Chapter 2 The Man Behind the Rumours

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...🖤 ADITYA RAICHAND 🖤...

...Age: 30...

...CEO of Raichand Group...

..."A man feared by the world......

...yet misunderstood by all."...

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...The massive gates of Raichand Mansion slowly opened....

The newlyweds stepped inside.

Rows of servants stood in perfect formation, lowering their heads in respect.

"Welcome home, Mr. and Mrs. Raichand."

Anika quietly observed everything around her.

The mansion was breathtaking.

Towering marble pillars, sparkling crystal chandeliers, priceless paintings, and elegant white roses decorated every corner. Every detail reflected unimaginable wealth and power. It looked less like a home and more like a royal palace built for kings.

Yet...

Something about it felt different.

Cold.

Silent.

Almost as if laughter had been forbidden within these walls.

A young maid stepped forward, carrying a silver tray.

"Madam, this is your room key."

Before Anika could take it, another servant immediately stopped her.

"No."

"The young mistress will stay in the Young Master's room."

The maid quickly lowered her head.

"My apologies, Madam."

Anika instinctively looked towards Aditya.

He didn't react.

Not even slightly.

His face remained unreadable.

Without saying another word, he turned around.

"Come."

His deep voice echoed through the hallway.

Calm.

Cold.

As though he wasn't speaking to his wife...

...but to a complete stranger.

Anika quietly followed behind him.

The silence between them was almost uncomfortable.

Only the sound of their footsteps echoed through the enormous mansion.

Halfway upstairs...

Anika suddenly stopped.

Three magnificent bridal portraits hung on the wall.

Three beautiful women.

Three smiling brides.

Fresh white lilies had been placed beneath each portrait.

She couldn't take her eyes off them.

"Who are they?"

Aditya didn't even turn around.

"My past."

Nothing more.

Nothing less.

Just two words.

His answer left no room for another question.

Anika looked at the portraits once again.

Every bride wore a beautiful smile.

Yet...

Their eyes carried an unbearable sadness.

Almost as if they were trying to tell a story no one had ever heard.

She slowly followed him upstairs.

The master bedroom was luxurious.

Floor-to-ceiling windows overlooked the gardens.

Dark wooden furniture, soft golden lights, and elegant décor filled the room.

Everything was perfectly arranged.

Almost...

Too perfect.

Aditya removed his wristwatch and placed it on the bedside table.

Without looking at her, he finally spoke.

"This marriage exists because our families wanted it."

"I won't interfere in your life."

"I expect the same from you."

Anika remained silent for a moment before asking softly,

"So...

We're simply two strangers living under the same roof?"

He nodded once.

"Exactly."

Silence settled between them again.

Then...

Anika smiled gently.

"I can live with that."

For the first time that day...

Aditya looked directly into her eyes.

There was no fear.

No greed.

No attempt to impress him.

Only quiet acceptance.

Something about her felt...

Different.

Anika placed her suitcase beside the bed and looked around the room.

"You don't have to worry," she said softly.

"I won't make your life difficult."

Aditya looked at her for a brief moment.

"I've heard those words before."

His voice remained calm.

But this time...

There was pain hidden beneath it.

Before Anika could ask what he meant, he walked out of the room.

The sound of the closing door echoed through the silent mansion.

Standing alone, Anika whispered to herself,

"Who are you, Aditya Raichand?"

That night...

Unable to sleep, she stepped onto the balcony.

A cool breeze brushed against her face.

The mansion was silent.

Almost unnaturally silent.

Her gaze slowly drifted towards the old east wing.

One window glowed faintly.

A woman stood behind the curtain.

Watching her.

Anika froze.

She blinked.

The light disappeared.

So did the woman.

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To Be Continued...

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