- Omer and I decided to name our daughter Emine.
Defne looked into the old face and looked for traces of displeasure and anger on it. But there weren't. Only surprise.
"Nice name," said Mister Hulusi. It is very important for Omer. Only I don't understand why you are so alarmed.
Defne clasped her fingers together and squeezed them so that her knuckles turned white. How difficult it is to directly ask a person about the innermost. An error, which he probably does not consider as such. Defne made up her mind and said:
- Wouldn't that be a problem for you?
- A problem? - Mr. Hulusi shook his head and answered with confidence. - It won't, daughter. My pride and self-esteem are long gone. Now I regret that I once succumbed to them and offended a beautiful woman. If I could turn back the past years, I would have acted differently. But this is impossible. I can only repent and ask for forgiveness for my words and actions.
Defne breathed a sigh of relief and a smile appeared on her face. Impulsively kissed the old man's hand, she exclaimed:
- Allah! How glad I am! When Mrs. Neriman said that you would be unhappy, I was so scared. I want Emine to come to a world where everyone will love her. I want her name to be pronounced with joy, not with anger.
- So it will be, daughter! Neriman talks nonsense. Don't listen to her, - Mr. Hulusi reassured his daughter-in-law. And then, frowning, he asked: - And where did you see Neriman?
- She works in Passionis as a driver, - Defne answered, and the old man's eyes went to his forehead in surprise.
- A driver? He asked. - In Passionis?
- Yes! Drives Koray, - she confirmed and added: - You know, he is now the director of concepts. He's got a car, but he can't drive. So he got himself a driver. Mrs. Neriman. My car broke down yesterday, and Omer was at a meeting. Koray generously gave me his car ... and the driver.
- Allah! The world has turned upside down! Koray director, you are the owner of a company, and Neriman is the driver.
Mister Hulusi laughed with a croaking laugh. He even had tears in his eyes. Defne echoed him cheerfully.
"I need to see this," said grandfather, wiping away his tears.
- No problem - Defne winked conspiratorially at him. - Come to the presentation in the evening and see everything with your own eyes.
- What! This is an idea! - agreed to the old man. "Seeing Neriman as Koray's driver is like the Queen of England serving as a maid. Such a performance cannot be missed.
- Oh, how right you are! - Cheerfully supported his daughter-in-law and rose from the chair. - I have to go. We need to prepare for the evening. I will look forward to seeing you at the presentation.
- Daughter, can I take Mrs.Turkan with me?
Defne's eyes turned into saucers in surprise.
- Grandma? She asked.
"Yes," the old man confirmed and winked at her cheerfully. "She should never miss such a sight.
- Yes, of course, take her! - Defne agreed. - But ... you are responsible for her behavior! If she disrupts the show, then I have nothing to do with it, and you will answer to Omer and Sinan.
- Agreed, - agreed on Mr. Hulusi. His aged eyes burned with lively impatience, and even his face looked younger by several years.
Going to the presentation, Defne, dressed in a black dress that was flared from the chest, which hid her belly, sat by the mirror and applied the final touches - she put on the necklace of fire opals, tinted her lips, sprinkled her favorite perfume on her wrists and neck. Omer, completely ready to leave, stood behind and watched his wife's manipulation. From time to time she cast thoughtful glances at him in the mirror.
He bravely endured them, but in the end, he could not stand it and demanded an answer:
- Defne, tell me what happened.
She looked into the reflection in his eyes and answered honestly:
- Today I was with Mr. Hulusi.
- At grandfathers? What for? - Omer was surprised. - And why without me? I would also love to visit him. He stepped closer and carefully straightened the lock on her slim neck.
- You were busy. Moreover, I had a delicate conversation with Mr. Hulusi. How he views the fact that we will name our daughter Emine.
- No matter what he thinks, I don't care! - Omer said firmly. In contrast to the harsh words, his hands fell on her shoulders and stroked her gently and affectionately. He looked at the curl trembling on her neck with such tenderness that Defne, who saw this look in the mirror, get fluttered in her chest.
"But I care," she said calmly and covered his hand with hers. - I want our daughter and her name to become a joy for all relatives.
"It will be so," Omer assured her without a shadow of a doubt.
Their gazes met in the mirror. A tall, handsome, incredibly elegant man and a lovely, pregnant woman in an amazing evening dress. He bent down, kissed the bare porcelain-white shoulder, and asked:
- And what did grandfather say?
"He's happy with our choice," Defne replied. - He regrets his pride and regrets that he cannot turn back the clock to change his life and attitude towards your mother.
"Laudable thoughts," said Omer. - But then what worries you?
- I told him that Mrs. Neriman now works as a driver in Passionis.
She fell silent.
- And? - Omer pushed her to continue.
- He wished to see it with his own eyes.
Another pause.
- And? Defne, do I have to pull every word out of your mouth? - Omer was indignant.
- He's coming to the presentation today. With my grandmother.
Her voice sounded guilty. She looked askance from under her brows at her husband and waited for the explosion. But he just sighed with relief and said:
- Off! You scared me! I already thought Allah knew what. Of course, let them come. I am always glad to see your grandmother.
Defne shook her head and spoke to her husband like an unreasonable child:
- Omer! Didn't you hear? I say Mrs. Neriman and my grandmother will be in one place. This will be a disaster!
- It won't happen! Omer looked too calm and confident. - There will be my grandfather. He will handle the situation. Both Aunt Neriman and your grandmother, how to put it correctly, are trying to look like meek sheep in his eyes. They will not dare to make a scene with him and disrupt the presentation.
- Your words to Allah's ears, - Defne muttered and got up from the soft ottoman. Turning around on the spot, she asked her husband: - Well, how do you like me?
Omer looked at her with undisguised admiration and replied:
- You're beautiful! Let's go faster before I change my mind and get busy with your dress. My hands are on fire to touch all the details.
- How bad you are, - Defne shook her head reproachfully and butterflies fluttered in her stomach.
- Yeah, very bad, - Omer confirmed and gently pushed her towards the exit. "You'd better hurry up and not test my patience.
***
Neriman was in no hurry to leave the car. Koray had long disappeared inside the nightclub, where the show of the new Passionis collection was planned, and she rightly judged that it was better to sit in the car for now, and when all the guests were inside, show her persona to the society. She even prepared herself. She put on a fancy dress and expensive jewelry. But she didn't get to a beauty salon. Koray needed the car all day and had to drive him between the office, nightclub, and his apartment. She didn't like this situation at all, but Koray ordered her not to grumble and restrain her displeasure. She was speechless from such words. In truth, her dear friend Korish and her boss Koray turned out to be completely different people, and the work of a driver was boring to the point of grinding teeth.
The bosses have gathered at the place of the show. The nasty Sinan, who had rejected her precious daughter Sude three times, appeared arm in arm with a tall, beautiful brunette. Neriman gave her a picky glance and mentally promised to show her "Pah!" later. Omer and Defne appeared next. The nephew helped his wife get out of the car, kissed her hand, said something that made her eyes flash with happiness, then slipped her hand under his elbow, and led her inside the building. Defne looked very good. No matter how much Neriman wanted to see the opposite, there was no point in deceiving herself. The nephew's wife shone with beauty and health. Even the enlarged belly did not spoil her. It was round, tidy, and sweet. A black, silk dress, tied under the bust with a satin ribbon, expanded to the bottom and hid it with soft folds. Scarlet shoes with a small graceful heel looked elegant and, undoubtedly, were very comfortable. Defne's entire image breathed sophistication and impeccable taste. Neriman even gritted her teeth from such injustice. She taught this neighborhood simpleton all the intricacies of beauty, and she does not even remember about it.
The righteously indignant Neriman grabbed her cosmetic bag. Adjusting her makeup in front of the rear-view mirror, out of the corner of her eye she noticed a familiar car and, staring at it, froze with bulging eyes and open mouth. She immediately recognized this executive class, Mercedes. It belonged to Black Mamba, the Hulusi daddy. The owner himself, disguised as an elderly dandy in a tuxedo with a bow tie, got out of the car, handed the cane to the driver, and held out his hand to someone sitting in the cabin. It was a small, slender woman in an elegant suit and impeccably styled hair. Neriman, stretching out her neck, peered at her and her jaw dropped to her chest. Turkan Topal stood in front of her in person and gazed at daddy Hulusi, who should long ago keep his way to another world, and not let his feathers down in front of an elderly beauty.
Decisively getting out of the car, Neriman flew up to the sweet couple.
- Daddy Hulusi, did not expect to see you here, - she sarcastically climbed. - Didn't you have rheumatism? Why are you loading your knees? It would be better if you sat at home, made compresses, rubbing your back.
- Neriman!!! - Old Iplikci interrupted her menacingly. - Do your job and don't go where you are not asked!
The daughter-in-law ignored his words and turned to his companion:
- Ay, who do I see! Mrs. Turkan herself came to the presentation. How are you, auntie?
"With your prayers, Mrs. Neriman," the old woman proudly lifted her nose and straightened a gold necklace on her chest, showing it to the shameless spiteful woman that caused her girl Defne so much suffering. - My son Omer invited his grandmother, and I did not offend him.
- Oh, how polite! Neriman sang mockingly. "But is it fit for you to run around on presentations at that age? It would be better to sit at home, knitting socks for grandchildren.
- What's wrong with my age? - Turkan was indignant.
- Neriman !!! - Hulusi said to her. - Immediately apologize to the highly esteemed Mrs. Turkan.
- What did I say? - The daughter-in-law shrugged. - A woman of age, will soon become a great-grandmother for the second time. I'm worried about her health.
- You better worry about your work, - put her in her place, Mr. Hulusi. - You left the car open. Do you want to be hijacked? Come on, scatter from here to your workplace! Let us get through!
- Yes, yes, - Turkan supported him, - the place of the driver is in the car. There is nothing to stare at in the presentation. See and Mr. Sukru is sitting in his. And he does not flaunt a half-naked body in front of a decent society, - the old woman condemningly examined Neriman's open dress. Come on, Mr. Hulusi. Our kids, Omer and Defne, are waiting for us.
Taking the old man by the arm, she proudly walked past the taken aback Neriman.
Turkan had never been inside a nightclub in her life and, having appeared there for the first time, fell into shock. With round eyes, she examined the semi-dark hall with LED balls spinning under the ceiling. Floodlit podium. The stage behind it, and especially the shining pylon in its depths.
- What is it? - Nodding at it, she asked her companion.
Mr. Hulusi's eyes ran from side to side, and he bleated in embarrassment:
- Uh-uh...
Defne saved the situation. She went up to them and hugged her grandmother. Seeing her granddaughter, she completely forgot about the strange contraption and bombarded her with questions:
- Daughter, aren't you cold? Did you eat today? Not tired? It's so noisy here. Noise does not affect the baby?
- Grandma, everything is fine! Come on, I'll sit you in your seats. The show will start soon.
- Where is Omer? – Following Defne, the grandmother asked.
- Checks readiness ... - Defne spoke quickly and then saw her husband walking towards them. - And here he is!
Omer approached his wife, greeted his grandfather, and kissed the hand of grandma Turkan. She blushed with pleasure and proudly looked up - did the eminent guests see how respectfully Omer Iplikci himself relates to Mrs.Turkan.
This scene was seen by Neriman who entered the hall. Her mouth, again this evening, opened with shock.
- And how to call it? - She asked not clear whom. - Me, his aunt, in the eyes does not look, and the old woman from the neighborhood in front of the entire high society kisses her hands. He forgave them all and let him forgive me!
She resolutely went to her relatives but was immediately intercepted by Koray who swooped in like a whirlwind. Grabbing her hand, he mumbled:
- Nero, faster! A bullet in the car, fly to my house, take black shoes in the dressing room on the shelf and rush back like an arrow! I erased my leg with these on me. How will I go out to bow?
"But, Korish...," Neriman tried to be indignant.
Koray did not listen to her. Turning to the door, pushed her forward, and ordered:
- Nero, come on go ahead! The show will start soon. And my legs are worn out. Will I limp, or what?
Feeling like Alice in Through the Looking Glass, Neriman trudged to the car.
Just before the show began, a large white screen descended and covered the stage. On it appeared the image of a beautiful princess in a blue ball gown and a courageous prince, who, dropping to one knee, dressed her in a silver shoe. Grandmother Turkan stared at this touching scene and gasped. Turning to Mr. Hulusi, she said with tears in her eyes:
- Allah! These are our kids! How beautiful they are! The Almighty created them for each other.
Mister Hulusi's eyes also shone suspiciously. He nodded his head and supported his companion's words:
- You are right, dear Mrs. Turkan. There is no more beautiful couple in the world than our grandchildren.
Defne, standing behind the guests, was also looking at the screen and, for some reason, in her throat tickled. From the outside, this picture was no less wonderful than her heart remembered. Omer, who came up from behind, hugged her clasped his hands on her round belly, and purred in a low, velvet voice in her ear:
- Admiring?
She pressed the back of her head to his shoulder and replied:
- Yes. You. You are the most beautiful and wonderful prince in the world.
"Because you are the sweetest and tender princess," Omer did not remain in debt.
- Are you cooing? Asked Tranba, who approached them.
"Do not envy," Omer answered him.
- What to envy? Deniz retorted cheerfully. - I have a wonderful, pregnant wife, whom I can hug as much as I want. And your beautiful, pregnant wife, painted me a collection that is in no way inferior to yours. That you will see tomorrow. So, I'm lucky! And when Iz ends up with toxicosis, I will be absolutely lucky.
- Is she suffering a lot? - Defne asked sympathetically and Deniz nodded in the affirmative.
- Heavily. She cannot look at food, and at the word "coffee" she turns green and rushes to the toilet.
- The poor thing, - Defne sympathized with her. - Among us, all the toxicosis twisted her the most. She didn't come to the presentation with you?
"No," Deniz frowned slightly. - She stayed at home. Gaining strength before tomorrow. And I won't be too long. I'll watch the presentation and leave immediately.
As soon as he finished talking, the melodic music, similar to the trill of bells sounded, and the show began. The eyes of all those present in the hall stuck to the legs of the models. And only Omer looked absent-mindedly, watching the reaction of the audience more than what was happening on the podium. And the reaction was impressive. And it flattered the pride of the designer, causing a barely noticeable, restrained smile on his face.
As usual, the show ended with a standing ovation. Omer did not go on stage and Koray, who appeared on it already in old, comfortable shoes, nodded to the illuminators to direct a beam of light at the boss and loudly declared:
- Ladies and Gentlemen! The ingenious designer Omer Iplikci and his muse, as well as the sweet Cinderella and the charming princess, Defne Iplikci!
Omer bowed restrainedly to the guests, and Defne smiled shyly. The beam of light returned to the podium, and she sighed with relief, she could not stand being the subject of everyone's attention.
And at the very exit there was one who adored everyone's attention, but today, in this chic hall, crowded with chic people, no one paid the slightest attention to her. Neriman was hurt. Defne was radiant with happiness. Dear Koray chased her like a servant, daddy Hulusi ordered her to get out and not too worn out his eyes. The villager Turkan sat with her head held high and shone like a brand new coin. Nasty Sinan whispered something in the ear of a beautiful brunette. The shameless rake has already forgotten to think about Sude! And her husband left her and drove off to America. Scoundrel! But the main thing is that Omer forgave them all and communicates well with them, but Neriman doesn't look her in the eye. Well, is that fair?
The guests made their way to the exit. Iplikci said goodbye to their grandparents who were beaming with pride in their grandchildren. Omer volunteered to accompany them to the car and Seda intercepted Defne. Her eyes burned with delight.
- Imagine, - she grabbed her friend by the arm and whispered in her ear: - Omer drew me wedding shoes, and your Iso sewed them. So beautiful! I couldn't even dream of such shoes.
- What are you saying? - Defne was surprised. - And he didn't say a word to me.
- And that he draws shoes for Nisa, Kumru, and Dila in which they will go to the prom, didn't he told you? Seda asked cautiously.
- No, - said Defne and, narrowing her eyes, angrily proclaimed the verdict: - Here is such a quiet man! My tongue always dangles behind my back. I have no secrets from him. But Mr. Omer is in his repertoire!
"Don't be angry with him," Seda asked. - He wants to surprise. I only know because I was asked to casually figure out the colors and styles of prom dresses.
Defne rolled her eyes and drummed her fingers on her lips. Watching her, Seda narrowed her eyes and demanded an answer.
- Speak! What are you up to?
Defne smiled slyly.
- For outfits you need jewelry, right? What colors and styles do you say?
Omer led his family to the Mercedes, kissed the hand of grandma Turkan, said goodbye to his grandfather, and, putting his hands in his trouser pockets, watched the car disappear around the corner. The guests had already departed, and the parking lot was deserted.
"Omyush, auntie's olive," came a fawning voice behind him, and he rolled his eyes.
He also lacked Neriman for complete happiness today.
Turning, he looked at the face stretched out with remorse and asked:
- What do you want, aunt?
She put on the most miserable look on herself and came closer.
"Oh, my little bird," she began tearfully. - How long will you be angry with your aunt? Forgiven everyone, except me! Is it me with the biggest fault?
- What do you think? - Omer answered harshly.
- So they lied to you! - exclaimed Neriman. - I'm not the only one! Why is there such discrimination?
- Because the reasons for lying were different for everyone, - he looked at the piteously flapping her eyes blonde woman and whipped her with words. - But only yours were materialistic. You played with my life and Defne's life for the sake of the estate.
- I wanted the best! - Neriman let out a tear. "You didn't want anyone. You rejected all the girls. And suddenly you kissed the waitress. And how you kissed! Such a fire blazed around you that it burned everyone around.
- How do you know that? - Omer was surprised.
- So I was there! Or did you think that I would arrange a date for you with Sezen and not control it? And you, instead of losing your head for the style icon, started to kiss the waitress, - she finished with displeasure.
- You brought Defne to me because I kissed her? Omer asked incredulously. His eyebrows came together over the bridge of his nose.
- Why else? - Neriman was surprised. "You don't think that I saw the light in the girl from the neighborhood and considered her worthy of my magnificent nephew. But you chose her yourself, and I just intervened a little.
- A little? - Omer repeated in amazement. - Yes, we, by your mercy, almost crushed each other! Defne was on the brink of death!
"And you understood the price of your great love," his aunt retorted, and Omer unexpectedly agreed with her words.
If not for all the trials, would he understand what Defne means to him? Would he know the price of love and happiness? Or would he take everything for granted?
"Okay," he agreed. - You're right. Everything that happened was not in vain. Everything except Defne's coma. But it wasn't your fault. I alone am responsible for it.
- So you forgive me? - Neriman was delighted. - Ay, Omyush, my prince of brunettes! How I miss you! You are my son with olive eyes!
She opened her arms and rushed to her nephew, but he with a stopping gesture put his hands forward and said:
- Aunt, come on without sentiment. I forgave you a long time ago. Today I admit that everything that happened made sense. But your selfish motives have not gone anywhere. So stay away from Defne and me.
- Where are you? And I'm looking for you! - Defne approached Omer. She took his arm and smiled a radiant smile. Then she looked at his interlocutor. - Good evening, Mrs. Neriman!
- Ay, Defne! How beautiful you are today! Just a princess. I can't even believe that when we met for the first time...
- Aunt, that's enough! - Omer cut her sternly. - Better get back to work! There comes your boss.
Koray swam out of the building and walked with a fluttering gait towards the small company.
- Omyush! Skinny girl! What a success! My concept has blown everyone away! No, well, really, I'm brilliant! And the skinny is a beauty! He glanced sideways at Omer and gave him a displeased look. - Well, and your shoes, of course! You're a designer!
Defne giggled and covered her mouth with her hand.
"Koray, go home," Omer ordered him. - Your driver is waiting for you.
Koray looked around in confusion and saw Neriman.
- Ay, Nero, I didn't notice you. Ah, my life! How tired I am today! Take me home!
He grabbed her arm and pulled her toward the car.
Omer and Defne looked after them. Disgruntled Neriman got behind the wheel and the white jeep pulled into the road. In the parking lot, were the Mercedes with Sukru at the wheel and Sinan's car. Omer took Defne by both hands and pulled her to him. Kissing her lightly on the lips smiled gently and asked:
- Tired?
- A little, - she smiled in response and asked: - What did you talk to Mrs. Neriman?
- About the choice, - Omer answered mysteriously.
- About what?
He kissed her long and sweet and then answered.
- I chose you myself! Fell in love at first sight. And my aunt only took advantage of my love. And praise be to the Almighty that it happened!
- Did you forgive her? To end?
- To end! - Confirmed Omer and winked: - But I'm going to keep my distance.
Embracing, they walked to their car. But suddenly Defne stopped and looked at her husband in fascination.
- Darling...
- What, my soul?
He, too, stopped and waited patiently for her answer. And Defne suddenly giggled and looked at him with eyes splashing with joy.
- Grandma did not disrupt the show! And did not fight with Mrs. Neriman. It's a miracle!
- Well, I told you, - Omer funnily raised his eyebrows. "Both of them will not risk falling in front of my grandfather. So that the show was not threatened ... Well, perhaps that chic hairstyle of Koray, if he once again sent my aunt to his home for shoes.
Defne laughed loudly. Omer echoed her with a low, velvety laugh.
In the middle of a deserted car park near an expensive nightclub, an unrealistically beautiful, expensively dressed couple stood laughing merrily and unrestrainedly. They were happy. After all, once both made the right choice. And even though they had to go through trials, now everything in their life was right.
***
The next day, Iplikci went shopping. Oh, what a day it was! They wandered through the children's shops, choosing furniture, a stroller, a bath, and other necessary and impossibly cute things for the baby. They had fun arguing, laughing, and choosing the most comfortable and beautiful ones. Furniture, as Omer had dreamed, was chosen white. But regarding the carpet, Defne still managed to partially convince her husband. More precisely, both made a compromise. The carpet was white, but with a blue border and large blue circles.
- All the girls have pink rooms and only we differ, - Defne laughed at herself.
"Our girl is special," Omer objected. - Pearl. Bead. The tiffany color suits her very well.
- You will spoil her from the first minutes of her life!
"I have no choice," Omer sighed, deliberately. - I can't help pampering you. This is an unconditioned reflex.
"Then be prepared that we will love you in return," Defne warned him cheerfully. - And you will have to run away and lock yourself in the office to take a break from the hugs and kisses of two maniacs.
- I catch you by the word! He tapped himself on the left side of his chest. - I wrote it down here. Only if you shirk, I'll kiss you both myself.
"We're waiting, we won't wait," Defne gleamed with a laugh.
After choosing the decor for the room, Iplikci entered a children's clothing store. And they were lost. Tiny suits, hats, shirts, dresses, and booties were so cute and beautiful that eyes widened, and it was simply impossible to make a choice. Omer found a way out of the situation - he took everything. Defne moaned and warned him that children grow up fast and Emine will grow up before she can wear everything that her dad bought her. But this circumstance did not frighten Omer at all. He got excited and pulled Defne into a toy store.
They returned home in the afternoon. Tired, hungry, and happy. After a hurried lunch, they lay down to rest before Tranba's evening presentation and fell asleep.
Defne was the first to wake up. She looked at her watch and, gasping, stirred her husband up:
- Omer wake up! Darling, wake up, I say! It's already five o'clock, and the presentation is at seven. We will be late! I'm also hungry! I won't go there hungry!!!
Omer sat up in bed and shook his head. Driving away from the dream, he kissed his wife and pressed his index finger to her lips.
- Shh-sh, my love, do not boil so. Get ready, and I'll quickly set up a dinner for us.
While Defne was showering, drying, and styling her hair, Omer prepared pasta and salad.
- Darling, come! - he called, standing at the base of the stairs and looking at the second floor.
She appeared in a dressing gown thrown over her shirt and with hair shining like silk scattered down her back. Holding her belly, she rolled down like a ball right into strong male hands.
"Hush," Omer shook his head reproachfully. - God forbid you to fall!
"Don't grumble," she kissed him on the cheek and asked: "What do we have for dinner?
He led her to the table, sat her down, and with a deft movement removed the silver cap from her plate.
- A-ah! Pasta! - Delighted Defne and took up the fork. - How did you know I want pasta?
Omer flashed a white-toothed smile and declared:
- I read your thoughts.
Defne widened her eyes in mock fright and exclaimed:
- Oh no! Now you know that I'm crazy about you, I can't live without you and love you like a maniac! Ay! It's a shame for a girl.
Laughing, Omer kissed her forehead and assured her:
- Believe me, mine is worse.
He looked down at her lips and his eyes lit up with fire. Defne's chest trembled sweetly, but she closed his eyes with her palm and ordered:
- Omer, don't look at me like that! You can't! We're late!
"Okay," he sighed, removed her hand, and kissed the soft center. And then in a voice that made Defne's heart sank, he promised: - But when we come back ... - he looked into her eyes, and Defne's heart pounded in a crazy rhythm, - you won't get rid of me!
She smiled invitingly and replied:
- And I'm not going to!
***
The banquet room that Tranba rented for the presentation was crowded and noisy. Too crowded, Defne thought, staring at the crowd in surprise. The overwhelming majority of the guests did not belong to the shoe or trade sector.
Omer took her arm and directed her to one of the high tables. Deniz walked towards them arm in arm with his wife. She looked pale, but the smile that shone on her face left no doubt that Mrs.Iz Tranba was happy. Her silvery dress hugged a flawless figure like a second skin and descended to the floor like a fishtail. Defne looked at her tummy, ran her hand over the wine-colored silk, and thought with a smile that her friend would soon lose her waist and would look like a balloon, just like herself now.
- Oh, who I see! Deniz exclaimed. - The genius designer of my collection and her husband!
Omer let his taunt pass by his ear and shook the outstretched hand.
- Have you decided to invite half of Istanbul? He asked mockingly.
- There is such a thing. I got carried away a little, - Deniz flashed his teeth. - After all, I am now also a co-owner of a jewelry company. Looking ahead and making connections.
- And why such a thought did not occur to me? - Sinan asked cheerfully.
He and Seda approached friends at the moment when Tranba was saying his phrase. He arched an eyebrow ironically and replied:
- Because you and Omer think only correctly and conservatively, and such an idea requires adventurism!
- That is why Allah combined you! - exclaimed Sinan and looked at the girl next to him. - Iz is also an adventurer. She always let us down under the bridge.
- Forget! - told him Iz and, making a serious face, proudly lifted her nose. - I am now a respected lady and the future mother of a family.
- Sure sure! - Defne laughed. - So it will be! You'll teach your child how to make bets before talking.
- A-ah! You haven't forgotten! - All the seriousness flew from Iz's face and she laughed merrily. Defne echoed her contagiously and loudly.
- What have you not forgotten?- Omer asked. He looked from his wife to his childhood friend.
- What, spit it out? - Tranba responded after him, and Sinan and Seda exclaimed in one voice:
- Tell us, come on!
Iz and Defne looked at each other meaningfully and flapped their eyelashes innocently.
"Nothing special," said the first.
"Nothing at all," Defne echoed her. - And anyway, stop talking! The show begins.
- Ooh! - disappointedly held out Sinan with Seda and reluctantly turned to the podium. Iz and Deniz followed suit.
- Darling, - Omer bent to Defne's ear. - You know that I will not leave it at that! I'll pull this story out of you at night.
- Do you promise? - she flashed her eyes and his blood ran faster through the veins.
- Devil! - Omer gasped.
Defne laughed merrily and teased him:
- Not so long ago, someone said that I am an angel.
"I do not give up my words," Omer leaned over and secretly kissed her shoulder. - In you, the imp gets along with the angel. And I love both madly.
From his words, Defne's chest trembled sweetly, and her head began to spin. Smiling with a happy smile, she raised her eyes and looked at the guests, if anyone noticed them with Omer cooing. But everyone around was looking at the podium, and no one paid attention to the pregnant girl and her caring husband. Defne glanced across the crowd and suddenly her eyes stopped and her smile slowly disappeared from her face. Familiar, poisonous-evil eyes looked at her from the other end of the hall.