Chapter 56 — Stay Close

Veeresh stayed in the study for a while longer after everyone left.

The truth still sat heavily in his mind, but his expression had already shifted into something steadier—controlled, focused.

Before leaving, he looked at his father.

“Dad… don’t tell mom anything.”

His father understood immediately what he meant.

Mrs. Dreewan’s heart wouldn’t handle it all at once.

“I won’t,” he said quietly. Then added after a pause, “I believe you… you’ll be the reason she smiles again.”

Veeresh held his gaze for a moment.

Then nodded once.

“I will, dad.”

No more words were needed.

—

Later that night, Veeresh walked into their room.

The lights were dim.

Poornima was already asleep on the bed, curled slightly on her side, looking calmer than she had in days. The chaos of the world outside never seemed to follow her into sleep anymore—especially when he was near.

Veeresh stood there for a moment, just watching her breathe peacefully.

Everything he had learned that day… everything he had decided…

It all softened the moment he looked at her.

Slowly, he moved to the bed and lay down beside her.

Carefully.

Like he didn’t want to disturb the only thing in her life that was still stable.

Poornima shifted slightly in her sleep and instinctively moved closer to him.

Veeresh didn’t resist.

He pulled her gently into his arms, holding her against his chest.

Her fingers clutched his shirt faintly, familiar now, like her body recognized safety even when her mind couldn’t always hold onto it.

In her half-asleep state, she murmured softly,

“Salvatore… you’re the best…”

A faint pause.

“Thanks…”

Veeresh didn’t respond immediately.

He just tightened his hold slightly.

Poornima leaned in and, still asleep, pressed a light kiss on his cheek before drifting deeper into rest.

That small moment stayed with him longer than anything else that day.

Veeresh closed his eyes slowly.

For the first time in a long while, he didn’t feel like he was carrying revenge alone.

He felt like he was holding someone’s entire world together—quietly, carefully, and without letting go.

And as she slept peacefully in his arms, Veeresh finally allowed himself to rest beside her.