The chandeliers sparkled as Veeresh and Poornima entered the grand ballroom. He looked sharp in his tailored black tuxedo, his aura commanding attention, while Poornima glowed softly in her cream saree, the simple gold chain at her neck making her beauty all the more graceful.

Veeresh proudly introduced her to his associates.

“This is my wife, Poornima.”

She greeted them gently, her voice calm and dignified. Veeresh’s lips curved into a small smile—he was proud.

“I’ll be back in a moment,” he murmured, squeezing her hand. Poornima nodded, her eyes following him with quiet warmth.

But as soon as he left her side, Ritika approached. Her eyes were sharp, her tone venomous.

“How does it feel, Poornima? Sleeping with someone else’s husband… taking care of his child? Don’t you think you’re cheating your late husband’s memory?”

The words pierced Poornima like knives. She froze, her heart breaking under the weight of guilt and doubt. Before she could respond, a sudden crack echoed in the hall.

Veeresh had returned—his palm still stinging from the slap he had just landed across Ritika’s face.

“Enough!” his voice thundered, sending silence across the hall. “Stay away from my wife. Do you hear me? She is my wife.”

Without another glance, he pulled Poornima into his arms and stormed out of the party, his jaw tight with fury.

Back at the mansion, Poornima’s tears fell freely. “Let’s… let’s get divorced, Veeresh,” she whispered, broken.

Veeresh’s lips curved into a dangerous smile. “Really? Divorce?” He leaned closer, his voice low. “Alright then, I’ll have the papers ready tomorrow.”

Shocked, Poornima grabbed his collar, her eyes blazing. “No! I’m sorry, I didn’t mean it.” And before he could smirk again, she pulled him down into a desperate kiss.

Veeresh responded with equal fire, pulling her close, kissing her deeply, passionately, pouring his emotions into every breath. Poornima clung to him, kissing him back just as badly, surrendering to the truth of her heart