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I exhale heavily and step toward the balcony, intending to check on Veer. But before I can slide open the balcony door, my son’s laughter rings out from the garden, the sound so pure and full of joy, tugging at my heart. I peek out to see him toddling towards his grandfather, his tiny hands outstretched.

“Daadu!” he squeals with delight.

Dad chuckles warmly as he bends down to lift Veer into his arms. Ever since Veer first called him ‘Daadu,’ he hasn’t stopped. He says it a hundred times a day, lighting up his grandfather’s face every single time. It’s beautiful to watch the way Veer has been embraced into the family, fitting in as though he’s always been here. Like he’s belonged here since the very beginning.

I smile despite my worries. Veer’s birthday is in less than two weeks. My baby is turning one, and he will celebrate it surrounded by love and his family. Dad has already started planning for a grand celebration at the Alibaug farmhouse.

Vishnu isn’t entirely approving of this—not with Zane still lurking in the shadows—but he won’t ruin his father’s plans. So, extra precautions are being taken to make sure Veer’s birthday goes off safely without any disruption.

I return back to my room and smooth out the last wrinkle in my dress. Taking a deep breath, I steady myself. I need to tell Vishnu about the meeting today. Reaching for my lip gloss, I apply a light coat, staring at my reflection in the mirror. Just then, the door swings open, and I see him—my husband, Vishnu.

His sharp eyes darken the moment he takes in my fully dressed appearance, his gaze flicking from my heels to the soft curls framing my face.

“Where are you going?” His voice is calm, controlled, but I can sense the tension beneath it.

I step closer, gently placing my hands on his arms.

“I have a meeting at the boutique today,” I say softly, keeping my tone calm. “It’s important, Vishnu. This deal could take my business in India to the next level.” I watch his expression carefully as my fingers curl into the fabric of his shirt. “I would’ve rescheduled, but the client is flying out tonight. This is my only chance.”

His gaze searches mine, unreadable, as if weighing his response.

“I know you’re already dealing with so much,” I continue, “and the last thing I want is to add to your stress. But I promise—I’ll be careful. I’ll follow every security protocol.”

For a second, I brace myself for an argument, waiting for him to tell me to cancel, to insist I stay home. But instead, he surprises me. He wraps his arms around my waist and pulls me flush against him, holding me close.

“Alright,” he murmurs against my hair. “Go. Just make sure Abhay is with you at all times.”

I blink up at him, stunned. “That’s it? No arguments? No demanding I stay back?”

He cups my face, his thumb grazing my cheek in a tender gesture. “If I can’t make my wife feel safe, then who will?” he says. “I want you to focus on your work, stress-free, not on worrying about threats. With Abhay and the team around, nothing will happen to you. Just go, do your work, and come back soon.”

A warm feeling washes over me as I listen to his words. I throw my arms around his neck and hug him tightly. “Thank you,” I whisper.

He strokes my back, but then I remember something and pull away slightly, smirking up at him. “Oh, by the way… I forgot to mention something.”

His brows lift in question.

“The client,” I say casually. “He’s young. And quite handsome.”

Vishnu growls, then crashes his lips onto mine in a deep, possessive kiss. When he pulls back, his smirk is downright wicked.

“Don’t make me jealous, woman,” he mutters. “I’ve just made peace with the fact that my wife is constantly surrounded by charming men at work. But I’ll make sure that no matter who is around you, I’ll be the only man you think about.”

Before I can respond, he presses me back against the wall, his body flush against mine. The heat between us intensifies as his hands slide down my waist, his lips brushing along my jawline in a teasing way. My breath catches when I feel the unmistakable hardness of his desire pressing into me, his need for me evident.

“Vishnu…” I whisper, my fingers threading through his hair.

His lips move to my ear, his breath hot as he murmurs, “That’s exactly how I want you to feel when you’re away from me—needy, restless, aching for me. Go finish your work quickly and come back to me soon.”

I let out a shaky breath, trying to regain control, but his touch and his words leave me trembling, wanting for more.

He grins, satisfied, then finally steps back, letting me catch my breath. The fire in his eyes is unmistakable, dark and full of promise. His hands don’t leave me just yet, one firmly gripping my hip, the other trailing lazy, teasing circles on my lower back.

Before I can think twice, my hand moves lower, stroking him over the fabric of his joggers. Vishnu lets out a deep, guttural groan, his head falling slightly as he bites my earlobe.

“Damn it, Simran,” he growls, his fingers gripping my waist tighter. My heart pounds at the raw hunger in his voice.

I gasp, barely able to speak.