𝐃𝐚𝐫𝐤 𝐂𝐚𝐧𝐯𝐚𝐬.

𝟒𝟎.𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐫𝐨𝐫 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧.

The moon observed the world as the clock struck half past three in the early morning. Stars twinkled brightly, casting a stunning glow across the dark sky. Within the confines of a room, one fragile soul clutched the bedspread and shivered in his sleep, sweat trickling down his forehead as he shook his head violently.

❝Keep this canvas safe with you,❞ a familiar voice echoed in the background, prompting the thirteen-year-old boy to gaze at the canvas with a sparkle of happiness in his ocean-blue eyes.

❝Is this for me?❞ the boy asked, taking the canvas and admiring the painting of beautiful ocean-blue eyes. He traced his finger across the artwork in admiration.

The moon watched as the man thrashed about, trying to escape the disturbing memories of his past. His mind struggled with the haunting images, and despite his efforts, he continued to sweat and shiver uncontrollably.

❝You have Khafifa with you, my son,❞ the elderly man whispered, tears streaming down his face. His troubled eyes met those of the boy, who began to tremble and cry, clinging to his father's hand and shaking his head.

As life plunged the boy into a deep abyss of darkness, he transformed into a ruthless mafia, becoming a man he hardly recognized.

A tear escaped the man's eye as he internally cried out for help, desperate to escape the tormenting nightmare, but no one came to his aid.

❝It's finally time for your soul to depart, Mr. Hassan Khan,❞ the man said with a forced laugh, stabbing a victim who screamed for help but received none. Blood poured from the victim's chest as he collapsed, struggling to breathe. The man kicked him forcefully, turning him onto his back.

A young boy, witnessing the horrific scene, trembled and called out for his father, who was fighting for his life.

The boy sobbed and covered his mouth with his hand, tears streaming from his ocean-blue eyes as he looked to the sky for divine intervention.

Rain poured heavily, and thunder and lightning grew more intense, causing the boy to cling to himself in fear as his lips quivered.

The merciless man continued to stab his victim, causing so much blood loss that the soul seemed to plead for escape. The nine-year-old boy, watching his own father being murdered, saw a truly horrific night.

❝No, don't kill him—please!❞ His cries echoed through the hospital as he shook his head, unable to bear the excruciating emotions. His heart shattered as his mind replayed the traumatic scenes repeatedly.

❝Calm down,❞ came a soft, familiar voice. Fayra, having been awakened by his cries, looked at him with concern. She had been sleeping on a nearby couch and now watched her husband struggling with a nightmare.

She gently held his IV-attached hand and cupped his face, wiping the sweat from his forehead as he fought to return to reality.

❝It's just a nightmare,❞ her soothing words finally reached him, and he opened his eyes to meet her concerned gray gaze. He clutched her arms tightly, collapsing onto her chest, his tears flowing freely. Fayra was taken aback by his vulnerability, and he shook his head violently to rid himself of the terrifying thoughts.

❝Don't kill him—please,❞ he kept pleading, prompting Fayra to rest his head in her lap and tenderly stroke his hair. Musa clung to her, seeking comfort in her presence.

❝Look into my eyes, Musa,❞ her melodic voice sent shivers down his spine. Her radiant eyes captivated him, and her calling his name made his heart race, momentarily enamoring him with her words.

Fayra wiped his tears and held him close, tucking her long hair behind her ear. Musa took a handful of her hair and inhaled its lavender scent, which drew him to her even more, as he felt a deep connection to her.

His soul found solace in her presence, feeling a love and peace he had never known before. Musa Hassan Khan realized he was falling for his wife, Fayra Hassan Khan.

His next words made Fayra blush deeply, and she lowered her eyes shyly, while Musa's lips curved into a breathtaking smile.

❝Don't ask me to look into your eyes, Mrs. Khan. Those dark gray eyes of yours stir something in my heart, pulling me towards you every time our gazes meet.❞

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