Chapter 203

The pale dawn seeped through the curtains, casting faint shadows on the walls. Murat stirred, his breath shallow, each inhale laced with discomfort. His hand instinctively reached out. There she was—Ayleen, lying beside him, her face softened by sleep. For a fleeting moment, the sight grounded him, whispering a promise of peace he knew he could never claim. But the pain came again, vicious and unrelenting.

A low groan escaped his throat. The burning in his abdomen intensified, gnawing at him like a relentless beast. Gritting his teeth, he slipped out of bed with deliberate care, ensuring Ayleen remained undisturbed. The chill of the room bit into him, but it was nothing compared to the fire raging inside. His legs felt like lead, every step toward the bathroom a battle.

The door clicked shut behind him. The momentary barrier between him and the woman who gave him hope. But no barrier could hide what he was suffering.

His knees hit the cold tile floor. Murat gripped