Chapter [Next Number]

The door clicks shut behind me, sealing away the world outside. I let out a breath I didn't realize I was holding and lean against the door for a moment. My hand instinctively rests on my stomach, feeling the slight movement inside. My baby—my only reason to be here.

I scan the room. It’s neat, untouched, as if no one expected me to return. A sharp contrast to the warmth and laughter downstairs. I shake off the thought and walk toward the bed, carefully sitting down. The ache in my back and the dull throbbing in my stomach remind me that I shouldn’t have been standing for so long.

A knock on the door pulls me from my thoughts. "Ma'am, your food," the servant calls from the other side.

I get up slowly and open the door. The servant wheels in a tray, setting it on the table. "Should I bring anything else?" they ask politely.

"No, this is fine," I say, my voice calm but distant.

They nod and leave. I lock the door behind them before turning back to the tray. The aroma of fresh food fills the room, but I have no appetite. My mind is restless.

Poonam’s expression flashes in my head. The way her eyes lingered on my stomach. The way she pretended to care. I know her too well. She is never kind without a reason.

Something is coming. I don’t know what, but I am certain of one thing—she won’t sit still.

And I won’t let her win.