Some walls aren't meant to stay up forever. Meerab Malik has spent a decade perfecting the art of keeping her emotions close to her chest. She's successful, independent, and completely over her first heartbreak-or so she thinks. But when fate brings her face-to-face with her family friend, the reason why her heart broke into pieces all those years ago, the years of careful emotional construction threaten to come undone. Murtasim Khan remembers the brilliant girl who used to hide behind books and oversized clothes. What he doesn't expect is the stunning woman who can hold her own in designer clothing and sharp comebacks. Intrigued by her transformation and determined to scratch this new veneer, he's not backing down-even when she acts more adversarial than friendly. When old wounds resurface alongside undeniable attraction, Meerab must decide whether to risk her carefully guarded heart. Will she let herself be drawn into his world-deeper than she ever imagined, faster than she's prepared for? Or will the memory of being invisible to him prove stronger than the fire burning between them now? **This story will eventually have mature themes. Please read at your own discretion.**

He was born to rule; on land and high in the skies. She, it seemed, was born to reign over him. He had defied all odds in his life. She was hell-bent on deifying him. Murtasim Shahnawaz Khan's destiny had been written for him; to take over his family's ancestral seat as a feudal lord and live his life for the people. He'd altered destiny. A man of iron-clad principles, he'd silenced all who dared to question him by becoming Khan Murtasim Khan and Captain Khan simultaneously. He did his duty and indulged in his passion. Why did he have to choose one? He made the rules after all... Meerab Waqas Ahmed didn't like rules. Especially ones made to control her, or any woman for that matter. Out with the old, in with the 'whatever the hell I want to do' was the way it worked in Meerab's world. If this meant deifying family tradition to pave her own way in the world, then she was willing to pay the price for her independence. They say if you play with fire, you're bound to burn, but doesn't ice burn the warm-blooded too? Fire and ice went hand in hand, just like desire and destruction. Note: This story is not completely 'mature'. It may include parts which are mature but can be enjoyed otherwise as well. This wonderful, amazing cover is by moonshine1_ 🤍