Chapter 37

The next morning felt different.

Not because the world had changed—

But because they had.

Poornima stood beside Veeresh as they walked into the college together. No hesitation. No distance. The quiet certainty between them spoke louder than anything else.

They went straight to the office and submitted their marriage documents.

Official.

Recognized.

Real.

Word spread quickly.

Within minutes, the staff room filled with murmurs, smiles, and congratulations.

Sweets were distributed, laughter followed, and one by one, colleagues came forward.

“Congratulations, Professor Rai.”

“Congratulations, Veeresh.”

Poornima smiled politely, accepting the wishes.

Pavan stepped forward as well.

“Ma’am, very happy for you,” he said warmly.

She smiled.

“Thank you.”

Simple.

Respectful.

Normal.

But beside her—

Veeresh noticed.

Of course he did.

Something flickered in his expression.

A brief burn of irritation.

But this time—

He didn’t react.

He simply stood there.

Controlled.

Pavan then turned toward him.

“Congratulations, Veeresh.”

Veeresh nodded.

“Thank you.”

Nothing more.

But inside—

A thought crossed his mind.

My wife only scolds me… not others.

The irony almost made him smirk.

After everything settled, Veeresh didn’t give her much time to rest.

“Come,” he said.

She raised an eyebrow.

“Where?”

“You’ll see.”

He drove her straight to the headquarters of his empire.

VR Industries.

The building stood tall, commanding, reflecting exactly who he was.

Poornima looked up at it, then at him.

“So this is your real world,” she said.

He didn’t deny it.

They walked inside.

Employees greeted him instantly, respectfully, the atmosphere shifting the moment he entered.

Authority.

Power.

Control.

This was his domain.

He took her to his cabin.

Closed the door.

Then turned to her.

“You know…” he said slowly.

She crossed her arms.

“What?”

“You’re very mean.”

Her eyes narrowed instantly.

“Excuse me?”

He stepped closer, a faint smile forming.

“With me,” he clarified. “Only with me.”

She didn’t look guilty.

Didn’t deny it.

Instead, she tilted her head slightly.

“Because only you deserve it.”

There was no hesitation in her answer.

For a second—

He just looked at her.

Then he smiled.

Because somehow—

That felt right.