The corridors of Rathore Mansion buzzed with quiet voices. Two housemaids leaned together near the staircase, unaware Poornima was passing by.

“She only trapped him because of the baby,” one whispered.

“Haan,” the other agreed. “Sir married her only because of his best friend’s promise. There’s no love there. Poor woman, she must know.”

The words pierced like thorns. Poornima froze mid-step, her breath caught. She didn’t confront them; she simply walked past, her steps heavy, her heart heavier.

Back in her room, she shut the door and leaned against it, tears stinging her eyes. On the nightstand sat Pavan’s photo, smiling at her with that easy charm she had once found so comforting.

She picked it up, clutching it to her chest. “Why did you leave me, Pavan?” her voice cracked. “Look how people speak about me now. They say I trapped Veeresh… that I am a burden.”

Her tears fell onto the glass frame. “I hate you for leaving me like this… but I still love you. Always.” She drew a trembling breath, her hand resting on her rounded belly.

“Our baby is due next month,” she whispered softly. “I wish you were here to see… to hold our child. I miss you so much, Pavan.”

She smiled faintly through her tears, as though imagining his answer. “But… Veeresh is taking care of me. And Anaya. And even the company—you’d be proud of him. I think… you must be happy watching from wherever you are.”

She set the photo back down, lingering on it for a long moment. But when she finally looked away, her hand went unconsciously to her heart.

Something is changing inside me.

She didn’t want to admit it, not even to herself, but the truth whispered in her silence—her heart, piece by piece, was beginning to turn toward Veeresh Rathore.