Page 10 of Entangled Vows

Mr. Rao replied gently, “Wills rarely are. The wishes of the departed often differ from the expectations of living people.”

A flicker of sympathy crossed his face, making Mahika feel sick. She hated that look, hated the quiet pity in his eyes. She tried to tell herself it was okay. That all of it was something she could rebuild... the job, the house, all of it could be replaced. That none of them mattered. She still had her secret writing career, and with it, savings no one knew about. That was hers alone. And that was how she intended to keep it.

But the beach house in Australia?

That was different. She could never walk away from that.

“He can’t do this!” Mohit burst out.

“All of it legally belonged to your father,” Mr. Rao replied calmly. “He had full authority.”

“No,” Mohit said, refusing to back down. “There has to be a loophole.”

“There isn’t one,” Mr. Rao said quietly. “This clause is airtight.”

Mahika’s hands clenched into fists. “Why?” she whispered. “Why would he do this?”

Mr. Rao cleared his throat. “I wish I knew.”

The silence that followed was heavier than any answer.

“I’m not doing this by choice,” Vikram muttered at last. “I gave up everything… my company, my whole life in Mumbai, just for this circus.”

Mahika let out a bitter laugh. “You mean the parties, the luxury, the women? That’s not real life, Vikram.”

“You only know what I show you…” His eyes narrowed. “And tell me, what do you even know about real life?Mumbai… that place… thatismy life. I have people there who care about me more than blood ever has.”

She scoffed, letting out a bitter laugh. “Real life? Please. Don’t act like you know me. You have no idea about my battles or my struggles. All my life, I’ve lived by someone else’s rules, and this feels like the final nail in the coffin.”

“Be thankful there’s an exit plan,” he said flatly. “It’s just one year, Mahika. You’re mature enough to survive that, aren’t you?”

Her head shot up, and she stared daggers at him. “How generous of you. One whole year with you. What a dream!”

“Trust me, it’s not paradise for me either. But at least I’m not the one whining about a clause that gives you an out.”

“Whining?” she repeated, rising to her feet. “I didn’t sign up for this, Vikram. I don’t need anoutbecause I never agreed to bein.”

Every time she said his name like that, something inside him flared. Something intense and unbidden, but he forced it down.

“Neither did I,” he said, his voice taut. “But if one year is what it takes to protect my father’s legacy, then I’ll do it. You’re the one making this harder than it needs to be.”

“Oh, I’m sorry,” she said sarcastically, her voice bitter. “I thought you hated this empire. Didn’t you dump this mess on Suraj and take off to Mumbai? Some hero you are.”

Vikram stepped closer, his voice low and edged with steel. “I don’t need to explain myself to anyone. While you’re busy throwing tantrums, I’m holding together everything my father built. I’ve got people relying on me. And here… you are freaking out over a beach house.”

The words landed like a slap, and the silence pressed down on them, sharp and suffocating.

“Don’t you dare bring up that house,” Mahika hissed, her voice hardening. “You have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“So, enlighten me. Don’t freak out every time things get difficult. Deal with it and just accept it.”

“I’m not throwing my life away for this,” she rebelled, her eyes blazing with frustration.

“It’s fucking one year. Try getting that through your pretty head. I’m not the bad guy here.”

“Doesn’t feel like it,” she muttered, bitterness lacing every word.

Vikram’s gaze wandered around the room. Then his voice lowered, calm and controlled. “Would you all mind givingmy fiancée and me a moment alone with Mr. Rao? This is a private matter.”