Chapter 142

Ayleen woke to the stark emptiness of the bed. She rubbed her eyes, the morning light creeping through the drapes. Stretching her neck, she peeked at the slightly ajar balcony door and then the closet, but neither showed any sign of him. He was gone again.

She sighed, her thoughts drifting back to last night. The memory of Murat thrashing in bed, gasping for air, his whimpers echoing in the room as if his soul was being dragged through hell itself. He was vulnerable, raw, and broken, a sight she had never imagined witnessing. Yet, even then, he held her close, as though her presence was the only lifeline tethering him to reality.

No one, not even Murat with all his flaws and cruelty, deserved such torment.

She pushed herself out of bed and began her morning routine. After washing up, she headed downstairs to join the family for breakfast. Her footsteps were light, but her heart was heavy.

The Khan villa was alive with quiet chatter.

Hanum was cradling A