The room felt unfamiliar.
Even though it was now hers.
Asli stood near the window, staring outside, trying to steady her thoughts.
She heard the door open.
Her body tensed instantly.
Ferhat stepped inside.
For a moment, neither of them spoke.
Then Asli turned, her voice firm despite the fear.
"This marriage… it's not real."
Ferhat leaned slightly against the wall, watching her.
"It's real enough."
"I'm not your wife."
"You are on paper."
"I won't play this role."
Something in his expression shifted slightly.
Not anger.
Not exactly.
Interest.
"Good," he said.
That caught her off guard.
"I don't want you to pretend."
Asli blinked, confused.
"Then what do you want?"
Ferhat's gaze softened — just a fraction.
"Survive."
The word lingered between them.
Heavy.
Honest.
And strangely…
Not entirely cruel.