𝑲𝑨𝑰𝑵𝑨𝑨𝑻 - 𝒎𝒂𝒏𝒊𝒑𝒖𝒍𝒂𝒕𝒐𝒓

Finally, I stepped into the pit of snakes. I wasn't supposed to be here. But I never made my appearance anywhere unless it was beneficial. And Rai Singhania Group, the largest name in hospitality, was a benefit in itself.

Other reasons? I couldn't miss any opportunity to show my family how much better I am. That the girl they once abandoned is now the one who will handle their future. To prove to the men of my house that the girl they tried to crush beneath their boots is now the one who will rule over them.

This is getting exciting. And looking at the expressions on my father's and brothers' faces from the corner of my eye, I feel nothing but delight.

The party was set up around the pool of Rai Singhania's palace—our ancestral home, now transformed into a heritage site. This place was close to my heart, as I had spent my childhood here.

The brightest rays of the moon glinted on the surface of the water, illuminating the crystal white glow. The open space was filled with distinguished men in expensive black suits and women in designer gowns, some elegantly draped in sarees.

To face the extraordinary hatred tonight, I draped myself in black once again. I'm so much in love with the darkness because once it consumes your soul, there's nothing left to fear.

I wore a Balmain dress tonight that ended at mid-thigh, with a deep V-neck at the front with full sleeves, paired with ysl saint laurent heels. 

My hair was left open with a slight bounce. I completed my look with a pair of extravagant earrings from French design Maison KORLOFF, are made of 18k white gold with 192 diamonds.

My makeup was bold—dark red lipstick, a thin stroke of eyeliner, and mascara. Makeup always makes me feel confident, and tonight, I needed it more than ever.

The party was exactly what I expected from a royal family. My grandfather never failed to amazed to anyone.

People were the elite of the elite if they had managed to secure an invitation to this event, hosted by the King Aviraaj Rai Singhania. My grandfather, a man in his mid-sixties, right now standing next to Vardhan Suryavanshi.

Vardhan Suryavanshi, King of Udaipur, chairman of Suryavanshi Group of Industries, and father of the great Idhvay Suryavanshi. A wolf in real estate and the most respected philanthropist in Udaipur, he's next in line to be a minister.

Vardhan could be a politician with his great fan following, but I don't think he would be a good minister. Because at the end of the day, he is the most corrupt man who doesn't give a flying fuck about poor people.

Holding his hand out, Vardhan was smiling at someone, and my eyes followed his hand to the creepy hand covered in gemstone rings. He would definitely be my father. And yes, he was.

Devrat Rai Singhania, the most powerful figure, who had just resigned from the CEO position so that his dearest son, Samrat Rai Singhania, could take over, though he was still included on the board of directors.

My grandfather pulled away from the group, and now I could say I was watching malevolence in one picture. Vardhan, Dad, Samrat, Idhvay, and last but not least, my beloved uncle Rajdeep Rai Singhania—each of them had so much pride in being a man. Power oozed from this circle, but sadly, it never affected me in the way they always tried to impose on me.

They were all corrupted, narcissistic, and selfish. Being around them was like burning your soul in a pool of acid. And it looked like I was already in their orbit. Dad and Samrat already had old grudges with me, and Vardhan had just joined my list after I rejected his son's marriage proposal.

Speaking of assholes, Idhvay should be here. I could feel his negative energy around me, but my eyes still failed to locate him. Well, that's a relief. I wasn't in the mood to spoil my night. And since the Suryavanshi's were family friends, I couldn't ignore my encounter with him.

Putting my sugary smile over my lips, I took a champagne flute from a passing waiter and spotted the crush of reporters outside the main entrance and the sight made my happiness triple.

They will butcher my father's ego with their bitter questions. Wow, today's going to be a fun day. I was smiling weirdly at the thought, creating the scene in my mind when suddenly—

"BOO!"

"Oh fuck!" I nearly jumped out of my skin, my heart skipping a beat. Spinning around, I saw a guy standing behind me, laughing like he had just pulled off the best prank of his life.

"You little—!" I grabbed his ear before he could escape, not caring if reporters would click his pictures and make it the headline of the newspaper. "How many times have I told you not to sneak up on me like that?"

This is Aariv. My youngest cousin and my most annoying brother. He is a grown-up man but his actions were no less childish. A handsome prince draped in black suit and all girls presented in the party were checking out on him as if he was the best eye candy.

"Ow, ow! Kai Dii, let go!" he whined as I tugged his ear. He was fucking tall, but I still managed to reached his face. I'm 5'10. "It was just a joke!"

I released him, watching as he rubbed his ear dramatically. "You're so mean," he complained. "If you keep being this scary, no one will dare to propose to you. Take the hint, Kai Dii!"

I cracked a smile. "Good. I don't need any brainless man around me." His eyebrows went straight in response. "And besides, I'm pretty expensive—not every man can afford me. What do you say, little prince?" I playfully slapped his arm.

"Yeah! You don't need any man." His eyes rolled at me. "You're the woman a man needs," Aariv let out a half-laugh before sweeping me into a hug. 

Now he was behaving like my little brother. "It's good to see you, Dii. It's really been a while."

Aariv was the only brother close to my heart because he was the only real man in my family who truly treated me like his sister. We didn't meet or talk often, as we lived different lives in different cities—but occasions like this brought us together. Sometimes Aariv visited me at my office, and sometimes at my home, where he would stay for several days.

"It's good to see you too, little prince." I squeezed him tight. "Are you still single? Or do you have someone...?" I stopped when his lips curled into a blushing smile.

Caressing his neck, he continued, "Well, I do have someone, but she isn't giving your brother any time. You know..." He grimaced when I burst into laughter, crumbling into his right arm.

"She rejected you, right?" I teased him.

"That's not the case." He jerked my hand away. "She just needs time to understand me." I bit my lip, trying to hold back another laugh. God, look at his red, angry cheeks. He looked so adorable.

"Oh, sure. Keep telling yourself that." I nudged his shoulder playfully. His jaw clenched. But he wouldn't dare hit me. After all, I'm his big sister, and I have every right to tease him.

"She's just busy," he muttered, averting his gaze. "Really?" He looked at me out of corner of his eye and then we burst into laughter again. Being with Aariv like being around happiness.

"Dii, you remember our deal?" He said after a while, picking up the wine glass from the passing waiter tray. "When you become the CEO, don't forget to make me your right-hand man! I'll be the MD, yeah?"

I raised an eyebrow before taking another sip of my champagne. "MD? You? Please. After I'm in charge, you'll be lucky if I let you be the security guard."

His jaw dropped in horror. "What?! Security guard? Are you kidding me?" he groaned, placing a hand on his chest like I had just broken his heart. "That's so unfair to the prince! I'd be the coolest second-in-command. Just imagine—Aariv Rai Singhania, the mastermind behind the empire!"

I flicked his forehead. "More like the mastermind behind sleeping till noon and ordering snacks at odd hours, right prince." Aariv huffed in frustration. "You have no faith in me."

I laughed at his pissed-off face. "Not when it comes to making you MD, no." He flashed another creepy grin, and before he could continue, a sudden, heavy voice echoed through the party hall.

We stopped, and our eyes turned toward King Aviraaj in unison, only to find him on stage with his secretary fixing his mic before he began the press conference.

Aariv leaned closer and whispered, "Looks like your moment of glory is here, Dii." I thought so too. So, one last time I looked at my father's face—he was already staring at me with pure hatred. So was his dearest son.

Despite being surrounded by so much negativity, I stood confidently less than ten feet away from my grandfather, facing three dozen journalists. Jim was right behind me, hiding in the shadows of pillars, but his eyes roaming like an eagle waiting for its prey.

But my thoughts shattered when an extra-seductive voice tickled my ear so low that I flinched. "You're looking gorgeous, Amore."

Time stopped. Goosebumps rose all over my skin, and a strange tingle. My thoughts confused.

Amore? Is he here? Smelling me from mere inches away?

I thought, staring at the strong figure out of the corner of my eye but then I looked up and saw a six-foot-tall, charming man dressed in a black suit standing next to me.

My amusement turned into disgust when I recognized the creepy face in front of me. My eyes burned with anger because standing next to me, wearing a half-smirk, was none other than my longtime acquaintance—Idhvay Suryavanshi.

"Kai," Idhvay purred. "I haven't heard from you in a while."

"Because I have no interest in keeping in touch with you. Hope you understand." He smirked at my venomous words. "And why did you call me that?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.

"I know about your fascination with Italian things," he said, twirling a strand of my hair around his index finger before leaning closer. "You don't like it, sweetheart?" I turned my face to the other side, letting him chuckle.

Like it? I can't even explain how disgusted I feel right now, being in his orbit. All I want is for him to get out of my way.

"Go to hell, Idhvay." I pushed him away. He let out a loud laugh—he just loved annoying me.

"Is this a way to treat your guest?" he tugged his hands into his pants. I just hated the way he smiled. It was the creepiest thing I'd ever seen. 

"Something must be wrong with my eyes because I can't take them off you..." Idhvay tried the cheesiest pick-up line. Did he really think it would work on me? 

"Then you better gouge them out..." Shaking his head, he smiled while rubbing his jaw. "You're still feisty. Nothing's changed." He taunted.

Idhvay Suryavanshi, a prince by birth but actually the spawn of Satan, and we had known each other since we were five. He was almost my age, with just a two-month difference between us. I had never liked him in a certain way, but he had always been quite interested in me.

And judging by the way he was staring at my ass right now, I knew exactly why. Piece of trash.

He stepped even closer. "It's so good to see you, Your Highness." He wrapped his hand casually around my waist, a little bit lower. My blood boiled in anger, and I wanted to slap him right away, but I couldn't because I didn't want to exaggerate the matter.

Not when my grandfather in front of the media. And this jerk is well aware of it.

Jim stepped into the situation, glaring at Idhvay as if wishing for nothing more than to put a hole in his head. He almost curled his fingers around his gun, but I waved him off. I could handle Idhvay.

I smiled before stomping my heel on his shining shoe. Idhvay winced in pain, immediately taking his hand off me and fisting his fingers at his sides, enduring the pain I had just given him.

I mentally danced at the sight of his pale face, thanks to my heels. They hurt more than he expected.

"Oh, I didn't see your foot," I mockingly said, placing my firm hand on his arm. "We should know where we put our hands and legs, otherwise..." Jim flashed a silent grin.

Idhvay looked at me, furious, but his face told me he had learned his lesson and would never mess with a girl wearing high heels again. But then, suddenly, his lips curled into a smirk. Now I'm not getting good vibes from him.

"I would like to meet you alone," I frowned at his suspicious invitation. Why would he want to meet me alone? "Well, I've got a surprise for you, Princess."

Which surprise was he talking about? Oh, please don't tell me he's going to pick a boxing match with me like we used to do when we were kids.

A man like Idhvay could never handle the aftermath of games he started. Dear lord, give him direction in life, or he'll get lost.

"Good evening" The heaviness of King Aviraaj's voice caught everyone's attention and the murmurs fade to silence. I looked at Aviraaj as Idhvay disappeared from my sight.

"Before we start, I just want to thank you all for coming to celebrate the glorious 50th anniversary of the Rai Singhania Group. I realize it's a Saturday night, and there are probably other places you'd rather be right now—like clubs or a dinner night with your family."

A soft laughter rippled through the crowd. Even I smiled too.

That's what I liked about Aviraaj—his humor. Aviraaj was one of the greatest and humblest people I had ever met in my entire life. I really didn't understand how someone like Aviraaj could have produced disgusting spawn like my father and uncle.

"But tonight, we celebrate not just the past but the future as well." He paused and then continued. "My son Devrat has worked hard for the Rai Singhania Group, and now it's time for him to step down so that the third generation of Rai Singhania can step in."

Finally, the moment arrived. "I would like to introduce the new face of the Rai Singhania Group—the next torchbearer of our legacy, the next CEO." His eyes scanned the reporters before settling on me.

"Kainaat," Aviraaj's soft voice echoed through the hall, making me attentive as if someone had commanded me. "Join me."

With a smile, I strode toward the stage, my heels clicking against the marble floor. And a few seconds later, I found myself standing in front of three dozen journalists and hundreds of guests.

Most looked skeptical. Some looked intrigued. Others downright irritated. The moment only amused me.

"Here!" Aviraaj nodded in my direction. "My only granddaughter is going to be next CEO of Rai Singhania Group." The hall burst with clapping sound. 

Camera flashes. Murmurs. A million phones raised in the air, all aimed at me. I looked around at the reporters' faces staring back at me. 

Thump. Thump. Thump. My heart was racing—out of nervousness.

Media always had an anxious effect on me. That doesn't mean I've social anxiety, but for some reason, I couldn't stand reporters and camera flashes. However, I never showed my weakness in public. I believe that once people learn about your weakness, they use it against you.

But tonight, I'm excited too.

Since childhood, I had only one dream—to work in the Rai Singhania Group. I had never wanted to compete with my brothers or my father. I just wanted to contribute to our family business. I wanted to build my own identity.

This dream only grew bigger over time, but my father straight disinherited me from the company, claiming I wasn't capable enough to run it. Like seriously? We were in the 21st century—women had gone to space and walked on the moon—and yet my so-called father thought I couldn't run a company.

I didn't give a fuck to anyone opinion about me. So, I started my own company. I didn't want to waste my business degree. And on top of that, just because my family didn't recognize my abilities doesn't mean I wasn't good enough.

Yet, I'm the evil spirit. And It's the right time to take what belongs to me.

People don't know how ambitious I am. If I want something, I know how to fight for it—even if it means crushing someone or burning them in front of the entire world. I don't care.

I had invested so much energy last night trying to picture of my family's reaction beforehand, and the look on their faces was far more pissed than I had imagined. Except for Aariv and Maa, they are truly happy for me. I forget to add Molly who was cheering me.

After making the big announcement, it was time to turn it over to the reporters—one in particular. Questions flew in from all directions. "Yes." Aviraaj gestured at Nick, the reporter from Page three life.

"Your Highness." The crowd quieted to hear his question. "Is it true that you disinherited the princess from the family earlier, and now you're adding her back just for your benefits?"

I almost rolled my eyes at his question. Oh, this is getting entertaining.

"Nope," Aviraaj said softly. "I never disinherited her. It was her decision—she wanted to create her own identity without us." Aviraaj's proud eyes rolled toward me. "And she did. Entering the Fortune 500 in such a short span of time is no joke."

Taking my hand, he gently rubbed it with affection, just like he used to in childhood. "I'm proud of her." Nick nodded.

Aviraaj wasn't saying anything wrong here. He had opposed Dad's decision when he disinherited me since Dad was the company's representative, but still, I refused to be a part of the company. 

I had spent fucking four years building my identity, sleeping in a small cabin, and working part-time jobs during the day just to cover my expenses. I didn't ask for a single penny from my family. I invested in my ideas after selling the diamond earrings Grandpa had gifted me on my birthday. I went through a lot to reach this position.

"You keep mentioning how Princess Kainaat has proven herself, and there is no lie in your statement," the same reporter said. "Is this the reason you chose her for the CEO position over the men in your family? Does this mean you believe a woman is better suited than them?"

The question was harsh, but the way it offended the men in my family made it all the more amusing. Honestly, my dad wasn't the reason our business doomed—it was my big brother. Because of his impulsive decisions and recklessness, our family business ended up in this position, where our clients and investors almost lost their faith in us.

Six months ago, Aviraaj requested me to take part and resolve this issue, and I ended up taking over the COO position. Samrat did everything in his power to mock me and kick me out of the company, but I did my job anyway.

Now, the company's share value was better than when I'd entered, so Aviraaj asked me to take over as CEO because a selfish part of him didn't want to stop his company's success. And his decision only increased my brother's and father's hatred toward me.

"Nothing like that," he said, passing me a glance. "All my grandchildren have proven themselves capable every time. And now I want her to take our legacy to a higher position. That is all. Thank you to everyone for coming today."

✧✧✧

"What do you want to talk about? Make it quick," I said as we entered the library for some private conversation, just like Idhvay had requested.

"Why the hurry?" he asked, a mischievous glint in his eyes. I leaned against the desk, arms crossed over my chest, watching as he opened the champagne bottle, he'd brought with him and poured two glasses. 

"Here," he said, handing me one. I first looked at his hand and then at his face. What is he up to? I really have no idea.

"To the new CEO," he toasted. I took the flute in my hand. Someone, please tell me how to avoid this man as he's boiling my anger. 

We clinked glasses and gulped the champagne in one shot. "I liked the taste." He murmured.

"So..." I placed my empty glass back on the desk behind me and turned to face him. "Tell me, what is it?" I brought up the topic again.

I was tired now, and all I wanted was to change out of my designer clothes, slip into something comfortable, and then crawl into my bed. "I want you to reconsider our marriage decision." What did he say?

"I rejected you," I said but he ignored my words as like an air. "Our wedding will take place in the next six months. That's enough time to plan a proper destination wedding. However, our engagement announcement should go out right away."

He smiled, like a snake coiled beneath his genial tone and expression. Stepping closer, I said again. "I rejected you, Mr. Idhvay Suryavanshi. Stop ringing your wedding bells in my house. Find another girl"

"Why another girl, when I have you?" His words sent a rush of anger through me, and my fingers curled around the edges of desk. "Based on our history so far, I doubt it," I snapped.

He took two steps closer and placed his firmer hand on the desk beside me, close enough that I could smell his fragrance—a fascinating scent. I had to admit, he had good taste in deodorant. 

"What if I still want you?" he asked. "You don't." I couldn't understand why he was so desperate to marry me. 

"Why? you're a beautiful woman, with great features," he said, his eyes scanning me, finally lingering on my breasts. "You're intelligent and smart. I'll get business benefits too while marrying you."

I laughed, though I felt a deep unease stirring in my gut. "I'm starving," I said, wanting to end the conversation and escape this room. 

I was halfway to the door when his voice stopped me. "Kainaat, check your email, please." I looked over my shoulder at him. "Why?"

"There's no amusement in telling you the surprise," he said casually, as if he were telling me to open a gift. He sat on the couch, making himself comfortable. I flinched when my phone pinged with a new email notification.

I wasn't ready to take orders from him, but curiosity took over me. I had to know what mess Idhvay had created this time. Tightening my grip around my phone, I lifted it up and unlocked it. I opened the email, finding an MP4 file attached with no name.

Before opening the file, I glanced at Idhvay, who was already staring at me as though I were the new thrilling movie release for his entertainment. He gestured for me to open the file. Hesitant, I clicked on it.

The video downloaded and auto-played. It was dark, and it took me a moment to figure out what was happening. When I realized, the ground seemed to slip out from under me.

What the fuck?

I clutched my phone tightly, staring in horror at the clip of me and someone—someone sucking on my pussy. Sweat dripped down my temple. It's my sex video.

The video had no sound, but it was damning. I was bent over the couch, and someone was licking me from behind. But who the hell was he?

It was dark enough I would've been unrecognizable had I not turned my head halfway through the video. But the person with me had never shown up on camera. The only thing visible was his tattoo—a quote written on the back of his hand.

He had clipped my private moments. Anger burst into my veins. I wished I had brought my gun with me so I could kill him right then. "Do you like my surprise?" Idhvay asked with his smirk.

My throat tightened with a hard swallow. My hands fisted the collar of his shirt. "How dare you—"

"Ah, ha. That's not the right question," he said, removing my hands from his collar and fixing it. "The right question is why did you clip my fucking moments?" He paused and looked at me with evil smile. "And what would be the consequences if your family found out?"

"What?"

"You've enjoyed many cocks in your life, but this has to take the cake," he said mockingly. "What if I gave this spicy clip to the media? Or leaked it on social media? It'll get a lot of views. What do you think?"

I had never been closer to murdering someone. I took a deep breath and waited for the explosive rage to pass before sitting on the couch. My brain stopped working. He could do everything he mentioned, and it would be enough to ruin me.

No, no, no. I can't let that happen.

Sitting next to me, Idhvay wrapped his arm around me while holding a glass of water in his other hand. Huhh, what a gentleman. 

"Sweetheart, take it," I didn't react to his words. He squeezed me tighter until I gasped in pain. "Take it," This time it was a command.

I grabbed the glass and drank it down in one go. "Do you think I can do anything wrong to you, Kai? I fucking like you, sweetheart," he murmured, tugging my hair behind my ear. I was tempted to break his hand. 

"You can stop me. I have a deal for you." My eyes automatically rolled at him. "Spit out your dirty demands," I muttered.

"Marry me and I'll keep the evidence to myself. But if you have any thoughts of rejecting me this time..." His eyes darkened. "I will make you regret it. You know what kind of gentleman I am."

He had stalked me, sneaked into my private moments, just to blackmail me into marrying him. But why me? I knew Idhvay saw me as his trophy wife. He was taking revenge for the insult he faced when I rejected him last time. I wanted to reject him again, but I wasn't sure it would be the right decision right now.

I didn't know how many copies of the clip he had or where else he had hidden it. So, I pushed my anger aside and tried to think like a rational person.

"Looks like you've made your decision," he said with a smirk. "Come on, let's make it official—that you're going to be Mrs. Suryavanshi."

✧✧✧

🖤 So here is the next chapter after so long!!

🖤 Tell me how it was. 🙎 Also, do vote and drop your comments.

🖤 What are your thoughts on Idhvay? He is not a nice guy at all and is a big trouble for Kainaat.