Chapter 243
Chapter 243
Cupid
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I watched her sleep for a long time, her fingers still tangled in mine like she was afraid I’d vanish if she let go.
Soft breaths. Lashes dark against pale cheeks. The faint crease between her brows even in sleep, like the weight of the world never fully left her.
Gently, I kissed her temple, lingering there, breathing her in then carefully slipped my hand free. She stirred once, fingers flexing, searching, but didn’t wake.
I dressed in silence. Loose shorts, plain black t–shirt. Quiet as a shadow, I slipped out of the room.
The hallway was dim, lit only by low wall sconces. I paused outside Yasmin’s door, pushed it open just enough to see.
She was asleep, curled small under the covers, face slack for once. Mother sat at the edge of the bed, hand resting lightly on Yasmin’s ankle like she could anchor her daughter to safety through touch alone.
Marlik stood by the window, back to the room, arms crossed, staring into the dark like he could fight whatever demons were still
out there.
I stepped inside.
Mother looked up immediately.
“Is it true?” Her voice was barely a breath, raw, trembling. “Is it… is it true your lover was… was p>
“You don’t need to worry about it, Mom.” I kept my voice low, gentle. I crossed to her and took her hands, urging her up. “You should rest now. It’s late p>
She pulled away. Small, stubborn refusal.
“I shouldn’t worry?” Her eyes searched mine, wide, terrified. “Jahan… I know you. I know what you are, even after all these years apart. You don’t let things like this go p>
I swallowed.
She turned to Marlik, voice cracking. “You knew too? That she’s one of Feroz’s victims? I’m asking you, Marlik p>
“Yeah.” He didn’t turn around. “He told me p>
Mother exhaled shaky, defeated, knowing exactly what kind of hell was coming.
“So now what?” she whispered. “What now, Jahan? Please don’t tell me blood is coming. I can’t… I can’t lose any more of you p>
“I don’t want you to panic, Mom p>
“I will panic!” The words burst out sharp, too loud. Yasmin stirred, whimpered softly, then settled again. Mother lowered her voice to a fierce whisper. “Jahan, listen to me. That man, Feroz is evil. If you go after him, I… I can’t guarantee what will happen to you. To any of us p>
“I’m not going after him.” I kept my tone even, calm. “Snow will report to the authorities. H.OW.L. They’ll take care of justice p>
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Chapter 243
She blinked, relief flickering, fragile.
“You’re sure? The authorities will handle it? Not… you p>
I nodded.
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She exhaled again shaky, almost a sob, and let me guide her out of Yasmin’s room and into hers. When she climbed into bed, I pulled the covers over her shoulders and sat on the edge.
Silence fell thick, heavy.
She reached for my hand, thumb stroking over my knuckles.
“You love her p>
I nodded with a swallow.
“Yeah p>
“She’s… so beautiful. So precious.” Her voice cracked. “I wonder what the world is turning into when our girls can’t grow up safe. Is she okay p>
“She’s asleep p>
“You should remind her how important she is. Many forget that after… after something like that happens. You know what to do, right p>
I nodded, quiet.
“Right.” I leaned down, kissed her temple. “Good night, Mom p>
I turned off the lamp.
Closed the door softly behind me.
Marlik was waiting in the hallway, arms crossed, expression unreadable.
Our eyes met.
Without a word, he headed downstairs.
I followed.
He went straight to the bar counter. I joined him, poured myself a drink. The burn of whiskey helped steady the storm inside.
“If Mom knew what you really are,” Marlik said quietly, “she’d have a heart attack p>
I downed the glass in one swallow, sighed tiredly, leaning against the counter.
“She knows enough p>
He studied me for a long moment.
“ Is she okay? Your girl p>
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6:49 pm WMW
Chapter 243
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“Yeah. She’s asleep. Had to wear her out before she’d finally rest.” I glanced toward the living room. “Where’s her friend p>
“Guest room. Still in shock. She didn’t know, despite being her best friend p>
“Snow only found out the full truth a few days ago p>
I sighed, looking around to see Desmond sprawled on the couch, phone glowing against his face.
“What’s your plan?” Marlik asked.
I met his eyes quiet.
“Don’t look at me like that,” he said. “I know how manipulative you are. You’ll get justice one way or another. You lied to Mom. Told her you’d let the authorities handle it p>
“I am letting the authorities handle it.” I poured another drink. “Snow will do it the righteous way. She’ll open the case. The story’s already out. No need to hide when we finish it p>
Marlik didn’t look convinced.
He knew me too well.
“We’ll try the righteous way,” I finally admitted. “If it doesn’t work… then the mafia steps in p>
I looked at him dead serious.
“But I want to honor her. I want to give her the strength to take justice herself, in whatever way she decides is right p>
“ And if her way fails p>
“ Then I step in p>
I took a slow síp.
“But Snow… she’s different. Once she sets her mind to something she doesn’t fail p>
A soft sound from upstairs, bare feet on wood. Dove, Snow best friend came to the bar quietly, her head bow.
“I… um… can I get a drink p>
Before I can answer her I heard the stir from the bedroom.
“She’s awake. Good night p>
I set the glass down. Headed back upstairs.
Toward her.
Cedella
Cedella is a passionate storyteller known for her bold romantic and spicy novels that keep readers hooked from the very first chapter. With a flair for crafting emotionally intense plots and unforgettable characters, she blends love, desire, and drama into every story she writes. Cedella’s storytelling style is immersive and addictive—perfect for fans of heated romances and heart-pounding twists.