Chapter 124

Ayleen stood near the edge of the swimming pool, her gaze fixed on the rippling waves. The early morning light refracted against the water’s surface, casting fragmented patterns onto her somber face. The rhythmic ebb and flow reminded her of life’s turmoil, a relentless tide that surged, receded, and yet never truly settled. Much like the chaos in her heart, the pool seemed calm on the surface, but beneath lay layers of depth unknown to anyone standing outside.

She wore her hospital scrubs, the soft blue fabric neatly pressed, her white veil draped over her shoulders. She was prepared to leave in a few minutes, yet her thoughts wandered back to the conversation with Ibrahim Khan two days ago.

He had asked about her visit to the hospital with Murat, concern etched into every wrinkle on his face. She had lied, her words rehearsed yet hollow, saying there were still tests to be done. Ibrahim Khan had seen through her, she was certain, but he hadn’t pressed further. That mom