There was no one in Sapphire's waiting room. Even the secretary did not sit at her high counter. Niko took advantage of this to make his way to Jansu's office without hindrance. He was sure, if the secretary were in place, he would have been shown the turn from the gate, assuring that Miss Baisal was busier than the Queen of England. But fate turned out to be favorable to him. He walked down the corridor to the office and, without knocking, opened the door.
Jansu was going to take a break and have some coffee. Relaxing in an armchair and blissfully closing her eyes, she raised a cup to her lips, about to take the first sip, when the door opened abruptly, letting Niko Bianco into the office. The girl who did not expect to see her ex-husband twitched and splashed hot coffee all over herself.
"Damn it, Niko!" she shrieked. "How can you scare me like that?!"
Jansu jumped up and threw the half-empty cup on the table and pulled back the thin chiffon blouse from her chest. It was hopelessly flawed. Niko was there in the blink of an eye.
"Does it hurt?" he asked fearfully. "Are you burned?"
He removed her hands and began to unbutton her blouse.
"Hey! What are you doing?" indignantly she slapped his cheeky fingers.
"I want to see if you got burned," he replied, continuing his work.
"I am not burned!" angrily declared Jansu and shouted at him," Oh, stop undressing me!"
As if not hearing, Niko pulled the blouse from under the waist of her strict pencil skirt and undid all the buttons. The skin under the chiffon was creamy and flawlessly smooth.
"You didn't burn yourself," Niko stated the fact.
"And you couldn't take my word for it?" Jansu asked wryly.
Niko didn't answer. He stared at her chest covered with graphite-gray lace. There was something so dark and hot in his gaze that made Jansu's knees weak. She covered her chest with her hand. Niko swallowed. Jansu saw his Adam's apple twitch.
"You need to change," he said hoarsely.
"I have a T-shirt in my closet." There was a distinct tremor in her voice and Jansu was ready to strangle herself for it. Therefore, she called for all the available sarcasm for help, "If you deign to go out the door, then I will change."
But Niko was not impressed by the causticity. He stepped back a step and, wandering his gaze over the girlish body, which was whitening behind an open blouse, said, "I will turn away."
"You are impudent!" Jansu told him.
"You just found out about it?" He grinned crookedly and slowly turned his back to her.
Jansu went to the closet and took out a khaki T-shirt. Taking off her blouse, she threw it on a chair and pulled on the T-shirt.
"Can I turn around?" asked Niko.
He became all ears. Each rustle was caught by his internal radars and instantly visualized in front of the inner gaze images, which made his blood boil.
"Turn around," Jansu said.
He looked around. She stood by her chair and examined the hopelessly ruined blouse. Sighing, she crumpled it up and threw it into the trash can.
"Favorite blouse," she said angrily and scolded Niko, "Well, why did you have to enter here just when I decided to drink coffee? And how did Alina let you pass? I ordered her ..."
Realizing that she had blurted out too much, Jansu bit her tongue. A wry smile lifted the right corner of Niko's lips. His assumptions turned out to be correct. Jansu was determined to avoid him. But his intentions were the opposite.
"Alina was not at the reception," he stood up for the secretary. "And I have an important conversation with you. So I took a chance and went through."
"What kind of talk is that?" she asked with a sigh.
"I wanted to ask you to help me buy a present for Emine Diana. She is your niece and you know better what exactly will bring her joy."
"A medium-sized zoo," muttered Jansu, and immediately, throwing up her index finger, ordered Niko, "Just don't try to buy it! Otherwise, Iplikci will be left not only without a nanny, - but also without Zehra."
"Who is Zehra?" Niko asked.
"Domestic helper. She has been working for Omer and Defne since the first day of their marriage. Zehra adores Emine, but her antics sometimes bring her to a nervous tic."
Niko involuntarily smiled and said, "Emine Diana reminds me of someone very much."
"A stone in my garden? Jansu shrugged her shoulders in embarrassment. "What to do? You can't change genes."
Niko couldn't help laughing. He didn't remember the last time he laughed. Probably at their wedding with Jansu. For the past four years, he has had no time for fun. His life consisted of a frantic pace of work and short hours of sleep. Niko had forgotten what a pleasure it was - a carefree laugh. Looking at the reason for his good mood, he repeated his request, "So will you help me choose a gift?"
Jansu sighed and agreed, "Good. But we have to keep within," she looked at her wrist, where the gold watch was ticking, "at two and a half hours. I have a meeting at one-thirty."
"We'll make it!" flashing a smile, Niko promised her.
The choice of a shopping center, Niko, as a true gentleman, left to the lady. Jansu, after a couple of minutes of thought, resolutely said, "Zorlu! Maybe we'll be lucky and we will meet some movie star," she added dreamily, which at the same time angered and amused Niko.
She alone knew how to evoke such contradictory emotions in him. But he masterfully hid them behind a calm face and agreed, "So Zorlu."
They did not meet a star in Zorlu, but they had a great time. They went around all the children's stores and turned into kids for a couple of hours. But the gift was never chosen. All the toys that Niko liked, Jansu resolutely brushed aside, alternating between two phrases: "Emine already has this" and "Buy it if you want to offend her". The second was all about glamors, such as a tiara for the hair and pink nail polish, which every self-respecting princess should have. But Emine was not an ordinary princess and she hated all sorts of glamorous things.
"Okay, then tell me what she loves?" demanded of his companion Niko.
"She loves climbing trees, riding a bicycle, tumbling in the grass with the Kid. The Kid is her dog," clarified Jansu.
"And from more ... quiet activities, what does she prefers?"
"Drawing," answered Jansu. "Emine loves to draw."
"Then I have an idea!" Niko grabbed Jansu by the hand and pulled her into a very adult store, where everything necessary for the work of artists was sold - canvases, pencils, easels, paints, and much more. He chose a professional painting kit as well as a watercolor and paint mixing palette.
"What do you say?" he asked Jansu.
She raised her hand with her thumb and forefinger connected, and replied, "That's it! Emine will be delighted."
"I'll take your word for it," while paying for the purchase, Niko said and asked the pretty saleswoman, "Wrap it up, please, beautifully and festively. This is a gift for a princess."
The girl, taking the set, walked away to fulfill his request. Jansu and Niko were left alone. Jansu threw a thoughtful, inquisitive look at her ex-husband. He raised an eyebrow questioningly.
"It's so strange you've never shown interest in children before. And now such a concern for Emine - a desire to please her," answered his silent question Jansu and added, "I am confused."
"Me too," Niko said with a wry smile.
His smile made her heart do somersaults. It jumped, somersaulted, and landed in the stomach, frightening off the fluttering butterflies.
"What are you doing?!" shouted in her mind Jansu. "Forgot how you shattered into a thousand pieces?"
The heart sighed sadly and returned to its place.
Jansu looked at her watch. They showed a quarter past two.
"Oh, Allah! I completely forgot about the time!" she exclaimed. "Niko, all the best to you! I ran!"
She waved her hand and briskly clicked her thin heels on the glittering tiles of the floor. Niko looked after her and from his face, it was possible to paint a picture of "The struggle between love and hate."
"Sir, your purchase," the saleswoman turned to him, holding out the package.
Niko shuddered and looked at her blankly.
"Your purchase," the girl repeated. "Packaged beautifully and festively as you requested. The little princess will like it."
Niko looked at the package. Pink and lilac wrapping paper, gold and silver ribbons, and a large pink bow.
"Hardly," Niko thought, remembering Jansu's words about Emine's dislike of pink.
"Can you change the packaging?" he asked the saleswoman.
She was amazed to the core, - but politely replied, "Of course, sir. What would you like?"
"A wrapper with funny emoticons and big, multi-colored buttons instead of a bow," he replied.
The girl thought about it, - and then nodded her head in agreement, "Good. Only I need half an hour."
Niko looked at his watch and said, "You have it. I'll be back in time."
He left the store. A little to the side was a Turkish cuisine cafe and the mouthwatering smells of kofte in bread and doners made his stomach rumble.
"But Jansu left hungry," a thought arose in his head.
He stopped her from drinking coffee, took lunchtime from her, and it is unlikely that she will have a minute to eat before the meeting. Niko told himself that he shouldn't care, - but stubbornly walked forward. Having bought a couple of doner kebabs and a bottle of ayran, he asked to deliver food to the office of the Sapphire firm for Jansu Baisal.
Returning to the shop of drawing supplies, he involuntarily stopped in front of one of the shop windows. The dummy doll was completely faceless, but the blouse she was wearing - smoky green, was the same shade as Jansu's eyes. Made of translucent organza, the blouse had a high stand-up collar that ended in a stiff frill. The same frill was found on the narrow and high cuffs of the wide sleeves. It covered the wrist and part of the hand. The clasp was on the back. Buttons made of gray hematite served as a kind of decoration and added a special, daring charm to the extravagant-elegant piece. This blouse was made for Jansu. Again, his sanity screamed a warning, but Niko did not listen to it. Entering the store decisively, he asked to pack a size M blouse for him.
Jansu led the meeting, trying not to pay attention to her stomach, which was cramping with hunger. She scolded herself for not thinking to grab something on the way to the office. But did her stupid head think about something else besides the burning, black eyes of Niko Bianco?
The meeting ended at three o'clock. The staff left the office. Jansu was about to call Alina and ask to make her tea, - when she entered the office with a box in her hands.
"The courier brought you lunch," the girl said.
"Courier? Lunch? Jansu was surprised. "But I didn't order..."
"Probably, someone who is not indifferent to you ordered it," Alina said with a smile.
"Niko!" lightning thought flashed through her head, which Jansu tried to suppress. Why would Niko worry about her empty stomach?
Doner kebabs were still warm and tasted delicious. Jansu even closed her eyes in pleasure. Whoever it is who sent her lunch, may he be happy.
In the evening at home, another surprise awaited her - a box with the logo of the famous Parisian fashion brand.
"It came an hour ago," said Zeyneb, "but from whom they did not report. They said, 'Miss. Jansu knows.'"
Jansu just shrugged. What kind of show? But the closed box could not exactly answer her question. Jansu untied the dark green satin ribbon and removed the lid. Inside was the most beautiful blouse she had ever seen in her life. Subdued color, mysterious translucency, bold cut. She was both defiantly cocky and reservedly romantic.
The phone rang. Jansu, without ceasing to examine the blouse, fished it out of her purse and brought it to her ear.
"Did you like my gift?" Niko's voice asked hoarsely.
"Did you send it?" she asked back.
"I owe you a blouse," he reminded her. "Do you like it or not?"
"Very beautiful, but I cannot accept it," Jansu said sternly.
Niko interrupted her in exasperation.
"Leave it! Jansu, what is this - high school? You can do anything! If you like it, take it and wear it. Think of it as a gift from a friend.
"But you are not my friend!" mentally cried Jansu. "You are my husband ... ex ..."
"The doners you send, too?" she asked quietly.
"You didn't have time to eat," he explained. "And it was my fault. I didn't want you to stay hungry."
"Thank you," Jansu said politely.
Something was crumbling inside. The wall of ice crumbled into shards, and those rapidly melted from the hot flame that burned her heart. What to do? How do you deal with feelings? How do you understand Niko's concern? How do you learn to live in the new reality?
Niko walked along the street lit by lanterns without feeling the ground under his feet. The soul was hovering in the clouds and it felt too good there! It would seem that nothing special had happened, and the man again felt the taste of life and he was intoxicated like good wine.
"I'm just close to my goal," he justified his euphoria. "Jansu is melting and will soon fall into my arms."
But here's the problem. He did not believe in such excuses.
The phone hummed melodiously when he entered his room. His mother called. Niko physically felt the light that had been sparkling so brightly inside a minute ago go out.
"I'm listening, Mama," he said with restraint, turning on the speakerphone and throwing the phone on the bed.
"Good evening, Niko!"
Mother's voice, as usual, was able to freeze volcanic lava. Niko winced and, taking off his jacket, said, "Good evening! Hope you and the girls are okay?"
"We're healthy," said the mother. "But I am worried about your long absence. This is not good for the company."
Niko chuckled wryly. What a concern for the affairs of the family firm!
Except, where was she when his father didn't show up in the office for weeks and months, letting the manager rob him of his money? Where was she when he borrowed money for the business, but it was not clear where it went? And now she has the conscience to ask her son, who paid a terrible price for returning her to her usual way of life and status in society - destroying his own life and killing his happiness in the process.
"Don't worry, Mama," he said, not even trying to hide the irony. "The company is under my complete control."
"And yet, when are you going to return to Rome?"
Signora Bianco-Salvatore pretended not to hear the sarcasm in her son's voice. A dull anger began to rise in Niko's chest. He was irritated by his mother's insistence and her blind desire to control his life.
"Then, when I finish all my business in Istanbul," he snapped.
"You have been in this city for almost a week and during this time you have never called Ornella," his mother rebuked.
"Why would I call her?" Niko was surprised.
"She is your bride!" The signora raised her voice by a tone and a half.
"So what?" Nico asked her. "At the moment I have no questions for her. What should I talk to her about?"
"Maybe about the wedding," The mother sarcastically threw in the topic of conversation with the bride. "Discuss the flowers, jewelry, groomsmen, and bridesmaids' outfits."
"Lord, mom," Niko loosened his tie and, having unbuttoned the top button of his shirt, wearily rubbed his neck, "I don't care how the church and the restaurant will be decorated. Like whether the bridesmaids' dresses will be lilac or pale purple. Let Ornella make all her fantasies come true, just stay away from me. I have a million important things to do without this nonsense."
"Do you consider your wedding nonsense?" The mother was indignant.
"That's right," he confirmed. "Formality to conceive an heir of the Bianco Salvatore family and him to be born with an impeccable reputation."
"You don't have any feelings for Ornella at all?" His mother asked in a voice trembling with indignation.
"It's enough that you have feelings for her," Niko replied. "And these feelings are much stronger than for your children."
"Are you blaming me?" The tone was icy.
"I'm just stating a fact," There was no more warmth in Niko's voice. "Sorry, Mаmа, but if that's all you wanted to tell me, then let's end the conversation. I still have to check today's financial statements."
"Wait!" demanded signora Bianco-Salvatore. "You're not going to renew relations with this Turkish woman again, are you?"
"This Turkish woman has a name - Jansu Baisal. This is the first thing. Secondly, my personal life does not concern you. I will marry Ornella. Kindly satisfy your ego with this fact and do not try to manipulate me. Goodnight! "
Niko ended the call and swore through clenched teeth. All those bright feelings that appeared today next to Jansu disappeared irrevocably and his soul was again dreary. Ahead is a long, gloomy life, in which there will not be even a shadow of joy. The wealth that won't keep you warm. Marriage for the sake of an heir. Unloved wife. A string of mistresses. Sex that does not touch either the head or the soul... What about laughter? Kisses that make you dizzy? The trembling in your fingers when they touch the beloved body? Sweet madness and flying in the sky? A serene morning and a sense of bliss.
"This will never happen again," Niko said with despair and covered his face with his hands.
***
Jansu, waiting for her father in the arrival hall, was a little worried. She knew that he was going to ask about Niko, but she had no idea what to answer.
Yesterday has changed a lot in her mind. More precisely, it confused her even more. Niko's concern was crushing all the theories she was so sure of. The image of a cynical seducer who only needs money faded, and her soul was tormented by doubts. The whole night Jansu did not close her eyes, weighing all the pros and cons, but never came to any conclusion.
Her father appeared from the arrival hall. Jansu smiled broadly and hurried to meet him. Ozcan Baisal stopped and froze. The daughter smiled at him with the radiant smile of the former Jansu. He hadn't seen this smile for four years and thought he would never see it. The father instantly guessed who returned the sparkle to his daughter's eyes and the joy in her life. Niko Bianco!
Ozcan Baisal was not as categorical towards him as his daughter. He knew that his fault was not as great as Jansu thought. Several times, even before the divorce, he tried to explain this to her, but she refused to listen, forbidding even to mention her husband's name. And the father resigned himself. He decided - let fate decide. If these two stubborn people are destined to be together, no forces can stop them.
"Daddy, I missed you!" declared Jansu, taking his arm and pressing her head on his shoulder.
Ozcan kissed the top of her head and replied, "I miss you much more. This Izmir drained all my strength out of me."
"How the investigation is going?" asked Jansu sympathetically.
"Difficult," her father replied. "I will have to change directors in several stores. And you know how hard it is to find personnel."
"I know," Jansu sighed.
Ozcan traveled without luggage, and the father and daughter, without delay, went to the exit. Jansu got behind the wheel and her father took the passenger seat. He did not ask anything and Jansu spoke first, "Dad, I have to warn you Niko will be at Emine's party."
"And how did he manage to get the invitation?" Ozcan Baisal was surprised.
"Emine invited him," Jansu smiled warmly and briefly told about the commotion in Passionis and Emine Diana's acquaintance with Niko.
"I recognize my pearl," Ozcan said with a satisfied smile. He adored his granddaughter and alone, was proud of her antics. "Have you forgotten my gift?" He asked his daughter.
"No need to ask me," Jansu said reproachfully. "All the gifts are in the trunk. Omer will be shocked when he sees yours," she added cheerfully.
"He will get over it," said Ozcan gruffly. "It's time for the girl to learn the basics of driving a car."
Grandpa and Auntie were the first to arrive at Emine's party. Their gifts - a children's fiery red electric car and a tennis racket - caused an enthusiastic scream from the birthday girl and horror in her daddy's eyes.
"Isn't it too early for Emine to roll out in a car? Even a child's," he asked his father-in-law.
"Not too early, not so Daddy!" the granddaughter stood up for her grandfather. "I promise I'll be careful. Thank you, Grandpa! Thank you Jansu!"
She kissed both of them on the cheeks and climbed into her first car. It took her only a few minutes to figure out what to do and how.
Observing how dashingly the granddaughter rolls on the electric car along the garden path, Ozcan Baisal said with satisfaction, "My pearl is a born driver."
Emine Diana's parents just looked at each other.
Following the Baisals, other guests followed - the relatives of Defne and Omer, as well as their many friends with their children. The old garden was filled with cheerful din and laughter.
The last guest was Niko Bianco. He entered the courtyard and his gaze met with impenetrable gray eyes. Ozcan Baisal looked gloomily and intended to question his ex-son-in-law.
And Niko suddenly felt reckless excitement. Behind Baisal, on the terrace, stood Jansu. She was worried. Niko smiled at her and winked. Jansu's eyes widened.
Oh, Allah! What is this unpredictable man up to?