𝐃𝐚𝐫𝐤 𝐂𝐚𝐧𝐯𝐚𝐬.

𝟐𝟕. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐤 𝐎𝐟 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐢𝐧.

The night descended as usual, with stars sparkling brightly against the enveloping darkness. The Khan mansion was cloaked in stillness, interrupted only by the sound of a door creaking open.

Fayra, sitting on the black, luxurious couch, stood up in alarm. Her gray eyes widened with terror as she adjusted her hijab, letting her long, beautiful hair frame her flawless face. The night's events had left her shaken, and she had come to the living room to seek some relief. However, as the clock struck one-thirty, the sound of the door opening set her on edge, her mind racing with uncertain thoughts.

As she turned, her gaze met Musa's ocean blue eyes, which were tinged with redness. For a moment, she found herself easing, captivated by the intensity of his gaze. Musa, dressed in a white shirt with a hint of red lipstick staining it, looked disheveled but striking. Fayra noticed the clicking of heels on the marble floor and turned to see an unfamiliar woman approaching.

The woman had blonde, model-like curls and wore a maroon lipstick smeared across her lips. Her black backless dress revealed her exposed legs and back, and she eyed Fayra with disdain as she stood close to Musa. Every aspect of the woman seemed insincere, in stark contrast to Fayra's genuine beauty.

❝Move aside, you disgusting whore,❞ the woman said, attempting to push Fayra out of the way. Fayra's eyes widened at the insult, but she was not surprised; her own family had treated her with similar disregard.

❝We both know who truly matters here,❞ Fayra retorted with a smirk, winking at the woman. Musa looked on in surprise as Fayra turned her attention to him, recoiling from the overpowering smell of alcohol that emanated from him.

❝You disgusting piece of shi—❞ The woman yelled, her anger palpable as she grabbed Fayra's hand with a fierce grip, her long fake nails digging into Fayra's skin. Fayra stifled a yelp in pain.

Musa intervened immediately, pulling Fayra close to his chest as if to shield her from the woman. The woman's anger intensified as she glared at Musa, who responded with a deadly stare, his ocean blue eyes brimming with turmoil.

❝Mind your tongue, Gemini!❞ Musa roared, his voice reverberating through the room. Fayra closed her eyes, finding a strange sense of peace in his embrace despite the stench of alcohol. She tried to pull away, but Musa held her firmly, his eyes locked on Gemini's, while his heart seemed to find a moment of serenity in holding his wife.

❝Mu-sa darling,❞ Gemini faltered, her fear evident as she took a step back. She shot a final scornful look at Fayra before fleeing the room. Fayra, feeling Musa's gaze on her, pushed him away with contempt. Musa's lips curved into a faint smile before he quickly masked it.

He pushed Fayra against the wall, trapping her between his arms. Fayra's chest heaved as they stood close, and Musa was so engrossed in her exquisite gray eyes that he lost himself in the moment.

Gently cupping her cheeks, Musa traced her jawline with his fingers, sending shivers down her spine. Fayra's legs felt weak, her body trembling from a mix of fear and other emotions.

❝Who am I to you? Why do you save me sometimes, Mr. Khan?❞ Fayra demanded. Just as his lips were about to meet hers, Musa was overtaken by rage. She pushed him away with all her strength, making him shoot her a fierce glare. His deep ocean blue eyes burned with fury.

❝You are my wif—❞ he began, but he was interrupted by a sudden realization. He couldn't afford to reveal his true feelings yet. His eyes, filled with strange emotions, struggled to conceal the tenderness he felt for her. As a ruthless Mafia boss, masking his emotions was second nature to him.

Fayra stared at him, astonished. The idea of him having feelings for her seemed absurd given his cold nature. Meanwhile, Musa scrutinized her eyes, trying to discern any hint of jealousy.

❝You are nothing but a maid to me. A fucking maid,❞ Musa sneered, his anger boiling over as he gripped her throat. His cruelty made Fayra shiver, tears streaming down her face uncontrollably. Her frustration grew as she struggled to breathe, feeling helpless against his volatile mood. He shoved her to the floor, causing her to fall with a thud, her tears flowing without end.

❝You are the source of all my nightmares and my dreadful past, Mrs. Khan. Remember this: I will make you realize your worth when I bleed you to death, and that day will be my victory—the victory of Musa Hassan Khan!❞