Chapter 207

Murat smiled—a slow, sad curve of his lips—before pressing his lips lightly to her nose in return.

“Ayleen—”

“Don’t say anything,” she interrupted, placing a finger on his lips. “Just listen. I’m saying this because my heart says so.”

Murat nodded slowly, his eyes drifting closed again.

“I’ll call Uncle Ibrahim and Dr. Minhaas,” Ayleen whispered, giving his hand one last squeeze before stepping out. As the door clicked shut, Murat stared at the empty space she had left.

She loves me.

A woman like Ayleen, a woman with a golden heart, loved him. His lips curved into a soft smile.

***

The atmosphere at Khan Villa was quiet but tense. Murat lay on his bed, propped up by pillows, his face pale but peaceful as he smiled weakly. Family members gathered around him, their conversations light but forced. Their smiles didn’t reach their eyes; every laugh seemed too loud, as though they were all trying to pretend everything was normal.