“Now you’re back and Dev has taken time off from work? He backed out on a movie that was a surefire hit?” The anger vibrated in Gauri’s voice. “And at the worst time. I can’t tolerate this any longer.”
“I think this is a conversation you should have with your son,” Tina murmured. She gave a sidelong glance and noticed other guests were trying to listen into their conversation.
“Nonsense. You tricked Dev into marrying you in order to help your career.” The older woman’s voice sharpened with impatience. “That didn’t work out. You disappeared and now you have returned. I want to know what you want.”
She wanted a fresh start. Before she returned to Mumbai, Tina had thought that meant a life without Dev. Now, she wasn’t so sure. There were too many times that she imagined staying with Dev and creating a family.
“What do I want?” she asked as she watched Dev walking back to her. He was sophisticated and gorgeous. A true megastar. But her favorite memories were those quiet moments at home when they’d prepared for the birth of their child. “I want him to be happy.”
Gauri rolled her eyes. “The only way that’s going to happen is if you leave him,” she said decisively. “For good.”
Tina’s polite smile dipped. She was often in disagreement with Gauri Arjun, but this time she knew her mother-in-law was right.
CHAPTER NINE
TINA PACED THE courtyard, hoping to find serenity, but nothing relieved her agitation. Her high heels clicked against the stone path and the stack of bangles clattered with every move. The water fountains gurgled loudly and the fragrance of the flowers was overpowering. The morning sun was unbearable. She pulled at the neckline of her designer wrap dress. It felt tight and suffocating.
Why had she ever agreed to this?
“Tina?”
She whirled around at the sound of Dev’s voice. Her pulse skipped hard when she saw him walking barefoot down the path. His hair was getting long and a hint of a beard darkened his jaw. Today he wore a long blue tunic and faded jeans but the casual wear didn’t hide his powerful and masculine body.
She felt a flutter low in her belly when she saw the lust flare in his dark eyes. She was keenly aware of how the dress clung to her curves. Tina clasped her hands in front of her and remained still as her heart beat fast.
“Sandeep told me you had asked for the car. Where are you going? An audition?”
Tina went still and nervously licked her lips. “I’m going to a charity luncheon.”
“Really?” His eyes narrowed on her mouth and he strolled closer. “You should have told me. I had made plans for us today.”
She gave a guilty start. “I’m sorry. I didn’t know until the last minute.”
He didn’t say anything as he watched the blush stain her cheeks. “What charity is it?” he asked silkily.
She gritted her teeth. She was reluctant to share any information and she wasn’t sure why. No, that wasn’t true. She knew this was going to trigger a discussion she didn’t want to have with Dev.
“Tina?” His voice held a steely edge.
She looked away. “It’s for mothers who have suffered miscarriages.”
The silence pulsed in the courtyard. She gave a cautious glance in Dev’s direction. Dread settled in her chest as she watched Dev’s harsh features sharpen. She saw the way he clenched his jaw and the hurt that flashed through his eyes.
“They want to promote the resources they offer to these women and they needed a celebrity to get media coverage,” she babbled on. “I volunteered. I thought this would be a good way to honor our son.”
“Why didn’t you tell me?” he asked coldly. “Afraid that I would want to come along? Steal the spotlight?”
Tina’s eyes widened with shock. “No, of course not. It’s a women’s charity. I didn’t think you would be interested.”
He flinched. “Right, because I don’t know anything about miscarriages. It hasn’t touched my life, my marriage or my heart.” He turned abruptly and walked back to the house.
“I didn’t say that,” she called out as she hurried after him.
He didn’t look back. “You don’t have to. You’re shutting me out like you did when you miscarried. You had to suffer alone. Deal with it alone.”
“It’s just easier that way!” she declared.
Dev stopped and slowly turned around. “Easier?”
“No, that isn’t true. It’s not easier.” Tina dipped her head and raked her hands through her hair. She was used to carrying the weight of others—her mother, her sisters—but this time she didn’t have the strength. She needed to rely on someone else but no one was there to help. Dev’s absence had felt like a dismissal. A betrayal. She didn’t want to put herself in that position again.