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The moment the words leave my mouth, I brace myself for Claire’s reaction. But instead of shock, she smiles at me—a soft, knowing smile.

I stare at her, stunned by her reaction. “You already knew?”

“I had a feeling,” she admits. “The moment I saw him yesterday, I could see the resemblance between Vishnu and Veer. I had a hunch he might be Veer’s father. Your son has a lot of his father in him. I was just waiting for you to confirm it. But now what? Have you told Vishnu about this?”

I nod, feeling the ache in my chest intensify.

“I didn’t have to tell him. He figured it out yesterday when he was here. It was... it was awful, Claire. The look on his face... I haven’t seen him like this ever. I didn’t want him to find out like this.” I shudder, recalling the devastated expression on Vishnu’s face.

Claire nods thoughtfully. “I can only imagine how hard it must’ve been for him to find out that way. Simran, you should have told him sooner. He’s Veer’s father. He had a right to know.”

Guilt stabs through me, sharp and unforgiving. I know Claire is right, but I’ve been so scared—scared of how Vishnu would react, scared of how it would change everything for me here.

“Some men would walk away without a care if they found out they had a child they didn’t know about. Men who don’t want the responsibility. But Vishnu? He doesn’t strike me as that kind of a man. He’s a keeper, Simran,” Claire says, her voice soft and resolute.

I swallow hard, knowing she is right.

“I know,” I whisper. “And that’s what scares me. Now that he knows about Veer, I’m terrified of what he’ll do next. I don’t want any disruption in our lives because of this.”

Claire places a reassuring hand on my knee. “There will be changes, Simran. And they might be big, even overwhelming. It’s not just about you and Veer anymore. Vishnu is an integral part of your life now that he knows he’s Veer’s father. That is the reality, whether you are ready for it or not. If he wants to be involved in raising his child, I don’t think you’ll have much choice in the matter.”

Her words hit cut through me. I know she’s right, but the reality of it is overwhelming. The future feels uncertain, like I’m standing on the edge of a cliff, not knowing whether I’ll fly or fall. I open my mouth to respond, but before I can say anything, the doorbell rings, interrupting our talk.

“Who could that be?” I murmur, more to myself than to Claire.

“Don’t worry,” Claire says, standing up. “I’ll go and check.”

My heart races as I watch Claire return with one of Vishnu’s guards from yesterday. But it’s the man trailing behind him that truly captures my attention. He appears to be in his early forties, with a build that speaks of raw strength and years of experience. His short hair, sharp eyes, and the way he carries himself exude power and authority. The gun holster at his hip sends a chill down my spine, confirming my observation that this is no ordinary bodyguard.

“I’m Abhay,” he announces, his voice gruff and all business-like. No smile, no handshake—just cold, hard facts. “I’ll be your personal bodyguard from now on. Wherever you go, I go. No exceptions. It’s Vishnu’s orders.”

As if sensing the tension in the room, my cat Leila slinks out from behind the couch. She cautiously approaches Abhay, her nose twitching as she sniffs at his boots. I watch, half-amused and half-anxious, as she investigates this stranger in our home.

Confusion and surprise war within me. Didn’t Vishnu say he’d be the one protecting me? Then why this sudden change?

“Where’s Vishnu?” I ask, trying to keep the tremor out of my voice. “He… he told me he’d be the one... shadowing me. Why do I need someone else?”

Abhay’s silence is deafening. His stoic expression betrays nothing as he simply states, “Let me know when you’re ready to leave for the boutique. I’ll accompany you.” With that, he turns and heads towards the door.

Frustration bubbles up inside me. I’m not about to let this go so easily. I follow Abhay and the other guard out, my voice rising with each step. “Wait! Where is Vishnu? I won’t let anyone else follow me like this, even if it’s his orders. Why isn’t he here? Why has he sent you instead?”

Abhay whirls around, fixing me with a heated stare that makes me want to take a step back. But I stand my ground, chin raised defiantly.

“Vishnu,” he says, each word slow and deliberate, “is not very far from you.” His eyes narrow as he continues, “I don’t know what you’ve done to piss him off so much, but he doesn’t want to see you right now.”

He doesn’t want to see me?The words cut deeper than I expected, and I feel tears of frustration pricking at my eyes. Abhay’s expression doesn’t change as he continues.

“I’ve worked for Vishnu for over a decade, but I’ve never seen him this furious with anyone... especially a woman.”

His words hit me like a physical blow. The weight of my secret—our baby—suddenly feels unbearable. Vishnu’s anger, his sudden distance... it all makes sense now.

“It’s better for you if you keep your distance from him for now. Let him protect you from afar,” Abhay advises, his tone carrying a hint of pity—or maybe it’s a warning.

I open my mouth to protest, but Abhay isn’t finished. His next words send a chill through my veins.

“Listen carefully, Ms. Simran,” he says, leaning in close. “I’ve seen Vishnu angry before, but this... this is different. He’s not just mad; he’s hurt. And when a man like Vishnu is hurt, he can be very unpredictable and dangerous, even to those he cares about. So, try not to get close to him until he cools down.”

I swallow hard, feeling the blood drain from my face.