Soft sunlight crept through the thin curtains of the guest room, painting faint gold across the sheets. Poornima stirred, eyes heavy, mind still lost in the haze of a sleepless night.

But as she shifted slightly, something stopped her — a warm weight around her waist.

She froze. Slowly, she turned her head — and her breath caught in her throat.

It was Veeresh.

He was lying beside her, still asleep, his arm loosely draped around her waist as if in his dreams he had forgotten every wall he’d built. His face, usually guarded and cold, looked… peaceful. The hard lines of anger and bitterness were gone; only calm remained.

For a long moment, she just stared at him. The man who had every reason to hate her — sleeping beside her, unaware of how fragile he looked in that moment.

Her heart ached at the sight.

He looked so human, so far from the ruthless businessman or the broken boy she had once hurt. His lashes rested against his skin, his breathing even, his lips soft and untroubled.

A tear escaped her eyes.

He finally looks at peace… maybe for the first time, she thought. And if I’m the reason for that — even unknowingly — maybe that’s enough for now.

She reached up and gently brushed a lock of hair from his forehead, her fingers trembling. But she didn’t move him. She didn’t dare break the fragile moment.

He unconsciously shifted closer, his hand tightening around her waist ever so slightly — not in possession, but in quiet comfort.

Poornima’s eyes softened. She wanted to hug him back, to melt into that warmth, but she didn’t. That right isn’t mine yet, she thought painfully. Not until he gives it.

Instead, she lay still, wiping away her tears with her free hand.

“Let him sleep,” she whispered to herself, voice barely audible. “Let him have peace… even if it’s because of me — the one who destroyed him once.”

Her gaze lingered on him again, softer now, filled with a quiet resolve. He’s mine, she thought silently. And I’m his — whether he accepts it or not.

With that thought warming her heart, she closed her eyes again, breathing in his nearness. The morning drifted on quietly, and for the first time since their marriage, both slept in peace — together.