Public Display.
364 Words
CHAPTER THREE: Public Display.
Married life, it turned out, was a performance.
Breakfast meetings where Dev’s hand rested lightly on her back. Charity gala’s where she laughed at jokes she barely heard. Interviews where they spoke about “shared values” and “a vision for the future”.
The headlines shifted from “Malhotra under fire” to “power couple leading the green revolution”.
Her project received its first installment of funding within a week.
When she visited the housing complex to announce the expansion, the residence cheered. For the first time in months, hope bloomed in her chest.
That night, she found Dev in the kitchen, sleeves rolled up, attempting to cook.
“You cook?” She asked, surprised.
“ I try”, he said dryly. “ my staff insisted on taking the night off after the wedding chaos”.
She watched him stir something in a pan.
“ smells decent”, she admitted.
“ High praise”. Dev said.
They ate at the marble Island.
“ you handled the press well today” he said. “You didn’t oversell”
“ I don’t believe in overselling”. She said.
“I’ve noticed”. Dev replied.
She hesitated. “ thank you. For releasing the funds so quickly.
“ I keep my promises” he said.
Something softened between them.
After dinner, she moved to the kitchen to wash the dishes.
Dev followed her.
“ you don’t have to,” he said.
“ I know.” She replied.
Their hands brushed under the running water.
The contact lingered a fraction too long.
They both pulled back.
Clause five echoed in her mind.
Physical intimacy is not required.
But no one had mentioned what to do about awareness.
She decided to leave the kitchen.
Dev dragged her back to his chest, running his fingers through her hair, staring at her lips attempting to kiss her.
Aria was lost then came back to her senses and pushed him away.
“ please I don’t want this.” She said. “Physical intimacy is not required, remember?.”
This statement sounded like a bell in Dev’s ear.
- Writer
