Chapter 180

Ayleen’s breath caught.

His words sank into her, wrapping around the walls she had so carefully built.

She wiped her tears as he lifted a hand to cup her cheek, his thumb tracing her skin.

“Does it hurt badly?” she asked, her eyes flickering to his wound.

Murat smirked. “Not when you’re here.”

Ayleen let out a helpless chuckle, resting her head against his chest once more.

His heartbeat was steady beneath her ear, grounding her in a way she couldn’t explain.

And at that moment, she knew—

Murat Khan had become more than just a presence in her life.

He had become the rhythm to her heartbeat.

And there was no escaping that now.

***

Ayleen carefully adjusted the collar of Murat’s jacket, ensuring it didn’t press against the fresh bandages wrapped around his arm. He stood rigid under her touch, listening to Dr. Minhaas drone on about post-discharge care.

“You need to rest, Mr. Khan,” Dr. Minhaas stressed, his v