Iplikci, Serdar, Mert, Koray, and Ahtem stopped in the middle of the parking lot near their cars. Karakaya and Tranba left, the Baisal locked up and set the store on the alarm. Defne looked around her relatives and friends not only by blood, but also by fate, and said:
- We will not say a word to grandmother and Esra that her father put her on a poker bet. This will traumatize her psyche.
- And it will undermine the health of Mrs. Turkan, - added Mr. Hulusi judiciously.
Defne looked at him gratefully and smiled. He closed his eyes, wordlessly promising her that his support would always be with her. Neriman, watching this silent dialogue, only theatrically rolled her eyes. She has long come to terms with the fact that Black Mamba, daddy Hulusi, has an irrational but deep sympathy for Defne. And, oddly enough, she has it too. But the old man has even more irrational sympathy for Mrs.Turkan. Although understandable. It seems that he fell in love in his old age. The fact is scandalous but funny. It will even be interesting to see what happens. Neriman widened her eyes in amazement and covered her mouth with her hand. What thoughts are wandering in her head? She blesses her father-in-law, whom she recently dreamed of seeing passing into another world, to get married. And what did these Topal do with her?! Exactly, they know some kind of love spell! Everyone is bewitched from them.
- Aunt, what's wrong with you? Omer asked worriedly.
- Ay, Omyush, - Koray intervened. - Don't you understand? Nero has a new wave of shock. And how can she not? I cannot understand it! Father put the Clever Girl on the line! What kind of scoundrel you have to be?! Skinny, I'm sorry! Although he is your dad, he is a rare scoundrel.
"I still have the hope that I'm not his daughter," Defne muttered barely audibly.
But Omer heard. And he looked at her worriedly. Allah! What is going on in the soul of his beloved wife now? She urgently needs hugs, kisses, and a long heart-to-heart talk. Exactly in this order. But first, they need to get home.
"Defne is right," Serdar spoke up and scratched the back of his head anxiously. - Esra and grandmother must not know the details. For both, it will be a blow. But the court session and the newspapers...
- I will ask Onder Gumuskaya to close the hearing. And the investigation too," said Mert. - Then nothing will be leaked to the media.
- Thank you, - Defne smiled at him. - That would be great. I do not want this story to appear on the pages of newspapers and the whole of Turkey talking about us," she in turn looked at each of those present. - Only we know about what happened. Let this remain our secret.
- Neriman, do you hear? - Mr. Hulusi asked his daughter-in-law sternly.
- Ay, daddy! And when was I chatty? - she was indignant. The father-in-law raised an eyebrow ironically and she backed down. - Well, okay, I was! But that's only when the gossip isn't about the family. Otherwise, my lips are sealed!
"And stay silent," he instructed her.
"Koray, this also concerns you," Omer turned to his friend, looking innocently at the sky. - You will not say a word to anyone or anywhere.
The latter slowly lowered his head, examined him contemptuously, and exclaimed:
- Off! Omyush, stop talking nonsense! Take Skinny and go home. Diana misses her parents and is crying, and they are giving out instructions here. Without you, we know that we need to keep our mouths shut. We are not small! And grab Mert. He is on your way!
"I'll take Mert," Ahtem suggested and slapped Omer on the shoulder. - And you really, go. Baby Emine and grandmother Turkan are waiting for you.
"And Nihan," Serdar muttered. "I'll have to tell her." She noses out if I lie. I will not get off alive. But she won't say anything to anyone. Can only smash the prison to get Kadir Shishmaz and tear him to pieces.
"Nihan is like that," Defne agreed and nodded at the cars. - Let's go home! They are waiting for us.
Four cars pulled out of the parking lot and rushed along the highway, each in its own direction.
Mert was sitting in the front seat next to Ahtem. The latter looked at him thoughtfully from time to time and finally spoke:
- Mert, I have a serious conversation with you.
"Speak, Mr. Ahtem," the boy replied.
Ahtem, looking in front of him and driving the car, said:
- Just let's agree, we answer honestly and directly. By the heart. Conversation between men and no one will ever know about it.
"I agree," said Mert without a moment's hesitation.
- Do you like Esra? - The man asked him directly and softened the question a little. - This is not an idle curiosity and I will explain everything. But first, answer the question. Do you like Esra?
"Yes," said Mert clearly. - I like her. But how did you guess?
- It was not difficult. Your reaction when Shishmaz put her on the line was very eloquent.
- Maybe, but what does this have to do with you? - Mert looked at his profile point-blank.
The man's face was pensive and stern. He stopped the car near Mert's house and turned to him.
- Banu likes you - he explained.
Mert turned pale and shook his head.
- No ... you're wrong. Banu and I are only friends.
- I'm not mistaken - bitterly said Ahtem. - I know that shining look. These are the eyes that Banu is looking at you with. And she is very impressionable and vulnerable. I have gone through a whole series of tragedies and I do not want the girl, whom I love as a younger sister, to suffer.
"But I can't bring myself to love her," said Mert, confused.
- Nobody can make himself fall in love ... or stop loving, - Ahtem smiled sadly. - I only ask you to communicate with her exactly, as with a friend. Give her time to sort out her feelings and, perhaps, she will outgrow this love and understand that you are not her destiny. All three of you are still children. Don't take your relationship to the next level yet. Stay friends.
Mert listened attentively. He frowned, bit his lip, but listened. And in his mind, he understood that the man was right. The heart wanted something else. He wanted to love, to confess his feelings, to hear in response that reciprocal love exists, but ... Ahtem speaks correctly. Esra is only fourteen. And then there is the vulnerable, who survived a lot of suffering, Banu. He can't hurt her. Let there be only friendship for now. A real, strong friendship.
Mert nodded his head and replied:
- It will be so. Fear not, I will not offend Banu or cause her suffering.
Ahtem held out his hand to him and the boy shook it tightly.
- Well done, Mert! Decided like a real man and a good person. My respect to you! - He saluted with two fingers and nodded at the door: - Run home. Mom is waiting for you and is worried.
- Goodnight! - The boy wished and got out of the car.
Slightly hunched over and thrusting his hands into the pockets of his windbreaker, he slowly walked under the lanterns to the entrance. Ahtem looked after him. He knew the guy would keep his promise. Will do it now. But what will happen in a few years? Will the heart of the fragile, tender girl Banu break then?
Parents were worried in vain. When they returned home, their Bead slept sweetly in the company of her cousin and guarded by the faithful Kid. The grown-up puppy, resting its head on its paws, lay between Emine's crib and Iso's stroller. Its eyes were closed, but the ears twitched sensitively to all the sounds and rustle around.
Omer and Defne dropped in to see their daughter, made sure she was fine and went down to the dining room. On the table, cups with tea gleamed like amber and baklava smelled sweet. The Topal family was sitting around the table. Grandma looked thoughtful, and Nihan jumped with impatience.
- Sit down already! - She shouted at the hosts of the house. - I'm going to burst with curiosity! - Waiting for Omer and Defne to sit down, she ordered: - Tell me!
Iplikci exchanged glances and Defne replied to her friend:
- Everything was according to the plan. Kadir Shishmaz appeared at exactly nine. The others were already waiting for him at the gaming table, and he had no choice but to take the place prepared for him. The chair at which three video cameras were aimed. They filmed everything! All bets, every word, and movement of Shishmaz. And then the police came to the casino and arrested him.
- Now the court will deprive him of parental rights? - The grandmother was delighted.
"Now they will put him in jail," Serdar answered abruptly with malicious joy. - The detective hired by Omer found women from whom our father fraudulently fished out money. They agreed to file a complaint with the police. So that the prison term is provided for him. And if in prison the mafia, whom he owed get to him, and kills him, we will not cry.
- Definitely not! - agreed with him Nihan. - Our son does not need such a grandfather! Let's get rid of him and forget his name.
- We need to call Esra, - Defne changed the subject. - She worries.
She took the phone out of her pocket and wanted to dial the number, but Omer stopped her by holding her arm:
- Wait a minute. It seems to me that Esra does not need to return to Istanbul before the trial. Let her stay on the island for now. And when everything is over and Shishmaz is deprived of parental rights, she will return. I spoke to the investigator. He said there will be no hitch. The trial will take place in a couple of weeks.
"Omer is right," Serdar supported him.
Grandma and Nihan nodded their heads in agreement. Everyone missed the cute Esra, but her peace of mind and safety were above all. Defne sighed and agreed:
- So be it. I'll talk to her.
Esra, on the other side of the world, also concluded that it would be better for her not to return to Istanbul for now. Let everything end and even the shadow of Kadir Shishmaz will not remain above her. She misses her home and family, but she will endure for a few more weeks. Until then, she and Banu will help Maya and Theo. They are in the high season now. Many visitors and all with children.
"We get along very well with the kids," the girl admitted proudly. - Their parents are happy. We also help Maya with cooking and cleaning. She says that we are her assistants and she has never had such a good summer.
"You are smart," Defne praised her, and tears glistened in her eyes.
And this golden girl, innocent and pure, monster-father was ready to give to the vile lechers to be torn apart? He has no heart. There is no humanity. And there is no conscience either. If he decays in prison, she, Defne, will not pity him for a second.
Defne, lost in her thoughts, did not even notice how frantically she clenches her hand into a fist. But Omer noticed. And covered her with his. He squeezed lightly and smiled at his wife. She responded with a tortured and grateful smile. She said goodbye to Esra and put the phone on the table.
"It's too late," she said wearily. - It's three o'clock in the morning...
The Topal family seemed to wake up from a dream. They got to their feet and were getting ready to go home. They took Iso from the nursery and hurried to the exit. Omer called a taxi for them and went to see them off. On the street, before getting into the car, grandma Turkan stroked his cheek and said:
- Thank you, son! Thanks for everything. I am so glad that then, a year ago, I believed you and ordered Defne to return to her husband. This was the most correct decision of mine. Although, Allah is witness, how hard it was for me then. My girl thought that I had betrayed her, drove her out of the house...
- Aunt Turkan, enough emotions for today! Nihan ordered her unceremoniously into the car. - Your decision was the only correct one and brought an ocean of happiness to Defne. This is a fact and now let it go. And now - home! Iso doesn't care what time we go to bed. He will wake up at six. Omer, bye!
The taxi drove off carrying the gloomy Serdar, the sleeping Iso, and the waving women. Omer also waved back at them and remained standing until the taxi disappeared around the bend. And then he went home with a brisk pace. He found Defne in the nursery. She managed to change into thin, cotton pajamas and lose her hair. They lay in a luxurious, shiny mass on her shoulders and back. Defne looked at her daughter and her face was sad and thoughtful. Omer approached her, kissed her warm shoulder, and quietly asked:
- Can't keep your eyes off her?
"I can't," she answered just as quietly. - Emine is so perfect, so beautiful. The most beautiful girl in the world.
"The most beloved girl in the world," Omer added and straightened the satin blanket, hiding his daughter's tiny arms under it. And then he hugged Defne by the shoulders and led to the door. - Let's go. There is very little night left. And you need to rest.
"You too," she reminded him fairly.
Omer kissed her temple and replied:
- I am a strong man. I can handle it. And you are a fragile woman and you need strength. Do not argue with me!
"I won't," Defne promised.
But in the bedroom, she was in no hurry to go to bed. She sat down on its edge, raised her worried face to her husband, and said:
- Omer...
- Yes, darling, - he squatted down in front of her and took her hands in his. Defne hesitated and he encouraged her with a smile and then ordered: - Speak.
She took a full chest of air and blurted out:
- I want to do a DNA test.
- DNA test? - asked the taken aback Omer. - What for?
"I want to know for sure if I'm his daughter or not," Defne explained fervently.
Looking inquisitively into her eyes, Omer asked:
- If you know for sure, will it become easier for you?
- Yes! - Defne answered without hesitation.
The next morning, impeccably elegant and confident, Omer and Defne Iplikci entered the investigator's office. He rose to meet them and invited them to sit down.
- Let's get started? The man asked with a tight smile. The couple nodded.
The conversation was short. Omer and Defne answered the questions in detail and clearly, signed the protocol and the investigator said that they could leave. But the Iplikci were in no hurry to go. They looked at each other and Omer turned to the investigator:
- Captain, we have a request. My wife wants to do a DNA test to make sure that Kadir Shishmaz is really her father.
"Or not my father," Defne added quietly.
Omer took her hand, intertwined her fingers with his, and spoke to the policeman again:
- Is it possible?
"Yes," he replied calmly. - Now I will call our expert. She will take the material from you, Mrs. Defne, then from Kadir Shishmaz, and in a few days, she will tell you the result.
He called the internal phone and soon a short-haired woman of about thirty in a medical jacket over a black shirt-cut blouse entered the office. After a short greeting, she opened her briefcase, took out a glass test tube, removed a cotton swab from a sterile package, and asked Defne to open her mouth. Scribbling it down the inside of her cheek, she placed the stick in the test tube, capped it, and made a mark with a marker.
"I already have the suspect's biological material," she said dispassionately. "An hour ago he was trying to simulate an epileptic seizure. I was called to confirm whether a doctor's help is needed or not.
Defne just shook her head. What else can you expect from a bastard and a crook?
- And what was your verdict? The investigator asked almost cheerfully.
The woman smiled ironically and replied:
- No one has died from a bar of soap in the mouth and a bitten cheek. Healthy as a bull. I'm sure the psychiatrist will confirm my diagnosis.
"I have no doubt," said the investigator. And then he looked at Iplikci and seriously promised them: - I will do my best to ensure that the evidence base is complete and faultless. So that no lawyer could find a loophole and get this monster out of prison.
Defne was startled by his last words. She frowned in dismay and asked:
- Is it possible? Is he able to hire a good lawyer?
- No, not in a position, - the investigator reassured her. - There is no money left on his account. He withdrew the last five thousand dollars yesterday and put it on the line in the game. Kadir Shishmaz is penniless and will be protected by the state defender. And he is also a father. And he has two daughters, - the guardian of the law transparently hinted.
Defne sighed with relief and closed her eyes. Everything is going right. The way it should be. She still cannot say: "It's over," but the nerve knot inside has weakened. Kadir Shishmaz will be punished and will disappear from their lives.
The Iplikci went out into the street. Defne stopped and put her face to the sun.
"How good," she whispered. - It seemed to me that all this month I had not seen the sun. There was a dense fog around and it was hiding in it. And now I see the sun again. And this is wonderful!
"Then let's take Emine and go to the sea," Omer suggested. - You will rest and enjoy the sun.
Defne thought about it. There was work in the office, but Omer was right - she needed rest. She was extremely tired during these weeks and her internal generator was in urgent need of recharging.
- Let's go! She agreed.
On the way to the house, Omer called Zehra and asked her to prepare a picnic basket. And then he told Sukru that for today he and his wife are free. He will sit behind the wheel and dinner in the evening he and Defne will also cook themselves. The driver smiled a grateful smile and replied:
- Thank you, Mr. Omer! Then Zehra and I will visit our eldest son and daughter-in-law today. They invited us to dinner. They want to tell something important.
- Ay, brother Sukru! Defne exclaimed. - Let it be good!
"Have a good evening, then" Omer wished in turn.
At home, a basket loaded with all sorts of goodies, folded blankets, and a pair of sun loungers, as well as Emine Diana, who was jerking her legs in her stroller, dressed for a walk, were already waiting for them.
- Thank you, sister Zehra! - Defne thanked her and rushed upstairs to change.
In the dressing room, she opened a drawer with swimsuits, hesitated a little, thinking which to wear or not, but then resolutely grabbed one and began to change. When Omer entered the room, she was already buttoning the buttons of a long, bright turquoise sundress with a flying skirt. Omer looked at her and whistled:
- You decided to drive me crazy today?
Defne only smiled slyly, grabbed a wide-brimmed hat, and left him alone to change, while she easily ran downstairs and grabbed her daughter in her arms. Satisfied, Emine smiled at her mother and hummed something that only she could understand. Defne kissed her on the cheek and whirled around the room, singing a funny song.
Omer, dressed in khaki shorts and a white T-shirt, appeared at the top of the stairs. His gaze rested on his wife and daughter. Defne's open, serene smile filled his chest with joy. She hadn't smiled like that for a long time - easily and carefree. The situation with Kadir Shishmaz and Esra pressed on her, kept her in constant fear and anxiety. And today it stepped aside. Defne finally believed that everything would be fine and allowed herself to let it go. She feels the taste of life again and enjoys the little things.
He went downstairs, took Emine Diana from mommy's hands, and winked at the latter.
- Are we going to the sea?
She nodded nonchalantly.
- Let's go!
Omer brought the family to the very place where almost a year ago they were at a picnic in a friendly company, allowing seriously ill girls to forget about the hospital for a few hours and become just carefree children. The place remained as beautiful and deserted. Tall pine trees gave the air a resinous, piney scent, the beach below was golden white and the sea blue and calm.
Omer took out of the car a basket with Emine who had fallen asleep on the road. She began to turn but did not wake up.
- Bring her here, - Defne pointed to a flat area in the shade of a large tree.
It was there that they spread blankets, installed Emine's stroller and sun loungers. The puppy sniffed new, unfamiliar territory and chased butterflies fluttering over flowers.
Omer pulled off his shirt and tossed it aside. Defne admired his strong muscles rolling under the bronze skin and for a minute forgot about everything in the world. And then she grabbed the edge of her sundress and pulled it up. Under the turquoise cotton, there was a black swimsuit with bright inserts, which suited her porcelain skin.
Omer's breath caught in his throat. He looked at the slender figure of his wife and could not take his eyes off. Her waist was thin again, her belly flat, and her breasts high and curvy.
- Defne? - Swallowing, he whispered hoarsely.
She threw the sundress on a chaise longue, shrugged her shoulder, and answered a little embarrassedly:
- I can already sunbathe and swim in the sea. If we are already here, I thought ... why not.
Omer pulled her to him by the hand, looked hot into her eyes, and said:
- You thought very well, - he pointed with his head to the sea. - While Emine sleeps, can we take a dip?
Defne sighed and nodded her head in agreement.
Omer took the basket with the sleeping girl in his hands, called Kid with a soft whistle, and headed along the rocky path to the beach. Defne followed, and her heart sank sweetly in her chest.
On the beach, Omer spread a blanket, set the basket with Emine on it, pulled on the visor so that the sun did not interfere with the sleeping girl, and ordered to Kid:
- Guard.
The puppy obediently lay down beside the baby and laid its shaggy head on its front paws.
Omer turned to Defne. She breathed quickly and her chest rose with each breath. He took her hand and led her to the sea.
The water was gentle, clean, and warm. Too warm to cool the blood-raging passion. But Omer did not want to extinguish this fire. He held himself back for a whole month. And even if more is not possible, but today he will touch Defne the way he wants. He will touch her body, kisses her deeply and greedily. Will caress her skin until she burns under his palms.
When the water reached Defne's chest, Omer stopped and pulled his wife to him. She hugged his neck and with a sigh, he squeezed her in his arms and fell to her sweet lips.
He was dizzy from lack of oxygen, but Omer could not tear himself away from his wife. His palms moved non-stop over her body. Caressing, squeezing, stroking. We made his way under the swimsuit. Defne's skin was like silk and Omer enjoyed every touch, every second when his wife was in his arms. He wanted her to the point of shivering and knew that she, too, was now burning with a hot flame and felt his desire. But when she touched his erection, he grabbed her hand and said hoarsely:
- No.
- Why? She asked, just as hoarsely.
- I want everything to be real. Just a little bit left. I'll be patient.
Defne looked into his eyes and said:
- I have an appointment with the doctor tomorrow.
- In what time? - Omer could not contain his impatience and it made his voice deaf and abrupt.
- At nine. But I'm sure I'm already fine and she will give the green light.
Omer groaned and buried his face in her breasts. His palms gripped her buttocks with force and tore Defne from the water. She wrapped her legs around his hips and squeezed his dark-haired head in her palms.
-These hours will be the longest in my life," he muttered with passion, in a vibrating voice.
"And in mine," Defne thought.
On the shore, the puppy started barking, and after it, a resounding sound was heard: "Uaaaa!" - Emine Diana. Defne let go of her husband and slipped out of his hands. Looking into his eyes blazing with living fire, she whispered:
- I'll go to the baby. And you can swim some more.
He caught her hand and said guiltily:
"But you didn't swim."
She smiled at him so that the heart sank in his chest. And she answered:
- It does not matter. But I flew.
It was a beautiful day. Emine Diana was in a good mood and enjoyed the sun, the sea, and just the fact that dad was with mom by her side. Omer carried her to the water and even wet her tiny feet in it. The baby liked both the water and the glare of the sun on its surface. She diligently tried to keep her head straight and gurgled happily. The puppy ran along the edge of the surf, barking loudly when the incoming wave sprayed him with salty drops. Defne was sitting in a sun lounger, watching her family and smiling quietly. Her life was fine again. Almost okay. Two things worried her now: first, that Kadir Shishmaz must not escape punishment, and second, that she so passionately hates the man who may be her own father.
Defne had never felt hatred for anyone before, but now it was gripping her soul and causing physical pain. She wished Shishmaz cruel retribution and was ashamed of her feelings. But now she couldn't do anything with them. Defne shook her head and firmly brushed aside her thoughts. She needs to wait for the DNA test results. And then she will decide what to do with her hatred and guilt.
Getting on her feet, she hurried to her husband and daughter. They were the only ones who could dispel her sorrows now.
The next morning Omer had an important appointment and was unable to accompany Defne to the doctor. She went to the hospital alone. But before his wife got into the car, he caught her hand, looked imploringly into her eyes, and asked:
- As soon as you leave the doctor, call me.
"You'll have an important meeting," Defne reminded him.
- Oh heck! Omer scratched the back of his head nervously. - Then write a message. I'll wait.
His impatience cheered Defne all the way to the clinic. The man Omer wanted her to the point of madness and, to be honest, she was very flattered by this circumstance. The whole month after the weekend on the island, while they were boiling in the cauldron of the blackmail and looking for a way out of it, he was restrained and never showed his desires. On the one hand, it was understandable and logical, but on the other hand, it touched her female ego.
And now this EGO was completely satisfied!
At the clinic, the doctor examined Defne and told her with satisfaction that everything was in order.
- You are completely healthy and can live a normal life.
With a fluttering gait, Defne left the clinic and stood on the wide steps of the porch. She fished her phone out of her purse, typed in a few words, and hit the Send icon.
The phone was on the table. Omer, listening to potential clients, kept glancing at it. But the screen remained dark. And so, when his patience had already come to an end and he was preparing to rush to the clinic, having urgently finished the meeting, the phone display lit up. Omer grabbed it and opened the message with a lightning movement.
"Greenlight!" it read.
Omer did not know how miraculously he had restrained his joyous cry. But, probably, the expression on his face was very amusing, since the interlocutors looked at him in mute surprise. Pretending that nothing unusual had happened, Omer Iplikci, face shining like a polished copper pot, set the meeting at a frantic pace, and fifteen minutes later, dumbfounded potential clients were already leaving his office door. Before it had time to close behind them, he grabbed the phone and began to give orders:
- Jan! Get the boat ready! Be at the pier at seven sharp!
- Alp! Urgently deliver to my house on the island one ... no two bottles of your best wine. Red ... no white ... no red! Exactly, red! And give the order to your restaurant by eight in the evening to set the table for dinner in the gazebo near the house. What to cook? Off, what's the difference! All the best! Stop! I remembered! Lobster soufflé! Necessarily! And the rest is at the discretion of the chef. We will eat everything! Oysters ?! No!!! No oysters! - He dropped his hand with the phone and muttered: - What oysters ?! I'm already on fire. Defne runs the risk of not getting out of bed till the morning. And we have a small child. No, no oysters! Next time. Five months later.
His face took on a mild expression. He ran his finger across the screen again and brought the phone to his ear.
- Grandma Turkan! No, no, don't worry! Everyone is healthy and Emine feels great! Dо you miss her? So we can bring her to you and leave her until tomorrow. You'll look after her at your heart's content. Do you agree? That is great! At six-thirty we are with you. No, we won't have supper. Defne and I have some things to do tonight. What are we going to do?" Omer with amazement felt his face begin to burn." - Yes, we have a meeting ... important. Very important. After ending the call, he exhaled and added: - Vital. If it does not take place, I will definitely die.
Sinan looked into the office. He looked bewildered, or rather, slightly knocked down.
- Come in, sit down! Omer told him cheerfully.
Looking suspiciously at his partner, he walked over to а chair and sat down. Omer, patting himself on the back of the head, walked around the office. Here and there, like a pendulum.
"Brother," Sinan called him carefully. - Are you all right?
- Why are you asking? Omer stopped and stared at his friend.
- You look strange. And Nazlican said that you accepted all the conditions of the clients. This has never happened before. I was worried.
- They set quite acceptable conditions, - Omer got out.
- Well, if so ... - held out Sinan. "But you still look weird. Exactly, nothing happened?
- Not - Omer replied and smiled slyly, adding mentally: "It's just that exactly six weeks have passed since Defne gave birth. And I can make love to my wife again! "
***
Mirai and Kartal took a marriage license from the municipality. Both decided that the wedding would be modest and only the children and parents of Kartal would be present. They were the ones who decided to ask to be witnesses. A few days earlier, Kartal introduced his father and mother to Mirai and her children. The parent's concern about their son calmed down. They liked Mirai. Both decided that such a sweet and worthy woman would become a good wife to their son. And they gave their blessing. So are the children. Kumru, Mert, and the twins were happy that their parents decided to get married. The girls endlessly talked about the fact that their mother would soon become a bride, they would have a father, and Kumru would become their sister.
After the municipality, Kartal returned to Sapphire, and Mirai went to look for a suitable outfit. The wedding may be modest, but she wanted to look good on it. In one of the boutiques, she looked at a silk ivory suit. After trying it on, she went out into the store and spun in front of the saleswomen. They began to gasp in one voice and admire how charming the woman looks in it. Mirai herself saw that the suit fits perfectly. Also, its color matched her face, setting off her blue eyes and dark hair.
- I take it, - she smiled at the sellers and went to change.
Immersed in a state of exhilarating joy, she did not notice that the brown eyes of her ex-husband were intently watching her through the glass of the shop window.
He caught up with Mirai when she left the boutique and stopped, taking her by the elbow.
- Hello, - he greeted abruptly.
"Hello," she replied calmly and released her hand from his tenacious fingers.
"We need to talk," Mehmet insisted.
"We have no topics for conversation," Mirai took a step back. "I'm not preventing you to see your children. You do it regularly. And we have no other points of contact.
- There is! - Mehmet's cheeks twitched nervously and Mirai felt anxiety. What else does her ex-husband want from her?
"I'm listening," she said, trying to sound calm.
- Are you getting married? - He asked.
- Where do you know ... - she began to speak and a guess flashed in her head. Of course! The girls. They and Mert met with their father and grandfathers yesterday. - Did Asli and Jeren tell you?
- Yes! - Angrily spat out the word Mehmet.
- And what does not suit you? - asked Mirai. - We have been divorced for a long time and I have every right to remarry.
Mehmet burned through her with his eyes. Mirai remembered that look. Even before, many years ago, when they were married, he looked at her like this - suppressing her will and demanding complete submission. And she obeyed. But she is no longer his obedient wife! She is a woman who has gone through a fire, water, and storms. She survived. No one will ever dictate their terms to her again.
But Mehmet thought differently. He bent down to her face and hissed:
"I won't let my daughters live with a stepfather. If you marry, I will take them from you. And by the way, - he grinned ironically. - I am a law-abiding citizen. Not a gambler, not a crook, not a pimp. You will not be able to deprive me of my paternal rights.
***
Defne put in a large bag, which already contained a first-aid kit, a package of bottles of formula and a pack of diapers, a stack of baby clothes, and sat down on the bed. Omer was feeding Emine Diana. Walking around the room, he held a bottle in her mouth, watched the baby eagerly devour the mixture, and quietly cooed about how beautiful and strong his daughter would grow up.
- Omer! - Defne called him. He raised his eyes to her and she asked: - Maybe not? Leaving the baby with other people for almost a day. I'm scared. She is still so small...
Omer sat down next to her and spoke patiently, like to a child:
- My soul! We have a wonderful, healthy child. We leave her not with strangers, but with your grandmother, who will give both of us a head start in caring for young children.
"Yes," Defne agreed. - Grandma Turkan is a real professional in this.
- That's it! - Omer smiled at his wife. "So stop worrying and blaming yourself. Emine will have a great time with grandma and cousin Iso. And we, too, will have a great time, just the two of us, - he frowned his eyebrows to the nose and plaintively asked: - Please, darling! Agree. We just need it.
Well, how could she refuse such a sweet and touching Omer? Nobody could. Not a single woman. Defne smiled and nodded her head in agreement:
- Okay! Let's go and take Emine to her grandmother.
Grandmother beamed with happiness. Snatching the great-granddaughter from Defne's hands on the threshold, she nodded to Serdar to take the bag from Omer's hands and enlightened the young parents:
- We have already prepared a bed for Bead. They put it in my room. We will bathe her in the Iso's baby tub. He no longer needs it. The guy has grown up and is bathing in an adult bath. So, go to your important meeting and don't worry about anything. My cute Bead will be fine. Yes, my life? - She cooed with the baby. Emine answered with a wide, toothless smile. - Ay, my sweet! How beautiful you smile at your grandmother!
She looked at the dad and mom, frozen on the threshold, and strictly ordered them: - Get out of here! And until tomorrow you don't appear here. Come for lunch. I will cook sarma in beet leaves. Especially for Omer.
- See you tomorrow, grandmother Turkan! - Omer said goodbye to her and pulled Defne by the hand to the car.
He started the Mercedes from its place, and when the narrow streets were waving behind it, he pressed on the gas.
- We hurry? Defne asked him.
To which he, with flashing eyes, replied:
- Very!
Buildings and trees flashed outside the window, turning into one continuous line.
- And where are we going? - Resigned herself to such a speed, asked Defne.
"You'll understand soon," Omer answered mysteriously.
She really understood. At the very moment when the car stopped at the pier. There were no other options.
- To the island! - exclaimed and laughed happily.
Omer kissed her and confirmed:
- Yes! There, no one will bother us and you will be mine for almost a whole day.
The speedboat flew like an arrow and fifteen minutes later Omer was already helping Defne down the ladder to the pier near their house.
- Jan, tomorrow at half-past ten in the morning you will pick us up, - Omer told the captain.
He saluted and pulled the lever. The boat motor roared and rushed back to the mainland. Defne hesitated, looking at the beach and the endless sea, but Omer grabbed her hand and pulled her towards the house. His patience was at its limit and threatened to splash out in a hurricane of unthinkable strength.
Defne, guessing his state, laughed, pulled out her hand, and ran forward. He overtook her on the terrace. Pressing her with his whole body against the wooden pillar supporting the roof, he made his way with his hot palms under the blouse and dug into her lips with a crazy kiss. Defne answered him boldly and defiantly. She stroked his broad shoulders, buried her fingers in the hair on the back of his head, and pressed her whole body more tightly into his long, muscular one. He let go of her lips and kissed her neck. Defne threw back her head and groaned.
- I want to eat you, - Omer grabbed the skin near the collarbone with his teeth. Defne exhaled and arched her whole body. Omer raised his head and looked into her eyes with a burning gaze. "But not here. In the house. On the bed."
Releasing her, he hastily found the key under а pot with a flower and opened the door. Defne slipped inside and rushed upstairs. Omer ran behind.
He rushed after her into the bedroom and again caught her in his arms. Frenziedly, they pulled off each other's clothes. Tangled in sleeves and trousers. Swearing, they pulled at zippers and tore off buttons. They kissed voraciously, unable to tear themselves away from each other. When there was not a piece of fabric left between the bodies, Omer pushed Defne onto the bed and fell from above himself. He pressed her with his whole body to the bed, but immediately raised his head in fright and asked:
- I didn't crush you? I am heavy!
Defne put her hands around his head, pulled it to her breasts, and whispered panting in response:
- No! I'm good! And in general - stop talking! Get down to work.
Did he have to be asked twice? Him, burning with crazy desire and passion? From wild, uncontrollable hunger? Burning, furious fire?
Pushing himself into her body, Omer wrapped his legs around her hips and ordered:
- Hold on!
Defne clung to the headboard with her hands and met his first blow with delight.
The bed creaked and shook. Moans and hoarse cries filled the room. Omer, for the first time in months, gave himself up and let go of control. He plunged deep into his wife's sweet body and his own body shook with massive shivers. The peak was very close. He felt its first convulsions and knew that after a moment a wave of pleasure would cover him over the head.
- Defne! He moaned pleadingly and she began to convulse under him.
Omer pressed her to the bed and joined her in one movement.
He was ashamed. How could he lose control like that? He behaved like a savage. Raising himself on his elbows, he looked guiltily into his wife's eyes and whispered:
- Sorry ... I lost my head ... this will not happen again...
He was afraid that she would burst into tears and say that he was a maniac, but Defne angrily goggled at him and exclaimed:
- Fuff! What more! This will be repeated countless times! Or I'll get angry and boycott you.
Not believing his ears, Omer looked into her angry face for a couple of minutes, and then threw back his head and laughed loudly. A second later, Defne laughed with him. They laughed, not separating their bodies and enjoying the sensual pleasure of feeling each other with every cell of the body.
And then there was dinner in the gazebo. A strong wine that poured into the body with warmth and dissolved all inner prohibitions. As she had once threatened, Defne drank a whole bottle. And Omer dragged her drunk to bed. And he went crazy with her boldness. He was burned alive by her fire and reborn from the ashes even stronger and more unstoppable. And Defne flew. First, between the stars revolving in a frenzied whirlpool, then between the clouds, basking on their weightless featherbeds. And then, when the moon rose and the sky sparkled with stars, Omer pulled her to swim in the sea.
They thrashed and frolicked like children. They laughed and splashed each other. Made love to the point of exhaustion. And it seemed to Defnе that today the Universe loves her more than others.
She was awakened by a tickling touch on her lips. As if a weightless feather touched them. She purred and tried to hide in the pillow. A hoarse laugh was heard over the ear, which was replaced by a velvet voice:
- Wake up, sleepyhead. It will soon be ten o'clock. Breakfast is on the table.
- What?! She sat up jerkily in bed and rubbed her eyes. - Ten?! Allah-Allah! Why didn't you wake me up earlier? The boat is coming soon!
"We'll make it all in time," Omer reassured her. - If you hurry.
He was fully clothed, lying on the bed with his head resting on his hand and smiling an infectious, well-fed smile.
- Omer! - Defne was indignant. - Don't smile like that! Otherwise, we will definitely make Jan wait for us.
"Good idea," he purred and reached out to kiss his wife.
But she quickly jumped out of bed and shook her index finger in front of his nose.
- Eh, no! I want to eat! And we mustn't be late for the boat. The Bead is waiting.
Omer sighed in disappointment and looked with exaggerated longing at the slim figure disappearing behind the bathroom door. And then he smiled broadly. The Bead is waiting. And with her Defne's family, which became his family too. They will spend a beautiful day together, and at night he will love his wife again. Omer leaned back on the bed and put his hands behind his head. Looking at the ceiling, he smiled broadly and sighed deeply.
Life is Beautiful!
At Topal's house, not only Defne's relatives were waiting for them. Omer was not even surprised to see his grandfather there. He played with his great-granddaughter, blossomed from the lovely conversations of the precious Mrs. Turkan, and looked twenty years younger. He did not even take offense at Nihan's sly, but cheerful jokes, fully admitting that he was fascinated by all the Topal girls. And then, drawing air into his chest, he blurted out:
- Mrs. Turkan, Defne now bears the surname Iplikci. Would you like to join your granddaughter and change yours?
Dizzy with happiness, Mrs. Turkan could only nod in agreement.
The family dinner turned into an engagement with all the trappings. As soon as Mr. Hulusi made a sign with his hand through the window, the doorbell rang and his faithful assistant appeared on the threshold with a silver tray in his hands. Under the astonished glances of the grandchildren, grandfather Hulusi put a gold ring on grandmother Turkan's finger, and Nihan, who had come out of a stupor, cut the red ribbon. And Defne whispered to Omer that now she knows where her husband got this gallantry and the ability to make surprises.
"These are Iplikci's genes," she said cheerfully.
But at night the joy left her. Omer was fast asleep nearby, in the nursery Emine Diana was peacefully sniffing, and Defne was tormented by insomnia. And thoughts. Thoughts that haunted her.
"Tomorrow," she whispered. - Tomorrow I will know everything for sure.
It was a hellish heat outside, but it was cool in the investigator's office. Defne shivered nervously and sat down on the chair offered to her. Omer stood behind and put his hands on her shoulders. His silent support warmed and added strength. Defne looked at the investigator. He smiled encouragingly at her and asked:
- You are ready?
Defne nodded her head in the affirmative. The man handed her a sheet of paper folded in half. She unrolled it and peered at the columns of numbers. Then she raised her face to Omer, looked into his eyes with confusion, and began to cry.