Incest Mom tricked by Bully (Mask of Desire)

[Steel]

Madhuri swung open the door to find Ramesh, his back turned, phone pressed to his ear, muttering, “Why isn’t Ishaan picking up?”

“Honey! You’re back?” she called, her voice warm but edged with nerves.

Ramesh spun around, his face lighting up as he pulled her into a hug. “What took you so long?” he asked, grinning.

“Just in the middle of a shower,” Madhuri replied smoothly, brushing damp hair from her face. “Busy day at the office.”

“Oh, I get it, honey.” Ramesh said, his excitement bubbling over as he grabbed a confetti popper from his side and yanked the string. 

“Congrats!” he shouted, confetti bursting around them. “Saw your boss’s LinkedIn post about you and immediately boarded the flight. Wanted to surprise you in person. You deserve the promotion!”

Madhuri’s smile twitched, her mind scrambling to pin down which promotion he meant. “Thanks, honey,” she said, a sly edge to her grin. “Ishaan’s been… a huge help.”

Ramesh glanced over, spotting Ishaan beside Abhi, who called out a faint, “Welcome, Papa!”

Moving inside, Ramesh clasped Ishaan’s hand, chuckling. “Looks like everything’s changed since you showed up, huh?”

Ishaan’s lips curled into a sly grin, his gaze steady, “Don’t mention it, Uncle. This is just the beginning.”

Madhuri caught the glint in Ishaan’s eyes, her smile curling with quiet understanding. She turned back and shut the door with a soft click, sealing the moment and felt a fragile peace settle, ready to navigate her with whatever came next.

(End of Chapter)