Husband For Hire

24. Wicked Sunny

24. Wicked Sunny
Maybe you're too rich to understand me.

I spent some time with my grandmother who chose to eat dinner in her room by herself. Her solitude bothered me, and I wondered whether I made a mistake bringing her here. Rosie usually circled around her or sat by her side which brought a smile on her face.

Papa's death destroyed the happiness in my family. At least, having Ashar's family brought some smiles back. If only my mother had the time to spend with her family too. She was too busy with the company.

Jhanvi called me and asked me to find out about Sunny. She wanted me to meet up with him and catch him flirting with me red-handed. I didn't tell Ashar about it since he loathed Sunny's name. With a heavy heart, I texted Sunny if he wanted to meet up.

His immediate response was a yes.

I texted him the location before sending it to Jhanvi.

Today was going to be eventful, to say the least.

* * *

"I didn't think you were going to forgive me."

Sunny wore a crisp brown blazer on top of a white button down paired with dark blue jeans. His hair had caramel highlights styled in a dashing way. Had he not been a cheater, I'd still have a small crush on his hot looks. Unfortunately, his handsome features couldn't compensate for the hideous character.

He sat across from me at a five star restaurant. We were outside in the balcony with other couples and families. Lunch time gave us a warmer weather to converse in. Jhanvi also had better lighting to take photos. I was also recording the conversation on my phone which sat face down on the table. The things I did for my family sometimes amazed me too. Stupid Ashar pushed me to help Jhanvi.

"I haven't forgiven you," I told him frankly. "I want to know why you're behaving oddly with me. First, you told me you wanted my help to get together with Jhanvi. Next, you told me you thought we had a spark. I'm confused."

He flashed his model smile. "I should've been clearer from the beginning. Ashar ruined my reputation horrifically, but I won't get into that. Look, I know you were forced to marry Ashar. I was in a similar position when I began dating your cousin."

"You were forced to marry Jhanvi?" That confused me more.

"She fell in love first. For me, she was a best friend. I wasn't sure about the relationship but she threatened she'd kill herself if I left her." His face fell slightly and he sighed. "I had no choice but to propose."

"That's your excuse for cheating?" I inquired in disbelief. I had to refrain from cursing him out. Jhanvi wanted me to see how far he'd go.

"Annie, people makes mistakes," he said. "If I could go back and change, I'd . . . change a lot of decisions I've made. You can't imagine how much I've destroyed my own life since . . . "

"Since what?"

"Ashar hasn't told you?" he asked almost bitterly. Upon seeing my bafflement, he continued, "He hasn't told you anything, huh? That . . . Never mind. People don't like revealing their criminal pasts, do they?"

"What do you mean?" I didn't come here for this.

"Never mind. Ask your husband," he said scoffing.

"Doesn't matter," I said changing the topic. I'll ask Ashar about his criminal pasts later. "I'm here for your side. What do you want from me?"

"I want to get to know you more," he said in a lowered voice as he held my gaze. Was this how he got girls? "Let me take you out."

"You're married," I emphasized.