The high-profile meeting buzzed with energy. Guests murmured among themselves, business associates inspecting the impeccable arrangements, the lights shimmering off polished surfaces. Poornima moved gracefully, checking details, ensuring perfection.

And then—he was there.

Veeresh. His presence sliced through the crowd like a blade. He approached her with that familiar, commanding stride, eyes scanning over everyone before locking on hers.

“Veeresh! Your wedding… why are you introducing me?” Poornima’s voice was sharp, almost panicked. “Leave me! We’re divorced! We… we’re nothing now!”

Veeresh’s lips curved into a slow, dangerous smile. “Do you really think that, madam?” he said softly, his tone low but carrying across the space between them. “Those papers… were our registered marriage. We are very much married, whether you like it or not.”

Poornima froze. Her mind whirled, heart hammering. “W-what… what do you mean?”

Before she could protest further, Veeresh swept her forward, pulling her gently but firmly to his side. His voice, loud and unignorable, carried across the room.

“Everyone, this is Poornima… Poornima Veeresh Raj,” he announced, his tone leaving no room for denial. “My wife. Partner in life and business.”

The room fell into stunned silence. Whispers rippled through the crowd of business associates. Phones were lifted, glances exchanged. Poornima’s face drained of color—she hadn’t expected this, hadn’t known he would make such a public declaration.

Veeresh’s eyes gleamed at her, dark and playful, almost taunting. “Good evening, everyone. She is the reason this empire moves forward. And I am proud to have her by my side.”

Poornima’s mind raced. What was he doing? Why was he showing her to the world like this? Her stomach tightened, a mix of shock, indignation, and that unspoken, unyielding pull she could never resist.

The night continued, Veeresh guiding her through introductions, conversations, and handshakes. Each moment, each introduction, was a bold claim—Veeresh’s way of announcing to the world that she was his, that she mattered, and that no one—no one—would question it.

And all the while, Poornima didn’t know whether to be furious or… stunned by the intensity of what he was doing.