Sunlight filtered through the wide bedroom windows, brushing against Prarthna’s face. She stirred uncomfortably on the massive bed. It still smelled of roses from the wedding night decoration, but all she had felt last night was heaviness.

Across the room, on the couch, Shivansh was already awake. He sat with a file in hand, glasses perched on his nose, utterly composed, as if the world hadn’t shifted at all.