The hall shimmered under crystal chandeliers, the air heavy with floral fragrance and soft classical music. Guests whispered as Veeresh Rajawat stepped in, sharp in his black tuxedo. His presence alone silenced conversations; the air seemed to bend to him.

Poornima followed, her red saree flowing like fire, every step measured. Her heart ached at the sight of Pavan and Sahana, exchanging smiles and rings — the love she had hidden for years now made public.

Through the entire ceremony, silence defined them. Veeresh walked beside her, calm, composed, every inch the perfect gentleman — yet utterly cold. His eyes occasionally flicked toward her, sharp, unreadable, reminding her with each glance who truly held control.

Poornima struggled to keep herself together, her hands clutching her saree tightly. Every smile she forced for the cameras felt like a knife twisting in her chest.

After the ceremony, as guests mingled, Sahana approached Veeresh, her tone polite but tinged with curiosity.

“Veeresh… nice seeing you with my sister.”

Veeresh’s gaze met hers, cold and unwavering. “She’s better than you,” he said softly, each word deliberate. “At least she bullied me… but you? You cheated on me. Took away her love even knowing she loved Pavan, and yet… you married him, her position in the company.”

Sahana blinked, taken aback. “You married her for revenge, didn’t you?”

Veeresh’s lips curved into the faintest smirk — controlled, calm, and cruelly confident. “Whatever reason I married her… is none of your concern.”

Unbeknownst to him, Poornima stood behind a pillar, hidden from view. Her breath caught in her throat as she heard every word.

Something strange stirred in her chest — a mix of awe, fear, and an unfamiliar flutter she couldn’t name. For the first time, she saw the full extent of Veeresh Rajawat’s coldness, control, and the man he had become.

And instead of fear alone, she felt something else —

A curious pull toward him.

Her heart betrayed her, and she realized with sudden clarity:

The man who had punished her, tormented her silently, and claimed absolute control over her life… had also stirred feelings she hadn’t expected.

The hall buzzed around her, but Poornima’s world had narrowed to one thing: the cold, cruel, and utterly commanding man standing beside her, who had just reminded everyone — and herself — that he was untouchable.

And for reasons she didn’t understand, that thought made her chest tighten in a way she had never felt before