The Billionaire's Bought Bride

Chapter 11: Unraveling the Threads

The morning after the attack dawned heavy with a sense of unease. The once bright and airy bedroom held the remnants of the previous night's terror – a broken vase, a shattered lampshade, and a lingering fear that clung to the air like dust.

Aditi stirred first, the events of the night replaying in her mind like a horrifying film. She sat up, her heart pounding against her ribs, and found Arjun watching her, his gaze filled with concern.

"You're awake," he said softly, his voice husky with sleep.

Aditi nodded, her throat tightening. "I... I couldn't stop thinking about it."

Arjun reached out, taking her hand in his. It was warm and reassuring, a grounding force in the storm of emotions she felt. "Me neither," he admitted, his voice laced with a hint of frustration. "Who would do this? Who has a reason to want to hurt us?"

The question hung heavy in the air, unanswered and unsettling. The police investigation was underway, but the silence from the authorities only amplified their anxiety.

The day stretched before them, filled with a hollowness that replaced their usual morning routine. Arjun, ever the pragmatist, suggested they get out of the house, a change of scenery might help clear their heads.

"Maybe a walk in the park?" he suggested, his gaze searching hers.

Aditi considered it for a moment. The idea of venturing out into the open after the previous night's events felt daunting, yet she knew staying cooped up wouldn't help either.

"Alright," she agreed, her voice barely a whisper.

The walk in the park, however, was far from peaceful. Every rustle of leaves, every passing figure, sent shivers down Aditi's spine. The once familiar surroundings felt alien, tinged with a sense of danger.

As they walked hand-in-hand, a heavy silence settled between them. Arjun, sensing her unease, squeezed her hand gently.

"Hey," he said softly, his voice filled with concern. "You alright?"

Aditi stopped walking and looked up at him. "I feel like we're being watched," she confessed, her voice barely a whisper.

Arjun scanned their surroundings, his jaw clenching with worry. "Maybe we should head back," he suggested.

Just then, a figure emerged from behind a large oak tree. It was a young woman, her features obscured by a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses.

Aditi's heart pounded in her chest. Was this the person who sent the attacker?

The woman approached them hesitantly, her gait unsure.

"Excuse me," she said, her voice barely a whisper. "Are you Aditi Rathore?"

Aditi and Arjun exchanged a wary glance. Uncertainty swirled within them, a mixture of fear and a flicker of hope.

"Yes, that's me," Aditi replied cautiously.

The woman took a deep breath, her voice trembling slightly. "I have information about your attacker. But we need to talk somewhere private."

Arjun's brow furrowed in suspicion. "Information? Who are you?"

The woman hesitated for a moment, then pulled down her sunglasses, revealing a tear-streaked face.

"My name is Isha," she said, her voice barely a whisper. "And I... I know who sent the man to hurt you."

The revelation hung heavy in the air, a potential lifeline thrown into the sea of uncertainty. Fear battled with curiosity within Aditi. Could this woman be trusted?