The Morning After Pain
Ruhan Arora
(thinking) Let’s see… what point in time did I reincarnate into?
A sudden, heavy feeling settled in his chest.
This was the day—the night after a tragedy masked by silence.
The original Ruhan, despite being the Chairman and Creative Director of a globally renowned design company, had wanted to attend a crucial board meeting. It was a turning point for the firm, the launch of a new strategy he had worked on for months.
But Ravina—his wife—had insisted he stay by her side.
When he refused, she snapped.
She whipped him mercilessly until his back was torn open and he collapsed, unconscious on the cold floor.
No one even asked why Ruhan missed the meeting the next day. They didn't even know if he had a meeting that day.
And now… now that soul was gone.
Suddenly, a sharp pain bloomed in his chest like a clenched fist of fire. He gasped and dropped to his knees.
Ruhan Arora
(thinking) The heart condition… it’s flaring up.
He reached into the drawer beside the bed, guided by memory, and fumbled for a pill bottle. His fingers trembled as he swallowed the medication, waiting for the storm in his chest to subside.
Ruhan Arora
He stopped taking care of his health... but I can’t afford that. Not now. Not with Liora depending on me.
He was pulled from his thoughts by a soft knock on the door.
Ruhan Arora
(deep breath) Come in.
The door opened, and Anne, the gentle maid, entered with her usual soft voice.
amne(maid)
Good morning, sir. Will you be coming down for breakfast or… should I bring it up?
Anne. One of the only two people in this house who ever treated Ruhan like a human being.
Ruhan Arora
(offering a small smile) I’m coming down. Thank you, Anne.
amne(maid)
(nodding) Very well, sir.
Just as she left, a familiar cry echoed through the room. A tiny, soft voice, fragile and pure.
He walked over to the crib, and the moment his eyes met hers, her cry stopped. Her little hands reached up for him.
Ruhan Arora
(softly) Looks like my little star is awake… and hungry.”
She giggled in his arms, snuggling into his chest like she belonged there—and she did.
With gentle hands, Ruhan freshened up and dressed her in a soft cream-colored romper embroidered with stars. Together, they headed downstairs.
At the staircase, James, the loyal butler, was waiting.
james(butler)
Young master. Are you alright? You look pale.
Ruhan Arora
I’m fine, Uncle. Just a bit tired. I’ve taken my medicine.
James frowned, concern written all over his aged face.
james(butler)
Would you like a painkiller brought to your room? And perhaps I should carry little Miss Liora for you?
Ruhan Arora
(smiling faintly) Woah, woah. Calm down, Uncle. I’m alright. But do keep the painkiller ready—just in case.
He gently tried to hand over Liora, but she clung tightly to his shirt.
Ruhan Arora
(laughing) Looks like my little star is attached to her papa.
Liora Arora
“Paaa!” Her tiny pout made him laugh again.
james(butler)
(smiling to Anne) She’s the only one who can bring out the young master’s smile.
They entered the lavish dining hall.
The massive table stood empty—every other family member had already eaten and left, as usual. Not one plate remained for him. No one asked if he would come. No one waited.
He sat at the far end of the table, placing Liora gently on his lap. Anne served breakfast and handed over the baby’s milk bottle.
Liora refused to leave her father’s lap, her fingers curled tightly into his sleeve.
Ruhan Arora
(teasing gently) So clingy today, huh? Someone really loves Papa.
Liora Arora
(soft pout) Mmm!
For the first time in this cold, grey house—there was warmth.
After feeding Liora and finishing his own breakfast, Ruhan stood and made his way back upstairs, carrying her gently in his arms.
But just before he reached the hallway, someone froze behind the corner near the kitchen, watching them.
A crystal glass in her hand slipped and shattered on the floor.
She hadn’t seen that in months—not once since their wedding. Her control over him, her perfectly crafted emotional prison, was cracking.
Ravina
(thinking) What… changed?
She narrowed her eyes, lips curling with suspicion and quiet fury.
Ravina
(thinking) He was supposed to be broken. But now he’s smiling? Laughing?
A chill ran down her spine.
Will Ravina’s suspicion turn into obsession once again… or will this time, she be the one outmatched?
Continue reading to enter the shadows behind the mansion’s golden walls…
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