The First Test
653 Words
Aarini had kissed Kian Malhotra.
Not a real kiss. Just a brush of her lips against his jaw. Just enough to sell their engagement.
And yet, as they walked away from Natasha Oberoi’s calculating gaze, Aarini’s heart pounded like she had just done something forbidden.
Kian, as expected, was unreadable.
“That was unnecessary,” he murmured as they moved through the ballroom.
Aarini glanced at him, arching a brow. “Was it? Because judging by the way Natasha looked at us, I’d say it was very necessary.”
Kian smirked. “You’re enjoying this, aren’t you?”
Aarini shrugged. “I like winning.”
Kian’s gaze flickered with something unreadable, but before he could respond, a waiter approached with champagne.
“Mr. Malhotra, the press is here. They’ve requested a statement about your engagement.”
Aarini felt the shift in the air instantly. Their first real test.
Kian exhaled sharply, then turned to her. “Are you ready?”
Aarini lifted her chin. “Always.”
Facing the Media
The press conference was set up in an opulent lounge, cameras flashing as soon as Kian and Aarini stepped into view.
Kian placed a firm yet gentle hand on her waist, guiding her forward with the kind of ease that made it look real.
The first question came instantly.
“Mr. Malhotra, your engagement was a surprise to many. Can you tell us how you and Miss Verma fell in love?”
Aarini smiled, her mind working fast.
Kian, of course, didn’t hesitate. “It was unexpected,” he said smoothly. “But sometimes, the best things in life are.”
Aarini almost rolled her eyes. How convenient.
A reporter turned to her. “Miss Verma, how did Mr. Malhotra propose?”
Aarini hadn’t thought of that.
For a split second, her mind went blank.
Then, inspiration struck.
She turned to Kian, letting out a soft laugh. “It was… dramatic.”
The reporters leaned in.
Kian’s grip on her waist tightened slightly.
“Oh?” the reporter asked. “Do tell.”
Aarini turned, looking at Kian with something close to adoration. She had played this game before. Charm. Convince. Win.
“He caught me completely off guard,” she said, her voice warm and full of fondness. “We were at a private dinner, and I was going on and on about my latest project. I didn’t even realize he had gotten down on one knee until I looked up and saw him holding the ring.”
The reporters melted.
“That’s beautiful,” one of them gushed.
Kian, to his credit, didn’t flinch. Instead, he smiled slightly. “She talks a lot. I had to make sure she noticed.”
Aarini laughed on cue, nudging him lightly. The cameras flashed, capturing the perfect, effortless chemistry.
For a moment, it almost felt real.
But the questions kept coming.
“When’s the wedding?”
“How does it feel to be engaged to one of India’s most eligible bachelors?”
“Miss Verma, do you believe in love?”
That last one caught her off guard.
Aarini hesitated—just a fraction of a second—but Kian noticed.
He looked at her, waiting.
Aarini forced a smile. “I believe love is… complicated.”
Kian’s gaze darkened, but the reporters ate it up.
After the Show
As soon as they left the press area, Kian let go of her waist, his posture stiff.
“You lied,” he said simply.
Aarini shrugged, unbothered. “I improvised. You should be thanking me—the media adores us now.”
Kian studied her, his jaw ticking.
“I don’t like surprises,” he said finally.
Aarini smirked. “Then you really shouldn’t have picked me.”
And with that, she walked away, leaving him standing there—watching her like she was the first puzzle he couldn’t solve.
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End of Chapter 3
- Writer
