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The room was quiet except for the soft hum of the evening lights outside. Poornima sat on the edge of the bed, her eyes wide and glimmering with a mixture of hope and frustration. Veeresh leaned against the wall, still processing her words.

> “Then… let’s plan for kids,” Poornima said suddenly, her tone casual but filled with expectation.

Veeresh froze, his sharp features etched with shock. His dark eyes widened for the first time in front of her.

> “Kids…? Now?” he asked, his voice low, almost a whisper.

Poornima’s smile faltered when she saw his reaction.

> “What is wrong, Veeresh?” she asked softly, her voice tinged with hurt.

A lump formed in her throat, and tears threatened to fall.

> “Do you… not want to have kids with me?” she asked, her voice cracking.

Veeresh opened his mouth, but no words came out immediately. Poornima’s emotions surged, and the next words came out in a rush:

> “You’re so bad! I can’t believe this! Don’t talk to me!”

She turned abruptly, brushing past him and heading to the door, her body trembling with a mixture of anger and sadness.

Veeresh watched her go, his jaw tightening. He wanted to chase her, to hold her, to explain… but she had stormed off before he could speak. His heart, buried under years of darkness and power, thumped painfully in his chest.

Finally, he muttered to himself, voice low and determined:

> “Ruby… you’ll never have to ask twice. You’ll get everything… I’ll make sure of it.”

He strode toward the door, but paused, knowing he needed the perfect approach — a way to calm her hurt without making her feel less in control.

> “I’ll fix this… you’ll see, Ruby,” he whispered, almost to himself, his hand brushing the door as he watched her retreat.

The underworld king, ruthless and feared by all, now found himself in a battle far greater than any syndicate — winning back the trust, tears, and heart of the woman he loved.