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“Why should our marriage happen within one month, Ayaan?” I repeat my question.
“Meher, the elections are just two months away. If we marry before that and I clear your father’s name of all the allegations, it will significantly improve his image in the eyes of the people, which will ultimately work in his favour during the elections.”
His explanation makes sense, and I nod, surprised that he is genuinely showing concern towards Dad’s political career.
“I don’t really care if he wins or loses,” Ayaan continues with a touch of smugness. “But I guess it’s just a practical decision to give him something in return for the privilege of having his beautiful daughter as my wife.”
Ah! There he goes, admitting the truth. I take a deep breath, gathering my thoughts before asking the question that has been lingering on my mind.
“What about the car that you traced? What does the investigation say? Was it really involved in your father’s accident?” I inquire, watching as his warm expression turns cold. It’s evident that he’s becoming defensive.
“Why are you so interested in knowing what the investigation says?” he retorts, pulling his hand away from mine. “As it is, you don’t believe that your father or someone he hired caused that accident.”
Frustration wells up inside me. Why can’t he see things from my perspective?
“Ayaan,” I argue, “you’re only looking at it from one angle. Yes, my father threatened your father, but think about it logically. Would he really plan something like this in such a short span of time? Would he risk his entire political career just to hurt you and your father because you were dating his daughter?”
Ayaan remains adamant, clenching his jaw tightly, refusing to consider other possibilities.
“I am not going to answer that question,” he replies coldly. “You’re here to discuss the marriage deal, not to convince me of your father’s innocence. Don’t lose track, Meher.”
I feel a pang of annoyance and disappointment. It seems like he doesn’t want to understand my point of view at all. So, I decide to focus on the main topic, as he suggests.
“Fine,” I say, trying to control my emotions. “Let’s get back to discussing the marriage deal then.”
Yet, a part of me can’t shake off the hurt from his refusal to acknowledge my concerns. I had hoped he would be more understanding, but it appears he’s closing himself off, unwilling to listen to me whenever I try to prove my father’s innocence.
I take a moment to compose myself before continuing the conversation, pushing aside my emotions for now. But deep down, I can’t help but wonder if we can truly ever be on the same page about everything.
We delve into discussing the marriage deal, and I make it very clear that my decision depends on what’s best for my father and his political career.
“I won’t proceed with anything until you hold a press conference, publicly retracting the allegations against my father,” I state firmly. “And once your father gives a statement to the police, confirming that my dad had no hand in his accident, then, and only then, will I consider going ahead with our marriage preparations. Not before that,” I assert, making my conditions clear.
Ayaan smirks at my precise and calculated planning.
“The queen does have it all figured out, doesn’t she?” he asks, amusement dancing in his eyes.
I meet his smugness with a confident smile.
“Of course I do,” I reply. “I won’t leave anything to chance, especially when it comes to my father’s reputation and our future together.”
His smirk fades, and he looks at me with a mix of emotions.
“It means you don’t trust me,” he murmurs, his voice tinged with a hint of hurt.
I hold his gaze steadily.
“The Queen’s trust in the King has wavered ever since he distrusted her in the past,” I say coolly. “It will take time for her to get it back.”
For a moment, there’s silence between us as we lock eyes. Then, Ayaan’s expression softens, and he reaches out to hold my hand over my lap again.
“The King will do everything in his power to earn back her trust.”
I raise an eyebrow. “Good,” I reply. “Because the Queen won’t settle for anything less.”
With that, I feel a sense of control over this situation. I know what I want and am not afraid to demand it. Ayaan may be the one who swept me off my feet, but I won’t let that stop me from standing my ground and ensuring that our future is built on trust, respect and mutual understanding.
CHAPTER 21
