- Lаila, - Defne said only with lips and squeezed Omer's elbow. He looked at her questioningly. Pointing to him with her eyes at the girl in the corner, she said: - Look, is it Lаila? Her face, but her hair ... and how could she be here?
Omer peered intently in the indicated direction. A different hair color, a different style of clothing, but there was no doubt Lаila standing next to an imposing man with a mockingly disdainful face and a woman who looked like a plastic doll with a diamond necklace.
- What is she doing here? - Defne whispered and frowned. She had already forgotten about the snake, but she, like a devil from a snuff box, jumped out right in front of her nose.
Ahtem cаme next to Iplikci. Putting his hands in his pockets, he looked in the same direction where Omer and Defne were looking and said:
- Did you notice too?
- Laila? - Omer asked through clenched teeth.
"And those who are next to her," Ahtem answered gloomily.
- Who's next to her? - Defne asked.
- Hussein and Hazal Chatay. Owners of the Turkish Gold Company.
A worry sounded in Ahtem's voice, and Defne felt cold in her stomach. She did not know the owners, but she didn't hear good reviews about Turkish gold.
Meanwhile, the Chatay couple, noticing the attention of Iplikci and Ahtem Minibaev, went straight to them. Laila, ostentatiously shaking her satin-covered hips, followed.
"Nice evening, isn't it? - the man began, smiling smugly. - Let me introduce myself, Hussein Chatay. And this is my wife Hazal and the director of concepts of our company, Ms. Laila.
"Omer Iplikci," Omer introduced himself, but Defne just nodded her head. She didn't like this silicone pair and to hell the politeness! She will not introduce herself to them. Ahtem also stood in silence and only fixed his eyes on those who approached. Omer gave Laila a dismissive glance and asked Hussein Chatay: - When you hire employees, aren't you interested in recommendations? Or at least look into the Black List of employees? I think you would read a lot of interesting things there about your new concept director.
Chatay waved his hand lightly and replied:
- Hazal and I don't dwell on such nonsense. One did not think the worker fits, but another was delighted with his quick wit and creativity.
- More precisely, unscrupulousness and a tendency to intrigue, - said Omer ironically.
- You see how you can evaluate the same qualities in different ways, - Chatay laughed.
Laila supported him with a malicious laugh and looked into the eyes of the former boss. Omer's hands were itching to grip her neck. But he only gave her a scornful look and turned away.
Hazal Chatay examined the jewelry on Defne's chest and asked her:
"Is this your design, Mrs. Iplicki?"
Defne nodded restrainedly and replied:
- Yes. Necklace from my debut collection.
Silicone lips curled into a mocking grin.
- It is noticeable that from a debut, - Defne straightened, but Omer squeezed her elbow, silently urging not to react to the provocation. And meanwhile the sarcastic bitch continued: - I've already seen a similar necklace somewhere.
- Not in the collection of Turkish gold by any chance? - Ironically asked Omer and added coldly: - All the best! Since it is Defne who is the designer of the shoes on display now, we would like to see the show.
He tightened his grip on Defne's elbow and led her closer to the podium.
Ahtem remained standing. Putting his hands in his pockets and bowing his head to his shoulder, he gazed unblinkingly at the Chatay couple.
- Ahtem, - Hussein addressed him with malice in his voice. - Why don't you go to watch the show? Not interested?
"Yes," he answered, and his eyes swept the man from head to toe. His face took on a hard expression. "But I wonder even more what new meanness you are up to.
- Hahaha! - Chatay laughed and looked around to check whether someone heard the jeweler or not. But the guests were busy with the show and did not pay attention to the strange foursome. - What a peculiar sense of humor you have, Ahtem.
- That's it, - he snapped and warned: - I would not advise you to weave intrigues against Sapphire. This firm is too tough for you.
- Weave intrigues? - asked Chatay mockingly. -Ugh, how ugly it is to accuse an honest businessman of such a thing.
"It's ugly to expose others and try to drown them," Ahtem retorted harshly. "But remember, I know your methods and I will be on the lookout.
He left the maliciously smiling man and walked slowly to a group of friends, among whom was his wife. Laura met him with a worried look. He smiled softly at her and kissed her forehead just above the temple.
"It is okay, my love," he whispered soothingly. - Don't worry.
- Have you spoken to the owners of Turkish gold? And upset again? - Laura closely examined the Chatay couple. - What are they doing here?
This was exactly the question Omer asked Deniz Tranba after the show. The men stood slightly apart from their wives and sipped champagne slowly. Sinan also saw Laila and was shocked. How could an employee from the Black List end up in a managerial position without recommendations? It didn't fit in his head. That he said bluntly:
- These Chatay are slippery and unscrupulous once hired Laila, - he said.
"Exactly," Omer agreed. "And I don't understand how they ended up at your presentation," he turned to Deniz.
- I have heard rumors that Chatay is too interested in Sapphire. I do not like this. I decided to take a closer look at him, - he explained.
- Have you looked closely? Omer asked.
"Yes," Deniz replied thoughtfully. - And I am sure that his thoughts are dark. We need to keep our eyes open.
"I agree," Ahtem supported him. - I should also know what he and his plastic wife are up to.
- Maybe turn to the services of a private detective? Omer suggested. "He will have more opportunities to track Chatay's movements than our chief of security.
"Good idea," Tranba said. Ahtem and Sinan also nodded in agreement.
- Then we will do so, - decided Omer.
The Iplikci returned home in the backseat of their comfortable Mercedes. Omer held Defne's hand in his and, pensively looking out the window, fingered her slim fingers. She looked at him searchingly but said nothing. She had vague anxiety inside her, and Defne wanted to talk to her husband about it. But not here with Sukru. Alone. Therefore, she was silent and patiently waited for both to be at home.
When the red door closed, separating them from the whole world, Omer kissed his wife on the forehead and led her upstairs by the hand. In the dressing room, taking off their evening attire, they finally spoke.
"Omer, I'm worried," Defne said. She kicked off her shoes and stood barefoot on the cool floor, trying to unbutton the lock of the silk dress. - These strange Chatay. So unpleasant. They also took Laila to work without recommendation. How can this be? Do serious, decent businessmen do that?
Omer removed her hands and unbuttoned the back lock himself. After kissing the exposed flesh, he went back to unbuttoning his shirt. Thoughtfully removing the cufflinks from his sleeves, he replied:
- No, they don't. You're right.
- So, Chatay are plotting meanness, - Defne lowered her dress over her legs, stepped over it, and began to put the outfit on a hanger. Omer took off his shirt and remained in only his trousers. Defne glanced sideways at his sculpted chest, swallowed, and continued her speech: - And this meanness is directed against Sapphire. Omer, I'm scared.
He sat down on the edge of the dresser and pulled her, almost naked and very pregnant, into his arms. He kissed a porcelain shoulder, looked into frightened eyes, and hurried to reassure:
"Whatever they are up to, I will not allow these scoundrels to harm Sapphire or you. Do you believe me?
- I believe you, - Defne answered without thinking for a moment.
"Then put all the disturbing thoughts out of your head. Think about yourself and the bead, Omer ordered. - And I will solve the rest.
Defne's belly pressed against his abdomen, and he felt the bead banging its legs briskly. It became easy on his soul. All problems faded into the background before the realization of the main thing - Defne and Emine are alive and well. Everything else can be prevented, solved, survived, and resolved in the end. All problems are nonsense, and happiness is now in his hands. Omer knelt and began covering his wife's belly with kisses. He caught the baby's jerks and enjoyed it with his lips. Defne laughed softly and put her hands on his head. She gently caressed the back of his head, and Omer melted with bliss and kissed his girls -the big and small in her tummy.
There were two and a half months left until the presentation in Ankara.
***
On Monday, while Iplicki was at work, the nursery furniture was brought in, and when they returned home, the room was completely ready. There was a cot against the wall under a soft blue muslin canopy. The window was draped with satin curtains a shade darker. There was a fluffy carpet on the floor. A white plush rabbit sat on a carved chest of drawers, its long ear dangling over one eye. Against the other wall was a sofa covered with blue velour, and next to it was a high changing table, which would later sit on its legs and turn into a comfortable desk for the grown-up Emine.
"Allah, how sweet," Defne breathed out and looked at the proud Omer with eyes shining with tears.
- Then why are you crying? He asked and kissed her nose.
- From happiness, - she answered and smiled through her tears.
- Silly, - Omer hugged the rounded figure and hid her in his big hands.
They sat in the nursery until late at night. They talked about Emine, dreamed, and painted their life. A happy life filled with laughter, joy, and love.
In the morning, Defne announced that she would spend several days in the workshop, and would not appear in Sapphire. The work on the collection for the exhibition was in full swing and the designer wanted to make sure that the jewelry came out exactly as she had intended. Omer inwardly rejoiced but hid his emotions behind his usual equanimity. He only asked his wife to be careful and not overwork. She agreed without objection.
The work in the workshop dragged on Defne. Making jewelry turned out to be as fun as drawing them. Ahtem and the rest of the masters were, in a good sense of the word, obsessed with their work. And Defne, for the company, went crazy with them. She forwarded questions that arose in the office to Laura and Seda, and resolved urgent ones by phone, and spent all her working time among scrapers and spikes, and in human terms - grinding tools and small anvils, on which jewelry was created.
And Omer, in between meetings with important clients, and reviewing financial statements, created a surprise. For the time being, he moved to Iz's former office, while the renovation was underway in his own. The craftsmen removed the glass partition and replaced it with a glass sliding door, behind which the austere study turned into a flower meadow with brightly painted walls, butterflies hanging from the ceiling, and a grass-like, shaggy, green carpet on the floor. A similar restructuring was underway in Sapphire. Omer consulted with Laura and she came up with the idea of making the meeting room into the children's room.
"I have a personal interest here," she explained, embarrassed. - Since I'm also going to be a working mom who doesn't want to part with her child, it's great if Sapphire has such a room where we can leave the kids. Defne and I will be able to hire a nanny and combine motherhood with the management of the company.
- Great idea! – agreed on Omer, secretly confident that the bead Emine will spend most of its time in Passionis's nursery.
The next day, the craftsmen appeared in Sapphire and began transforming the meeting room into a full-fledged nursery.
And on the weekend, Iplikci had a great get-together. They called the Topal family, grandfather Hulusi, Iso and Aysegul, and all their partner friends. The neighborhood people intertwined with refined high society and everyone felt quite fun and comfortable. Grandfather Hulusi cooed with grandmother Turkan, Esra shared secrets with Banu, men played basketball and scolded Koray, who only posed and got underfoot, and women, sitting comfortably on the terrace, drank hot chocolate and talked. The topic was hot - pregnancy, childbirth, and children. Seda for decency rolled her eyes, but she listened with interest to the conversation. Aysegul was a little embarrassed, but the girls did not allow her to feel like a stranger and not at ease. They drew her into the conversation, made her laugh, and soon she felt comfortable in the company of the business ladies, but such funny women. Defne told her about Iso's youthful antics and the girl listened with bated breath. Defoe, who lived in Defne, liked Aysegul's reaction a lot. She made sure that the girl loves her friend very much, and he is now in gentle and reliable hands.
Spring reigned in the yard. The sun was shining brightly, bees were buzzing over the blossoming apple and peach trees, and the grass was bright green. The girls squinted their eyes and enjoyed the warmth and good weather.
The men finished the game and joined their wives and brides. Omer, not ashamed of anyone, squatted down in front of Defne and kissed her belly. The female part froze in emotion and even men felt the touching moment. And only Koray was not imbued with awe. He pushed Omer away and hissed at him:
- Get out of here! Ugh! Clung to the skinny one. You can touch her tummy a million more times. Now it's my turn! - He knelt heavily in front of the laughing Defne and pressed his ear to her stomach. - Diana! Sweet girl, - he began to coo and Omer immediately resented under the loud laughter of those around him:
- What Diana! Her name is Emine!
- Leave me alone! Koray shouted at him. - I say Diana, so Diana! Uncle's princess. Angel.
And then Emine decided to show her character and kicked the wonderful uncle in the ear with her foot. Koray staggered back and shouted indignantly:
- Ay! Ay-yay! She's fighting! Skinny, tame your daughter!
Omer put his hands on Defne's belly again and praised the little girl with triumphant gloating:
- My clever bead! So it should be with the uncle, who prevents dad from talking to you.
Defne, laughing, casually touched Omer's hair and explained to Koray:
- Emine doesn't fight. She is kicking. And your ear accidentally fell under her moving.
- Doesn't it hurt you when she pushes? - He cautiously squinted at her belly and gently poked it with his finger.
- Of course not! Defne smiled. - I rejoice. After all, my girl is lively and energetic.
- I want a lively and energetic girl! Or a boy! - Exclaimed Sinan and flatteringly looked into his bride's eyes: - Seda, my life, come on...
- Shhhh! She covered his mouth with her hand. - Shut up! Don't disgrace me!
- Well, why not immediately! - Sinan was indignant. - Two weeks before our wedding! And here almost all the girls are pregnant. Except for you and Aysegul.
- And me! - Nihan exclaimed, offended, but then broke into a smile. - But I'm already a mom! The first of the whole company! Yes, son? - She winked at the baby Iso who was cooing in her arms.
- People, and we together, within a couple of years, will give birth to a gang, - Defne laughed.
"And my Iso will be the leader," Nihan said proudly.
- Well, we'll see! - stroking Defne's belly, Omer smiled.
- Yes, - Serdar cheerfully supported him. - If you remember what kind of mischief-maker Defne was as a child, then I wouldn't be surprised if Emine leads the gang.
- Serdar! - Indignantly pulled at her husband Nihan. - You must be for your son!
- I'm always for my son, - the guy began to make excuses. "But look at Iso. He's a good calm baby. Which one will be the leader?
Nihan looked at her son's good-natured smile and sighed.
- And that is true. All in daddy!
"Emine also has a daddy," Iso reminded cheerfully. "Maybe she will have Omer's temper and be calm and well-balanced.
- Oh, no! - Omer ardently objected and put his hands forward. - Never! Our bead will be a copy of Defne. The same lovely, red-haired naughty girl.
- And you will adore her and indulge all the whims? - Iz teased her friend and Omer honestly agreed:
- I will! I have a weakness for red-haired hooligans. I cannot deny them anything.
He winked at his friends and kissed the laughing Defne on the reddened cheek under a cheerful laugh.
Grandfather Hulusi and grandma Turkan watched the cheering youth from the sidelines and slyly exchanged glances. The grandchildren are happy. What else do old people need? Isn't' that nice to talk to each other?
When the guests had left, Omer helped his wife wash the dishes and sat her on the sofa in the living room. Then he brought the ice cream, chocolate. He spoon-fed her and kissed her sweet, cold lips. Defne enjoyed and felt at the height of bliss.
When the ice cream was eaten, Omer lay down on the sofa and laid his head on Defne's lap. He drew patterns on her round tummy covered with a T-shirt, caught Emine's thrusts with his palms, and kissed the places where the tiny foot hit.
- Omer, - Defne called him and he raised his happy eyes to her. - Do you want Emine to be like me?
"More than anything," he answered without hesitation.
"But I also want," she whispered a little embarrassedly.
- What do you want? - Omer gently ran his thumb over her cheek.
- I want a son like you. Swarthy, with olive eyes and black curls. Calm and balanced. Perfect.
The heart in Omer's chest did somersaults and beat in a joyous rhythm. Allah, how he loved his Defne! For her refined beauty, for her kind heart, for mischief and sparkling laughter. And for wanting a son like him. Raising himself, he pulled her head to him and kissed her. And then he whispered into parted lips:
- If you want it will be. Do you forget? I always fulfill your desires.
***
The next week passed like the previous one. Defne disappeared in the workshop, Laura and Seda were doing office work, Omer was checking financial records, and Sinan was in the clouds, looking forward to the wedding.
And also a surprise was happening within the walls of Passionis and Sapphire. By the weekend it was ready and Omer was itching inside to see Defne's reaction when she first saw it.
Everything turned out to be better than in dreams.
- Oh Allah! You did it! But when did you have time? I was not in the office for only two weeks! - With admiration examining the nursery created in Sapphire, Defne chattered. Omer just smiled like a satisfied cat. He was just bursting with pride now. He did it! The contractors finished in two weeks and the surprise did not fail. And to be precise - it was a success. Defne just glowed with happiness.
The walls of the former meeting room were painted in a sunny, yellow color that matched perfectly with the blue curtains on the windows and the blue carpet on the floor. There were two cots against the wall, a changing table, high chairs, and a neat chest of drawers next to it. In the middle was a large arena filled with pink and blue balls. A soft blue-upholstered sofa sat against the opposite wall. The room was cute, cozy, and comfortable.
- This is not a dream anymore and not vague plans! - Defne turned to her husband and looked into his eyes with a radiant look. - Our bead has a nursery in Sapphire, and the baby will be with me when I work?
"It will be so," Omer promised. - We will hire a nanny, she will look after Emine, but you can be with our daughter any minute.
- How good! - Defne exclaimed and asked: - Why two beds?
- Because I also want my baby to be next to me when I work, - said Laura who appeared on the threshold and, smiling, entered the nursery.
- Shame on me! - Defne closed her eyes with her palms. - What an egoist I am! I didn't think at all that we would have another working mom.
- Don't cry! Laura laughed. - You are not selfish, just before my birth there is a long time, and in your head, this fact has an abstract form.
"Only you could say so elegantly and scientifically," Defne laughed after her.
Omer gave both expectant mothers a condescending glance and asked:
- Well, now? Like it?
- You still asking! - They answered with one voice.
Defne squinted slyly and added cheerfully:
- When Iz sees, she will be envious!
- We will give them an idea, - Omer winked at his wife and raised his hands, palms forward. - Girls, enjoy, and dream, and I'm in Passionis. Lots of things to do today. But I hope, - he looked into Defne's eyes, - that my wife will come to me for lunch at 12-00.
"If you order cakes with cream for dessert, I will definitely come," Defne promised with a sly smile.
- Agreed, - he agreed, kissed her on the cheek, and disappeared outside the door.
Defne and Laura exchanged glances.
- Dreams come true? - asked the former countess, and now she is just a happy woman.
- Every single one! - Confirmed Defne and sighed with admiration. How she loved Omer's surprises and her state of endless flight when she was no longer afraid to fall and hurt herself. Omer will not allow her to fall, for anything in the world!
***
In the Turkish Gold company, in the office of Hussein Chatay, he and three other people examined several dozen amazingly cut sapphires.
- Some strange, smooth, without edges. They don't sparkle," Laila muttered.
Hazal Chatay looked at her with contempt and replied:
- Laila, if you don't understand, don't be stupid. This is a cabochon cut. Refined and stylish, - she lifted one stone and began to scrutinize it at the light. "These are not Diamond stones, but quite decent ones," she said and turned to the jeweler: "Mr. Ulusoy, do you have everything you need to create a necklace according to a special sketch?"
"Yes, Mrs. Hazal," the bald man in thick glasses confirmed.
"Then get to work immediately and be as accurate as possible in reproducing the drawing," Hussein ordered him. - No improvisation! Everything should be exactly as shown in the sketch. Do you understand?
"Absolutely," the man confirmed and, closing the case with the stones, took his arm. - The necklace will be ready in a week.
The jeweler left, and Chatay and Laila remained in the office.
"So, we are entering at the final line," Hussein said, rather rubbing his hands. - When the necklace is ready, we will begin to implement the plan. We will pay for the work of our journalist. Let's create a video for the report. We will order articles in newspapers. The sensation should be loud and sound from all sides. Sapphire's reputation must be destroyed instantly and beyond repair. And we will celebrate our triumph at the exhibition.
"I'm not going to the exhibition with you," Hazal reminded her husband. - I can't miss my father's birthday.
- I remember. Laila will come, - Hussein examined the figure of the concept director with an oily look. Hazal noticed his gaze, but only grinned ironically. Laila perked up noticeably. Maybe dreams of fooling a rich man and marrying him are not so fantastic?
But as soon as she entered her office, Hazal Chatay followed her in. She closed the door, took a pencil from the table, and handed it to the bewildered Laila.
- Take it! She ordered imperiously. - Write it on your forehead!
- What are you about? - Leila's eyes ran from side to side.
Hazal crossed her arms over her chest and gave her a mocking look.
- Darling, I can see right through you! So there is no need to pretend to be holy innocent. Forget your dreams of turning Hussein around your finger. He can sleep with you and, believe me, I will only be glad of it, but this will be the only thing that you will get from him. He will never, - Hazal stressed the last word, - will not leave me. And I do not care who he sleeps with while he, like a dog, jumps around me and looks into my mouth.
Leila felt uncomfortable with the piercing gaze of the woman with a doll face and the grip of a hyena. She shrugged her shoulders and began to make excuses:
- But I didn't think of anything like that...
"Just don't consider me a fool," Hazal interrupted her harshly. - I told you - you heard. If you try to disobey - blame yourself. I am a dangerous enemy! Take my word for it. - The predatory expression on her face was replaced by a sneer again. - And you can sleep with him. Of course, he is a complete nonentity in bed, but maybe you will get a couple of diamond trinkets instead of pleasure.
***
At noon, Defne went up to the Passionis floor. She smiled sweetly at Nazlican, looked in surprise at the detached Zubeyir, who passed by, and did not even say hello, and entered Omer's office. At first, she didn't even notice the change. All her attention was absorbed by the man who rose to meet her. More precisely, his burning eyes. And the breathtaking smile. And the wide shoulders. And beautiful hands with long, sensual fingers. Defne melted at the sight of her husband and an admiring, slightly blissful smile blossomed on her face.
- Come to me! - Omer hugged her and Defne, closing her eyes, pressed her cheek to his chest. He put his chin on the top of her head and purred, "How good. All problems disappear when I hug you."
"All problems disappear when you hug me," Defne echoed and opened her eyes.
Her eyes caught on the glass door. Since when is it here? Defne stepped back and stared in surprise at what used to be a partition-window between offices, and now - a sliding, hidden blinds, glass door.
- What is it? She asked in shock.
Omer walked over and opened the door. Behind it was a fabulous clearing with a soft carpet-grass, and a blue sky in white clouds. The walls were painted with bright flowers and butterflies fluttering above them. There was a pink crib at the end wall, a playpen in the middle, and a soft chair in the corner.
- Omer! Defne whispered in shock.
"Passionis should also have Emine's room," he explained and smiled a little apologetically. - I've got a little carried away here.
- How beautiful! - Defne laughed happily and spun around the nursery. - Our Emine will be the happiest girl in the world.
Omer caught her and, carefully hiding her in his arms, promised:
- Definitely!
***
After lunch, Defne left for the workshop. Finally, a delivery from Diamond arrived with special sapphires for the jewel of the collection, the Starry Night necklace, and Defne was eager to look at the stones herself.
Work was in full swing in the workshop. The craftsmen worked on orders under contracts, while Ahtem was engaged in the collection.
- And here you are! - He was delighted to Defne. - Look at this miracle! The stones are excellent!
He laid a flat, black case on the table and opened it. Defne looked inside and gasped involuntarily. Smooth cabochons of various sizes lay on white satin, each with a six-pointed star shining. Defne took one of the stones and shook it in her fingers. The star, as if alive, slid along the surface of the cabochon.
"Magic," she breathed in admiration. - This necklace will look like a starry night. It's good that you suggested using this type of star sapphires. "She smiled gratefully at Ahtem.
- When I saw the sketch of the necklace, this was the first thing that came to my mind, - admiring the stones, the jeweler explained and added: - Tomorrow I will start working on it. Two weeks will go away. But it's worth it!
- Oh yeah! - supported Defne. - How I would like to see this at the exhibition!
"I'll send you a hundred photographs," Ahtem promised with an oath, and both laughed. - Do not worry! We will have more than a dozen exhibitions. And every time our jewelry will make a splash.
- I take you at your word, - Defne agreed easily.
***
Defnes' belly grew not by the day, but by the hour. Also, her legs began to swell and her back ached. Besides, she did not sleep well at night and nodded during the day. Omer was very worried and did not take his eyes off his wife. Several times a day he came to Sapphire and grumbled that Defne should have quietly sat at home, and not wander between the office and the workshop. She smiled at him with a guilty smile and promised that she would do so from next week. Although ... most likely not. Seda and Sinan's wedding is Saturday, and then they fly away for a week on their honeymoon. She'll have to take on the responsibilities of Seda. Omer sighed, rolled his eyes, and sent Sukru for fruit, a footrest, and a comfortable back cushion. If the wife intends to work further, let her at least do it in a cheerful state and comfortable conditions.
At home, he surrounded her with touching care. He massaged her feet and back, cooked dinner, fed ice cream, and hugged her. These hugs were the most important and necessary for Defne. When Omer's arms closed around her, not at all slender figure, she felt protected and loved. Their nights became calmer, although they did not lose their magic and passion. Omer loved his wife slowly and sweetly. Defne had no idea how he managed to control himself this way, and each time was amazed at his endurance. And he just loved. He loved his Defne to the point of insanity and was ready to give up himself, from his desires, just to please her.
Together they attended childbirth preparation courses. Defne was a little embarrassed, and Omer followed all the doctor's instructions with great diligence. He was looking forward to the birth with impatience and fear. He did not know how he could survive the torment of his wife, but he was determined to relieve them in every possible way.
In the evenings, Iplikci couple went for a walk to the Bosphorus. Defne took her husband by the arm, and they walked slowly along the water's edge. They bought roasted chestnuts from street vendors, sat on a bench, feasted on, admired the strait, and talked about everything in the world. Omer, who used to prefer silence to conversations and loneliness to society, now adored his conversations with Defne and appreciated every minute spent with his wife. Because they were the best. A revived dream and touching happiness, which he was ready to defend at the cost of his life.
On Friday night they went to buy Defne a dress for Seda and Sinan's wedding. She deliberately left the purchase for the last day, so that later it would not turn out that the chosen model is godlessly small. The choice in the boutique, where Defne usually bought clothes for herself, was small. As the saleswoman explained, on such an advanced pregnancy women do not often risk wearing evening dresses. Her words hurt Defne and angered Omer. Having measured the girl devoid of delicacy with a cold look, he took Defne's arm and led her to another boutique. Here the salesperson was friendlier and quickly began to get suitable dresses. Defne tried them all on and opted for a sleeveless navy blue outfit. The dress had a modest round neckline and a flying skirt that started under the bust and draped cutely on her round tummy.
"You look like a sea nymph," Omer declared in admiration and Defne laughed happily.
Whirling in front of her husband, she changed into her clothes and asked the shop assistant to pack the dress.
- I will wear emerald earrings and a bracelet. It will be very beautiful," she held out dreamily and bit her lip.
Omer laughed softly and murmured in her ear:
- You will be the most beautiful!
"Seda will be the most beautiful," Defne informed her husband.
To which Omer, looking into her eyes, replied:
"For Sinan, yes. And for me, you will be the most beautiful, the sweetest, and the most charming.
Defne smiled a happy, slightly shy smile, took her husband's arm, and asked:
- Let's go to the cafe. I want hot chocolate and cannoli.
"Anything you want, my soul," he replied and, covering her hand with his, led her into a cafe smelling of vanilla and coffee.
They sat at a table by the window, ate cannoli, drank hot chocolate, and smiled at each other with happy smiles.
"Sinan and Seda's wedding will be on the island," Defne said with sparkling eyes.
"Yes," said Omer.
"On the very island where our secret wedding was," her eyes flickered, and Defne's smile turned into a dreamy one.
- Yes, - Omer covered her hand with his and shook it lightly.
- Where will we stay on the island? At Alp's hotel? She asked.
Omer smiled enigmatically and replied:
- No. Not at the hotel.
- And where? - Defne's eyes lit up with curiosity.
"You'll see everything tomorrow," he promised.
- Another surprise? - she exclaimed enthusiastically and Omer nodded with a beaming smile. - Allah! How I love your surprises!
And on the island sunset came into its own. The sun was hiding in the sea, and its slanting rays were reflected in the cleanly washed windows of the old, stone house.