HER SAFE PLACE

I LOVE YOU

Mature content ahead

Shivangi's POV

I stood silently in front of the dressing table, smoothing lotion over my hands. The room was dimly lit, and the faint scent of Rocky's cologne clung to the oversized t-shirt and track pants I was wearing. They were his, and they dwarfed my frame, but somehow, the loose fit provided a sense of comfort I couldn’t explain. I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror—my eyes were swollen and red from all the crying. I shook my head and let out a faint laugh.

Gosh, this man is absolutely crazy, I thought, trying to brush away the emotions bubbling inside me.

Just as the thought crossed my mind, I felt it—a warm, familiar hand wrapping around my waist from behind. My heart skipped a beat. I didn’t need to turn to know it was him. Rocky’s presence was like a shadow, always there, even when I felt utterly alone. He buried his face in the crook of my neck, his breath warm against my skin.

“I didn’t know my wife is such a good actress,” he murmured, his deep voice laced with mischief.

A soft chuckle escaped me, despite the heaviness in my heart. Turning around to face him, I locked my arms around his neck, threading my fingers together behind him. My gaze met his, and for a fleeting moment, everything else seemed to fade away. I leaned forward and hugged him tightly, burying my face in his chest. He didn’t hesitate to hold me back, his arms wrapping securely around me, as if to shield me from the world.

But as he embraced me, something inside me gave way. My walls, the ones I had so carefully constructed to keep my emotions in check, crumbled. Tears I thought I had buried deep within me began to flow freely, soaking his shirt. Rocky noticed immediately. He pulled back just enough to cup my face in his hands, his thumbs brushing away the tears streaking my cheeks.

“Babydoll,” he whispered, his voice soft yet filled with concern, “what’s wrong? Why are you crying?” His eyes searched mine, desperate for an answer. “You know, don’t you? Whatever I said outside, I didn’t mean a word of it. I love you. I love you more than anything in this world. And you’re never getting rid of me—never. No matter what happens, I’m here. I’ll always be here.”

I felt my heart clench at his words.

“Please don’t cry,” he continued, his voice trembling slightly. “Do you have any idea how much it hurt to see you crying out there? I wanted to run to you, hold you, and tell you I wasn’t going anywhere. But I couldn’t—not then. You understand, don’t you? But now, I’m telling you, Shivangi, I love you more than life itself. Even if... even if you were to love someone else...” His voice faltered for a moment before he pressed on. “Though I know you don’t. But even if you did, I’d still never leave you. You can do whatever you want—even kill me—but I’ll never let go of you.”

Tears flowed harder now, not because I was sad or hurt, but because I couldn’t comprehend how someone could love me this much. His love was overwhelming, unconditional, and raw.

“Shh...” I whispered, placing my finger over his lips to stop him. I pressed my forehead to his, closing my eyes as I let his warmth comfort me. “Don’t say anything. Please, Rocky, just... don’t.”

He stayed silent, letting me take my time. After a moment, I opened my eyes and looked into his. “How can you? How can you love me this much? Just...how?”

His lips curled into a small smile as he brushed a strand of hair away from my face. “Because you deserve to be loved like this,” he said simply, his voice steady. He leaned forward and placed a tender kiss on my forehead, one so full of love that it brought fresh tears to my eyes.