Chapter 174

The house stood in mourning, the air heavy with the weight of sorrow. The scent of burning incense intertwined with the fragrance of fresh white lilies, their petals adorning the tables.

Murat stared at her picture, she was smiling in the picture, a warm, kind smile that now seemed like a haunting memory of what could have been.

The living room was filled with people, each carrying their own version of grief. Some sat in silent reflection, their gazes fixed on the floor, while others murmured quiet prayers under their breath. The women sat on one side, heads covered, their expressions solemn. The men occupied the other side, speaking only in hushed tones.

Murat sat in the farthest corner, his back stiff, his hands clasped together. His mind was blank, yet painfully aware of the weight pressing against his chest.

Beside him, Ayleen watched him carefully. She could see the way his fingers twitched slightly, the way his shoulders remained tense even as he sat st