71.

Taliya’s eyelids fluttered open as the soft hum of machines and the antiseptic smell of the hospital enveloped her. She felt a dull ache coursing through her body, a reminder of her recent ordeal. Blinking away the haze, her gaze settled on Murad, who was completing the hospital formalities at the reception desk. He appeared calm, his brows slightly furrowed as he spoke to the nurse, his deep voice laced with concern.

Moments later, he returned to her side, a soft smile breaking through the shadows of worry on his face. "Hey," he said, his tone gentle. "How are you feeling?"

“Like I’ve run a marathon,” she replied, forcing a smile. The fatigue weighed on her, but she couldn’t shake the warmth that filled the air when he was near.

Murad shifted closer, concern etched into his features. “I’ll take care of you,” he assured her, his eyes holding a promise that made her heart flutter. “Let’s get you out of here.”

Before she could respond, he bent down, his strong arms wrapping around her with surprising tenderness. Taliya felt a rush of warmth spread through her, her heart racing as he lifted her effortlessly. She nestled against his chest, the steady rhythm of his heartbeat echoing in her ears. The world around them faded, the hospital’s sterile environment replaced by the warmth of his embrace.

“Murad, I can walk,” she protested weakly, but her voice lacked conviction. The truth was, she didn’t want to let go of the safety he provided.

“Not now,” he said softly, the determination in his voice leaving no room for argument. “You need to rest.”

As he carried her out of the hospital, Taliya felt the cool air wash over them, invigorating yet gentle. Murad’s grip was firm, yet his touch was careful, as if he were cradling something precious. She couldn’t help but breathe in the comforting scent of him—something fresh, like rain mixed with a hint of sandalwood.

The journey to the car felt surreal, the bustling world around them fading into a blur. Taliya was acutely aware of the warmth radiating from Murad, sparking something within her. The way he held her, the concern in his eyes—it all wove an invisible thread that pulled at her heartstrings.

When they reached the car, he carefully settled her into the passenger seat, his hands lingering for a moment longer than necessary as he buckled her in. “You okay?” he asked, searching her face for signs of discomfort.

“Yeah,” she whispered, her pulse quickening. “I just—thank you for being here.”

He smiled, a genuine smile that reached his eyes. “I wouldn’t be anywhere else.”

As he drove, Taliya watched him, fascinated by the way his expression shifted from concentration to tenderness. The silence was comfortable, filled with unspoken words and lingering glances.

Suddenly, Taliya felt a wave of emotions crashing over her, a realization hitting her like a gentle tide. Sparks flew in the air between them, igniting something deep within her soul. Murad had always been hers, the one who understood her in ways no one else could.

“Murad,” she said hesitantly, her heart pounding. “I—”

“Shh,” he interrupted softly, glancing at her with that familiar intensity. “Just rest, Taliya. We’ll talk when you’re feeling better.”

“But I need to tell you something,” she insisted, a mix of fear and urgency flooding her voice.

His grip on the steering wheel tightened as he focused on the road, but she could see the flicker of curiosity in his eyes. “You can tell me anything. You know that.”

Taliya took a deep breath, gathering her thoughts. “why do you make everything better? You should stay away from me I tried to kill you.”

His gaze softened, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. “Because maybe I want to be killed by you.”

With those simple words, the weight of her heartache lifted. In that moment, she knew—this was only the beginning. Whatever lay ahead, they would face it together.

As they pulled into the driveway of her home, Taliya realized that Murad wasn’t just a friend; he was her anchor, her confidant. He had seen her at her weakest and had still chosen to stay.

Murad parked the car and turned to her, his expression earnest. “Taliya, whatever happens, I’ll always be here for you. You’re not alone.”

Taliya’s heart swelled with emotion, and she nodded, tears of gratitude brimming in her eyes. “I know,” she whispered. “And I’m so grateful for you.”

With that, Murad reached out, brushing a stray hair from her face, the touch sending a jolt of electricity through her. In that quiet, fragile moment, they both understood—their bond had deepened, intertwining their destinies in ways they had yet to fully comprehend.

As Taliya stepped out of the car, Murad was right beside her, ready to face whatever came next. Together, they would navigate the uncharted waters of their newfound connection, anchored by trust and unspoken love.

She couldn’t shake the feeling that he was the same boy she had known all those years ago, the boy who had promised never to leave her. But what had really happened nine years ago? The memories flickered like a broken film reel in her mind—sunshine, laughter, and then the sudden darkness of his absence.

Taliya’s heart ached with the weight of unanswered questions. What had changed in his life? What circumstances had forced him to do that thing so abruptly? She remembered the day he did that, the day he tried to destroy Taliya’s innocence.

Her thoughts swirled, a tempest of uncertainty, as she watched him. Murad’s presence brought comfort, yet the shadows of the past loomed large. She needed to know the truth, to understand the reasons behind his disappearance.