Chapter 36 — Trust Me

The lunch rush had just started at Aurum Table when Veeresh walked inside.

His black shirt sleeves were folded neatly, his presence alone enough to make the restaurant atmosphere shift slightly. Employees straightened instantly, sensing power even without knowing exactly who he was.

But Veeresh’s attention was fixed only on one person.

Poornima.

She stood near the kitchen counter discussing inventory with her staff, completely focused on work. Her hair was tied loosely, and she looked calmer here than anywhere else.

This place healed her somehow.

Veeresh’s gaze then shifted toward the handbag resting near the office table.

Quietly, while everyone remained distracted, he opened it.

Inside were multiple medicine strips.

Sleeping pills.

Anti-anxiety medication.

And something else prescribed for panic disorder.

His jaw tightened instantly.

Just as he picked up one strip to read properly—

“Salvatore.”

Veeresh looked up calmly.

Poornima stood there with folded arms, staring at him suspiciously.

“What exactly are you doing?”

Without answering immediately, Veeresh’s eyes slowly moved over her outfit.

Then he smirked faintly.

“You’re wearing my shirt and trousers.”

Poornima blinked once before looking down at herself in confusion.

Then immediately scoffed. “Hello? These are mine.”

Veeresh stared at her silently.

She genuinely didn’t remember.

Because the oversized beige shirt she wore today actually belonged to him — the clothes she borrowed from his penthouse after that night.

But somehow her mind had casually replaced the memory.

That disturbed him more than he showed.

Poornima narrowed her eyes. “Why are you looking at me like that?”

“Nothing.”

Liar.

Then Veeresh placed the medicine strips back inside her bag carefully before speaking again.

“Next week is our wedding.”

Poornima froze slightly.

“Dad agreed?”

“Yes.”

Her expression instantly turned suspicious. “That easily?”

Veeresh stepped closer slowly. “Trust me.”

Those words came out more softly than expected.

Poornima stared at him silently for a few seconds.

She wanted to ask why.

Wanted to ask what exactly he was planning.

But strangely…

A part of her already trusted him without needing explanations.

Which terrified her more than Salvatore himself.

So instead of answering, she simply looked away quietly.

And Veeresh realized something dangerous—

Poornima Rathore was slowly becoming dependent on him for peace.