REFUSED TO SURRENDER

"Layla…" Michael uttered her name with gentleness, his voice trembling as coldness seeped into his bones. Blissful memories of the time they shared invaded his mind like unrelenting waves, each one pulling him deeper into despair. Would he lose her like this? Would God show no mercy?

In the name of family, he had no one—only Nana. And when Layla entered his life, even though he had bought her with a different purpose in mind, it was his heart that had ultimately been sold to her.

"I love you, Layla…" He whispered, his voice cracking as tears welled in his eyes. But there was no response. Her silence was deafening, cutting through him like shards of ice. The tears finally spilled as he held her limp hand and kissed it. He felt like a failure, who couldn't protect the only person he had ever truly loved.