Same, same but different!

Part 12

Veritas Gallery

The gallery buzzed with low voices and the sound of clinking glasses as workers adjusted final lighting and placement. Sunlight filtered through the tall windows, throwing golden beams across the polished floor where canvases stood in perfect rows.

Kıvılcım moved between them with a clipboard in one hand, her heels clicking softly against the floor. She had her hair swept up into a loose bun, strands framing her face, and a crisp white blouse tucked into high-waisted black trousers. Her voice was calm and precise as she gave instructions.

Fatma approached from the opposite side of the hall, carrying a tray of name tags for the guest list.

Fatma: We’re almost set. Catering is confirmed, wine delivery just came in, and Esma’s arranging the welcome table. I think we’re actually ahead of schedule.

Kıvılcım smiled faintly, ticking something off her clipboard.

Kıvılcım: Good. Did you check if my...

She stopped mid-sentence when Fatma’s eyes narrowed slightly, scanning her with a strangely suspicious expression.

Fatma: Uh... what is that?

Kıvılcım (frowning): What is what?

Fatma: That... (she pointed, tapping just below her own collarbone) The thing you clearly forgot to hide.

Kıvılcım blinked, confused for a moment, until she followed Fatma’s gesture and caught sight of her reflection in one of the framed glass pieces. Her blouse collar had shifted just enough to reveal a faint purplish mark on the side of her neck.

Her heart lurched.

She pulled her blouse straight instantly, but it was too late, Fatma’s grin was spreading like wildfire.

Fatma: You wildcat… someone had a busy weekend.

Kıvılcım: It’s not what you think. I fell.

Fatma: Yes, you did. (sarcastic) Straight on his lips.

Kıvılcım rolled her eyes, walking toward the next display to avoid meeting her friend’s gaze.

Kıvılcım: Fatma, can we please focus on tonight?

Fatma followed her, whispering just low enough for only her to hear.

Fatma: So, to be clear... You and Ömer hate each other during the day and at night, sparks explode?

Kıvılcım shot her a sharp look, but Fatma just smirked and waggled her brows.

Kıvılcım: You and Alev should've been sisters. You're exactly the same.

From across the gallery, Esma’s voice cut in.

Esma: Kıvılcım hanım, the photographer’s here for the early shots.

Kıvılcım exhaled with relief, glad for the interruption, and made her way over.

Ünal Holding – Ömer’s Office

The late-morning light poured through the floor-to-ceiling windows, glinting off the polished metal frames and neatly stacked documents on Ömer’s desk. He stood by the corner window with his phone pressed to his ear, his other hand adjusting the cuff of his shirt.

Ömer: Anne, You're still okay with Mavi stay over tonight, right?

Yıldız (over the phone): Of course, I would keep her for as long as you need. We miss her. Your father told me about Veritas Gallery. He says, he has only heard good news about the gallery and it's owner. So congratulations on the new partnering.