In a dark corner of the playground, a girl whispered, "You have two types of eyes you're like the devil."

"No, don't say that! His eyes are magical," five-year-old Azra protested, her voice trembling.

The boy, looking about twelve, had one black eye and one blue. His dangerous gaze was fixed on the other kids who mocked him, his anger palpable.

"No, he's a devil," a boy of the same age declared.

Before Azra could respond, the boy with the dual-colored eyes grabbed a pencil and jabbed it into his hand. As he cried out, the tormentor smirked with cruel satisfaction, relishing the boy's pain.

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⚠︎☠︎︎⚠︎

Alihan gently placed Azra on the bed, his movements careful despite his slight grogginess. He slowly climbed onto the bed, laying down beside her. Azra, still confused and flustered, tried to sit up, but Alihan's firm hand stopped her.

"Please, just don't leave me tonight," Alihan said, his voice tinged with unexpected vulnerability and pain.

"Alihan, but..." Azra began, her heart aching at the raw emotion in his voice.

"Just for tonight. I'm .... I'm missing mom," Alihan whispered, pulling her into a tight embrace. His strong arms wrapped around her, and she could feel the tension and sorrow radiating from his body.

Azra's heart softened as she felt his pain. She hesitated for a moment, then slowly relaxed into his embrace. The warmth of his body against hers was both comforting and electrifying. Alihan's breath tickled her neck, sending shivers down her spine.

"Alihan..." Azra whispered, her voice barely audible.

"Shh," Alihan murmured, nuzzling his face into her hair. "Just stay with me... I don't trust myself to let you go."

Azra could feel the steady beat of his heart against her back, and despite her initial reluctance, she felt a strange sense of safety in his arms. Alihan's grip tightened slightly, as if he was afraid she might disappear.

Their bodies pressed together, Alihan's warmth seeping into her, easing her tension. His hands caressed her back gently, each touch sending waves of heat through her.

"Thank you... You have no idea how deeply this binds you to me." Alihan whispered, his voice husky with gratitude and something deeper, darker.

Azra's eyes fluttered closed, the steady rhythm of Alihan's breathing lulling her into a sense of peace she hadn't felt in a long time. His scent enveloped her, a mix of his cologne and something uniquely him.

As the minutes passed, Alihan's grip loosened slightly, his breathing becoming more even. Azra felt her own eyelids grow heavy, the emotional exhaustion of the night catching up with her.

"Goodnight, Azra," Alihan whispered, his lips brushing against her ear.

"Goodnight, Alihan," Azra replied softly, her voice filled with an unspoken promise of comfort and understanding.

Alihan held her close, his presence a protective cocoon that banished the darkness of their world, if only for a night. Slowly, they both drifted off to sleep, their bodies entwined in a moment of fragile peace, each finding solace in the other's warmth.

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Azra woke up, blinking against the morning light. She stretched, feeling the remnants of sleep tugging at her, and then got out of bed, heading to the bathroom. She took out her dress and opened the door, only to be greeted by a breathtaking sight.

Alihan stood there, shirtless, wearing only trousers. His perfectly sculpted eight-pack abs and taut muscles glistened in the morning light, veins accentuating his powerful build. At 6'3", his height was intimidating, but his striking blue eyes softened the edge, making him irresistible.

Azra's eyes widened, and she quickly turned her back to him. "Sorry, sorry, I didn't know you were here," she stammered, her voice a mix of embarrassment and something else she couldn't quite place.

Alihan chuckled, a deep, rich sound that sent shivers down her spine. He moved closer, gently turning her to face him and bending down to bring his face level with hers.

"It's my bathroom, sweetheart. I'll be here as long as I please. You'll just have to get used to it." he said with a teasing smile.

Azra's face turned a deep shade of red, a blush that made her look both adorable and enticing at the same time. Alihan's gaze lingered on her, appreciating the contrast of her innocence and the undeniable allure she radiated.

"And are you okay?" Alihan murmured, his fingers brushing her forehead. "Your temperature's normal... Then, why is your face burning up?" he asked, his voice dripping with playful mockery.

"No, no, I'm fine," Azra mumbled, her words tumbling out in a rush. She turned and bolted into the bathroom, slamming the door behind her.

Alihan smirked, a glint of amusement in his eyes. "Ufff, I think you're an athlete with the way you always run or help others to run away," he thought to himself, chuckling .

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Azra was alone at home, as usual. The house was silent, the kind of silence that feels heavy and unnerving. Suddenly, the door creaked open.

Burak entered, his footsteps echoing through the hallway. "Hey Azra, get ready in ten minutes. We're going," he announced with a bright smile, but there was an edge to his voice that Azra couldn't ignore.

"What? Why?" Azra asked, confusion knitting her brows.

"Just get ready," Burak replied, his tone leaving no room for argument.

"No, I'm not going anywhere," Azra said firmly, crossing her arms.

Burak sighed and pulled out his phone, dialing a number. He handed the phone to her, his expression serious. "Huh, take it," he said.

"Hello?" Azra said softly, a knot forming in her stomach.

"Get ready and come with Burak. Now," Alihan's voice came through the line, cold and cutting, with no trace of warmth.

Azra swallowed hard, the authority in his voice leaving her no choice. She didn't argue and went to her room to get ready.

A few minutes later, she emerged, looking stunning despite her reluctance. Her dress flowed elegantly, and her hair framed her face perfectly.

"You're looking beautiful, Azra," Burak complimented her, his tone brotherly and kind.

"Thanks," Azra murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Let's go," Burak said, his voice softening just a bit as they headed out

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They arrived at a luxurious restaurant, the air thick with anticipation. Burak led Azra through the grand entrance, guiding her toward a secluded table. As she approached, she saw Alihan seated with a girl whose back was turned.

"Is that a dream... Lily?" Azra whispered, her heart pounding in her chest. Her voice grew louder with excitement. "Lily!"

The girl turned around, her eyes widening in surprise. "Sofieeee!" she shouted, and in an instant, Azra was running toward her, engulfing her in a tight hug.

"Lily," Azra choked out, tears streaming down her cheeks. "I can't believe it's you. I've missed you so much."

Lily laughed, a sound that was music to Azra's ears. "No... no... and leave me, or I'll die out of breath," she gasped.

Azra reluctantly let go, her hands trembling as she cupped Lily's face and kissed her forehead. "Are you okay? Have you been eating? You look so thin. How did you get here? Did aunty and uncle do anything to you?" she asked, her words tumbling out in a rush.

"Take a breath, sweetheart," Alihan's calm, authoritative voice cut through her panic.

Azra turned to him, seeing the unwavering support in his blue eyes. She took a deep breath, trying to steady herself.

"Sofie, relax. I'm good, really. I'm perfectly fine," Lily reassured her, holding her sister's hands.

Lily explained to Azra how she got admission to her dream boarding school because of Alihan. She had been living there, focused on her exams, which was why she hadn't had the chance to meet Azra until now. With her exams over, Alihan had arranged for their reunion. He had also told Lily a convincing story about how he and Azra fell in love and got married.

Alihan successfully managed to make Lily believe his story.

Azra felt relieved, realizing that Alihan had done nothing bad to Lily. In fact, he had done something good.

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"Babyy, you can sleep in this room," Azra said, guiding Lily to a cozy bedroom. "If you need anything, just tell me, okay?"

"No, I don't need anything. You go and sleep; it's already 11:00 PM," Lily replied.

"No way, I'm sleeping with you," Azra insisted, her concern evident.

"Sofie, here's some stuff I think belongs to your husband," Lily said, pointing to a T-shirt on the couch.

"Oh, right... wait, I'll clean it up," Azra said, hurriedly picking up Alihan's T-shirt and a few other items.

"Does he sleep here?" Lily asked with a raised eyebrow.

"No, no, he sleeps in my room," Azra replied quickly.

"Okay, now go to sleep," Lily said, gently pushing Azra out of the room.

"No... no..." Azra protested.

"I don't want to disturb you lovebirds," Lily teased with a grin, closing the door with a playful smile.

"How am I going to sleep with him?" Azra thought to herself. "Lily, why am I stuck with him? No way."

Azra entered the room after changing outfits. Alihan was not in the room. She sighed in relief and started to relax a little.

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"Yes, Burak, guide Emir with everything. If he needs anything, inform me. Don't put too much burden on him," Alihan said as he entered the room, still on his phone call.

He took his clothes and went for a shower. When he came back, he noticed the cold air coming from the open balcony door. He got up to close it and saw Azra standing in the moonlight, looking at the stars. Her hair flowed freely, her green eyes were bright, and her pink lips looked more adorable than ever.

"Thank you for everything both the suffering and the fleeting happiness. They've left their scars on me." Azra whispered, gazing at the sky.

Alihan couldn't help but be mesmerized by her.

"Come inside, or you'll catch a cold," he said in a steady tone.

Azra turned to see him. "Oh, sorry, I didn't see you," she said hurriedly, turning around. Suddenly, her leg slipped, and she was about to fall, but Alihan grabbed her.

"Careful," Alihan said in a loud voice, which made Azra scared. But then he softened. "Careful. If you get injured, I'll make sure you take your medicine... even if I have to force it down your throat." he said in a calm and teasing tone.

"No, no, I'm not hurt," Azra said.

"Ah, it's a meteorite!" Azra exclaimed with happiness.

"What?" Alihan asked, shocked.

"Make a wish," Azra said.

"Make what?" Alihan asked, confused.

"A wish," Azra repeated. "Ah, wish, Mr. Ice!" She took his hand and put it in a wish-making posture. "Now make a wish."

Azra closed her eyes and made her wish. Alihan didn't understand what was going on; he just looked at her. Her eyes, her lips, her innocence everything captivated him.

"Please, please, please give me a happy ending," Azra prayed silently.

"Did you make your wish?" Azra asked, looking at Alihan.

"No," Alihan replied.

"Ask now," Azra said in a high tone.

Alihan closed his eyes, feeling a mix of emotions he didn't fully understand. "I don't know what I'm doing right now, but whatever is happening to me, it's an unknown experience, and I don't know what I'm doing or why," he thought to himself.

"What were you saying earlier, sweetheart?" Alihan asked from behind as Azra was closing the door.

Azra tried to ignore him, not responding, but Alihan was relentless. He grabbed her from behind, turning her around to face him, his grip firm yet strangely gentle.

"Mr. Ice, am I Ice?" Alihan asked, his voice a low, dangerous whisper.

Azra's heart pounded in her chest as she looked up into his intense blue eyes. "N...no," she stammered.

"Don't lie. I detest it." Alihan said in a serious tone, his eyes locking onto hers.

"I'm sorry... and thank you," Azra replied, her voice soft and sincere.

Alihan didn't respond, his gaze unwavering.

"Thank you for Lily's admission. I'll pay you back for everything," Azra continued, trying to break the silence.

Still, Alihan remained silent, his eyes studying her face.

"You can sleep on the bed. I'll sleep on the couch," Alihan finally said, his voice softer. He knew Azra moved in her sleep, which is why he always let her have the couch.

"No, you sleep on the bed because you have... that," Azra said, pointing to his waist. She knew he was injured.

Alihan didn't remember much about that night or didn't want to remember. After a brief argument, they ended up together on the bed.

As they lay there, Azra's hand accidentally brushed against Alihan's. The sudden touch made them both stiffen, the air thick with unspoken tension.

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♡