𝟏𝟗𝟒𝟔 ：𝑬𝒌 𝒑𝒓𝒆𝒎 𝒌𝒂𝒕𝒉𝒂 ✓

𝘊𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘟𝘟𝘐𝘐. 𝘈 𝘍𝘳𝘢𝘨𝘪𝘭𝘦 𝘚𝘰𝘶𝘭

They remained in each other's embrace, holding on as if letting go would shatter them.

Edward could feel the way Manjari trembled against him, her body weak from exhaustion and pain. When he finally pulled away, his gaze locked onto hers. Her eyes, still wet with tears, held a sorrow so deep it made his heart clench. She looked fragile, lost, and utterly drained.

Gently, he cupped her face between his hands, his thumbs brushing away the lingering tears on her cheeks. His blue eyes softened as he blinked at her, silently assuring her that she was safe now, that he was here. Without a word, he leaned forward and pressed a tender kiss to her forehead, lingering for a moment as if trying to absorb her pain.

Manjari's fingers instinctively clutched the collar of his shirt, as if afraid he would disappear if she let go.

Edward leaned back slightly and placed a finger against his lips, signaling for her to stay quiet. She furrowed her brows in confusion, but she trusted him. Without hesitation, he wrapped an arm around her waist and carefully led her toward the door, making sure his movements were slow and steady.

The air outside was cool against their skin as they stepped out into the night. Edward's sharp eyes scanned their surroundings. The place was eerily silent. Not taking any chances, he tightened his hold on Manjari and quickly made his way to his car.

Manjari's legs gave out beneath her, and without hesitation, Edward scooped her up in his arms. She was so light, almost weightless, and it only reminded him of how much she had endured. He quickened his pace, his heart pounding in his chest.

Reaching his car, he carefully placed her inside, securing her in the seat. Manjari leaned her head against the window, her breathing uneven but steady. Edward shut the door and hurried to the driver's seat.

Before starting the car, he checked the rearview mirror, his eyes darting over the empty road. No one was following them. He exhaled a breath of relief, but he wasn't about to let his guard down just yet.

As he drove, the adrenaline in his veins slowly settled. He glanced at Manjari beside him, noticing how her body had finally given in to exhaustion. She had fallen asleep, her features soft despite the dried tears on her cheeks. Her hair was tangled and messy, yet to him, she still looked breathtakingly beautiful.

His fingers twitched on the steering wheel before he finally gave in. Reaching out, he gently brushed a few strands of hair away from her face. His fingertips skimmed over the cut on her forehead, his touch featherlight.

Manjari winced slightly, a quiet sound of pain escaping her lips. Edward immediately withdrew his hand, guilt flashing in his eyes. He swallowed hard and turned back to the road, tightening his grip on the wheel.

No matter what it took, he would protect her.

One Hour Ago...

*Flashback*

Sunlight filtered through the windows, casting long golden streaks across the wooden floor. Edward stirred, blinking against the brightness as he sat up in bed.

His morning routine was quick-he brushed his teeth, took a shower, and changed into fresh clothes. But his mind wasn't on any of it. There was an unease in his chest, a weight he couldn't shake. Something felt wrong.

Turning toward the bed, his gaze softened as he saw his mother still asleep. Stepping closer, he leaned down and pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead.

"I'll find out where she is, Mom," he whispered, his voice barely audible.

Straightening up, he made his way to the door. But just as he opened it, he nearly collided with Yadav.