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Vishnu watches me with those intense eyes, his expression completely unapologetic.

“Yes, I did. I wanted you to rest.”

“Vishnu!” I protest, drying Veer with the towel as I speak. “You can’t just—”

“I’ve already spoken to Julie,” he cuts in, his tone leaving no room for argument. “She told me there was nothing urgent on your schedule except a dinner meeting with a client tonight. I’ve already arranged for Abhay to take you there.”

I gape at him, momentarily at a loss for words.

“You… you spoke to Julie?”

“I know how important your work is to you, Simran. After what happened at the boutique yesterday, I had to resist the urge to shut down the place completely and make you work from home. And after seeing your state last night—your body needed a break before you mentally exhausted yourself again. You need to stop pushing yourself, just for today.”

For a moment, I can’t argue. He’s right—I did need the rest. My body feels more relaxed than it has in days, and for the first time, my head feels clearer.

Before I can respond, Veer starts squirming in my arms, making his usual hungry sounds that always follow bath time. He nuzzles against my chest, his tiny hands pressing against my nightgown as he tries to suckle through the fabric. It’s such a natural reflex for him, and suddenly, I become hyper-aware of Vishnu’s presence, his eyes darkening as he watches us.

Vishnu’s gaze moves to where Veer is suckling, his expression unreadable. For a split second, his jaw tightens, and then I catch it—a flicker of something deeper in his eyes. Hunger? No. It’s desire. Raw… and simmering beneath the surface of his carefully controlled exterior.

The air grows thick with tension as Veer continues his soft whimpers. Although I’ve been gradually weaning him, only nursing at night and using formula during the day since my milk supply has dropped, I can tell he needs this comfort right now.

My heart hammers against my ribs as I search for something to say, something to break the silence. But before I can react, Vishnu swallows hard and, as if sensing my need for privacy, he gives me a quick nod and quietly leaves the room. I release a breath I didn’t realise I was holding. Relief and disappointment war within me as the door clicks shut behind him. Letting out a shaky breath, I carry Veer to the couch in the nursery, where I usually feed him.

As I settle down, I look at my son, his innocent face lighting up as he realises he’s about to get what he wants.

“You really couldn’t wait, could you?” I tease softly, brushing a kiss against his forehead.

He giggles, oblivious to the awkward moment his hunger just caused. As he latches on to my breast, I let out a deep breath of contentment and stroke his tiny hand with my thumb. “Veer, you need to stop doing this in front of your papa,” I murmur, half-laughing, half-serious. “At least not until Mama and Papa figure out their own comfort zone again, okay?”

He coos softly in response, his tiny fingers curling around mine as if to say he doesn’t care about the complexities of adult relationships. He is content in his own little world. I stroke his soft hair, sighing as I watch his peaceful face. Leaning back against the couch, I let my head rest on the cushion. My thoughts drift back to Vishnu and the way he looked at me a moment ago. Not to mention, last night, he stayed. He didn’t pull away like before. That has to mean something, right?

But as much as I want to hold onto that hope, I know better than to assume Vishnu’s walls will crumble so easily. He’s a man defined by loyalty and pride, and I’ve hurt him in ways I now fully understand.

How long will this awkwardness between Vishnu and me last? When will we find our way back to each other without this constant tension hanging between us? For now, I’ll take whatever I can get. One step at a time.

“Let’s just focus on you for now, my little troublemaker,” I whisper softly, watching Veer as his eyes grow heavy, his hunger now satisfied.

VISHNU

I’m halfway through my push-ups in the apartment’s gym, the burn in my muscles driving me to continue. I’ve just texted Ayaan, hoping my brother-in-law’s position as Director of a Global Law Enforcement Network (GLEN) might help track down that masked man. He’s currently in Austria on some crucial mission, but he’s promised to call tonight. I’m banking on his connections to help me dig into this masked man. The waiting game is the worst part—I hate not being in control.

I drop down for another rep when I feel it—a shift in the air, followed by the distinct click of heels on the hardwood floor. My eyes land on the sleek black stilettos that come to a stop just two feet away from where I am. I pause mid-push-up, my gaze travelling slowly upward.

Those legs, long and bare, seem to go on forever, leading to the shimmering hem of a bodycon dress that hugs her figure and stops at her knees. I continue my visual journey upward until I meet Simran’s face, then push myself to my feet. She’s wearing a matching shimmery jacket over the thin straps of her dress. Every inch of her is dressed to kill.

Rising to my full height, I grab a nearby towel and casually wipe my hands, keeping my tone calm.

“I thought this was a work dinner.”

“It is,” she responds, adjusting her jacket.

“You definitely don’t look like you are going for a business dinner with someone, that’s for sure,” I counter, my gaze roaming over her again, unbidden.

Simran rolls her eyes.

“The guy I’m meeting is a known acquaintance from way back. More of a friend now. His name is Zane Miller.”

Zane. My jaw tightens at the casual way she says his name.