Elaya sat frozen, lost, when Ava emerged from the washroom and called her name three times. She rushed to her and shook her shoulders.
Elaya's eyes finally moved, and she collapsed to the ground. Ava's eyes widened.
"Elaya, Elaya… please tell me you're okay. What happened?" Ava cried, tears filling her eyes.
Elaya's breathing became rapid. Ava was about to call an ambulance when Elaya murmured,
"I'm fine… I'm fine… I just… Kavia came to my mind…"
Her voice trembled. Ava looked away, tears rolling down.
"May Allah grant her the highest place in Jannah," Ava said softly.
"Ameen," Elaya whispered.
————
"Lia," Czar called, while she was busy on her phone.
She looked up to see him standing a few steps away, clearly hiding something behind his back. His hands were clenched around whatever he was holding.
"What's that, Czar?" Lia peeked curiously, but Czar smiled and stepped back.
"Come here na," he pouted.
Lia exhaled softly, a big smile spreading across her face, her eyes glowing as she stood up. Suddenly, Czar bent down on one knee, confusing her completely.
Lia's eyes glistened when Czar opened a small box and revealed a Dior ring, its delicate diamond catching the light. He held it out, asking for her hand.
"This is the tenth time you're proposing," Lia said softly.
Czar stood up, sliding his hands into his pockets, one eyebrow raised.
"Have you started counting my love for you, my love?"
His doe eyes stayed fixed on hers as Lia blushed.
"It would be a lie if I say I can't make this ten into a hundred," he murmured. "Just one zero more."
He bent closer and kissed the bridge of her nose. Lia's eyes closed instinctively, while he continued looking at her like she was his entire world.
"Today I'll be a little late, okay?" Czar said, adjusting his coat.
Lia's smile faltered slightly. Czar had noticed this change for months now, even when she tried to hide it. His expression shifted when he realized something else.
"Where's the necklace your mother gave you? You always wear it," he asked.
Lia looked down.
"It broke," she replied.
The answer was short—but heavy.
"Give it to me, I'll—"
"I've already sent it for repair. Don't worry, okay?" she cut him off quickly.
"Allah Hafiz."
She tried to smile. Czar nodded and walked away.
Something is off with her today.
Lia went straight to Emris's place.
He was outside, shaping a bowl and sealing its top with mud. Lia slammed the door open and entered the house, her frustration written clearly on her face.
The maids greeted her, but she glared at them and stormed directly into Emris's room without knocking.
Emris rolled his eyes when he saw her. His gaze dropped to the mud-stained table just as Lia, her eyes red, threw the necklace onto it. The impact was gentle—but enough to break it.
Just like his existence in her life.
Emris calmly wiped his hands with a towel.
"Fear. Anger. Frustration," he paused.
"That's all I see in your grey eyes right now, Lia."
He smirked.
Lia exhaled sharply, her teeth clenched.
"Have you planned to kill his family?"
Emris knew exactly who she meant.
"This is all a game," he said calmly. "And it's time to choose which chess piece to remove—either the king or the queen."
His devilish smile deepened.
"I'm falling in love with him," Lia whispered, her eyes filling with tears.
Emris's gaze dropped to her lips as rage flared in him.
"What did you say?" His voice turned sharp.
"I don't want to continue this game anymore," she said clearly.
"And I won't let you harm any member of my family."
Emris hurled the mud bowl against the wall. His eyes burned with fury. He knew my family meant Czar's family.
"YOU LITTLE PIECE OF SHIT!" he growled, grabbing her throat.
"Em…ris…" her voice broke as his grip tightened.
He held her until she was almost breathless—then shoved her away.
Lia gasped, trying to run. He grabbed her arm and bit down hard, blood dripping instantly. She struggled, but he slapped her three times.
She fell to the ground.
Her head hit the floor with a sickening sound.
Instant death.
"Bitch," he muttered.
His eyes widened… then curved into a smirk.
He crouched beside her, staring at her lifeless grey eyes.
With his own hands, he pulled out both of them.
His laughter echoed through the room.
"I loved you," he whispered.
"But you betrayed me."
He picked up his phone.
"Dad. I need some men. I just killed someone."
His tone was cold. He ended the call.
Later that night, Czar stood outside, twisting the door knob, a lavender bouquet in his hands.
His phone buzzed.
"I killed your grey eyes."
His breath stopped.
Before he could react, the message was deleted. Another one appeared.
"Emris, this side."
The alarm suddenly blared.
Czar woke up with a gasp. His breathing was uneven as he looked at the clock.
5:00 a.m.
"Since when do memories appear as dreams?" he whispered.
Tears filled his eyes as he stared at the wall—at the photo of him and Lia.
"You… bloody Emris…" he murmured through clenched teeth.
"Maybe… Lia… you were never mine."
He paused, his breath shaky, his voice longing to meet someone who would never come back.
"That's why destiny stole you…"
His eyes were wet—red, tired, lost… yet somehow happy?
The one he loved the most was stolen away for what?
To break him?
To tear him down?
Or to make him see the truth?
"My Lia…" he whispered, softly enough for the air itself to hear.
He pushed the mattress away from his body and looked at the clock.
6 a.m—
He stood up and went to the bathroom to take a cold shower.