Page 89 of Lawfully Yours

Her lips parted; her breath caught. She couldn’t handle more. Not at this moment. She abruptly stood, needing space. Needing air.

“You’re impossible,” she muttered, barely above a whisper, then turned and walked away without looking back.

Behind her, Kushal rose with ease, a lazy grin spreading across his face. He didn’t hurry. He didn’t call out.

He just followed her, like she knew he would.

They were just crossing the resort’s plush lobby when the front desk manager intercepted them with a cheerful smile.

“Good morning, Mr. and Mrs. Nair,” she greeted, holding a cream envelope in her hand. “I hope you two newlyweds are enjoying your honeymoon here.”

Arundhati stilled mid-stride, a bit stiffened at the greeting. Kushal, however, stood beside her like he belonged there, by her side. As if they really were the picture-perfect honeymoon couple, the woman believed them to be.

The manager extended the envelope with a gentle nod.

“We’re hosting a special evening tomorrow evening for our honeymoon guests. Just two hours—light-hearted couple activities in the garden, a bonfire, music, games, maybe even a little dancing if the mood’s right. It’s fun, and many of our guests find it… memorable.”

Arundhati accepted the envelope, already shaking her head. “Thank you, but no. I don’t think we’ll be attending.”

The manager blinked. “Oh, but it’s nothing too involved. Just a bit of fun. It’s really popular. We’ve even got a few couple challenges. Nothing too cheesy, I promise.” She laughed lightly. “It’s designed to bring couples closer, in the most playful way.”

“I appreciate that,” Arundhati said, with a nod. “But we’re not interested.”

The manager hesitated, glancing at Kushal, who hadn’t said a word yet. Then she smiled again, trying. “We only have a few slots left. I’d hate for you to miss out on such a lovely evening. It really adds to the honeymoon experience—”

“Thank you,” Arundhati repeated, sharper this time. “We’ll pass.”

But Kushal?

He was faster. He smoothly wrapped an arm around Arundhati’s waist.

“Actually, don’t mind, we’d love to come,” he said warmly, pulling her a touch closer, “but my wife’s an early sleeper. You know, she burns out quickly if she’s too active. Which would be a shame, considering how much... energy we’ll still need after the bonfire.”

“Kushal—” Arundhati looked at him in a warning.

“What? I’m just being honest. You do need your beauty sleep... unless, of course, the games are too much for you to handle?”

That did it.

Her pride snapped to attention.

She looked at the manager, who stood awkwardly between them. “We’ll be there,” Arundhati said, voice sugar-sweet but eyes blazing.

The manager lit up. “You sure, Ma’am?”

“Absolutely,” Arundhati smiled.

“Oh, wonderful! I’ll confirm your names on the list right away.”

The moment she disappeared, Arundhati turned on Kushal, who was already smirking like the devil after sealing a deal. “You do realise it’s acouple’sevent, right?” he asked.

“Yes, I realised that the moment she handed you that damn envelope. But what I don’t realise is why you were so interested in proving to her that I am an early sleeper needing my beauty sleep. You know that’s not true.”

“That’s because I’m just too good,” he said, leaning in. “Scratch your ego, and you’ll do anything to win, even if it means dancing by bonfire light with your husband.

She clenched her jaw, already regretting giving him the satisfaction.

“These days, you’re becoming dangerously predictable, Aru. It’s way too easy now to get you to do what I want. Just challenge your pride a little, and bam…there you are, right where I want you.”