Veeresh didn’t want to waste even a minute anymore.

He had made up his mind.

He wanted Poornima in his penthouse, in his life, in his arms—as his wife, not just a girlfriend he’d drop home after dates.

He wanted forever.

That night, he went to her room.

She was sitting on her bed, hair loose, wearing her oversized T-shirt, looking effortlessly beautiful. The moment she saw him, her face softened.

“Come,” she said gently, patting the space beside her.

He didn’t hesitate.

He lay down next to her, and she curled slightly toward him, placing her hand on his chest.

“What happened, Veer?” she asked softly, noticing the seriousness in his eyes.

He took a slow breath.

“Poornima… will you marry me?”

She blinked.

Then blinked again.

“Of course,” she said immediately, her voice steady, confident.

“What is your doubt?”

But Veeresh wasn’t done.

He took her hand, holding it tightly, his voice low and honest.

“Poornima… then let’s not waste time. Please marry me. Stay with me forever. I don’t want this—” he looked around her room, then at her “—I don’t want this distance. I miss you in my arms. I want you with me. In my home. Every day.”

She stared at him, emotions flooding her eyes.

“Are you sure?” she whispered.

“It will be hard for you to deal with me.”

Veeresh didn’t let her finish.

He pulled her into him, cupping her jaw, his forehead resting on hers.

He pecked her lips softly.

“Forever,” he whispered.

“No doubt. No fear. I want you. Only you.”

Poornima melted into his embrace, hugging him tightly, burying her face in his neck.

“I love you,” she whispered.

And he held her as if she was the only reason he breathed.