Sunrise on the secluded Pacific island was a new experience for Arisa. As the morning light streamed through the glass walls, she briefly forgot where she was. But seeing Abir sleeping peacefully beside her brought back the reality—she was no longer a free woman; she was a part of Abir Khan's personal empire.
How calm Abir looked while asleep! It was hard to believe this was the same man who had leveled his own mansion just last night. Arisa stepped out onto the balcony, the salty ocean breeze playing with her hair.
Suddenly, a pair of strong arms wrapped around her from behind. Abir had awakened silently. He rested his chin on her shoulder.
"Are you listening to the ocean's song, Arisa?" Abir whispered. "This vast water is our guardian now. No one has the power to find you here."
"Abir..." Arisa murmured. "Will we always be running? Won't Aryan come looking for us?"
Abir's grip tightened. "I gave Aryan a chance, but he made you bleed. If he tries to come here, this blue ocean will be his final resting place. And we aren't running, Arisa—we are reigning."
Abir turned her around and pulled a sapphire-studded necklace from his pocket. It was as clear and brilliant as the ocean itself. He fastened it around her neck.
"This is for you. Like this diamond, your beauty will remain captured on this island. I will protect you from the toxic winds of the outside world."
Arisa looked at the necklace in the mirror. It felt less like jewelry and more like a cold chain around her neck. She realized that no matter how expensive the gifts, she was ultimately just a beautiful prisoner on this island.
Meanwhile, miles away amidst the ruins of the burnt mansion, Aryan found a charred page from a diary. His eyes burned with the fire of vengeance. He knew where Abir could have gone. Looking up at the sky, Aryan vowed, "Abir Khan! No matter which corner of the earth you hide in, I will find you!"
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