Chapter 216

When the final note faded, the room burst into applause. Murat lowered his violin, his eyes meeting Ayleen’s. She was lost in a daze.

As everyone began to wind up, Murat stepped closer to Ayleen, “Come with me,” he said softly, offering his hand.

Without a word, she placed her hand in his.

He led her upstairs to the balcony.

“Murat, everyone’s downstairs—”

Before she could finish, the night sky erupted in colors. Fireworks burst into life, illuminating the sky. Reds, golds, and silvers shimmered, dancing across the sky.

A gasp left her lips.

Downstairs, everyone stepped out, looking up in awe.

“HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BEGUM!” The words lit up the sky among the fireworks.

Tears welled in Ayleen’s eyes. She turned to Murat, but paused. She felt something cold brush against her neck.

A necklace.

She looked down. The same rose gold necklace she had seen in Murat’s design book, a delicate rose gold necklace with vines intertwined