Chapter 127

“Just to be clear, I am never letting you go back to that bastard,” Burhan stated, a note of finality hardening his tone. The words settled in the room like a lock clicking shut. There was no anger in his voice, only cold certainty, as if the decision had been made long ago and merely spoken aloud now.

She quickly shook her head. “I don’t want to go back to him.” The words left her mouth without hesitation, surprising even herself with their firmness. She had rehearsed this truth in her mind countless times, yet saying it aloud made it feel heavier, more real.

She was painfully aware that she had fallen for him. The fall had been silent, unnoticed until she was already at the bottom. Long ago. Back when hope had been easier and promises had sounded sincere. She still could not understand how it had happened. There was no single moment she could point to, no grand confession or sweeping gesture. It had crept in quietly, settling into her heart before she had the sense to