
His thumb caressed her cheek, his voice softer than ever.
"Happy."
Bella’s breath hitched.
"Vidyut…"
He pressed a lingering kiss to her forehead. "You gave me this, Bella. You gave me a home, a family, a reason to wake up every morning feeling like the luckiest man alive."
Bella bit her lip, her emotions overwhelming her.
"You make me happy too," she confessed. "So, so much."
Vidyut smiled, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear.
"Then let’s stay this way," he whispered. "Forever."
Bella nodded, sealing his promise with another soft kiss.
And as they sat there, wrapped in each other’s arms with their daughter peacefully sleeping between them, they both knew—
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