By the time Veeresh returned to the penthouse, night had already fallen over London.

The city outside shimmered with lights, soft jazz played faintly in the background, and the faint scent of dinner lingered in the air.

When he walked into the living room, he saw her — Poornima, curled up on the couch, eyes fixed on the TV screen. The soft glow of the movie reflected in her eyes as she smiled faintly, completely absorbed.

The sight made him pause for a moment.

Her hair was loose, she was dressed casually, and for once, there was no tension on her face — just quiet contentment.

“Dinner,” he said, breaking the silence.

She looked up immediately, startled but smiling softly. “It’s ready. I’ll serve.”

She walked to the dining table and served him, her movements calm and practiced. He ate quietly while she sat beside him, watching him occasionally.

After a few minutes, Veeresh spoke.

“Your sister… Sahana. She’s ruining the company.”

Poornima’s smile faded slightly. “I don’t have any rights on Rathore Industries anymore,” she said softly. “I signed everything to her. It’s her and my father’s business now. They’ll handle it.”

He looked at her, his tone neutral but firm. “Still, if they ask for your help, you should. You understand the business better than most.”

She looked at him, surprised by the trace of concern in his voice, even if he didn’t mean to show it.

“Okay,” she said gently. “If they need me, I’ll help.”

He gave a small nod — almost approval — and then without another word, he sat beside her on the couch.

The movie played on — Our Fault — a story filled with love, regret, and redemption.

Poornima watched with quiet fascination, her eyes soft, her smile genuine.

Veeresh sat next to her, arms crossed, pretending not to care — but every time an intimate scene came on screen, he felt something unfamiliar stir inside him. His eyes would shift briefly toward her — watching her expression, her serenity, the way she didn’t fidget or look away awkwardly.

She was calm.

He was not.

Her warmth, her quiet presence — it unnerved him. Yet, he didn’t move away.

When the movie finally ended, Poornima turned to him and smiled faintly. “Good movie, right?”

Veeresh looked at the screen, then at her, and simply said, “Hmm.”

But there was something softer in that sound — something that wasn’t hate.

They both stood up silently and walked toward the bedroom.

Without saying much, Veeresh lay down on his side of the bed, and Poornima quietly took hers. The silence between them wasn’t heavy tonight — it was calm, gentle, like the faint echo of something new beginning.

As he turned off the light, he caught a glimpse of her face — peaceful, content — and for reasons he couldn’t name, he felt the same peace he’d felt that morning.

For the second time in his life, Veeresh Rajawat slept peacefully.