Devil's Bride

Heart Left Behind

The study was silent except for the occasional rustle of papers, the weight of the conversation hanging between them. Ayaan’s decision had been made, but it was clear from the tightness of his jaw, the uncertainty in his eyes, that it wasn’t easy.

“I’m going back,” Ayaan said, the words coming out like a final decree. “The disputes are cleared. The empire needs its king.”

His grandfather didn’t say anything for a moment. The old man had seen his fair share of battles, but this, this was different. He could feel the change in Ayaan, the way his grandson had been softened, almost broken by someone who hadn’t known the darkness in his life.

“I’ve always known you’d leave, Ayaan,” his grandfather said quietly, his voice filled with an unspoken sadness. “The empire calls, and you must answer. But I can see it, too—how she’s changed you. How she’s brought light to your life. But this world...” He paused, his expression hardening. “This world can never be hers. She doesn’t belong in the shadows you carry.”

Ayaan clenched his fists at his sides, the weight of his grandfather’s words sinking in. “I’m leaving her behind, not because I want to. But because I have to. I can’t bring her into my darkness, grandfather. She deserves better than this life. She deserves the light—the life she has here, in this village. I’m giving her back to where she belongs, even if it hurts. It’s the only way to keep her safe.”

His grandfather nodded, understanding, but also knowing that Ayaan’s heart had been irrevocably changed. Maya had touched something deep inside him, something he’d thought long buried. And now, leaving her was the hardest thing Ayaan had ever done.

Ayaan’s gaze darkened as he met his grandfather’s eyes. “But listen to me, old man,” he said, his voice suddenly sharp. “You have to keep her away from me. I don’t care how you do it—just make sure she’s never anywhere near me again. If she crosses my path again, I won’t be able to control myself.”

Ayaan’s voice was low, dangerous now, the cold mafia lord returning with full force. “If I see her again, I won’t hesitate. I won’t back away, grandfather. I’ll claim her, and no one will be able to stop me. Not even you.”

The finality in his words cut through the air like a knife. The old man knew that when Ayaan spoke like this, there was no room for negotiation.

Ayaan took a step back, his body tense, his resolve firm. "You’re right about one thing, though," he said quietly. "This is the last time. I’m leaving her behind... for her own good. But if she ever comes into my world again, she won’t escape. I won’t let her slip away.”

His grandfather’s gaze softened, but there was a sadness in his eyes that Ayaan couldn’t ignore. “You don’t understand what you’re saying, Ayaan. Maya... she’s not like the others. She’ll never be just another possession. She deserves someone who can give her peace, someone who will love her without pulling her into this life you live.”

Ayaan's jaw tightened at his grandfather’s words. He knew the truth in them, but it didn’t change anything.

“I’m doing this for her, grandfather,” Ayaan replied, his voice hard but tinged with a raw emotion that he couldn’t shake. “I’m giving her freedom, a life away from me. I’m leaving her with the village, where she can live her simple, peaceful life"

Ayaan’s final words echoed in the room as he turned and walked toward the door. His grandfather watched him, a silent observer, knowing that his grandson had made a decision that would shape both their lives forever.

Ayaan stopped at the door, his hand on the handle, and looked back one last time. His voice was low, almost a whisper, but filled with conviction. “I’m leaving. But make sure she stays away. If she ever comes near me again... I won’t be able to stop myself.”

His grandfather didn’t respond, but the weight of the moment hung between them. Ayaan knew his grandfather would do everything in his power to protect Maya, but it didn’t matter. If Maya ever found herself caught between them again, Ayaan wouldn’t be able to hold back. She would belong to him, whether the world was ready for it or not.

As Ayaan stepped out into the night, the village behind him fading into the distance, his heart ached with every passing mile. He was leaving Maya behind for her own good. But somewhere deep inside, he knew that leaving her wasn’t going to be easy. It was the hardest thing he’d ever done, but he couldn’t let her live in the darkness that was his world.

His heart ached as he whispered to himself, This is the last time I’m leaving. I’m giving her up—for her own good. But I swear, if she ever crosses my path again... I won’t let her go. I’ll claim her, and no one will be able to stop me.