Chairman's Beloved Wifey

At Akshat's sarcastic remark, Kartik's expression grew cold, though his voice remained composed.

"I may not fear death, but I'm not a fool. I wouldn't willingly walk into my own grave," Akshat taunted. "It was Emma Richard who shot your wife. If you don't believe me, go see for yourself. Your wife is currently admitted at R.H. Hospital."

Kartik's stoic demeanor darkened at Akshat's words. The chill in his eyes reflected an icy resolve to make Emma pay. But would Bella allow such vengeance?

With a deliberate motion, Kartik rose from his seat.

The layers of ice that clung to his hardened figure slowly melted away, revealing the sculpted form of his physique. His body, a masterpiece carved from stone, gleamed under the soft light, his V-shaped torso commanding attention.

Akshat, however, was unphased. He had long known that Kartik was a creature of habit, his yearly pilgrimage to the Himalayas part of a ritual where he would meditate for twenty-four hours. Today, however, he broke from tradition—something had disrupted his usual routine.

With an almost imperceptible shift in his gaze, Kartik's tone was hard as steel. "Where is Emma now?"

Akshat smirked and responded, "Your wife has confined her to the house for a month, thinking it's punishment. In truth, she's protecting her from you."

Kartik's jaw clenched as the harshness of his words filled the air. "Your wife can't shield her from me forever," he said, his tone chilling. "Not this time."

Akshat hid his smile. He knew that this would be the start of something catastrophic. His brother's life was about to spiral out of control.

Without further exchange, Kartik pulled the shirt from Akshat's hand and slipped it on. His steps were purposeful as he headed toward the chopper waiting outside.

Akshat followed, curiosity etched across his face. "Chairman," he began, "I heard a girl tried to seduce you a couple of days ago. Care to share her name?"

Kartik, unperturbed, glanced at him coldly. Akshat's playful tone only seemed to provoke the silent storm within him. He knew what his friend was doing—prying, seeking answers to things better left unsaid.

Kartik didn't respond. Instead, he climbed into the chopper and closed the door with an icy finality.

Akshat's grin faded into frustration. He raised his voice, trying to get Kartik's attention. "You can't be serious. I'm freezing out here!"

But Kartik, without a second glance, issued his final words. "Enjoy the cold, Akshat. It's more interesting that way."

Akshat stood there, utterly defeated, watching as the chopper disappeared into the distance, leaving him alone with the biting winds of the Himalayas.

His attention then shifted to a rustle behind him. He turned to find a massive Himalayan brown bear standing just a few feet away.

With a mock laugh, Akshat mused, "Ah, so this is what I get for a warm reception. Let's see how this game plays out."

The bear roared, and before Akshat could react, it lunged at him with terrifying speed.

---

Elsewhere, in the Pacific Ocean:

A massive cargo ship glided over the calm waters, its hull marked with a simple black wing logo. The crew, accustomed to the serene conditions, were caught off guard as the ship veered toward the southern waters.

Suddenly, the atmosphere shifted. The seas began to churn violently, the winds howling as though the ocean itself was rebelling. The once peaceful waters turned into a tempest, throwing the crew into chaos.

The ship's captain, confused, sought answers from the radar. "The forecast predicted calm conditions for at least two days," he muttered, his voice laced with disbelief. "So what's happening?"

Before anyone could grasp the unfolding danger, the ship began to shake violently, as if the sea had decided to devour it whole. The crew was paralyzed by fear as the ship's control system malfunctioned.

In a matter of minutes, the vessel was swallowed by the ocean, disappearing without a trace.

---

At R.H. Hospital in Paris:

Bella sat quietly in her hospital room, her eyes scanning the medical reports she had just received. The words on the page troubled her, but she remained calm as the doctor confirmed her fears.

"Are the reports accurate?" Bella asked, her voice steady but her thoughts racing.

"Yes, Madam. The results are definitive," the doctor replied.

Bella dismissed the doctor with a curt nod and leaned back against the bed. The weight of the diagnosis pressed heavily on her mind.

Her moment of contemplation was interrupted by a knock on the door. "Come in," Bella called softly.

Ravat entered, his expression unreadable. "The car is ready, Madam."

Without a word, Bella rose from the bed. She moved with grace, her strength and elegance undeniable, as she exited the hospital room. The guards in the hallway stood at attention, their presence a constant reminder of her influence.

The streets of Paris glistened under the fading light of day, but Bella's thoughts were far from the beauty of the city. Her mind was focused on one thing—the unsettling truth in her reports.

Upon arriving at Galaxy Mansion, Bella was greeted by the quiet of her private estate. Her personal fortress, built after her departure from the Richard family, stood as a testament to her strength and independence.

Inside, she made her way to her bedroom, where she lay down in the silence of the night. Yet, even in her solitude, she couldn't escape the gnawing worry that gripped her heart.

After some time, she reached for her phone and dialed her mother's number.

"How is Bartika?" Bella asked, a trace of concern in her voice.

"She's fine, dear," Mrs. Raichand replied. "She's playing with Vansh today and is exhausted. She's asleep now."

Bella's face softened at the mention of her daughter. "Thank you, Mom."

As their conversation ended, Bella settled into bed. But the peace was fleeting. In the darkness of her room, a shadow crept silently towards her.

The figure watched Bella's peaceful sleep for a long moment, then reached out, as though to touch her. But something held it back.

A low voice echoed in the room, almost a whisper, "Soon, my love, we will be together, forever. The future we've dreamed of will soon be ours."

The shadow paused as the door creaked open, and Kartik stepped into the room.

____________________________________

What lies ahead for the cargo ship?

What is the truth behind Bella's medical report?

Who was the shadow, and what did it want?

How will Kartik's return affect Bella?

To know…

To be continued…