96.

Faraz Sheikh sat alone in his dimly lit study, the room filled with shadows cast by the single desk lamp illuminating his space. The walls were lined with bookshelves, each one meticulously organized, concealing secrets and plans that would make even the most hardened men shiver. He leaned back in his leather chair, fingers steepled as he pondered the latest developments. It seemed that his quiet life was once again intruded upon by the one person he’d managed to keep at a distance—Murad.

His thoughts were interrupted by the faint chime of his phone. He glanced at the screen, seeing an encrypted message notification flash across. A small smile curled at the corner of his mouth as he read the brief but concise update.

Murad is looking into your whereabouts. Hassan is involved.

“Of course, he is,” Faraz murmured, his voice carrying an edge of amusement. Murad, always the loyal son, the defender, the righteous crusader. Faraz had known this day would come; Murad couldn’t resist digging, uncovering the secrets that Faraz had buried deep.

The smile quickly faded as he set the phone down, his expression turning cold. Murad's curiosity wasn’t just an inconvenience—it was a potential threat. And threats had a way of… disappearing.

He reached for a crystal glass and poured himself a measure of his finest whiskey, savoring the warmth that spread as he took a sip. Faraz’s mind began working, formulating the steps he’d take to stay ten steps ahead of Murad. There was no way he’d let his half-brother ruin everything he’d built with questions and misplaced loyalty.

♤

The sound of waves crashing against the shore echoed through the small beach house, a rhythmic reminder of the world outside—a world Taliya had been ripped away from. She sat on a plush, white sofa that seemed too luxurious for her current situation, the soft fabric contrasting with the unease knotting in her stomach. The sun filtered through the large windows, illuminating the room but doing little to warm the chill that enveloped her.

Faraz Sheikh leaned against the kitchen counter, casually swirling a glass of water. He watched Taliya with an amused expression, as if her discomfort was a source of entertainment. The air between them was thick with tension, the silence punctuated only by the gentle sound of the ocean.

Taliya crossed her arms, trying to appear unbothered, though her heart raced in her chest. “Why did you bring me here, Faraz?” Her voice was steady, though the tremor in her hands betrayed her. “What do you want from me?”

Faraz’s lips curled into a smirk, a mix of arrogance and charm. “You think it’s that simple, Taliya? Just a few questions, and I’ll let you go? No, no. You’re far more interesting than that.” He took a sip from his glass, his eyes never leaving hers.

“Interesting? To you? Or to your twisted plans?” Taliya shot back, her fear morphing into anger. She stood, pacing the small living area, every instinct in her telling her to fight against the encroaching dread.

He chuckled, a deep, rich sound that filled the space. “Both, actually. You see, you’re part of a much larger game. Murad is looking for you, and while that might seem like a coincidence, it’s not. You’re the perfect pawn in all of this.”

Taliya stopped, narrowing her eyes at him. “A pawn? You think I’m just a piece on your chessboard? I’m not some mindless follower, Faraz. You might have taken me away, but you can’t control me.”

Faraz pushed himself off the counter, walking toward her with a predatory grace. “Oh, Taliya, you underestimate yourself. You’re here, in my domain, while Murad is out there chasing shadows. You could be the key to keeping him off my back.”

The weight of his words settled heavily in the air, and Taliya felt a surge of defiance. “I won’t help you. Murad will find me, and when he does, you’ll regret ever thinking you could hold me here.”

Faraz stepped closer, the warmth of his presence wrapping around her like a vice. “Regret? My dear, regret is for the weak. I have no intention of letting Murad anywhere near you—he’s too much of a liability.”

Taliya’s heart raced, a mixture of fear and anger coursing through her veins. “You think you can keep me here forever? I’ll escape. I won’t let you use me as bait.”

Faraz laughed softly, an unsettling sound that sent shivers down her spine. “Escape? That’s cute. But you’re on a private island, Taliya. There’s no one here but you and me. The ocean is your only friend, and it’s a long swim back to shore.”

Taliya’s resolve wavered, but she squared her shoulders. “You won’t win, Faraz. You may think you have the upper hand, but I won’t let you manipulate me.”

“Is that so?” Faraz leaned in, his eyes darkening with intrigue. “Then tell me, Taliya, what’s stopping you from becoming an ally instead of an enemy? Join me, and I can protect you from Murad’s reckless tendencies. We can make our own rules, create our own destiny.”

Taliya met his gaze, the challenge lingering in the air between them. “And what would that look like? Being a part of your twisted games? I’d rather take my chances with Murad.”

Faraz’s expression shifted, the amusement fading into something colder, more dangerous. “Careful, Taliya. Those who defy me tend to regret it. But if you choose to fight against me, know that I won’t hesitate to make your life miserable.”

The gravity of his threat hung heavily in the room, and Taliya felt the weight of the reality she was trapped in. She was alone on this island with a man who thrived on manipulation and fear, but she refused to let him see her falter.

“I’d rather face misery than lose myself in your games,” she replied defiantly, her voice firm.

Faraz studied her for a moment, a glimmer of respect—or was it admiration?—flashing in his eyes. “Then let the games begin, Taliya. You may surprise me yet.”

With that, he stepped back, allowing her a moment of space, but Taliya knew this was just the beginning of a battle she didn’t want to fight. She had to find a way out, not just for herself but for Murad, who was surely searching for her.

As she looked out at the vast ocean, the waves crashing against the shore, Taliya made a silent vow to herself. She would not let Faraz win. She would find a way to escape this island and reveal the truth, no matter the cost.