THE BILLIONAIRE'S UNEXPECTED BRIDE
EP-1
I jolted awake to Sanjana's voice blaring like an alarm clock with attitude.
Sanjana Singh Oberoi/ML's sister
"Get up, you sleepy head! You're gonna be late!"
Oh no.. 8:50 already? Class at 9:00? Shit! I bolted to the washroom, took the world's fastest shower and threw on my clothes. Second-year uni life was kicking my butt.
Sanjana, my third-year roommate, bestie, and get this- my brother's girlfriend since standard 2? Yeah, their "typical love story" started when we were all in pigtails and braces. Adorbs... or nauseating, depending on the day.
I was frantically towel-drying my hair when her phone erupted with my annoying brother's voice.
Vihaan Awasthi/ FL's brother
"Babyyy, where are you? I'm missing you baaaadly!"
I rolled my eyes so hard they nearly did a full 360. Typical Vihaan- dripping syrup sweeter than my lipgloss. Gag me with a syllabus.
A few minutes later, I dashed into the classroom.. teacher not here yet, phew.
But I froze. Two idiots were bullying him. My crush, Reyansh.
Sana
"Look at this nerd.. always studying but studying can't fix your ugly face."
Devish
"He's poor, of course he has to study. Gotta find a job since he's got nothing!"
They sauntered off after dumping water all over Reyansh's notebook. My heart twisted. How can people be this cruel? Poor or not, he's human! Smart, cute, and way too good for this nonsense.
Jaw clenched, I stealthily followed them, grabbed Sana's hand, and spun her around.
Anjali Awasthi/FL
"How dare you bully him? Huh?"
Devish
"None of your business, okay?"
Anjali Awasthi/FL
"It is my business, okay?!"
Sana
(smirked) "Why? You his bodyguard or something?"
Anjali Awasthi/FL
"I recorded everything. Principal's office time. Know the punishment for bullying? Huh?"
I shot back, waving my phone like a weapon.
Their faces dropped like deflated balloons.. eyes bugging out. Priceless.
Sana
(Stammered) "Y-you're lying!"
Anjali Awasthi/FL
"Okay then, principal's office it is. Let's see who's lying."
Devish
(panicked) "Wait! I didn't do anything.. it was her fault! She manipulated me into bullying that nerd!"
Sana
(Gasped) "Excuse me?!"
Anjali Awasthi/FL
"Not here for your catfight! Fine, I'll just send it to the principal now."
Sana
"No, no, wait! I'm sorry! We promise we won't bully him again!"
Anjali Awasthi/FL
"Go apologize to him. Now."
They nodded like bobbleheads and slunk over to Reyansh, mumbling sorries.
He blinked up at them, totally confused.. adorable little lost puppy vibes. I chuckled from my hiding spot in the corner. Aww, so cute when he's flustered.
I sauntered over to him, cleared my throat dramatically, and plopped down beside him.. acting like I hadn't just played classroom superhero.
He didn't even react. Just kept buried in his book, all intense focus.
Anjali Awasthi/FL
"What are you studying?"
Anjali Awasthi/FL
"History? That's so boring!"
He just shook his head with a sigh. Classic Reyansh- zero drama, all vibes.
Nothing new for us. We're friends... well, forced friends. I drag him everywhere.. to the canteen, study spots, even boring lectures and he never complains. Dude barely talks, but I love his chill company.
Flashback: Anjali's First Day at University
Anjali stepped into the buzzing classroom on her first day, scanning the chaos.. everyone gossiping, clumped with friends, phones out like shields.
But her eyes landed on him: a boy in thick glasses, nose-deep in a book, sitting alone. Nearby students shot him disgusted side-eyes.
Whispers slithered through the air.
"Look at that nerd.. he never talks. Must be a mute."
"Yeah, and he's poor too."
"Eww, no one's gonna befriend that."
Anjali Awasthi/FL
"Disgusting shits."
Anjali muttered under her breath, glaring at the judgy crowd.
Then she marched over, plopped down beside Reyansh, and flashed her sweetest smile.
Reyansh froze, shocked. No one had ever chosen the loner seat.. most just judged or bullied. But here was this bubbly girl, zero hesitation.
Days turned into weeks. Anjali glued herself to Reyansh's side, secretly shutting down bullies left and right (without him ever knowing).
She dragged him everywhere- lunch, breakfast runs, even shopping sprees. And Reyansh? Zero complaints. He just trailed after her like a loyal puppy, wide eyes sparkling with quiet awe.
Anjali had realized her feelings for Reyansh ages ago.. he was her first real crush. But she hadn't confessed yet, biding her time for the perfect moment.
Anjali dragged Reyansh through the mall like it was her personal mission. He trailed silently behind, as always.
Anjali Awasthi/FL
"You know they've got sales today!"
Anjali Awasthi/FL
"Let's check the hoodie collection!"
She zeroed in on a rack, then spotted it: a sleek black hoodie. Perfect for him.
Anjali Awasthi/FL
"Try it?"
Anjali Awasthi/FL
"I said try it. Do I need to spell it out? T-R-Y?"
She poked his arm, grinning.
His cheeks flushed tomato-red. He snatched it and ducked into the trial room without a word.
Anjali’s eyes casually moved around the mall.. and then froze.
Her brother.
And her roommate slash best friend.
Standing way too close.
Smiling way too much.
Existing way too romantically.
Anjali Awasthi/FL
(internally) "no. Not today. I’m not strong enough for this.”
Vihaan Awasthi/ FL's brother
(soft voice activated) “Baby…”
Sanjana Singh Oberoi/ML's sister
(instantly melting) “Hmmm?”
Vihaan Awasthi/ FL's brother
(pointing at a hoodie) “See that? Blue and pink. Just like us.”
Sanjana Singh Oberoi/ML's sister
(gasping like he proposed) “Oh my God… it is like us.”
Anjali Awasthi/FL
“…it’s literally two colours.”
Vihaan Awasthi/ FL's brother
(placing hand on his heart) “Blue.. calm, deep, mysterious. That’s me.”
Anjali Awasthi/FL
(muttering) “Mysterious? You cried watching a shampoo ad.”
Vihaan Awasthi/ FL's brother
(whispering like it’s a secret) “When you smile… I forget the world.”
Sanjana Singh Oberoi/ML's sister
“When you look at me… I forget my anger.”
Anjali Awasthi/FL
“When I look at you both… I forget why I came here.”
Vihaan picked up the hoodie and held it against her.
Vihaan Awasthi/ FL's brother
“Wear this… and I won’t be able to control myself.”
Anjali’s soul left her body.
Sanjana Singh Oberoi/ML's sister
(blushing) “Vihaaan… people are watching…”
Vihaan Awasthi/ FL's brother
“Let them. They should learn what real love looks like.”
Anjali Awasthi/FL
“They’re learning what second-hand embarrassment feels like.”
Sanjana Singh Oberoi/ML's sister
“You’re so cheesy.”
Vihaan Awasthi/ FL's brother
“Only for you, my marshmallow.”
Anjali Awasthi/FL
(froze) “Did he just… call you food?”
Sanjana Singh Oberoi/ML's sister
“Then you’re my chocolate.”
Vihaan Awasthi/ FL's brother
“And together we’re… perfect.”
Anjali Awasthi/FL
“You’re diabetes.”
Too busy staring into each other’s souls like it’s a full-time job.
Vihaan Awasthi/ FL's brother
“Ignore her baby. Haters gonna hate.”
EP-2
I shook Reyansh's shoulder.. he was face-planted on his desk like a zombie.
Anjali Awasthi/FL
"Reyansh! Are you even okay? You look like death warmed over!"
He mumbled into his sleeve..
Reyansh Sharma
"Hmm... just a headache."
Anjali Awasthi/FL
"No way! Medical room, stat- come on!"
I grabbed his arm, all bouncy determination.
Reyansh Sharma
"No, it's fine.."
He groaned, barely lifting his head.
Anjali Awasthi/FL
"Stop studying 24/7, silly! It's causing stress!"
I poked his cheek. He just stared at me with those big, tired eyes..
Anjali Awasthi/FL
"Fine, then let me whisk you somewhere way better!"
Before he could protest, I dragged him to the rooftop.
A soft breeze whooshed in, ruffling our hair like a gentle high-five from the universe.
Anjali Awasthi/FL
"Take a deeeep breath! Inhale the fresh air, exhale the chaos. Forget everything else.. just breathe!"
I threw my arms wide, twirling like a drama queen.
My breath hitched. Reyansh was staring at me, unblinking, those deep eyes locking onto mine like the world had paused.
We were alone on the rooftop, wind whispering secrets, the perfect moment hanging in the air like a thundercloud ready to burst.
This was it.. the time to confess. But nerves twisted my gut. What if he doesn't feel the same? What if I ruin everything?
Reyansh Sharma
"Do you want to say anything?"
He asked softly, tilting his head.
Anjali Awasthi/FL
"Well... I..."
I swallowed hard, heart pounding like a drum solo.
In a rush of courage, I leaned in and pressed my lips to his cheek.. soft, electric.
Our faces flamed red. His eyes widened in shock before he shyly looked away. Awww, so cute!
Reyansh Sharma
"What... what does it mean?"
He stammered, voice barely a whisper.
I planted my hands on my hips, channeling every rom-com heroine ever.
Anjali Awasthi/FL
"Idiot.. I love you!"
The words echoed, the breeze holding its breath. Time stopped.
My eyes bugged out as Reyansh leaned in and kissed my cheek right back.. soft, sweet, swoon! My heart did cartwheels.
Reyansh Sharma
"Don't look at me like that.."
He murmured, cheeks flaming.
Reyansh Sharma
"You know what it means."
I grinned like a Cheshire cat on caffeine.
Anjali Awasthi/FL
"So... what are we now? Boyfriend-girlfriend? Official rooftop romance squad?"
Before he could squeak a word-
Vihaan Awasthi/ FL's brother
"ANJU! You're here?!"
Vihaan's foghorn voice exploded from the doorway.
Vihaan Awasthi/ FL's brother
"Help me pick a dress for my baby!"
In a blink, he yanked me away like a ragdoll.
Excuse me?! My crush just kissed me.. our first sparkly moment.. and this clown ends it with fashion emergency?!
Vihaan, I swear, I'm disowning you for crimes against romance!
Reyansh stood there, dazed puppy eyes blinking. Me? Dragged to wardrobe hell, screaming internally: Universe, whyyyy?!
Vihaan hauled me into the girls' clothing section like a man on a mission.. his mission: Operation Spoil Sanjana Silly.
Vihaan Awasthi/ FL's brother
"Anju, emergency! Pink or hotter pink for my baby? She'll slay!"
He held up Dress #1: a poofy pink monstrosity that screamed "cotton candy explosion."
Vihaan Awasthi/ FL's brother
"This one! It'll make her look like a walking cupcake- soft, sweet, edible. Rawr!"
Anjali Awasthi/FL
"Gross, Vihaan. Next!"
I snatched it away before my eyes bled.
Dress #2: hot pink sequins, basically a disco ball's evil twin.
Vihaan Awasthi/ FL's brother
"No.. imagine her twirling! My marshmallow queen, sparkling like my future wife's aura!"
Anjali Awasthi/FL
"Vihaan, that's a prom nightmare from 1999. She'd look like a rejected backup dancer!"
Dress #3: sheer pink tulle that was 90% air, 10% regret.
Vihaan Awasthi/ FL's brother
"Sexy fairy vibes! I'll propose in it. Or during it."
Anjali Awasthi/FL
"Eww.. Pick something normal, you lovesick puppy!"
I shoved a simple blue sundress at him.
Anjali Awasthi/FL
"This. Classy. Done."
I flopped on my bed, pissed as hell. Couldn't even see Reyansh after that kiss! Vihaan, you stupid idiot! I hate you!! Curse that dress disaster.
Face buried in the pillow, I screamed muffled curses. Then.. bam.. blush attack. That cheek kiss replayed: his shy eyes, soft lips. Swoon!
Meanwhile, in the Boys' Dorm
Reyansh sprawled on his bed, daydreaming about Anjali's kiss.. heart flutters, shy smiles, the works.
Then.. bam. Vihaan on speakerphone again.
Vihaan Awasthi/ FL's brother
"Baby, glad you liked the dress!"
Vihaan Awasthi/ FL's brother
"Of course you looked pretty in it... but you look way better with nothing on!"
Vihaan growled playfully.
Reyansh choked.. jaw on the floor.
Reyansh Sharma
{WHAT THE HELL?! Do all couples talk like pórn scripts?!}
His brain short-circuited. Pictured himself whispering that to Anjali.
Reyansh Sharma
{Nooo! Abort! What am I thinking?!}
his face exploded red. He buried it in his palms, kicking the air like a tantrum kid.
Vihaan Awasthi/ FL's brother
"What a weirdo.."
EP-3
I stormed into class and froze. Some punk had just dumped iced water on Reyansh. He sat there dripping and shivering.
That was it. My jaw clenched. I couldn't take this anymore.
I grabbed the bully's hair and yanked. Hard.
Reyansh Sharma
"An-Anjali-"
Too late. I dragged the yelping jerk straight to the principal's office. Drenched, worried Reyansh followed.
Reyansh Sharma
"Anjali, no-"
I shoved the bully inside. The principal blinked.
principal
"What the hell is going on?"
Anjali Awasthi/FL
"This idiot bullies everyone.."
Anjali Awasthi/FL
"Look.. he threw cold water on Reyansh!"
The principal eyed shivering, soaked Reyansh.
principal
"Is this true?"
principal
"Okay, both of you.. out. I'll deal with him."
Reyansh pulled me outside. I sighed, arms crossed.
Reyansh Sharma
"It's okay.. You didn't have to do all that... for me."
Anjali Awasthi/FL
"Of course I did. You're my boyfriend. No one bullies what's mine."
His breath hitched. His cheeks turned beet red at "boyfriend."
Before Reyansh could respond, my useless brother popped up like a bad penny.
Vihaan Awasthi/ FL's brother
"What the hell was that, Anju? We need to talk.."
Anjali Awasthi/FL
"Then talk. I give you permission.."
He gave me a "done with you" glare.
Vihaan Awasthi/ FL's brother
"It's not funny."
First time I'd seen this joker serious.. no goofy grin, just frown lines.
Vihaan Awasthi/ FL's brother
"Can you give us some private space?"
I sighed as Reyansh nodded and walked off.
Anjali Awasthi/FL
"What is it?"
Vihaan Awasthi/ FL's brother
"What's your deal with him?"
Anjali Awasthi/FL
"He's my boyfriend."
Vihaan Awasthi/ FL's brother
"Are you fúcking serious? Look at him.. he's weird! Barely talks. He's my roommate, and he's said zero words to me!"
Anjali Awasthi/FL
"What the hell is wrong with everyone? Why does everybody criticize him?"
Vihaan Awasthi/ FL's brother
"Anju, I'm not criticizing. You're my sister.. I care about you-"
Anjali Awasthi/FL
"Enough!"
Camille
"It's 9 a.m. omg, hurry! Is everything ready?"
Employee 1 barked, sweating bullets.
Keturah
"Yeah.. black coffee, no sugar, on the boss's table."
Employee 2 replied, double-checking.
The office buzzed with nerves.. everyone on eggshells.
Right then, a sleek black luxury car purred to a stop at the entrance.
Out stepped him: black designer suit hugging perfection, hair styled flawlessly, shoes polished to mirror shine.. you could fix your makeup in them.
But those hazel eyes? Ice-cold. Zero emotion. Stone.
Shivay Singh Oberoi- CEO of a multinational empire, every magazine cover's dream, billionaire who conquered the world by 24.
Now 28, he'd built it all in four years. Solo. No handouts.
Girls dropped dead for him. He never glanced twice.
Camille
"Good morning, boss."
He nodded.. coldly and strode into his cabin.
Ruth
"Sir, you have a meeting in ten minutes."
Shivay Singh Oberoi/ML
"Is everything ready?"
Shivay asked coldly, eyes fixed on his screen.. not a glance her way.
In the meeting room, breaths hitched as Shivay entered. Colder than a glacier, he tolerated zero nonsense. One slip-up? Fired on the spot.
Shivay Singh Oberoi/ML
"Start the meeting.."
He commanded, voice like cracking ice.
The secretary leaned in, trembling.
Ruth
"Sir... the employee presenting hasn't arrived-"
Erich
"May I come in, sir?"
Shivay's gaze sliced over.
Shivay Singh Oberoi/ML
"Out. You're ten minutes late."
Erich
"Sorry, sir, I overslept-"
Shivay flashed a sarcastic, mocking smile.
Shivay Singh Oberoi/ML
"Sure. You're fired. Now you have all day to sleep."
The room went dead silent.
Shivay didn't blink. He stood, snatched the clicker, and launched the presentation himself.. slides flipping like lightning.
Shivay Singh Oberoi/ML
"Q3 profits: up 18%. But logistics wasted 7% on delays."
His voice cut sharp, hazel eyes scanning charts.
Shivay Singh Oberoi/ML
"Fix it. Or you're next."
The team squirmed as he dissected every flaw, numbers flowing from him like weapons. No notes needed- he was the empire.
Shivay Singh Oberoi/ML
"Projections?"
Shivay Singh Oberoi/ML
"Make it 20. Deadlines tomorrow."
Slide after slide, he owned it- cold, flawless, unstoppable.
Shivay strode into his cabin and sank into his leather chair. His phone buzzed.
He picked up. Sanjana's voice exploded through the speaker.
Sanjana Singh Oberoi/ML's sister
"Brother!! When are you coming back?!"
Shivay Singh Oberoi/ML
"Why?"
Sanjana Singh Oberoi/ML's sister
"What do you mean 'why'? I haven't seen you in years! I miss you!"
Shivay Singh Oberoi/ML
"I'm busy.
Sanjana Singh Oberoi/ML's sister
"Why are you like this? Ugh.. you're the rudest person ever! Keep it up, and you'll die single, I swear!"
Shivay sighed, pulling a small photo frame from his drawer. A nine-year-old girl beamed back- cute smile, pigtails flying.
For the first time that day, he smiled.. genuine, warm. A crack in the ice.
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