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“Does your father know?” he asks.

I put out my cigarette, crushing it against the ashtray placed beside us. “In time, I’ll tell my family,” I reply. “Right now, let’s get that f*cking bastard who’s troubling my woman.”

Abhay grins at me. The term‘my woman’rolls off my tongue with an ease that surprises me. The term echoes in my mind, stirring up every emotion I am feeling right now. I didn’t realise I felt that way until the words were out in the open. But now that they are, there’s no taking them back. I’ll do whatever it takes to protect her and my son.

Because despite everything, despite the lies, the pain, and the years we’ve lost, that’s what Simran is to me.Mine. The mother of my child, the woman who’s held my heart ever since the first time we met.

I lean against the railing, letting out a heavy sigh. The anger is still there, simmering within me like a constant burn in my chest. But alongside it, there’s a fierce determination too—determination to keep them safe, to be the father my son deserves, and to figure out this mess we’ve found ourselves in.

I turn back to Abhay, my resolve strengthening. “We need to move fast,” I say urgently. “I want every piece of information we can get on who might be targeting Simran. Leave nothing unchecked. Whoever is behind this, they’ve made a big mistake. They’ve dared to threaten what’s mine.”

Abhay nods, his expression serious. “We’ll find him,” he assures me.

Yes, we will! Yet, I can’t help but think who would want to hurt Simran? Who in the hell would dare to target her? She’s a beacon of light in this dark world, not someone who leaves a trail of enemies in her wake.

And then there’s Veer—my son, my flesh and blood, a stranger I’m desperate to know. How can I become the father he deserves when I’m still reeling from the shock of his existence? I want to give him the world, to be his protector, his guide, the unshakeable pillar he can always rely on. But how? How do I do that when I’m still struggling to find solid ground myself?

With all these questions swirling in my head, we head back inside the apartment. It’s time to put an end to this threat and claim what’s mine—my son, my family, my life. And God help anyone who dares to stand in my way.

**************

Afternoon

I’m in the living room of the rented apartment across from Simran’s, staring at the newly uncovered evidence against the masked man. Simran left for her boutique not long ago, accompanied by Abhay. And though she didn’t create a fuss, I know she wasn’t happy about it. Part of me believes it’s because she wanted me by her side. I know she trusts me more than anyone else.

And then, I hear it—a loud wail piercing through the silence.Veer.

Without a second thought, I jump to my feet. Every fatherly instinct in me flares up, overriding all logic. The threat looming over Simran and Veer tightens its grip around my chest, and I don’t waste a single second. I pull out my gun from my waistband and storm out, bursting through the door of Simran’s apartment. My gun is aimed and ready, my senses on high alert as I follow the sound of Veer’s cries.

As I round the corner into the living room, I come face to face with Claire, her eyes wide with terror as she clutches Veer to her chest.

“Jesus!” she shrieks, instinctively shielding the baby from me. “Lower that gun!”

Claire is sitting on the couch, with Veer on her lap and a spoon in hand. My pulse races as the realisation sinks in—I’ve just aimed a gun at Veer’s caretaker. I quickly lower the weapon, shoving it back into its holster.

Leila darts across the room, startled by my sudden appearance. She lets out a low growl, her tail puffed up in alarm, before disappearing under a nearby chair. I make a mental note to be more careful next time. The last thing I need is to deal with an agitated feline on top of everything else.

I blink to shake off the adrenaline as I make my way towards my son, who is still crying. Without a moment’s hesitation, I try to scoop Veer into my arms. Claire hesitates for a split second before finally relenting. As soon as I hold my son in my arms, his cries slowly begin to subside. He burrows into my chest, his tiny fingers clutching my shirt, and in that moment, something inside me breaks and mends simultaneously. Veer snuggles into me as if he’s been longing for my presence all along. His small body feels fragile in my arms, and the instant he curls up against me, it’s as if he knows I’m here to protect him.

“Boss, is everything okay?” My guards storm in, guns drawn, ready for action.

I turn and motion for them to lower their weapons, whispering, “Quiet down. You’re going to scare him.”

They appear startled but give a nod, quickly holstering their guns, and the tension in the room slowly ebbs away.

Veer’s cries fade into soft whimpers as he nestles against me, making himself comfortable. Claire, still visibly shaken, stands there with wide eyes, watching the entire scene unfold before her.

I narrow my eyes at Claire. “What did you give him that made him cry like that?” I ask, my voice sharper than I intended.

“It’s his medicine,” she explains, holding up a small bottle. “He’s teething early, and this helps with the nausea he gets after lunch.”

I snatch the bottle from her hand and pass it to one of my men.

“Verify it,” I command, leaving no room for argument. As they leave, I catch Claire’s knowing look. She understands my paranoia and my need to trust no one in this precarious situation.

But then, unexpectedly, she smiles. Following her gaze, I realise Veer has fallen silent, his breathing even and steady as he drifts off to sleep in my embrace. The storm within me subsides, replaced by something far more powerful. He’s my son.He’s mine. And he’s falling asleep in my arms, trusting me completely.

I hold him close, my large hand gently stroking his soft, fine hair. How could I have missed this? How could I have lost out on months of holding him, comforting him, and being the father he deserves? The anger I’ve been carrying around eases as I sit down on the couch, cradling him in my arms. His warmth seeps into me, melting away the rage and torment that has gripped my heart.