Chapter 25: The First Time She Felt Loved

She slowly opened her eyes.

For a moment, she didn’t understand where she was.

Everything felt… different.

Quiet.

Still.

Then she felt it.

His arms around her.

Firm.

Secure.

His weight resting over her slightly, as if even in sleep he didn’t want to let her go.

She blinked softly, turning her face just a little to look at him.

Veeresh was asleep.

Completely.

Calm.

Closer than he had ever been.

A soft smile appeared on her lips.

She didn’t know how long she had slept.

Time didn’t matter.

This moment did.

She stayed still, just feeling it.

The warmth.

The closeness.

The way he held her without even being aware.

Something inside her melted quietly.

She slowly tried to move, just a little, thinking she shouldn’t disturb him.

But before she could get up—

His hold tightened.

“Sleep, Poornima,” he murmured, his voice low, still heavy with sleep.

She paused.

“We are in my penthouse… not in Thakur mansion.”

Her eyes widened slightly.

“When did we come, Veer?” she asked softly.

He didn’t answer properly.

Instead, he pulled her closer.

His face near hers.

A soft peck on her lips.

“Sleep,” he said again.

Simple.

Certain.

She looked at him for a second.

Then a small smile formed on her lips.

She didn’t ask anything more.

She didn’t need to.

She settled back into him.

Her head resting comfortably.

His arms still around her.

And this time, she didn’t just lie there.

She felt it.

Clearly.

Being with him felt safe.

Not forced.

Not uncertain.

Safe.

Like she didn’t have to think.

Didn’t have to worry.

Didn’t have to hold herself back.

Her fingers lightly rested against him, not hesitating anymore.

Her heart felt full.

Not heavy.

Not confused.

Full.

For the first time, she felt it deeply—

She was being loved.

Not in big words.

Not in promises.

But in the way he held her.

In the way he didn’t let her go.

In the way he made space for her… without asking.

Her eyes slowly closed again.

This time with a soft smile.

And she fell asleep.

Not escaping anything.

But resting…

Exactly where she wanted to be.