Chapter 222

Murtaza, her baby boy, was standing. Tiny, wobbly legs trying to support his weight. Aynur clapped excitedly while Berat hovered nearby, ready to catch him.

“Murtaza!” Ayleen gasped, one hand covering her mouth.

The little boy giggled, taking one unsteady step forward. He stumbled but Berat reached out instinctively, steadying him.

Another step.

Then another.

Ayleen fumbled for her phone, hands trembling as she began recording.

“Come on, little man!” Berat laughed, encouraging him.

Tears welled in Ayleen’s eyes.

“You did it,” she whispered to herself. “Your first steps.”

But as she watched Murtaza giggle and walk clumsily into Berat’s arms, her heart ached.

You should have seen this, Murat.

Her gaze flickered to the framed photograph of Murat that still stood by the nursery door. His smile frozen in time, unaware of the life unfolding without him.

Ayleen wiped her tears quickly, smiling again. “Look at