Page 98 of The Defiant Wife

"Hmm?"

"Don't forget to pack extra chutney."

"He always asks for more."

I laugh softly. "Thanks."

"Anytime.And don't worry," she says in a teasing voice."Your secret is safe with me."

"I don't believe you."

"You shouldn't."Before she can tease me again, I quickly end the call.I tuck my phone into my pocket and head straight for the palace kitchen.

South Indian food. Perfect. Simple. Comforting.

It somehow suits him.

I roll up my sleeves, tie my hair into a messy bun, and walk inside with a new sense of purpose.If the Stone Prince insists on taking care of me . . . Then today . . . It's my turn to take care of him.

35. PRIORITIES

VEERAJ

The final quarterly review for the regional agricultural cooperative drags on for nearly three hours.By the time the last presentation ends, the boardroom feels stuffy, filled with the smell of stale coffee and freshly printed reports. I roll my shoulders once, trying to ease the stiffness in my neck as the members begin gathering their files.

One by one, they leave.

I give them a brief nod before sitting back down behind my desk.There are still land development files waiting for my signature.

I reach for my fountain pen, but my thoughts drift somewhere else.To last night.To Diya, curled against my chest, her warmth seeping into me.To the way she'd finally fallen asleep after endless tantrums and whining.

A quiet knock pulls me back.Ravi steps inside carrying his tablet against his chest."The meeting is officially over, Kunwar Sa," he says politely. Then he hesitates. "There's . . . one more thing."

I look up."Your wife is waiting in the private lounge. Should I send her in now?"

My pen stops in midair."My wife?"The words leave my mouth before I can stop them.

Diya is here?

"How long has she been waiting?"

Ravi shifts uncomfortably."About . . . thirty minutes, sir."A muscle jumps in my jaw."You were presenting the quarterly budget to the cabinet liaison, so I didn't think it would be appropriate to interrupt."

The pen lands on my desk with a sharp crack.I stand so suddenly my chair rolls back a few inches.

"Send her in."My voice comes out lower than usual.

Controlled.

But only just.

"And Ravi."He immediately straightens."This is the first and last time my wife waits outside my office."His eyes widen."I don't care who I'm meeting. Idon't care if it's the cabinet. Idon't care if the Prime Minister himself is sitting in this room." I look straight into his eyes, so he knows how serious I am,"If Diya comes here . . . " I hold his gaze. " . . . you interrupt me.She comes first.Do you understand?"

"Y-Yes, sir."He nods quickly before almost rushing out of the office.

The door closes behind him.

I let out a slow breath.