Same, same but different!

Part 9

"Every man has his secret sorrows which the world knows not"

Ömer Home

Ömer is sitting in his study. He has been working on a few contracts, but his mind is distracted. All he is thinking about is Kıvılcım.

Ömer pulls open a drawer, and takes out an old file. Inside is a newspaper clipping from years ago:

"Famous Artist Aslan Arslan Dies in Tragic Accident"

And beneath it... a photo of Aslan, a woman and a young boy. Aslan's family. Happy. Smiling.

Ömer (to himself, voice low):
I should've told you, Kıvılcım... before this started.

He closes the file with a snap, his expression stormy.

Years ago, Ömer was part of a foundation that invested in emerging artists. He came across Aslan's work and became an admirer. At one point, Ömer wanted to buy Aslan's collection for an exhibition abroad a deal that could have changed Aslan's life but Aslan refused because he didn't want to commercialise his art.

Ömer backed off, but the rest of the men in the foundation would not. They threatened him. They told him they can ruin him, his family and his career with one phone call. Aslan didn't bother him with these threats.

After this incident Ömer realized that it was a mistake joining this foundation and he bridged his contract with them. If Ömer wasn't part of a respected and high profile family, he would've never gotten out of their claws.

Months later, Aslan died in a suspicious car accident. Rumor suggested foul play because he had refused lucrative deals from powerful buyers. Ömer always felt guilty because what if it wasn't an accident? What if it was the cause of the foundation he was apart of? Could he have done something? Is it his fault that Kıvılcım and Metehan lost someone they loved.

After years, Ömer found out that Metehan applied for an internship at Ünal holding. He hired Metehan immediately. Not out of pity, but a sense of responsibility... and maybe to protect him.

Kıvılcım crashing into Ömer's car was pure fate. She didn't recognize him because they never met before. But Ömer knew her face from old photographs he had seen of Aslan's family photos used in an article about the painter's passing.

For Ömer, meeting Kıvılcım wasn't just attraction, it was layered with years of guilt and a sense of unfinished business. He doesn't know what he is doing, but he borders on obsession because he's drawn to her strength and beauty. Now, after what happened between them, this secret has become heavier for Ömer.

Ömer: What would she do if she knew I knew her before she even crashed into me?

Kıvılcım Home

Kıvılcım walks into her quiet home, heels clicking softly against the wooden floor. She drapes her coat over the chair and heads to the bedroom. Her hands move almost mechanically as she picks a dress, laying it on the bed. She catches a glimpse of herself in the mirror, hair slightly messy, cheeks still holding a faint flush from earlier. She swallows, uneasy.

Then, her phone rings. She glance at the screen. And it's Sonmez. Her mother.

Kıvılcım: Yes, anne.

Sonmez: She's alive.

Kıvılcım smiles.

Kıvılcım: Sorry anne, work has been very busy.

Sonmez: So busy that you can't even call your mother.

Kıvılcım rolls her eyes.

Kıvılcım: You're right anne. Why don't you come stay over at the house for a while?