Bound by Vows, Broken by Fate

Chapter 44: A New Beginning

The morning light filtered softly through the curtains, casting golden hues over the room. Meher stirred slightly, her cheek resting against Rivan’s chest. His arm was wrapped securely around her, as if even in his sleep, he feared she would slip away.

For a long moment, she simply lay there, listening to the rhythmic beating of his heart. It was a steady sound, grounding her, reminding her of all the promises he had made and all the ones he was determined to keep.

She tilted her head slightly, watching his sleeping face. The sharp edges of his features, the slight furrow in his brow, even in sleep, as if he was always carrying the weight of something. Her fingers twitched with the urge to smooth it away.

She had spent so long convincing herself that she couldn’t forgive him, that the past was too painful to let go. But in the end, love had found its way back, relentless and undeniable.

As if sensing her gaze, Rivan’s eyes fluttered open. The moment he saw her, a soft, lazy smile tugged at his lips.

“Good morning,” he murmured, voice husky from sleep.

She hummed in response, her fingers unconsciously tracing light patterns over his chest.

His grip on her tightened. “Are you real, or am I still dreaming?”

She chuckled. “If this were a dream, would you want to wake up?”

“Never.” His voice was firm, his eyes filled with something so deep, so raw, that it made her breath hitch.

She hesitated for a moment before whispering, “I love you.”

His body stilled, as if he hadn’t heard her right. Then, in the next heartbeat, he moved, rolling her beneath him, his hands framing her face. “Say it again,” he demanded, his voice hoarse with emotion.

She cupped his cheek, her thumb brushing over his jaw. “I love you, Rivan.”

A shuddering breath left him, and then his lips crashed against hers, pouring every ounce of love, regret, and devotion into the kiss. It was deep, desperate, and utterly consuming.

When they finally broke apart, he rested his forehead against hers, his breath uneven. “You have no idea how long I’ve waited to hear those words.”

She smiled, brushing her fingers through his hair. “Then I should have said them sooner.”

He let out a breathless laugh, kissing her once more. “No, this—this is perfect.”

---

The weeks that followed were filled with stolen moments, whispered confessions, and laughter that echoed through the halls of their home. The wounds of the past had not completely faded, but they were healing, one tender touch at a time.

One evening, as they lay curled up on the couch, Meher hesitated before placing his hand over her stomach. Rivan frowned slightly, confused.

She bit her lip, her heart hammering. “I… I went to the doctor today.”

His expression shifted instantly, worry clouding his gaze. “What’s wrong? Are you okay?”

She swallowed the lump in her throat before whispering, “I’m pregnant.”

For a moment, silence hung between them. Then, before she could blink, Rivan pulled her into his arms, his grip almost crushing.

“You’re serious?” His voice shook.

She nodded, laughing softly. “Yes, I’m serious.”

A strangled sound escaped him—half a laugh, half a sob. He pulled back just enough to cup her face, pressing urgent kisses against her forehead, her cheeks, her lips. “I love you,” he breathed between each kiss. “I love you so much.”

Tears pricked at Meher’s eyes. “I love you too.”

As Rivan held her, his hand resting protectively over her stomach, Meher knew without a doubt—

This was their new beginning. And this time, there would be no more pain, no more distance. Only love. Only them.

Forever.