Chapter 208

With slow, deliberate effort, he shifted upright. There’s still so much I need to do, things I have to set right before my surgery.

Just then, the door creaked open. The scent of fresh flowers drifted in. Murat turned his head.

Ayleen walked in with a tray, her steps light yet careful. She wore a soft smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. Despite the sadness etched into her features, there was a glow about her—perhaps from the life growing inside her. Perhaps because she chose to carry hope when he couldn’t.

“How are you feeling?” she asked, her voice gentle as silk but carrying the weight of unspoken fears.

“Bored. Useless. Missing work,” he answered honestly, his gaze dropping to his lap.

Ayleen frowned, placing the tray beside him. “For one, you are not useless. And second, forget about work. You’re not stepping into that office anytime soon.”

She moved to help him sit up properly, her hands steady despite his frail form. As she adju