The room seemed smaller, the air thicker, as Veeresh stepped closer to Poornima. Every movement he made was deliberate, measured, yet carried the promise of heat. The world outside ceased to exist—no palace walls, no staff, no judgments—just the two of them, inches apart.

Veeresh’s hand brushed against hers, fingers tracing the line of her wrist lightly, sending shivers up her arm. “You know, Mrs. Raj,” he murmured, voice low and rough, “I could get used to this—the way you look at me, the way you challenge me.”

Poornima’s lips parted slightly, breath uneven, but her eyes held steel. “Don’t mistake my patience for surrender,” she warned softly. “I’m still careful. Still guarded.”

Veeresh leaned closer, so close that his lips almost brushed her ear. “And I like that,” he whispered. “I like that I have to earn you every second. Every glance. Every touch.”

Her chest rose with quick breaths, and for the first time in days, she let herself feel the magnetic pull of him without resisting entirely. A part of her wanted to run; a part of her wanted to stay and burn.

Veeresh’s fingers brushed a stray lock of hair behind her ear. “You’ve built walls, Poornima. And I’ve broken some. But there’s more… I want to prove myself. Not with words, but with everything I am.”

Poornima’s lips curved into a faint, reluctant smile. “Then show me, Veeresh. Let actions speak. Let loyalty, possession, and protection—not words—be what convinces me.”

Veeresh’s eyes darkened, a low chuckle escaping him. “Oh, I intend to. Every single day. Every single moment.”

He pulled her into a brief, possessive embrace, just enough for her to feel the fire and warmth, but not enough to overwhelm. His hand lingered at her waist, a promise more than a touch.

Poornima closed her eyes for a moment, letting herself absorb the intensity, the raw energy. Her heart thudded, fierce and chaotic, and for once, she didn’t try to tame it.

“I’m yours, Veeresh,” she whispered finally.

Veeresh’s lips lifted in a satisfied, dark smile. “Forever, Mrs. Raj. And I will earn that truth every day.”

The night stretched on, heavy with unspoken desires, the promise of passion, and a bond slowly being reforged—raw, intense, and irrevocable.