Sinan and Seda Karakaya went on a honeymoon trip and hard days came to Passionissa and Sapphire. Left for a while without partners, Omer and Defne were overwhelmed with work. In Passionis, there was an intensive production of footwear, while Sapphire was preparing for its first exhibition in Ankara and was making jewelry for the Baisal retail chain.
It so happened that the boundaries between the two firms were blurred. Employees of both companies went to the rescue of each other in difficult situations, and no one grumbled that this was not his job. Koray, along with the faithful Ozzy, filmed a catalog of Sapphire for the exhibition. Fortunately, for this, female models were not needed. But with light and shadow, the ingenious photographer worked masterfully, and the jewelry in the photos looked like masterpieces worthy of queens.
Laura helped Omer resolve the issues with the store and threw up a couple of ideas that turned out to be very effective. Zubeyir, although he looked depressed, worked very hard. Both Sapphire and Passionis have even forgotten when they last had software problems. Neriman meekly brought organic meals from a trendy restaurant to the large staff of the firms. At some point, she didn't care which of her acquaintances, what he thought or said. After the first shock, she started to like her job. For the first time in her life, she felt that she was useful. And it was cool. Only one thing saddened Neriman - separation from her husband and the fact that with all her efforts, Defne avoided her and refused to make friends. How many times the gorgeous Nero called her to drink coffee or go shopping, but her daughter-in-law refused each time, citing her busyness and workload. But is this the reason? Defne is her mistress and can easily push work aside. Although ... she is as much of a maniac at work as Omer, with a sad sigh recognized Neriman. The Almighty has already connected them! They probably only talk about work in the bedroom.
But here Neriman was wrong. Crossing the threshold of the house, Omer and Defne put their work aside and enjoyed each other's company. They dined in the garden under an old apple tree. Sitting in rocking chairs on the wide terrace, they watched the sunset, watched movies, and laughed a lot. It seemed to Omer that he had never laughed so much in his life as in those eight months with Defne. It seemed to her that for some unknown merits, heaven gave her a life that she did not even dream of. Because she had never seen as much love, tenderness, and care as Omer gave her. Even from her grandmother and Esra. Defne bathed in this love and enjoyed every minute.
In the mornings, Omer played sports in the courtyard, and she, without hesitation, admired him from the balcony. He was so agile, strong, swift. And when he pulled off a wet T-shirt and, casually throwing it aside, began to do exercises on the horizontal bar, Defne forgot to breathe. And for the millionth time, with a sigh, she admitted that her husband was the most handsome man in the world and she was head over heels in love with him.
One day he pulled her into the pool. He persuaded her and she reluctantly agreed. She put on a swimsuit. Holding her belly and leaning on his hand, she entered the cool water. She swam a couple of laps and felt herself in seventh heaven. The pain in her back that had been tormenting her lately subsided, and even her own body, caught in the water, no longer seemed to her heavy and cumbersome. Omer swam up to her and, holding her behind her back, said:
- Lie down and relax. Do not be afraid, I will hold you.
Defne lay down on the water and closed her eyes. And then she felt Omer's other hand cover her belly. Emine happily kicked under it. But as always. Father and daughter had an invisible bond. As soon as he touched Defne's belly and spoke, the baby answered with a cheerful knock, which endlessly delighted mommy and touched daddy. He cooed with his daughter and promised that he would love her as much as her mother. But Defne secretly hoped he was wrong. That Omer will love Emine much more than she does herself. Because it will be right. She is their child, a precious bead, more important than which there is nothing in the world. And she must be the most beloved!
From that day on, swimming in the pool has become an obligatory evening ritual and a great pleasure. Defne even ceased to be ashamed of her growing belly. Omer adored it so much that she, too, believed in the beauty of her pregnancy.
Nearby, behind a fence entwined with blooming wisteria, Ahtem and Laura enjoyed their hard-won happiness. For them, nothing was more important than each other. They did not hesitate to love openly and show their feelings. They adored the time spent alone, their home, and their life.
Ahtem was finishing work on the sapphire necklace. Defne was worried if her plans would turn out exactly as she had imagined. But when the work was completed and presented to her judgment, she could not contain a sigh of delight. The necklace was not just beautiful. It was mesmerizing. It seemed that the gliding of stars on the surface of cabochons could be watched forever.
Koray, seeing the necklace, said that velvet is not an assistant here. Such flawless beauty must be captured on beautiful, snow-white skin. And he looked sideways at Defne. She rolled her eyes but didn't mind. And there were new photographs from which Omer went crazy. Koray was able to catch the unearthly light that emanated from Defne's eyes. The sapphires on her breasts accentuated it and shone with stars.
They looked at the photographs in Omer's office. Koray, Defne, Laura, and the owner himself.
- The skinny girl is a model from God, - said Koray and capriciously rebuked Omer: - If you were not so greedy and jealous, not guarding her like a hawk, then the girl could have made a dizzying career!
- But what does this have to do with Omer! - Defne was indignant. - I did not want and do not want to be a model. It's one thing to demonstrate Omer's work or my own, but to make it a profession and live the life of a model, - Defne winced. - No! Never and never!
- Ay, you silly! - Koray shouted at her and, dreamily staring at the ceiling, made an artistic gesture with his hand. - You could shine on the Paris catwalks. To spin the heads of the most famous and richest men! To fly like a butterfly from party to party.
Omer even clenched his teeth at such an outrageous offer and was about to order Koray to shut up, but Defne was ahead of him. She narrowed her eyes and snorted like an angry cat.
- I like my life! I don't want parties, catwalks, and glamour. I am not like this!
- Exactly, that is so! - Angrily shouted Koray at her and, ignoring the warning look of Omer, began to be indignant: - Well, Allah should have endowed the girl with such beauty, such an aura, and light and not give a single drop of practical brains!
- Koray! - Omer barked unable to bear it. - Get down to business! You still have to bring the catalog to mind.
- Ay!!! Boring! - The director gave Iplikci a contemptuous look and turned to Laura, choking with laughter: - Countess! Well them, these bores! Let's go to my office. I'll send Nero for some cakes, we would work on the catalog and gossip! - Laura's eyes widened. She tried to object, but Koray pulled her hand and loudly ordered: - Let's go!
She just had time to shrug and send Iplikci an apologetic look when she was pulled out of the office by the hand.
- Koray! Careful! Laura is pregnant! Omer shouted after him.
When it was closed, the door opened again and the head of the director-photographer stuck through it. He gave Omer a haughty look and declared:
"That's why I'm leading the Countess to eat cakes." And you feed the skinny pregnant woman with the talk only!
The door returned to its place. Shocked, Omer looked at the laughing Defne.
- Well, what am I to do with him? He asked, confused.
"What you did," she advised cheerfully. - Take him as he is.
Omer pulled her by the hand. A teasing smile touched his lips.
- Mrs. Iplikci, are you always so wise?
She shrugged lightly and replied:
- Mr. Iplikci, although I do not have a single drop of the practical brain, I do have an impractical one.
Omer laughed and kissed her smart head.
- How good that your brain is impractical! I love it, "he said. - But in one thing Koray is right - I feed you with talk, and you need normal food, - he pulled Defne by the hand to the door, - Let's go to the pastry shop. You will choose what your heart desires.
***
The Starry Night necklace was also finished in Turkish gold. Looking closely at the decoration, Hussein Chatay smiled a predatory smile and turned to his wife:
- The show begins! Stocking up on popcorn and front row tickets!
- Did you give the video recordings to Cengiz? - Interrupting his enthusiastic speeches, Hazal asked irritably.
"Yes, don't worry," Chatay hastened to calm her down. - Your ex-girlfriend will get bogged down seriously. By the way, the recordings clearly show that she enters your office empty-handed, and leaves with a package. Iron proof.
Hazal smiled a satisfied, devilish smile. Punishing Mirai, trampling her was more important to her than anything else. Even more important than money and a luxurious life. Once she succeeded, which means she will succeed again.
"Okay," she casually praised her husband, but the next moment her voice turned to steel. - One more thing - after the exhibition and our performance, we will say goodbye to Laila. This girl annoys me.
"As you say, my life," he agreed. - In order not to break the plan, we need to hold her until the exhibition. And then we'll kick her out.
- Another whole month! Hazal's eyes flashed with impatience. - How to wait and not get nervous?
"Just a month," her husband corrected. "One month and we'll get Sapphire out of our way.
"And we'll trample Mirai," she added gloatingly.
***
The Karakaya spouses returned from their honeymoon trip refreshed and tanned. All questions from friends were answered with mysterious smiles and short excuses that Bali is beautiful and they had a great time. Sinan's expression became so blissfully silly that Omer began to seriously fear if his friend could fully return to work.
- We shipped consignments of shoes to Italy and Spain. Croatia is next in turn, - Omer reported on the state of affairs in the firm. Sinan, propping his cheek on his hand, gazed dreamily past him and did not hear a single word. The partner snapped his fingers near his nose and called: - Hey! Friend! Get down from heaven to earth! We work here.
Sinan smiled confusedly.
- I'm sorry, brother! I've been flying in the clouds since the wedding.
"Fly on and on," Omer said graciously. "But sometimes land. The work itself will not be done. And there is a lot of it.
"You're right," Sinan agreed and shook his head comically. - I postpone the flights until the evening and get to work. Do you say Croatia is next in line? I'll take care of it. Do not worry.
Defne, Laura, and Seda were resting in the nursery. They took a little break for themselves, and it was this lovely room that was the place where peace of mind was best restored. Laura and Seda sat on the sofa, sipping pomegranate juice, while Defne, holding her big belly with her hand, wandered around the crib. Examining the headboard and chiseled railings, she smiled an unconscious, touching smile.
- Do you already imagine Emine in it? Laura asked.
Defne was embarrassed and, nodding, asked:
- Is it so noticeable?
- As if you wrote it on your forehead, - confirmed Seda and turned to Laura: - By the way, yesterday someone was in a hurry for an ultrasound scan. And what did it show? Who are we waiting for?
Defne left the crib alone and also stared at her friend with curiosity. Laura smiled broadly, shrugged, and answered:
- Boy.
- A-ah! - The friends shouted in one voice and rushed to hug her.
- Boy! - Defne rejoiced. - Ahtem, probably is in seventh heaven?
"Yes," Laura said. - Although until the last moment he did not know who he wanted more, a boy or a girl. But now the son is a confirmed fact and he is making plans for his upbringing with might and main.
- And you? Seda asked her. - Are you making plans?
"No," Laura said. Her eyes shone with warm light. - I don't want to be a strict parent. I want to love him. Very much.
"But you can't get away from education either," Seda said judiciously.
"Upbringing is our behavior," Laura said philosophically. - Our children will behave exactly like us.
- Then your baby from the cradle will be a refined aristocrat. Like you, - Defne laughed. - But funny and good-natured, like Ahtem.
- And your Emine - a girl-sun with Omer's impeccable manners, - Laura answered her tone.
The pregnant girls laughed merrily.
- And mine? - Not supporting their laughter, Seda asked fearfully.
- Are you pregnant?! - Defne and Laura shouted with delight.
"I don't know," she admitted honestly. - But I'm wondering what your theory is about Sinan and me?
"If it is a boy will be reckless, confident in himself and his powers, clever," Defne immediately assured her.
- And if it is a girl, - Laura supported her - then a cute flirt with the intellect of a prodigy.
- Wow! Seda laughed. - I don't even know who I want more!
- Maybe two at once? - recalled the conversation at the wedding Defne. - Sinan will be happy!
"Me too," Seda admitted.
"Our children will be wonderful," Laura said dreamily.
"It doesn't matter what they will be," Defne said seriously. - The main thing is that they will grow in love and joy. In complete families where they love each other. Where there are support and care, - bitterness sounded in her voice. "Mom and Dad will never leave them.
- Parents will not break life, - Laura supported her. "They will accept any choice and stand up for their child like a mountain," tears flashed in her eyes. - We'll be like that, right? She asked the girls with touching doubt.
"Yes," Defne promised. - We will be like that. The most loving.
Ahtem, who looked to them five minutes later, found the girls crying sobbing. Frightened, he jumped into the nursery and darted between them.
- What's wrong with you? What happened? Who offended you? Just tell me! I will kill the impudent!
Laura took his hand and smiled through her tears.
"We'll be the best moms and dads," she explained.
- A-ah! - Not understanding anything, Ahtem stretched out in confusion, but supported his wife: - Of course we will! The very best! Now wipe away your tears and go to work. The catalog is ready. We need to make an inventory of jewelry for the exhibition.
By the end of the week, the inventory was ready. As well as a collection, and a catalog, and an advertising video. A showcase and introductory brochures with Sapphire's coordinates were ordered. Special cases-safes were purchased for transportation of jewelry. Sapphire, even in the smallest detail, was fully prepared for its first exhibition.
Two weeks before its start, the co-owners and directors of the firm gathered for a meeting in Defne's office.
- Everything is ready! - She reported with excitement. - The exhibition opens on June 8th. The seventh participants must be in place. All stands must be installed by five in the evening. We will not put it off until the last day. Ahtem, Laura, Seda, you take off on the fifth and calmly do everything you need. The hotel is already booked and the plane tickets too.
- I am flying with Seda, - Sinan informed everyone.
"Great," Defne agreed. - One more hand and head will not be superfluous.
- I would also like to go, - said Deniz Tranba, - but Iz feels bad and I cannot leave her alone.
He looked worried and depressed. His wife's toxicosis was not going to give up positions and Deniz himself was exhausted to look at her suffering. Omer patted his hand sympathetically and said:
- Stay with Iz. Ahtem, Sinan, and the girls will do a great job on their own. I won't go either. I'll stay with Defne, - he looked at his wife with tenderness. She answered him with a grateful smile and both forgot where they were for a couple of seconds.
- Hey! They are stuck! - Sinan was indignant. - We are at work now! Stop hovering in the clouds!
Defne was embarrassed and blushed. Omer looked at his partner and mockingly said:
"We've landed, brother. Do not be indignant.
After lunch, Omer called Mert into his office.
- How is your preparation for exams? - asked, and Mert reported:
- It is all right! I'm getting ready. And I help Kumru. She missed a lot.
- Well done, - Omer praised him and took out three boxes from the closet. "I have a special assignment for you. Deliver these boxes to Nisa, Kumru, and Dila. They are signed. But don't put it off until tomorrow. Deliver today.
- Shoes for the prom! Mert guessed. - Great! Kumru will be very happy. She was going to wear the old ones in your design. And having received new ones, she will jump with happiness. I'll take them right now!
"Have a nice day," Omer wished him.
As soon as Mert left the office of the big boss, Nazlican intercepted him.
- Mert! It's good that I caught you. Run to Sapphire. Defne wants to see you.
Surprised at such synchronicity between husband and wife, the boy put the boxes in a large backpack and ran to Sapphire.
- Hi! - Defne was delighted to see him. - How is your preparation for exams?
"Okay," he replied, and honestly tried to contain his laughter. These two even ask the same questions. - I'm getting ready. And I help Kumru. She missed a lot.
- Well done, - Defne praised him and took out three flat boxes from the cabinet. "I have a special assignment for you. Deliver these boxes to Nisa, Kumru, and Dila. They are signed. But don't put it off until tomorrow. Deliver today.
Mert broke down and burst out laughing. Defne looked at him in surprise and asked what was so funny she inadvertently said.
"Nothing," he replied choking on a laugh. - Just five minutes ago, Mr. Omer said the same word for word! - Winking cheerfully, he asked: - Do you always say the same phrases?
Defne remembered what she had said, and her eyes flashed with curiosity.
- Omer made shoes for the girls and gave them to you to deliver to the address? - she guessed and pleadingly brought her brows together: - Mert, show me! Otherwise, I will die of curiosity.
- Only because you are pregnant, Carrot, - he muttered and began to take boxes out of his backpack. - Pregnant women cannot be denied.
- You are a sweetheart! - Defne blew him a kiss and opened the boxes. Staring in delight at their contents, she gasped and gently touched the exquisite shoes with her fingertips. - Oh, how beautiful! The girls will love it! Let's do it! She put her cases on top of the shoes and closed the boxes with lids. - Give it to the girls and tell them to be the most beautiful and the happiest at the prom!
"Definitely," Mert promised.
That evening in big Istanbul, three girls who walked through the seven circles of hell laughed with happiness and danced around the room. Their feet were adorned with the most beautiful shoes in the world, and on their necks and ears were jewelry that was worthy of princesses.
There was a week before the prom.
***
The wedding of Seda and Sinan Karakaya did not hold the title of the most luxurious for long. It was overshadowed by the glamorous wedding of the only daughter of the owner of a chain of jewelry stores Ozcan Baisal. A magnificent celebration took place in one of the palaces of Istanbul. Several trucks of exotic flowers and a truck of ice statues were delivered for decoration. Treats were the most exquisite, and champagne was the most expensive. The guests were entertained by world celebrities, and the music was performed by the Istanbul State Symphony Orchestra.
This grand event was covered by the most respected media in Turkey. Although the world press did not pass it by. Jansu Baisal impressed the most jaded fashionistas and stylists with her outfit. Every detail was exquisitely beautiful and in harmony with the rest. Dozens of pages in glossy magazines were devoted to the elements of embroidery on the hem of the dress, the cut of the sleeves, and the bodice. And, of course, the shoes. Their crystal designs have captured the hearts of millions of women.
But the biggest shock, especially for jewelers, was the jewelry. The rimless diamonds shining on the skin were amazing. A highly praised innovation. The whole world started talking about Ahtem Minibaev, Defne Iplikci, and Sapphire. In a couple of days, serious world publications reprinted an article about a breakthrough in jewelry making and a young talent from Turkey, which can amaze the world.
Hussein Chatay was furious. He yelled and smashed everything that came to his hand. The secretary was afraid to even look at the boss. Only Hazal, curling her lips in an insidious smile, confidently walked into the office and shouted at him:
- Moron! Why are you throwing a tantrum!
- Have you seen?! - Rolling his bloodshot eyes, he thrust a magazine into her face. - The whole world is talking about them!!!
- So what?! She asked mockingly. - This hype plays into our hands. The higher their takeoff, the more they hurt themselves when they fall. All these publications, having learned about theft and plagiarism, in an hour will sing differently and drown those who were extolled. The scandal will be global and Sapphire will be crushed once and for all.
Chatay's red face brightened, and the mask of rage slowly slipped. A satisfied grin took her place.
- You, as always, are right, - after thinking, he told his wife. - Honey, I am sometimes afraid of you. Your sophisticated, cunning mind sees what I don't notice. Marrying you was my best decision.
A haughty smile stretched out flawlessly painted lips but did not touch her eyes. Their gaze remained cold. Hazal Chatay did not consider her second marriage to be either lucky or happy. Her joy, obsession, love, and happiness have been in the grave for six years. They were buried together with her first husband because of a woman whom Hazal always hated, and now she hated fiercely. Destroying her became the only goal in her worthless life. And this goal was close. In less than two weeks and Mirai Astarhan will be finished. After such a public shame, she will never rise again.
***
For three days, all the media in Turkey discussed the wedding of the heiress of the trading house Baisal Jansu and Nicolas Bianco, the heir to an impoverished Italian aristocratic family. And on the fourth, Jansu disappeared. A few hours before departure on a honeymoon trip, she left home without money, phone, credit cards and seemed to have sunk into the water. The father, distraught with fear, reported to the police, but two days of searching did not give any result. The girl disappeared.
On Saturday morning, Omer and Defne decided to take a walk along the waterfront near their home. The first summer day promised to be hot. It was for this reason that the Iplikci left early until the morning chill gave way to scorching heat. Holding hands, they slowly walked along the surf line and enjoyed the warm morning sun and fresh air. The ninth month of pregnancy made Defne clumsy and her gait slow. Omer adjusted to her and watched his wife closely to see if she was tired. Defne exposed her face to the light breeze and screwed up her eyes with pleasure.
- Do your legs hurt? Omer asked worriedly. - Maybe we can sit down?
She shook her head and refused:
- No. Let's take another walk. Such good weather. The bay is calm and the breeze is gentle.
"Okay," Omer agreed. - But if you get tired, speak right away. Don't be a hero.
- I won't, - promised Defne and stroked her stomach. - Emine doesn't like it when I'm tired.
- I don't like it either, - Omer took her arm and asked: - When do we have a visit to the doctor?
- June 7th, Friday. On the eve of the exhibition. This is the last visit before giving birth.
- Are we going to the finish line? - He smiled and put his hand on hеr belly.
- Looks like that, - Defne answered with feigned ease.
Omer sighed. Looking at his wife in the eyes, he asked the question that had kept him awake lately:
- You are afraid? From the childbirth?
"I'm afraid," she admitted honestly. - I'm very afraid. But you will be with me. It calms me down. When you are near, all fears disappear.
Omer stopped and pulled her towards him. Hiding her in his strong hands, he promised:
- I'll be with you. From the first contractions to the moment when Emine is born. If I cannot take away the pain, then I will take away the fear.
"I know," Defne replied quietly.
She was so calm in her husband's safe arms. All worries disappeared, all fears went away. She knew that he would turn the world upside down, but would not allow anything bad to happen. Lost in his arms, she raised her eyes and noticed a girl with expensive but wrinkled clothes on the bench. She sat hunched over and looked before her with unseeing eyes. The wind threw her long hair into her face, but she did not pull it away. Her whole appearance spoke of suffering. Defne looked into the young face and gasped:
"Omer," she tugged at her husband's sleeve. - Look.
He released her and turned in the indicated direction.
- Jansu Baisal? - He said in surprise. "Isn't all the Turkish police looking for her?"
"Probably, the patrolmen in this area did not take a good look at the photo," Defne suggested with irony and went to the girl.
Omer followed. They both stopped near the bench. Jansu raised a detached face to them.
- You? - There were no emotions in her voice, no life in the eyes. Blank and dead look.
Defne sat down next to her and, taking her hand, spoke with tender sympathy:
- Jansu, what happened? Why are you here? Everyone has been looking for you for two days. Your father has raised all of Turkey to its feet.
The emptiness left the huge black eyes and panic was reflected in them.
- I will not be back! - whispered to Jansu in a cold voice. - I will not return to them. To my father and to ... him. Never, never come back!
- Where did you spend those two days? Defne spoke softly again. - Where did you spend the night? What did you eat? Do you have money?
The girl shook her head.
- No money left. Slept here on the bench. I don't want to eat," she began to cry. - I want to die.
- Hush, dear, - Defne hugged her and began to rock her smoothly. Jansu fell silent. - Do not say that. Even the most terrible days pass and bright ones come to replace them. And so it will be with you.
"They betrayed me," the girl whispered plaintively, sobbing. - Niko and my father betrayed me...
"Jansu," said Omer, who had been silent throughout the conversation. - You have a cold, tired, and exhausted from hunger. Let's go to us. Take a hot shower, eat, sleep. And then we'll talk and decide what to do next.
Defne looked at her husband with warm gratitude, and Jansu was confused. After thinking for a minute, she nodded her head in agreement. Omer helped her up. Defne took her arm and the three of them walked slowly towards the street leading to Iplikci's house.
At home, Defne picked up clothes for Jansu and made fresh soup while she was taking a shower.
"Sit down," she called affectionately as the girl went downstairs.
Jansu sat down at the table and eagerly pounced on the food. Omer and Defne exchanged glances. As if she hadn't eaten for three days, Defne thought with compassion and immediately realized with horror that it was so. A pampered child on the street without a penny. How did she survive?
When the girl put down the empty plate, Defne served her a large cup of herbal tea with honey and lemon.
- Drink, - ordered. - You'll feel better. And then you go to sleep.
She took the cup, took a sip, and only then answered:
- I don't want to sleep. I slept at night. Little. Until it got very cold.
- Poor thing, - Defne stroked her hand and asked: - Will you tell us what happened?
A tear rolled down the girl's pale cheek. Always confident in herself, sharp on the tongue and perky, now she was not like her former self. A broken flower that caused Defne to feel a sharp wave of pity. She sat down beside her and took her hand. Jansu looked at her and spoke:
- I accidentally overheard their conversation. I was looking for Niko. It was time for us to go to the airport. The servant said that he was with my father in the office. I went over. The door was ajar. I didn't want to eavesdrop. But then Dad said that if Niko opens his mouth and tells me about their deal, he will kill him. I felt like I was frozen. I couldn't move. And they went on talking. Niko replied that it was not in his interest to tell me about it. That he fulfilled his end of the bargain and married me. And now my father must fulfill his promise - to pay the debts of the Bianco family, - Defne gasped and covered her mouth with her hand. Omer exhaled loudly. Jansu looked at each one in turn and said, "Do you understand now? I love him so much! Thought he loved me too. But it turned out to be just a deal! He doesn't love me, he sells his love for money," she burst into tears.
- Sweetheart, - Defne hugged her and pressed her drooping head to her chest. - Cry. You'll feel better.
- It will never be easier for me, - with bitter despair whispered Jansu.
"It will," Omer promised and stroked her head. - You are a strong girl. You have your whole life ahead of you. But there is no need to run and hide. This is the road to nowhere. You have to talk to your father and find out. And then decide how to live on and which road to choose.
- I can not! Jansu shook her head desperately.
- Sweetheart, - Defne took her face in her hands and looked into her eyes. - Omer is right. Your father's act is terrible, but I'm sure there was only one reason for motives — love for you. He loves you very much and is now going crazy with fear and grief. Don't be cruel. Let's at least let him know that you are alive and well.
- But better find the strength and talk to him, - supported his wife Omer. - This conversation will benefit you first of all.
Jansu thought about it. Defne and Omer did not interfere with her. They silently awaited her decision and unobtrusively involved in household chores. Help Defne plant flowers in the garden, wash vegetables, set the table for dinner. The girl did everything mechanically. And three hours later she asked Defne to call her father.
He arrived twenty minutes later. Crying with joy, he thanked Allah for the fact that his girl was alive and well. But she didn't let him hug her. She looked with a grown-up, serious look and said that they needed to talk.
Omer accompanied the father and daughter to the office and closed the door behind them. Defne was waiting for him in the living room. He walked over to her and hugged her silently.
- Do you think she will forgive him? - pressing her cheek to his chest, asked Defne.
"I don't know," Omer replied.
Baisal left after forty minutes. Jansu no longer looked like a confused, unhappy kitten. Her shoulders straightened, and a cold, unperturbed mask froze over her face.
"I'm going back," she said seriously. - Niko left our house. But father will cover the debts of his family. Baisal always fulfill their part of a deal, - bitterness distorted her face for a moment, but the next second the mask returned. Not for long. It flew off, exposing all the tearing feelings as Defna hugged the girl.
- If you need help, or just to talk, come, - the hostess of the house spoke hotly. "It doesn't matter here or in Sapphire. I will always listen to you and help you.
"Thanks," Jansu replied hoarsely. - For all. I will never forget this day.
She kissed Defne on the cheek, nodded gratefully to Omer, and left the house. Ozcan was delayed for a minute.
- Thank you! - He warmly thanked Iplikci. - Thank you! I owe you for the rest of my life.
- Do not be silly, Baisal! Omer cut him off rudely. - Better hurry to your daughter. She needs your love and support now more than ever.
- You are right, - he agreed and hurried after Jansu.
When the door closed behind him, Defne leaned against her husband's shoulder and whispered:
- Poor girl.
- He is a fool, this Niko! - said, Omer. - I wonder if he will understand what he has lost.
"Who knows," Defne replied thoughtfully. - But Jansu is facing a very difficult time. In addition to a broken heart, she still faces public humiliation. Divorce will be discussed even more zealously than the wedding.
- The sad fate of all the rich and famous, - agreed on Omer and turned his wife to him. Looking deeply into her amber eyes, he asked: - I only beg you, do not take the story of Jansu to heart. You must not worry. Remember the bead and that everyone has their own test threshold in life. Jansu has it like that. And only she can overcome it.
"I won't," Defne promised. "Besides, we have a happy day tomorrow. Our birds and clever Mert are finishing school. We will go to see how beautiful and happy girls in the most beautiful, exclusive shoes from Omer Iplikci himself will dance at their first adult ball.
- How do you know ... Mert! - Omer guessed and shook his head reproachfully. - He did tell you.
- Don't be angry with him, - Defne smiled. - He only showed the shoes, but I already knew that you were making them. After all, you are Omer Iplikci! A person who makes dreams come true. You simply could not fail to fulfill Kumru's wish to dance at the ball in the shoes of your design. And at the same time, you made Nisa and Dila happy. They called me yesterday. They squeaked with delight and asked to convey that you are the best person in the world.
Listening to her, Omer suppressed a sly smile. And when Defne was silent, he kissed her and said:
- You know, my dear, our birds also called me yesterday. They squeaked with delight, telling what amazing jewelry Defne had made for them. And they asked me to convey that you are the best person in the world.
- Ay! - Defne blushed. - My secret is also revealed! - Looking into the narrowed eyes of her husband, she cheerfully pronounced the verdict: - You and I are worth each other.
Omer laughed and pressed a long kiss to her lips.