The tension in the grand hall was suffocating.

Gold chandeliers illuminated the polished marble floors, casting elegant shadows across the towering pillars, but the opulence of the room did nothing to soften the sharp words being exchanged between father and son.

Haider stood rigid, his hands clenched into fists at his sides, jaw locked tight. He had been raised to be unshakable, to command fear with a single glance—but right now, his father’s indifference made his blood boil.

“You are being foolish, Haider,” Musa said, his tone clipped, dismissive. “She is not worthy of you. You will marry someone of status, of power—someone who strengthens this family.”

Haider exhaled sharply, his dark eyes flashing with restrained fury. “She is power,” he countered. “She is everything. And I will not marry anyone else.”

His father’s expression hardened. “You are my heir. You don’t get to choose. You will do as you’re told.”

Haider took a step forward, his voice eerily calm. “And if I refuse?”

Silence.

His father studied him, his face impassive, but Haider knew this game well. He had spent his entire life learning the art of control, of patience. But this—this was not something he would yield on.

“It is her,” Haider said finally, his voice unwavering. “Or no one.”

Musa’s eyes darkened, his lips pressing into a firm line. “Then you choose ruin.”

“Then so be it,” Haider murmured, turning on his heel without another word.

Because in the end, there had never been a choice. It had always been you.