It was already past 9 in the evening when Engin had received a call from Serkan, calling for an emergency meeting. He got nervous when his best friend had asked to bring Piril along and to also tell Erdem to meet them at the office as well.
"Teşekkür ederim for coming on such short notice Engin, Piril, Lara, and..." He then scrunched up his nose and shook his head before finishing his sentence. "...Erdem."
"Is Serkan bey thanking me?" Erdem asked, shocked and looking at Engin for confirmation.
"Sus, Erdem." Engin said, nudging Erdem to also take a seat. "Ne oldu, abicim?" asked Engin.
"I will be going to Italy on Saturday morning—"
"For what? We don't have any active nor pending projects in Italy." Piril stated.
"I will be going to Italy with Eda and Kiraz..." He answered.
"Allah, Allah. Are you back together?" Engin asked, not waiting for Serkan's response. "Süper, abi!" He exclaimed at his best friend.
"Hayır." Serkan said, looking sternly at Engin. "Eda has some stuff she needs to fix in Italy that's why we're going."
"Who said you were going?" asked Piril, certain that this was not Eda's plan.
"Ben." Serkan answered.
"And Eda agreed to this?" She asked again.
"Evet." He answered then shook his head. "It's complicated but I'm going." Serkan was having a hard time explaining the situation to his best friends as Erdem and Lara were also listening but indeed, Eda agreed—was forced to agree.
"I'm going to Italy with you." He smiled mischievously.
"Hayır ya!" Eda protested. "We're coming back in 3 days, Serkan."
"Yok, I'm going." He stated.
"And who says you are?"
"Who says I'm not?"
"Ya Serkan!"
"You know, Eda, even if you fly on Saturday without me, still expect that you'll be seeing me in Italy." He pointed out.
"You don't even know where we're going." She answered.
"It doesn't matter. I'll find you." He smiled playfully. "It's that or we're going together."
"Tamam, tamam!" It was no use arguing with him—she knew this well. Her surrender made Serkan smile even more as Eda just rolled her eyes at him.
"Peki." Piril answered.
"Can I say something?" Erdem asked, getting everyone's attention. "What exactly am I doing here?"
"I'll be sending you and Lara to Italy tomorrow." Serkan answered.
"NE?" Erdem exclaimed in surprise.
"This is not a vacation, Erdem." Serkan pointed out. "Anything that Eda needs done, handle it. Lütfen."
"Lara, Eda will be emailing you a list of things to do." He said to his assistant. "You'll be taking the first flight tomorrow. Tickets and hotel reservations have been sent to your email, Lara."
"Tamam, Serkan bey." Lara nodded.
"That's all." Serkan said.
"Tamam. O zaman, iyi geceler. Görüşürüz." said Engin as they all stood up and headed to leave for the night.
Lara and Erdem had gotten their own taxis to ride home. While Engin and Piril had their car parked just outside, behind Serkan's. They were about to get into their car when Serkan spoke.
"Engin, can you stay?"
"Tamam, abi." He answered but kept looking at Piril for any reactions against his decision. When she nodded, he confidently walked towards Serkan and waved goodbye to his wife who drove off.
The two men went inside the office and lounged at the recreation room—Serkan took out two glasses and poured in some whiskey for some light drinking.
"Ee, abi...söyle bana..." said Engin.
"Eda and I told Kiraz that I'm her baba." Serkan admitted, a smile plastered over his face.
"What was her reaction?"
"She was happy. She said that she wished for a baba like me." He answered, unable to contain his happiness.
"Harika!" Engin exclaimed, hugging his best friend.
"Unfortunately, she still calls me Serkan Bolat."
"It'll take some getting used to, abi." Serkan nodded in agreement.
"There's another thing..." Serkan trailed.
"Ne?"
"You were right." said Serkan. "Yusuf and Eda are not together...and he has a wife."
"Allah, Allah..." Engin gave his best friend a knowing look and took his glass, making a toast before taking a sip. Serkan knew what he meant and just shook his head in amusement.
—---------------
Ring...Ring...Ring...
"Alo?"
"Merhaba, hala." said Eda over the phone.
"Canim, nasılsın?" asked Ayfer.
"İyiyim."
"Are you ready for your flight?"
"About that..." She paused. "Serkan is going with us."
"Ne??" She exclaimed over the phone.
"Evet..."
"Ne oldu?"
"It's a long story, hala."
"Yaa Eda..." She warned. "First, you unexpectedly met him. Then, you allowed him to get close with Kiraz. And now, he's coming here with you?" She asked. "Don't tell me you've already told Kiraz..."
"Uhmm..." This was all that Eda could utter and Ayfer immediately understood.
"Ay Eda...Eda, Eda..." Ayfer said in frustration. "Bi dakka, bi dakka. Are you two back together?"
"Hayır!" Eda quietly exclaimed, looking at Kiraz who was asleep beside her on the bed.
"You say that now then next thing I'll know, you're together. Allah, Allah." complained Ayfer.
"Hala..." She said sternly.
"Tamam." She sighed. "When will you arrive?"
"We'll still arrive on Saturday, but I'm not sure what time. I'll text you the details once I know, hala." Indeed, she did not know since they will be riding with Serkan in a private jet.
"Oh and...Erdem and Lara will be there tomorrow to help with things—"
"Who's Lara?" Ayfer asked.
"She's Serkan's new assistant." She answered. Ayfer didn't respond as she was confused as to why Leyla was no longer Serkan's assistant.
"So I've sent Lara a to do list so we can move things swiftly." Eda continued.
"Tamam."
"Teşekkür ederim, hala." Eda sincerely thanked her aunt.
"It's nothing, canim. Tamam, I have to go. Görüşürüz."
"Görüşürüz." They bid goodbye and ended the call, Eda sighing at the things Ayfer had said. She hasn't even mentioned that she was just staying for a day. I'll deal with that in person. She thought before closing her eyes to sleep.
—---------------
Saturday came fast and Eda felt really nervous about their flight to Italy. It wasn't because she might feel claustrophobic during the flight—she had overcome this–but it was the thought of having to face her aunt, with Serkan, and explain.
Knock...Knock...Knock...
Kiraz opened the door and a big smile spread across her face as she greeted the man who had knocked. "Günaydın, Serkan Bolat!"
"Günaydın, Kiraz." He greeted back. "Are you ready to go?"
"Evet!" She exclaimed. "Hadi, anne!"
"Tamam." Eda answered as she walked to the door, Yusuf trailing behind with their luggages.
"Günaydın." Eda greeted Serkan as she walked towards him, who was standing at the door.
"Günaydın, Eda." He smiled at her.
"Günaydın, Serkan." greeted Yusuf.
"Günaydın, Yusuf. Teşekkür ederim." Serkan greeted back before taking the luggages.
"Yusuf, please tell Fidan that we'll head off. Çok teşekkür ederim for letting us stay." said Eda.
"No problem. Bu arada, I've called the movers and they'll pick up the boxes later and drop them off." Yusuf said.
Boxes? Serkan thought. He looked around and indeed, there were boxes in Yusuf's driveway. Ne? He thought. He was brought back to his senses when Eda spoke.
"I'll see you again when we come back."
"Tamam. Görüşürüz." They all bid farewell before hopping into Serkan's van and leaving for the airport.
Upon arriving at the airport, Kiraz was confused as to why they were not getting off at the departure area. The van drove by this section and went even further out, where you could barely see any people around.
"Anne, are we not flying to Italy?" asked Kiraz.
"We are, bebeğim. What made you ask that?" asked Eda.
"Because we didn't get off at the entrance." She stated.
Makes sense. Eda thought. She was about to answer Kiraz when Serkan suddenly spoke.
"We're flying Bolat style." He answered, smiling at Kiraz.
As if on cue, their van entered a private entrance to the airport and took them directly to the hangar where their private jet was waiting.
"Wow!" Kiraz exclaimed. "Are we riding this plane, Serkan Bolat?"
"Evet." He nodded. "Hadi."
Serkan stepped out of the van, followed by Kiraz who he then carried. And like the gentleman that he was, he held out his hand for Eda to hold onto when she went out. And as she took his hand, he did not let go and held only it tightly.
"Serkan..." She whispered but he only smiled to himself while he walked towards the stairs of the plane, Kiraz in his arms and a good hold on her hand, making her walk with him.
When Eda started to feel comfortable holding his hand, Serkan had let go as he gestured for her to go first, up the stairs, to enter the plane. She looked at her hand and felt a sudden feeling of emptiness.
"İyi misin, Eda?" asked Serkan.
"İyiyim. İyiyim." she answered before going up the stairs, Serkan and Kiraz following behind.
The doors then closed as they took their seats and buckled their seatbelts—Serkan opposite Eda and Kiraz, who were beside each other. The speaker went off with the captain saying information about their flight while they prepared for takeoff.
More than an hour into the flight, Kiraz had fallen asleep, leaning on Eda who had her arm wrapped around her daughter. Serkan smiled at the view in front of him. Çok güzel. He thought.
"Doesn't this bring back any memories? You and I, in a plane." He cheekily said.
Eda couldn't help but smile and shake her head. "I really didn't know you'd be the one riding on the plane that day. Melo said it might be a woman so that's what I went with."
"That's not the memory I meant." He said, giving her a smug look before smiling mischievously.
A shy smile spread across Eda's face as she realized what he had meant—the memory of her proposal inside the plane obviously playing in both of their heads as they looked each other in the eyes.
—----------------
In no time, they were already in Italy—inside a van and on their way to Eda's house, where Ayfer was waiting for them. Eda was again feeling the jitters, clasping her hands and rubbing them as she tried to calm herself.
Serkan, who had noticed Eda's nervousness, reached out for her left hand and lightly squeezed it—reassuring her. He then caressed her, hoping this would help calm her nerves and it did.
Kiraz, who was sitting in between them, saw this lovely gesture. So she pulled their hands closer and put them on her lap, also tightly holding them—finally making Eda forget all her worries.
The car came to a stop at a humble home with a big garden up front—of course, with Eda and Ayfer's love for flowers. They all stepped out of the car as the driver unloaded their luggage.
"Keep the black luggage inside the car. Teşekkürler." Serkan said to the driver. Kiraz then wondered why her baba's bag was not being brought down.
"Hadi, let's go inside." said Eda, holding Kiraz's hand.
As they went in, they were immediately greeted by two familiar faces—Lara and Erdem. "Hoş geldiniz, Serkan bey and Eda Hanim." They both greeted.
"Halam nerede?" Just as Eda asked, Ayfer came out from the kitchen, arms wide open and ready to engulf Eda and Kiraz in a hug.
"Ay, canim. Seni çok özledim." Ayfer said to Kiraz as she crouched down to face her grandniece.
"Merhaba, Ayfer Hanim." Serkan greeted, slightly smiling at her.
"Merhaba, Serkan." She plainly greeted back before holding Kiraz's hand and leading her to the living room.
Eda apologetically looked at Serkan, who deeply sighed. Here we go. He thought. As he followed Eda to the living room, he noticed that boxes had been lined up and taped.
"Bi dakka, are you moving out already?" He asked, confused.
"Evet." Eda answered.
"So you've already bought a house?"
"Evet, ama renovations are still not done yet." She explained. "This is why I told you that we'll still be here for 3 days but you'd rather that we just do it in one day." She complained.
"Ne?" came Ayfer's voice. Eda had totally forgotten that her aunt was also in the living room. "What do you mean one day?"
"Evet, hala. We'll be going back to Istanbul tomorrow morning." She admitted.
Ayfer intently looked at Serkan, knowing well that it was his idea. "Tamam." She said to Eda before going near her and whispering. "Don't tell me he's also staying here, Eda."
Unfortunately for Ayfer, Serkan still heard her. "Merak etme, Ayfer Hanim...I'll be staying at a hotel." He smiled forcefully.
"Harika!" She exclaimed.
A small voice suddenly joined their conversation. "I also wanna stay at the hotel!" Kiraz then turned to Eda, grabbing her hand to plead. "Anne, can we stay with Serkan Bolat? Just like when we went to the resort!"
Resort?? Ayfer exclaimed in her thoughts as she looked at Eda in utter shock. Serkan was obviously loving Kiraz's suggestion as a big smile was plastered on his face.
"Lütfen, anne!" She pleaded.
Eda looked from left to right, trying to think of a way out. "Uhh..."
When it took Eda long to respond, Kiraz then walked up to Serkan and this time it was his hand she was grabbing to plead. "You'll let us stay with you, right Serkan Bolat?"
"Tabii ki." He quickly answered, smiling and then raising his eyebrows at Eda.
Kiraz and Serkan waited for Eda's answer, in which she knew that she was not going to win the argument—even Ayfer knew this.
"Tamam." Eda answered, avoiding the look Ayfer was giving her.
"Yey!" Kiraz cheered, hugging Eda.
"Should I then take your luggages back to the van?" asked Erdem.
"Evet, Erdem. Teşekkürler." said Eda.
"Who knew he'd be more useful here in Italy?" Serkan whispered to Eda. "Should we leave him here?"
"Serkan..." She sternly said, a smile forming on her lips as she found his statement funny.
Turning her attention to Lara, Eda spoke. "Lara, can you email me the meetings that you were able to reschedule for me? Teşekkürler."
"Tamam, Eda Hanim." Lara answered.
Eda then turned to Serkan. "I have a couple of meetings with my clients so it's just you and Kiraz today." She said, seeing this as an opportunity for a baba-kız bonding.
"Tamam." He nodded.
"Bebeğim, enjoy your day with Serkan Bolat. Tamam mi?" She said as she bent to Kiraz's level.
"Tamam." Kiraz answered, holding onto Serkan's hand as Eda kissed her forehead.
"O zaman, görüşürüz..." bid Serkan. "Ayfer Hanim, Eda."
"Should I go with you, Serkan bey?" asked Lara.
Eda, who had just stood straight from bending down and hugging Kiraz, raised an eyebrow at Lara and gave her the side-eye but Lara did not notice it.
"Gerek yok, Lara." He answered. "Just help out here or do anything Eda says."
"Tamam, Serkan bey." She responded.
As Serkan and Kiraz were about to head for the door, Eda suddenly spoke. "Serkan, don't forget...don't give her anything that has strawberries."
"Merak etme, Eda...I'm also allergic to strawberries." He answered.
Step 3: Gain Eda's trust. He thought.
With this, Serkan and Kiraz left the house—on their way to their Italy adventure. Eda looked outside the window as the van drove off. She couldn't help but think of how their day would go without her nearby, knowing that their daughter was as impulsive as her. The thought made her smile as she walked back to the living room.
"Lara..." She called out. "I'll need you to come with me to my meetings today. Tamam mi?"
"Tamam, Eda Hanim." She responded.
"I think this is also a great chance to get to know each other." Eda smiled at her.
—--------------
"So, where do you want to go Kiraz?" Serkan asked as their van drove around town.
"Hmm...have you been here before?" Kiraz asked.
"Here, in Italy?" She nodded. "Evet." He answered.
"Tamam. O zaman, let's go to Café Graziano." She announced. "Do you know where it is?" She asked the driver who nodded in response.
It wasn't too far from Eda's house—if you'd actually think of it, it's a distance good enough for a morning walk. After passing by a few sections, they turned right and on the very corner of the street, a sign of the store read Café Graziano.
"We're here." said Kiraz as the driver parked on the side of the café. She immediately got out of the van and rushed inside.
"Kiraz—" Serkan wasn't able to hold her back. He just shook his head and sighed. What he heard when he entered the café melted his heart.
"Uncle Graziano, this is my papa." Kiraz happily told the man behind the counter. He looked at the direction where Kiraz was pointing and saw Serkan who walked towards Kiraz.
"Serkan Bolat, this is Uncle Graziano. He owns the café." She introduced. "Anne always brings me here."
"Ciao, I'm Serkan. Serkan Bolat." He said and offered a handshake which the man took.
"Ciao, I'm Graziano. It's nice to finally meet you." Graziano smiled. "So how was the moon?" He asked, winking at Serkan.
"It was lonely up there." Serkan answered, nodding towards Graziano who obviously knew the astronaut story. Indeed, Eda had told the old man to go with the story as Kiraz had frequented the café.
"Don't worry Serkan Bolat, you now have me and anne." Kiraz said, making the two men smile at her.
"Take a seat." offered Graziano, gesturing towards the nearby table, as he walked around bringing them the menu.
They had a light brunch at the café before they left to continue their Italy adventure. Kiraz had chosen the locations they went to. After the café, she took him to the park where she would usually play with her anne— but this time, she went to play with her baba.
Starving, they headed to a steakhouse of Kiraz's choice where she ordered steak with the side of fries. Exactly just like Eda. Serkan thought. Not only were their stomachs full, but also with stories—Kiraz had told Serkan a lot of stories about how she grew up in the area and how they lived their life in Italy. Serkan couldn't help but feel sad that he was not with them during those times.
After having late lunch, they again hopped into the van and left for the next destination on Kiraz's list. They went around a few times before passing by a university campus.
"Bak Serkan Bolat! That's anne's school." She said, pointing to the university campus. "You probably don't know because you've been on the moon since I was a baby."
"Evet." He gave her a light smile before sighing. Evet, I didn't know because I was on the moon. He thought.
They had only looked at the university from outside before leaving to go to the next place Kiraz wanted Serkan to visit. He was seeing a pattern at the destinations she was taking him—first, the café; second, the playground; then, Eda's university. She was showing it to him so he'd feel included and not left out from all those years he had missed.
"Okay, here!" Kiraz exclaimed as they arrived at their next stop.
Kiraz had taken Serkan to a garden filled with flowers and all sorts of plants. There were also statues and fountains that decorated the place. It was beautiful.
"This is a garden designed by anne." Kiraz said.
No wonder it looks as beautiful as her. He thought, smiling at the scenery in front of him.
"She said that this was the first project she did after finishing school." Kiraz added. "I'm sure she's really happy that you're able to finally see it, Serkan Bolat."
At what Kiraz said, a memory came to Serkan's head—making him smile.
"Perhaps one day we will meet in one of the gardens that I will create." Eda smiled at Serkan.
He smiled back and nodded. "Evet, I will gladly walk through the gardens that you've designed."
"Let's come back here, again one day, with anne. What do you think?" Serkan asked, crouching to look at Kiraz.
"Güzel." She agreed.
Their afternoon was spent just enjoying the garden—the peace, the greenery, and the perfect breeze. Kiraz had also met a few kids there which she started to play with. Serkan looked at the time and thought of Eda. Maybe she's done with work. He thought, so he took out his phone and called her.
Ring...Ring...Ring...
"Efendim, Serkan?" answered Eda.
"Nasılsın? Are you done for the day?" He asked.
"Evet. I just finished my last meeting."
"Tamam. Let's have dinner. We'll go and pick you up." He offered.
"Gerek yok. I'll meet you at the restaurant. Just text me where." She responded.
"Tamam. Görüşürüz."
"Görüşürüz." After ending the call, Eda turned to Lara. "I'm all good here—you may go. Teşekkürler for the help, Lara. It was nice getting to know you a little bit."
"Sen de, Eda Hanim." Lara responded.
"Görüşürüz."
"Görüşürüz."
The women bid their goodbyes before each hopped into their own taxi cabs—Lara going back to the hotel and Eda to the restaurant Serkan texted her. While in the cab, Eda couldn't help but think of what Serkan and Kiraz did the whole day. She was excited to hear it from Kiraz as she already imagined her daughter telling how it went.
The cab finally came to a stop and Eda paid the fare then got off. She immediately spotted Serkan and Kiraz not far from her, already sitting at a table at the restaurant's al fresco dining. She could see them immersed in a conversation.
"What are you two talking about?" Eda asked, surprising both Serkan and Kiraz who did not see her approach them.
"Anne!" Kiraz exclaimed and hugged Eda.
Unconsciously, Serkan stood up and motioned to hug her but he then realized what he was about to do so he stopped himself midway—smiling awkwardly and nodding his head before taking a deep breath. This made Eda chuckle, amused. Kiraz looked at both her parents—not sure what was going on—but she smiled, happy seeing the smiles on their faces.
They took their seats—Serkan pulling the chair for both Eda and Kiraz, earning a look from Eda. "How was your day, bebeğim?" She asked.
"It was great, anne! I took Serkan Bolat to the places we go to." Kiraz said.
"Nerede?"
"I took him to Uncle Graziano's café. Then we played at the park where you always take me. Then I showed him your school—we didn't go inside though. Then we went to the garden you designed when you finished school. Then, here." She explained.
This made Eda smile as she realized that Kiraz took Serkan to their most precious places. "Ne güzel." She responded.
"Çok güzel." Serkan whispered, looking intently at Eda. Although it was a whisper, she heard him loud and clear.
Their dinner was filled with stories from Kiraz—ones that are from today and some that were random that she just wanted to share. Serkan found this really amusing as he could really see how much she reflected Eda.
As they were now walking up to their van, hand-in-hand—Eda and Serkan holding Kiraz's hands, Kiraz suddenly pulled them to a stop, making them turn to her.
"Ne oldu, Kiraz?" Eda asked.
"Anne, can we go to the wishing fountain?" Kiraz asked. "I want Serkan Bolat to make a wish."
"Tamam." smiled Eda.
They walked towards the wishing fountain and Kiraz excitedly hopped. She then asked for a coin to toss into the fountain, handing it to Serkan.
"Here, Serkan Bolat. Make a wish." Kiraz said.
"Can you make a wish for me instead?" He asked.
"Neden?"
"I think you already know what I want to wish for." He answered, smiling at her before looking at Eda who had also looked at him. Their eyes met and both felt a sudden change in the atmosphere.
"Tamam." Kiraz spoke, breaking the gaze her parents were in. She closed her eyes and held the coin to her chest while making her wish, then opened her eyes back and tossed the coin in the fountain.
"I hope whatever you wished for comes true." said Serkan.
"Evet. I need it to come true." She said. Serkan and Eda looked at each other, curious at what could Kiraz have possibly wished for.
"Tamam. Hadi gidelim." said Eda.
—----------------
Upon arriving at the hotel, Lara was waiting for them in the lobby—keycard in hand and a bellboy beside her. She had checked in for her boss so he could just proceed directly to his room.
"Hoş geldiniz, Serkan bey and Eda Hanim." Lara greeted them as they entered the lobby.
"Teşekkürler, Dante." Serkan and Eda said to their driver who brought their bags in before Lara ushered the bellboy to take their luggages to their room.
They followed Lara who led them through the hotel. After a couple of floors up the elevator, they were finally on the right floor. Lara opened the door with the keycard and welcomed them to the emperor suite. Before they could even check out the place, a realization hit Serkan.
"Özür dilerim, Eda." He said, making Eda look at him suspiciously.
Kiraz, who was in Serkan's arms, got down to wander off inside their room.
Upon entering, you'd be welcomed by an amazing view as the room had full-glass windows which also had a door to the balcony. You would then find a living room to your right which also led up to a small dining area ahead. Across the room from this was the bed and to its side was the walk-in closet and bathroom.
"There's only one bed." said Kiraz.
At this, Eda looked at Serkan like she was about to kill him. "You did this on purpose!" She whispered, making sure Kiraz did not hear them.
"I did not, Eda, I swear." He whispered back, raising his hands to show innocence.
Lara just looked at the two banter in front of her before being pulled into the conversation. "Lara, book Kiraz and I a different suite. It could be anything that's available right now." Eda instructed.
"Tamam—" Lara was cut off by what Kiraz said.
"Anne, bak! We fit." She exclaimed, making the three adults walk to where she was. And there, she lied down on the center of the bed, smiling. "We fit. Sen, ben, and Serkan Bolat." She pointed to each side of the bed where they would sleep.
Serkan grinned and nodded his head. Eda gave him a look as if telling him that it's not funny, but he just looked at her and raised his eyebrows innocently.
"Müthiş. Our kızım is so smart, isn't she anne?" Serkan asked as he laid down beside Kiraz.
"Hadi, anne!" Kiraz gestured to Eda to lie down beside her.
Eda knew she had no power over this situation so she sighed and laid down beside Kiraz. Serkan couldn't help but smile at her defeat, not only that, but also because his daughter seemed to be doing the work of getting them together better than him.
Lara, who awkwardly stood just looking at them, spoke. "Should I still—"
"Gerek yok, Lara. Gerek yok." answered Serkan, with a smile, earning an eye roll from Eda.
"Tamam, Serkan bey. I'll just leave the keycards on the table and head off. İyi geceler." Lara bid goodbye before leaving their room.
Eda then sat up and looked at Kiraz and Serkan who were both fake sleeping. "Hadi, bebeğim. Let's get ready for bed." Kiraz nodded before Eda carried her out of the bed and into the walk-in closet.
The three of them were now lying on the bed, ready to sleep, in the order: Eda, Kiraz, then Serkan. Lights were already off but the moon and stars lightly lit up their room through the glass windows.
"Serkan Bolat?" Kiraz suddenly spoke.
"Evet, kızım?" He answered.
"On the Moon, you're an astronaut, right? And here on Earth, you're an architect."
"Evet." He nodded, agreeing with her.
"I wish you'll only be an architect."
"Neden?" He asked.
"So that you'll not go back to the moon and leave us." She answered. This melted not only Serkan's heart but also Eda's.
"I give you my word...I will never leave you, ever again." He said, looking at Kiraz who then hugged him tightly.
Releasing from the hug, she said, "Çok teşekkür ederim, Serkan Bolat and anne. I'm really really happy today." She kissed Eda and Serkan each on the cheek. "Now, it's your turn to kiss me."
Eda and Serkan looked at each other and smiled at the demand of their daughter. They then leaned in to kiss her cheeks when she suddenly sat up and exclaimed.
"My panda!" She referred to the stuffed toy she had brought. She then got out of the bed to retrieve it from the sofa.
Unbeknownst to Kiraz, her parents had accidentally kissed each other square on the lips. Serkan and Eda immediately pulled away at the sudden contact—both speechless.
"I got him!" She exclaimed as she brought her stuffed panda with her and slipped back in the bed, in between Serkan and Eda. "Now, where's my kiss?"
Eda and Serkan looked at Kiraz for a few seconds, making sure she was not going anywhere, before both leaned in and kissed her. She gave her parents a big smile and took each of their hands and wrapped it around her, making them hug her before closing her eyes to sleep.
—-----------------
Serkan woke 30 minutes later than usual as the clock read 5:30am. He looked down and no longer found Kiraz in between him and Eda but instead, a non-existent space as their bodies were pressed against each other—both hugging one another. This made him smile and close his eyes again wanting to just keep the position they were in...but Kiraz had other plans.
"Günaydın, Serkan Bolat." She greeted, forcing Serkan to open his eyes.
"Günaydın, Kiraz." He greeted back, slowly removing his arm from under Eda and getting up to walk towards her.
"You woke up late. You said you always wake up at 5 in the morning." She commented.
"Yani...sometimes, when you're too tired or feel really relaxed, you sleep a little longer than usual." He reasoned.
"Gerçekten?"
"Evet." He nodded. "Tamam, hadi. Let's get you ready."
More than an hour had passed and Serkan and Kiraz were ready for the day. They were about to go downstairs and have some breakfast when Eda woke up.
"Günaydın, Sleeping beauty." said Serkan.
"Günaydın, anne!" greeted Kiraz.
"Günaydın." She looked at Serkan. "Günaydın, bebeğim." She kissed Kiraz.
"Let's eat breakfast by the garden, downstairs." said Kiraz.
"Tamam. You go ahead and I'll catch up."
"Tamam." Kiraz answered and held Serkan's hand before they left.
Down at the restaurant garden, Lara and Erdem were already seated at the table next to Serkan's, having coffee. They were also flying with them back to Istanbul today.
"Günaydın, Serkan bey and Kiraz." They both greeted.
"Here's their breakfast menu." said Lara, handing the menu.
"Have you both ordered?" Serkan asked.
"Evet, Serkan bey." answered Lara.
"We're just waiting for it to be served." added Erdem.
"Tamam." Serkan scanned their menu before calling the waiter to order. "We'll have one continental breakfast and two pancakes. Please make sure one of the pancakes does not have strawberries." He instructed.
"What about the other one, Serkan bey?" asked Lara, confused as to why only one of the pancakes should have no strawberries when he's allergic to them.
"It's for Eda, she loves strawberries." He answered her before turning to the waiter again. "So, put in as many strawberries as you can. Thank you." The waiter nodded then left.
Looking at his watch, it already read 7:45am. It has been almost an hour since Eda woke up. He had already finished his breakfast and Kiraz was almost done with her pancakes, and Eda still hasn't gone down when they have a 10am flight back to Istanbul. Gerçekten Eda. He thought, shaking his head.
"Would you like some coffee, Serkan bey?" Lara asked.
"Evet. Teşekkürler." Serkan responded.
Lara went and got Serkan some coffee from the bar inside the restaurant. Walking back to their table, his coffee in hand, she accidentally slightly tripped in front of him. His reflexes were fast as he was able to grab her hand to catch her and help her up. But also at the same time, avoid most of the coffee from spilling onto him but unfortunately, some had still spilled on his shirt.
"Çok özür dilerim, Serkan bey." Lara apologized as she grabbed some tissue paper and started to pat Serkan's shirt and chest dry...but obviously, it was no use.
"Tamam, tamam. It's fine, Lara." He said, getting up from his seat.
"İyi misin, Serkan Bolat?" asked a worried Kiraz.
"Evet. İyiyim, kızım." He smiled at her so she wouldn't worry. "You stay here with Lara and Erdem, and finish your pancakes. I'll just go and get changed. Tamam mi?"
"Tamam." She nodded then took another bite of the pancake.
On Serkan's way back to the room, all he could do was shake his head as he kept looking at his stained shirt. Luckily, his pants didn't get one speck of coffee on them, or else he would have to change them too.
Opening the door to the room, he could only chuckle to himself at what welcomed him inside—a shocked Eda with an unzipped dress. She quickly turned around, facing him to hide her back. Little did she know that Serkan could still see her back from the reflection on the window.
"You know, I can't keep on walking in on you like this." He closed the door behind him then walked towards her. "I might think that you're doing it on purpose." He licked his lower lip and raised his eyebrows suggestively.
"Maybe you're the one doing it on purpose...walking in on me." She answered back.
"Maybe we're both doing it on purpose." He suggested, nearing her and looking deep in her eyes—close enough for her to smell the coffee on his shirt.
"Coffee?" She suddenly asked, breaking the moment they were just having.
Serkan looked down at his shirt. "Ah–evet, Lara spilled some on me when she tripped."
At this, Eda raised an eyebrow suspiciously. "Öyle mi?"
"Evet." He answered as he took off his shirt and hung it on the chair to dry. When he turned back around, Eda saw that a part of his chest had turned red.
"Your chest..." She said.
"It probably got burned from the coffee." He answered.
But what Eda did surprised him—she grabbed a damp cold towel and held his arm to keep him still as she lightly patted the towel on the burn. A warm smile formed on his lips at the care she showed.
"Tamam, Eda. It's fine." He said.
"Hayır. It might worsen." She reasoned, looking intently at the burn as she continued to pat the towel on it.
"It's fine." He put his hand over hers to stop her and grab her attention. This made her look up at him.
Serkan and Eda didn't realize how close they were—face to face and only inches apart. They could hear each other's breathing getting heavier and heavier. Serkan trailed his eyes down to Eda's lips, about to kiss her when the door to their room opened.
"Anne? Serkan Bolat?" Kiraz called out, looking at her parents.
Lara, who was with her, quickly covered Kiraz's eyes from the sight—Serkan, shirtless, and Eda, with an unzipped dress, who were mere inches from each other, looking very suggestive.
Serkan had also spun Eda to cover her at the sound of their daughter's voice, making his back the only sight to see.
"Tamam...uhh...we'll come back later, Kiraz." stammered Lara and quickly closed the door.
Eda and Serkan sighed, letting the slight terror of the moment escape their system.
"That could have gotten way worse." said Serkan.
"Well, that wasn't any good, Serkan." Eda answered back.
"Just imagine what other kids accidentally see their parents doing." He pointed out.
"Yeter, Serkan." She warned him. "Just get dressed and let's go before she comes back and sees us in the same situation."
"The same situation? Are you suggesting what I think you're suggesting?" He mischievously asked.
"Ya Serkan!" She exclaimed.
"Tamam, tamam. I was just joking." He smiled playfully, earning an eye roll from Eda. The sexual tension that had surrounded the room was now gone—they were back to being the usual Eda and Serkan.
Serkan was about to grab a shirt from the closet when he noticed Eda about to zip up her dress.
"Let me help you." He said. She was unable to protest as he immediately walked towards her, grabbing the zipper on her dress.
Serkan gulped, realizing that the dress was unzipped lower than before, down to the very end of her back and just above her tailbone. He gulped again as he grabbed the tip of the zipper line with his left hand, lightly brushing the end of her back which sent shivers down her spine.
With his right hand, he started zipping the dress up and as he got closer to where her hair laid, he moved it aside, brushing his fingertips on her neck, making her take a deep breath at his touch. By now the atmosphere around them was warmer than normal—their bodies feeling hot.
Finally hooking the dress close, Eda turned around, hoping to walk away from the built up sexual tension, but was then met with Serkan's striking green eyes. His eyes—they examined Eda's face—her gorgeous eyes, her adorable nose, and her luscious lips. Then he trailed down to her neck and to her shoulders, where he noticed that the strap of her dress had fallen.
He carefully took the strap and put it over her shoulder. But he couldn't stop there. His hand slowly snaked up her neck and then up her cheek which he then caressed as his eyes finally looked back at hers. They could feel their heart racing as they both leaned in then finally, passionately kissing each other.
The world seemed to have slowed down and every second seemed to turn into milliseconds then into nanoseconds, and finally the time stopped—making Eda and Serkan indulge in each other's desires.
At the feeling of deepening the kiss and giving in, they were unfortunately interrupted by a knock on the door, making them separate in surprise.
Eda quickly opened the door and found Erdem outside.
"Günaydın, Eda." He smiled at her but then his smile dropped, seeing Serkan's annoyed face. "G..G...Günaydın, Serkan bey." He greeted him, nervously.
"Erdem." He sternly said, clenching his jaw as he put his hands on his hips in frustration.
"Ne oldu, Erdem?" asked Eda.
"Uhh...Kirazcim asked me to get her hair tie because her hair was flying everywhere since it just got a little windy outside." He explained, still intimidated by Serkan's glare at him.
"Tamam, Erdem." said Eda as she went and got a hair tie, glancing at a shirtless Serkan who also gave the same look, before walking to the door then turning to him to say, "I'll go ahead, see you downstairs." Then she left.
Serkan walked towards Erdem who was still outside the door. "Serkan bey?" Erdem spoke.
"Git, Erdem. Git. Git." said Serkan before closing the door and sighing in frustration.
—-----------------
A/N:
Early chapter updateeeee! I was supposed to upload this yesterday but I fell asleep. 🤣
Chapter notes:
- I may have changed languages when they were talking to Italians. I felt that it made more sense that way. 🤗
- Imagine "Who do you love" by Marc Lane, Nicholas Carter, and Shelley Nelson playing in the background for the second intimate scene where they kissed. 🔥🔥😍
- I literally googled a hotel in Italy to feel the scene. Although I did change the set up of the room a bit. 🤣🤣
This chapter has some clues. They are just not obvious at all.🕵🏻🤔😉
Let me know what you think! What do you think would happen next? Are they finally back together? 😉🤭😉
Hope you enjoyed!