Same, same but different!

Part 4

Kıvılcım: What do you honestly think? Is this a risk worth taking, for the business? And… for us, personally, can we manage to work with him for this period without chaos ensuing?

Fatma considered it, then spoke carefully.

Fatma: If we establish very clear boundaries and expectations, and draw up a detailed contract, it could work. It’s a chance to gain significant pieces for our collection without overspending.

Kıvılcım looked at Fatma, her thoughts swirling. The business opportunity was undeniable. The personal cost, however, was still an unknown.

The silence in the office stretched, filled only by the distant sounds of the city and the hum of the air conditioning. Kıvılcım knew Ömer would be waiting for her answer. The rational part of her mind screamed to take the deal, while another, more careful part, whispered about the unpredictable nature of Ömer and the unsettling effect he had on her.
Kıvılcım took a deep breath, a decision forming.

Kıvılcım: Okay. Here's what we'll do. I'll tell Esma to start drafting a comprehensive contract based on his proposal, with all the details ironed out: profit split percentages, clear timelines, what happens if either party defaults. Fatma, I want you to be the primary liaison for the exhibition planning. We’ll need to schedule meetings with his clients, prepare the space, everything.

She considered a minute more and said.

Kıvılcım: And as for Alas bey’s ranch… Esma, Barış, you and me will go. We need to oversee the collection and transportation of the paintings. And I need to see this through myself.

Fatma pulled her face in a way that is indicating she's not happy with the second part of the plan.

Fatma: You’re going to spend two days with him? In the middle of nowhere? Are you insane?

Kıvılcım offered a determined, almost defiant, smile.

Kıvılcım: Maybe. But if there’s one thing Ömer bey has taught me, it’s that sometimes, you have to risk a little bit of sanity for a big reward. And at the center of my being, I know this is a risk I'm willing to take.

Fama: Maybe I shouldn't come. I think Alas bey has a crush on me. And frankly I don't want to stand between you and Ömer for two days breaking up arguments.

Kıvılcım raises her eyebrows.

Kıvılcım: Take this as your punishment for earlier Fatma hanım.

Kıvılcım calls Esma into her office.

Kıvılcım: Esma call Ömer beys office and tell him Veritas accept his offer we'll see him on two days.

Two days later:

The drive to Alas Bey's ranch was surprisingly quiet for Kıvılcım. She sat in her car, Fatma driving, while Esma and a junior curator followed in another vehicle. Kıvılcım's mind replayed Ömer's words, his unexpected vulnerability, and her own surprising decision to accept his offer. Was it purely for business, or was there an underlying curiosity about this man who managed to both infuriate and intrigue her?

As they pulled up to the sprawling, rustic ranch house, Ömer’s car was already parked. He stood by the driver's side, Metehan on his left and a small girl with bright, inquisitive eyes clinging to his leg on the right. It was Mavi, Ömer’s daughter. Kıvılcım felt a familiar reluctant fondness for the spirited child who had once called her "crazy lady."

Ömer spotted Kıvılcım's car and offered a small, hesitant nod. He looked… relaxed, almost boyish in a casual shirt and jeans, the opposite of his usual sharp suits.

Mavi, seeing Kıvılcım, let out a delighted giggle and whispered.

Mavi: Baba I won't call her crazy anymore, but should I call her Kıvılcım hanım or Kıvılcım abla?

Ömer stifled a laugh.

Ömer: She likes being called Kıvılcım hanım.

Kıvılcım stepped out of the car. She immediately walks over to Mavi.

Kıvılcım: Hello, Mavi.

A genuine smile grace Kıvılcım's lips.

Mavi: Hello, Kıvılcım hanım.

Kıvılcım laughs.

Kıvılcım: You don't have to call me Kıvılcım hanım... You can say Kıvılcım or Kıvılcım abla it doesn't matter.

Mavi: Baba said you liked being called Kıvılcım hanım.

Kıvılcım shot Ömer a look and rolled her eyes.

Ömer: You sold me out right away Mavi. Well done.

Mavi: But I'm just telling the truth baba.

Mavi immediately launched into a detailed account of how she "tricked" her father into bringing her along.

Ömer: I apologize, Kıvılcım, she insisted. And once Mavi sets her mind on something...

Just then, a gust of wind caught Kıvılcım’s hair, sending a few strands across her face. Instinctively, Ömer reached out, his fingers brushing against her cheek as he gently tucked the strands of hair behind her ear.
Time seemed to freeze. His touch was light, fleeting, yet it sent a jolt through Kıvılcım. Her breath hitched. His eyes, usually so intense and challenging, were suddenly soft, searching hers. For a fraction of a second, the world outside them ceased to exist. There was only the warmth of his fingers, the unexpected tenderness of his gaze, and a shared, unspoken awareness that hung in the air between them.

Ömer's hand dropped away as quickly as it had appeared, his cheeks coloring slightly.

Ömer: Sorry...

Ömer mumbled, clearing his throat, his gaze flicking away nervously.

Kıvılcım, equally flustered,  straightened her jacket, avoiding his eyes and just gave him a "it's okay" nod.

Fatma seeing this standing a little further away whispers to herself.

Fatma: These two are going to drive me crazy. I can already feel it.

Kıvılcım: Mavi I'm glad you came and I hope you have fun. I heard that here is a lot of animals and they like to play with cute little girls just like you.

Kıvılcım stood up and walked over to Metehan. Metehan hugged his mom.

Metehan: Welcome anne.

Kıvılcım: Thank you canım.

As Kıvılcım composed herself, she saw Fatma and Gamze approaching. Alas Bey, a genial man with a booming laugh, came out to greet them warmly,.

While Alas Bey led everyone towards the house, Fatma found herself standing awkwardly beside Ömer.

As they were all about to go in, Can arrived. They waited for him and Ömer introduced him.

Ömer: This is my lawyer and my closest friend.

Can shook hands with everyone. Gave Kıvılcım a nod that made her aware that Ömer had talked about her to him.

Fatma: Fatma, Kıvılcım hanım's right hand and best friend.

Can's eyes lit up as he looked at Fatma.

Can: Nice to meet you.

He extended a hand, his smile widening.

Fatma, who had been feeling a bit out of place, returned his handshake, a genuine smile spreading across her face. There was an instant flow between them, a stark contrast to the simmering tension that always seemed to follow Ömer and Kıvılcım.

As Can and Fatma began chatting, Kıvılcım glanced back, catching a glimpse of their easy laughter. A small, unbidden thought formed in her mind: perhaps this trip wouldn't be entirely about arguments and business after all.