- Concept Director, then? - Sinan arched an eyebrow and looked first at the absolutely imperturbable Omer, then at the pompous with importance Koray and, covering his face with his hand, whispered. - Allah, what are we getting involved in?
- Hey! Bucket! What are you muttering there? - The new director of concepts soared.
- I say, Koray, - Sinan said louder, - that if you run from work and bully everyone's brain, then I won't look, I swear to you, I won't even look at Omer! Like a bullet, you will fly back to be a photographer.
- And-and-and! Nasty, - he grimaced
"This is, first," Sinan interrupted him sternly. - Secondly, the work of a photographer is not going anywhere from you. You will continue to make catalogs.
-I will! Koray promised enthusiastically.
- Thirdly, - Omer spoke, - forget about Mert! The boy needs to finish school and go to university. He certainly won't do it by running errands for you. You have Ozie. He is a hardworking and executive guy. One assistant is enough for you. Koray sighed sadly and nodded his head in agreement. - That's great! We will give you a car. The one which Iz used. But you need to look for a driver. There are no free ones in Passionis.
- I'll find one! I'll find it! Koray clapped his hands together.
- And yet, - Omer skeptically examined Koray's elongated knitted cardigan and tapered trousers, - since you are now the director, dress accordingly. Passionis is a serious company.
- Off, you are boring, - contemptuously examined the partners Koray. Rising to his feet, he pulled his cardigan back over and shook his head proudly. - I'm tired of you. I'm going to persuade the skinny girl to shoot for the catalog.
He swam out of the office. The partners looked at each other.
- Do you think the experiment will succeed? Sinan asked.
"We'll see," Omer answered and got up from his chair too. Pulling on his jacket, straightened the belt of his trousers and said: - I'll go to my place.
- Aren't you afraid that Koray will drive Defne crazy now? - The partner asked, flashing a wide smile for all thirty-two teeth.
Omer only bit his lip and left the office with a mysterious look. He was not afraid. To be precise, he hoped it would. Koray will speak to Defne, drive her crazy, and she will rush to him for protection. And he will hug her and for a few minutes forget about Passionis, work, and other prosaic things. Will breathe her smell and indulge.
Trying to remain serious and not smile too blissful smile, Omer went to his office. The door to the next door was ajar. Laila sat at the table and brushed tears from her face. Her drooping figure was so defenseless that sympathy stirred in Omer's chest. After hesitating for a moment, he nevertheless entered her office and, without greeting, asked:
- Have you got any problems?
She looked at him plaintively, wiped away a tear from under her eyes with a graceful gesture, and answered in a trembling voice:
- Grandma got sick. High pressure and sugar. I am very worried. She and my sister are my only family. Father abandoned us, and our mother died. My grandmother has raised me and my sister alone in a neighborhood. You have no idea what it cost her! To get us back on our feet, to educate us.
- Did you grow up in a neighborhood? - Omer was surprised.
"Yes," she shot him with her eyes still rolling in tears.
Omer unwittingly noted that she was crying beautifully. No puffy nose and red spots on the face.
"If you need to be with your grandmother, you can take a couple of days off," he suggested.
She shook her head.
- No. My sister is with her now. But thanks for your concern. And for talking to me. I really felt better
Omer nodded and spoke about work:
- Did you send Shinasi a new version of the contract?
- Just yesterday.
- When he calls, immediately connect with me.
After giving the order, he went to his room.
Looking at the closed door, Laila removed the plaintive expression from her face and, rubbing her eyes angrily, swore:
- Damn drops! Now my eyes will burn for half a day, - she looked at the closed blinds and hissed: - What sacrifices I endure because of you! Just try to kick me off. I'll beat the living daylights out of you!
***
- Skinny girl! Koray's voice boomed in the corridor.
Defne jumped in place and stared at the door in dismay. It flew open, and the crazy photographer in a picture pose froze in the doorway.
- M-mister Koray! How can you scare me so? - She was indignant and immediately went on the attack: - I will not do gymnastics now! I have no time. Full of work! I won't! I say exactly! I won't!
- Ay, she screamed! - The uninvited guest grimaced with displeasure. - I will not force you. I'm kind today! Just get this clear relief off your face! Otherwise, I'll change my mind, - a frightened expression returned to Defne's face. Koray smiled flatteringly and, heavily squeezing his large body into a chair on the other side of the table, asked: - Skinny, do you know who is in front of you?
- Yes, it seems, there was no amnesia, - Defne muttered and added louder: - Mr. Koray, I remember that you are a brilliant photographer, artist, creative personality, and delicate soul. Only, please, tell me why you came and leave. I have a lot of work.
- Ay, you don't know anything! Backward! Before you - the creative director of Passionis, - he proudly raised his head and turned to her in profile.
- Is it true? - Defne opened her eyes in disbelief. - Omer didn't tell me anything. Congratulations, Mr. Koray! For you is easy to work in a new place. I am very happy for you, but if this is all, then let everyone do their own work.
- Why did you do repeat "your work, your work"! I'm in business! Omer approved my concept. But the truth! How could he not approve? I'm a genius! Now all women will want Omer Iplikci! - Defne choked and began to gasp for air. Koray leaned over the table and, slapping her on the back, shouted. - Well! Why are you staring with your eyes like that? His shoes they will want! Shoes!
- Ah, shoes, - Defne exhaled.
- Shoes, of course! What else? No, well, he, of course, is handsome, tall, his hair is thick, his eyes like olives ... yes! I forgot! More muscles. Women love muscles. But cold as an iceberg! Who can stand him? Well, except for you. You fell in love with him and you pamper him...
- A-ah-ah! - Defne could not resist. - Mr. Koray go to the topic!
- And-and-and! Deaf! Hears nothing! I crossed over long ago. I say - Omyush approved the concept. Cinderella wears the right shoes and becomes a princess. Cinderella - you, Princess you too! Means what? You are the model too!
- What?! Am I sleeping and seeing a nightmare? Defne pinched her hand. - No, I do not sleep! - She shook her head and, in the most strict tone, which she was capable of, declared: - Mr. Koray - this is out of the question! I have a lot of work! Look for someone who does it professionally. There are a dime a dozen models in Turkey. And there is even more in the world. Anyone would consider it a pleasure to be a model for Passionis.
Koray shook his head and muttered to himself:
- No, exactly deaf ... Skinny, I say - you will be filming. Nobody else fits! No one else has such a big heart and a kind soul.
"The heart and soul are not visible in the photo," Defne objected.
- How not visible!!! Koray yelled indignantly. - It is very visible! Why then does Omyush see only you? There are plenty of redheads! And slim with thin ankles. But he fell in love with you! He put a flattering smile on his face again. - Oh, skinny! He's so in love with you. He speaks only about you. I would also fall in love, but you love Omyush, you will not love me, and my delicate soul cannot withstand suffering. - He portrayed sobs that disappeared in one second and he angrily barked: - Will you be filming?!
- No!!! Defne snapped.
- Well, look, you asked for it yourself.
He walked out into the middle of the office and, humming out of tune a melody vaguely familiar to Defne, spread his legs and bent over to the side. Grunting, he straightened and leaned into the other.
- Mr. Koray, what are you doing? - She was taken aback.
- Can't you see? Gymnastics for pregnant women! I'll do it until you agree," he started the song again and, sticking out his impressive backside, leaned forward.
- A-ah-ah! - Defne shouted and hurried out of the office.
- Skinny, where are you going! You haven't agreed yet! - heard behind and she added speed.
She ran up the stairs to Passionis and burst into Omer's office. When he saw her, he got up to meet her and she flew into his arms with a running start.
- Save me! - asked plaintively.
- Skinny! - Koray thundered in the corridor. - All the same, you can't go anywhere. Accept and agree! - The voice sounded closer.
The office door swung open, and the new concept director appeared on the doorstep. Defne ducked behind Omer's back and stubbornly declared from there:
- I disagree!
- Omyush, order your wife! Koray demanded. - You are her husband and she must obey you.
- Aha! Already! - Defne again filed a snide remark from behind his broad back.
- Stop! Stop! Stop! - Omer raised his hands in a conciliatory gesture. - Let's calm down and talk like professionals. Defne, you sit down here, - he sat her down in his chair. - And you Koray - there.
- And I'm in my favorite! - Sinan appeared in the office. Closing the wide-open door, he settled into a comfortable chair opposite Koray.
- Here, - Omer spoke conciliatory, - everybody is here. Let's talk like civilized people. Koray, your position is clear. Shut up for now. "He turned to Defne. - Darling, do not rush to refuse and be stubborn. You better look at this. "He slipped her a folder with the concept of the latest, spring collection.
She cautiously examined the three men gazing at her and opened the folder. Her face changed each time she turned the next page. From decisive to being cute, like a child's. Turning the latter over, she touchingly raised her eyebrows and held out:
- Oh, very good.
Koray jumped up in his chair and yelled:
- She understands now! Quickly agree to be filmed!!!
The house broke down and dark red eyebrows came together on the bridge of the nose.
- I won't!
- You will!
- I won't!
- Omyush, tell her.
- Darling...
- I won't!!!
Sinan writhed with laughter in his chair. Wiping away his tears and choking on sobs, he turned to the girl:
- Defne, you'd better agree. They still will not give up.
She indignantly jumped up from the chair, but Omer took her by the shoulders and gently set her back down.
- Calm down, my soul. Negative emotions are contraindicated for you. You better listen to me. When I draw this collection, I was thinking about you. Koray, when he came up with the concept, also thought about you. True? - He turned to the newly minted director of concepts. He nodded vigorously. - You are the soul of this project. Who, if not you, to breathe life into it.
Well, how can you refuse Omer when he says such nice words! Defne grimaced and tried to use the last argument.
- How do you imagine that? I am pregnant. The belly will appear soon. While you make samples and prepare a photo session, I will already look like a balloon on a string.
- Darling, I don't think that in a couple of weeks your belly will grow so big, - Omer smiled at her with his charming smile, from which butterflies fluttered in her still completely invisible belly. An answering smile blossomed on her face by itself. Sinan and Koray jumped in their chairs and announced the office with shouts: "Yes!!!" Omer remained calm, but his contented expression acted on Defne's wounded pride more than the glee of the first two. She narrowed her eyes and declared:
- Ten days.
- What, ten days? - asked Sinan in perplexity.
- You have exactly ten days. If you fail - look for another model, - leaning back in the chair and folding her hands on her stomach Defne calmly enlightened them.
- What? Sinan looked at his friend in confusion. - Did she learn from you?
- From him! Him! - Тhe girl confirmed.
- Darling, maybe two weeks? Omer stammered carefully.
- Nope! She shook her head. - Ten days. Time is running out.
- And-and-and! Blackmailer! Koray hissed, but Sinan jumped out of his chair and tugged at his arm.
- Stop it! There is no time to swear. Get to work!
In a matter of seconds, both disappeared from the office.
"My soul," Omer spoke peacefully and smiled his crooked, seductive smile.
- Ooh! Do not even try! - Defne saw through him in half a second.
"Okay," he sighed, resigned to the inevitable. "Ten days, so ten days," he lifted her hand from the chair and pulled her to him. - And now - come to me. I want to kiss you. I missed you.
Omer bent down to her lips. He almost touched them, but the creak of the opening door made him look up. Laila entered the office. Stopping at the threshold, she modestly lowered her eyes and said:
- Mr. Omer, I urgently need your signature.
"Okay," he let go of his wife and pointed to the table. - Let me sign it.
She went over and put the document on the table. Omer took it in his hands and began to read. Laila stood as quiet as a meek lamb. But there was something in this meekness that frost went over the skin. Defne frowned. For the first time, she took a closer look at her husband's new assistant. And she was surprised at her contradictory feelings. The girl seemed modest and friendly. But in her gaze and a barely noticeable smile, which slightly raised the corners of her lips, there was something lascivious and frightening. Her hair was pulled back at the back of the head, but thin curls supposedly knocked out of the bun, attracted the eye to her long, graceful neck. The blouse was buttoned under the throat, but its size was clearly smaller than necessary and the fabric can barely hold full breasts. Just look, tiny buttons fly off to hell, revealing the charms of the assistant. At first glance, a simple suit fits like a second skin, emphasizing a thin waist and round buttocks. Unthinkable heels lengthen the legs and pull the figure into a string. With seeming decency, she looked too ... sexy. Defne looked at her husband. Does he notice this sexuality? Does he care about this?
Omer was immersed in his work. After reading the document, he put it on the table and signed it.
"You can scan and send," he told the assistant, and at the same moment forgot about her. Turning to his wife, he smiled at her and offered:
- Soon is lunchtime. Shall we go down to the cafe? Or order it here. What would you like?
Defne didn't have time to answer. Laila's phone rang in her hands.
- Mr. Shinasi is calling! She exclaimed and looked at Omer.
"Transfer the call to me and go to your room," he ordered.
The assistant picked up the phone and spoke in a voice that sounded both businesslike and seductive:
- Mr. Shinasi, good afternoon! We've been waiting for your call. Yes, Mr. Omer is free, and I switch you to him.
Omer looked at his wife with regretful eyes and threw up his hands. Defne smiled knowingly, kissed him on the cheek, and whispered:
- Finish your work, love! When you are free, come down to me. I'll order lunch.
He, in agreement, closed his eyes and blew her a kiss. Defne looked expectantly at Laila and barely nodded toward the door. That had no choice but to leave the office.
"That's better," Defne muttered and hurried to her room. Passionis stole a lot of working time from her today and now she will have to make up for it.
Laila, standing on the threshold of her office, looked after her. Looking sideways to see if there were prying eyes and ears around, she curled her lips mockingly and hissed:
- Run, run, lamb! Soon you will be as big as a cow and your husband will politely throw you out of his bed. And I'll be right there and take a warm place.
***
A fun life began in Passionis. Master Sadri and Iso, flying with happiness, sewed samples of shoes at an accelerated pace. All for size 37. Koray drove the entire office to a soaring state. By some miracle, without stopping the endless chatter, he managed to lead everyone with an iron hand, and the seeming chaos was actually a well-organized strategy. Preparations for the photoshoot were in full swing and fit into the frames that Defne had given them. Omer and Sinan only exchanged silent glances and kept away from the process. And, accustomed to controlling everyone and everything, Iplikci suddenly realized that a huge piece of work had fallen from his shoulders, and, most importantly, this work is being done so flawlessly that there is no point in rechecking it. This means that the freed time can be devoted to Defne. Which he did with great pleasure, and at every opportunity he fled to Sapphire. For some reason, recently, Omer's own office has caused a kind of dreary and anxious feeling. Or maybe not the office, but the girl who was sitting next door. At first glance, she did nothing wrong, but Omer felt ill at ease in her presence. And each time giving orders quickly, he hurried to put her out the door. And run to Defne. Next to her, he calmed his heart and again turned into an absolutely happy person.
One evening, leaving the shower, he did not see Defne in the room and went to look for her around the house. The loss was found in the office. She was drawing. On the table in front of her were three open boxes of pearls. He picked up one, gold, and touched its shining surface. The pearl of Defne. Smiling, he put it down and looked over his wife's shoulder.
- What are you drawing?
She raised her sweet face to him and answered:
- A gift to Emine. Her talisman. A pendant that will always remind her that mom and dad are always with her, always love and protect.
"Show me," Omer asked in a suddenly hoarse voice.
Defne handed him a pencil sketch. Gray strokes and lines formed a pattern - three golden loops, decorated with small crystals, and large pearls between them. They were shaded differently. The upper one was darker, the second was lighter, the lower one was only slightly shaded.
- Black, gold, and white below? Omer asked. He touched his fingers to the bottom pearl and added: - As if under protection.
"Yes," Defne confirmed. - Protected. Gold is our warmth and care, diamond chains are constancy and inviolability. Like the confidence that it will always be so.
Omer looked at the gray strokes and lines and saw warm gold, the soft shine of pearls, and the shine of diamonds.
"Very beautiful," he said and looked at his wife. - I'll order diamonds for it from Diamond company. Special cut and purity. Let this pendant be flawless in every sense.
- So you like the idea!
- Are you asking? - He answered reproachfully, and then picked up a pencil and asked: - May I?
Defne nodded. He drew a curve in the middle with confident strokes, which connected all three pearls together and the pendant acquired integrity. Omer put down his pencil, bent over his wife, and put his hands on her belly. She covered them with her palms. They didn't need words to hear each other's thoughts and feelings. They looked at the drawing and smiled silently. Omer spoke first. After kissing Defne on the temple, he pressed his cheek to her ear and purred in soft as velvet voice:
- Would you like something warm?
"I do," she replied.
- Then let's go to the kitchen. I'll make you hot chocolate.
***
Ahtem and Laura returned from their honeymoon trip. In Istanbul, a renovated old house and a gray cat with intelligent eyes awaited them. A door was made for it in the front door, through which the cat could freely enter the house and get out of it. Defne left food for it every day on the terrace of her house and Gri, from a skeleton covered with wool, again turned into a well-fed beauty.
The cat was waiting for the owners on the doorstep. It sat as unperturbed as the Sphinx. When they got out of the car, it didn't budge. It didn't even move its tail. Only its eyes narrowed in a satisfied squint.
- Hi, Gri! - Laura stroked it between the ears and pointed to the door opened by Ahtem: - Come in.
The cat got up, stretched, and entered the house importantly. The new environment did not bother it at all. It walked into the living room, jumped into a rocking chair by the fireplace, and curled up in it. Ahtem and Laura exchanged glances and smiled understanding at each other. The house and its keeper accepted the new owners.
In the evening, Iplikci came. Defne had baked a lemon muffin and full saucepan of her famous dolma. With a cherry filling. And Laura baked veal and made her famous salad. In the newly renovated dining room, candles were burning with warm light, delicious aromas soared and cheerful laughter sounded. The newlyweds talked about the beautiful Prague, Iplikci - about the latest news, that had accumulated in a week.
- Koray director?! Laura exclaimed.
- And very good! - confirmed Defne.
- Are you a model again?
- Yeah. Apparently, this is my fate - all four laughed merrily. "But I got it back," Defne looked slyly at Omer. He, holding back his laughter and biting his lower lip, looked at his wife with adoring eyes. - I set a time frame. Ten days. If not ready - let them look for another model.
"How cruel you are," Ahtem muttered with a laugh. - Don't you feel sorry for Omer! In the Passionis, probably, is an emergency.
- What does Omer have to do with it? He did his part of the work. Let the new concept director and part-time photographer be spinning now. Maybe next time he will turn his eyes to real models and forget about me.
- Oh, I doubt it! - Laura burst into laughter. - You will be his favorite model until the end of the century!
"Don't forget that he likes not only my thin ankles, but also your noble features," Defne sarcastically reminded her, but her friend just brushed it off.
"He has no means to put pressure on me," she said nonchalantly and nodded pointedly at Omer. - But he has for you. And he will use them indefinitely.
- Do not scare me! Defne widened her eyes in mock fright. - I am pregnant! Negative emotions are contraindicated for me.
- Darling, - Omer slightly raised an eyebrow, - but after all, Koray is a solid positive! So he cares about you. One gymnastics for pregnant women is worth something!
- A-ah! Shut up! - His wife shouted through laughter. - When I hear his voice in the corridor of Sapphire, I shudder with horror.
When the laughter died down, Defne moved on to a serious subject.
- Ahtem, I will have a personal request for you.
The men turned concerned faces to her.
- I am listening carefully, - Ahtem answered.
- I want to make a present to very good people. They helped Omer and me in difficult times and treated us like family. I drew a piece of jewelry and I want to ask if you can make it as soon as possible. I will pay for it with my personal savings.
Ahtem dismissed the last phrase and asked:
- Show me the sketch.
Defne found the image she needed on her phone and handed it to him.
He carefully examined it for a couple of minutes, and then looked at the girl and confidently said:
- This is an amulet for conceiving a child.
Defne was slightly taken aback by her friend's insight and nodded in the affirmative:
- Yes.
Omer slapped his forehead.
- So this is what you were looking for in that book! And I could not understand what caused your interest in such illogical things. For Maya and Theo?
Defne nodded again. Laura held out her hand to the phone and asked her husband:
"Let me see it too."
He turned the screen to her, and the two of them bent over the sketch photo.
"Very beautiful," the girl breathed in admiration.
Defne looked from one face to the other in amazement, then looked at Omer and asked:
- You're not laughing at my idea and not saying that the special, mystical properties of stones are stupid prejudices? Maya simply believes in these magical properties.
Ahtem and Laura raised surprised faces from the tablet.
- And what is there to laugh about? - Ahtem answered the question with a question.
- Darling, - Omer spoke, - remember the opal necklace and the role it played in your decision not to board the plane. If we do not understand some things, this does not mean that they do not exist. You said yourself that Maya believes in the special properties of minerals. And faith can work miracles. Who, if not us, know about this.
Defne's eyes sparkled with gratitude. And admiration. She smiled at her husband, and he took her hand and gently kissed her graceful fingers.
"You know," Laura said. - My mom has had a similar story. Gina told me about it. Long ago, when I was still little. So, after the wedding, my mother could not get pregnant for several years. My father was angry. He needed an heir. He took my mother to the doctors, but everyone said the same thing - she is physically healthy and can have children. Once Gina accidentally noticed my mother in the far corner of the garden. She was sitting on a bench by the lake and cried. The good soul felt sorry for her, and, breaking the rules, went to the hostess and hugged her. Mom burst into tears even more and spoke. She said that her husband set a condition for her - if she does not become pregnant within six months, then he submits a petition for divorce to the Vatican.
My father was rubbish, but my mother loved him very much. She was ready for anything to give her husband a son. And then Gina, secretly from my father, took her to a local healer. She asked to buy and bring a piece of rock crystal. Mom did just that. The witch doctor whispered something over it for a long time, and then gave it to my mother and told her to carry it with her, but not to show it to anyone. What helped is unknown. Either the crystal, or treatment with a new doctor, but two months later my mother became pregnant.
Laura didn't tell the end of the story, but everyone knew it anyway. Instead of the long-awaited son, a girl was born, and the countess died in childbirth. The count married again. The new wife bore him a son, and the little girl went through all circles of hell but grew up to be a beautiful, generous woman who knows how to love.
- Hey! - She exclaimed and looked at her husband and friends. - Why are you sad? All is in the past. Lived and forgotten! I didn't tell the story to make you lose your mood. My mother believed in a miracle, and I was born into the world. This is the main thing!
"You're right, my love," Ahtem said in a low voice from overwhelming feelings and covered her hand lying on the table with his. - You were born - this is the most important thing, - he looked at Defne. - I will make the amulet immediately. I have the stones I need. But the frame ... you did not specify, but I would recommend making it out of silver. A metal that protects from evil.
"I agree," Defne supported him. - I also thought about silver but wanted to consult with you.
- Then it's settled. I'll deal with it tomorrow. It will be ready in a couple of days.
"Thank you," Defne said with feeling and put her palm over the hands of Ahtem and Laura. - How good you are!
Omer stood up and came closer. Putting one arm around his wife's shoulders, the other covered the joined hands and delivered the verdict:
- It's good that we all have each other.
***
All of Sapphirе's leadership and the bosses of Passionis gathered in Defne's office. Everyone except Koray. There were four days left before the photo session, and the new director, who suddenly turned from an idle lazy person into a maniac workaholic and perfectionist, was twirling around trying not to miss anything and to be in time for everything.
Ahtem and Laura settled down on the leather sofa, Seda and Sinan took chairs, Defne sat in her place at the table, and Omer sat down on the tabletop near her. He alone was not delighted with the topic of conversation. While Defne voiced Ozcan Baisal's proposal, he looked at the satisfied faces of his friends and slowly boiled. Just think, an elite chain of jewelry stores! Is it the only one in Istanbul? There are others! Sapphire has great potential. It is quite possible to take a pause and not rush to the first counter offer. What he said in a disgruntled tone.
- Omer, are you out of your mind? Laura exclaimed. - Such an offer at the very beginning of the business is a great success. It is foolish to refuse it. And I see no reason for this.
"But I see!" - Omer thought gloomily. But he could not tell that he was furiously jealous of his wife and had an illogical, but no less acute dislike for the damn merchant.
"Sapphire will have offers as good as this," he said stubbornly.
- It will! Laura agreed. - And we will definitely accept them. But we will not give up on this either.
- Of course, everything needs to be calculated, but the benefit for Sapphire will undoubtedly be great, - Sinan supported her.
- We can add a clause to the contract that we will equip the shop windows ourselves. And we will make works of art out of them, - added Seda. - I'll take care of it.
- And I also have a creative interest, - smiled Ahtem. - My hands are itching to make these special, exclusive wedding decorations that Defne will draw. Here they will definitely be a work of art.
- Okay, - Omer raised his hands. - I give up. So be it. But I have a request - let Defne limit herself to creating sketches, and Laura and Seda will take over the rest of the work under the contract.
"You might not have asked," Laura looked at him reproachfully. - It will be so in any case. Let Defne create masterpieces, Ahtem brings them to life, and we will do the rest.
- So everyone agrees to accept Mr. Baisal's offer? Defne asked. The partners nodded their heads together. Sinan and the girls were enthusiastic, Omer was reserved. - Then I call him and announce our decision.
She picked up the receiver from the landline phone and said:
- Alina, would you be so kind as to contact the secretary of Mr. Ozcan Baisal and find out if I can talk to him. She put the receiver back on the cradle. But before she could remove her hand, the telephone rang.
"I'm listening," she replied. After a short pause, she spoke again: - Thank you, Mr. Ozcan. Good day to you too. I'm calling to inform you that Sapphire agrees to your proposal. I will draw sketches of wedding decorations for your daughter. Mrs. Laura and our lawyer will come to you today to discuss the contract. Will it be convenient for you to meet them? ... Well! As soon as the contract is signed, I will immediately start working. Goodbye Mr. Ozcan!
After hanging up the phone, she looked at Laura and asked:
- Today at three o'clock in the office of Baisal. Will you go?
- Are you asking? Of course, I'll go. Sinan, can I bring Passionis's lawyer with me?
- Оk, - he agreed. "Now I'll find out who can accompany you."
While Sinan was calling the Legal Department, Laura quietly addressed Defne:
- We need our own lawyer. Sapphire evolves, we become a burden to Passionis.
- You're right. Tell Alina to prepare an advertisement for the labor exchange.
- Can I turn to Kerem Yilmaz? - Seda said just as quietly. - He moves in legal circles and may know a sensible lawyer who is looking for a job.
"Good idea," Defne agreed. - I'll call him and talk.
- I decided everything! - Hiding the phone in his pocket informed Sinan - Ender will go with you.
Laura nodded and thanked:
- Thanks! If the question with Baisal has been resolved, shall we move on to the next one?
- Is there another one? - Defne was surprised.
- Yes, - answered the creative director. - And very important for our image and company promotion. In early June, an exhibition of jewelry Diamond Stars will be held in Ankara. All jewelry houses in Turkey will be eager to take part in it.
- Yes, this is a very serious and prestigious exhibition, - confirmed Ahtem and asked: - What do we need to take part in it?
- First, - Laura smiled, - our desire.
- We have it! - confirmed Defne. - What's next?
- Submit our application. I will do this immediately after the meeting. And then - your work with Ahtem. Fifteen products that should shake the imagination of jaded exhibition organizers and buyers. We have three and a half months for this. Time is running out. You have less than a month for sketches. Can you handle it?
Defne nodded in the affirmative.
- I can handle it. I already have some sketches. We will use them for the exhibition. Then, today, when you are going to discuss the contract with Baisal, indicate that the final order production line is the beginning of March. After the collection for the exhibition, I will start drawing his. At this time, you will purchase all the materials necessary for the collection and in March we will start manufacturing. I want to participate in this process," she smiled at Ahtem an apologetic smile." - Do not think anything bad. I just want this collection to be perfect.
- Yes, I understand, - he smiled indulgently. - You are as much a perfectionist as Omer.
Defne smiled at her husband and felt warmth spread through her body from his return look. He was proud of her. She felt it with her skin, her heart. Omer Iplikci admired and was proud of his wife! Isn't that a miracle? She, left by her parents as a girl from a neighborhood, was able to become equal to him, did not disgrace, did not turn into a beautiful, but usual housewife.
"I love you!" - Mentally she whispered and Omer, closing his eyes, nodded barely noticeably.
- Hey, Iplikci! - Sinan was indignant. - Enough glances! We are discussing serious issues here. Come back from the clouds to the office! - He scolded and, gasping grabbed his side. It was Seda who gave him a good elbow push so that he did not destroy the magic of the moment.
"Okay," Laura said, making a note in her notebook. - Then the work plan is clear. But the schedule will be tight. Especially for Defne. In addition to working on sketches, there is also a photo session for Passionis.
"For one day," Omer assured her. - Koray will manage. I won't let Defne get overtired and nervous. "He covered his wife's small hand lying on the table with his big palm and squeezed it gently. - But there is one more "but". Defne's due date is June. She will definitely not be able to attend the exhibition.
"It's not a problem," Laura reassured him. - Ahtem and I will present Sapphire. And Defne will be with us mentally, - she smiled affectionately at her friend.
- Then there are no questions, - agreed Omer.
- If there are no questions - then get to work! Sinan ordered. - Passionis is two hours under the direction of Koray. I hope all the staff, especially your assistant, are alive.
- Alive, alive, - Omer reassured him and asked: - Go upstairs, and I will stay for a couple of minutes.
When everyone left the office, Omer turned to Defne and bent down to kiss her. She trustingly raised her face to him and put her lips upward. Plump, sweet lips, from one touch to which the blood ran faster through the veins, and desire began to tremble and vibrate in his chest. Releasing them, he pressed his forehead to hers and put his palms around her graceful neck.
- Do you remember that you promised me not to meet with Baisal alone?
"I remember," she replied. "And I intend to keep my promise. And you promise to trust me and not be jealous.
- I trust you. I absolutely trust. But I don't trust men. Because I know what they're thinking when they look at you, he added mentally. - I can't help but be jealous. And don't ask for it. I still can't do it. This unproductive feeling is stronger than my reason and logic.
Defne sighed doom and kissed him lightly on the lips.
- What to do? Your feelings after all. Then we will treat the outbursts of your jealousy with love. Do you agree?
Omer's eyes lit up with fire. Slowly examining her face, he lowered his eyes to hер lips, then to the neckline of her blouse, ran the back of his hand over her chest and asked hoarsely:
- Do you understand what you are proposing now? I'll torture you with my jealousy, "he unbuttoned the top button of her silk blouse and put his hand into the neckline. His palm covered the lace-covered mound of her breast.
Defne exhaled and closed her eyes.
- And in return, I will love you...
Omer groaned and squeezed her breasts.
The phone rang at the wrong time. Its melodic sound brought the lovers back to reality. Omer removed his hand from his wife's breast. Defne raised her head and looked around in confusion. Allah! In the middle of the working day, in her office, where anyone can enter at any time! They completely lost their heads! She straightened her blouse, buttoned up a button, and only then answered the call.
- Mrs. Defne, - came Alina's voice from the tube, - stylists came from Mr. Koray.
- The dress! - remembered Defne and made a plaintive grimace. - I completely forgot about this fitting! Okay, Alina! Tell them to come to my office.
She hung up and looked at her husband with regret. He was still sitting on her desk. So beautiful and relaxed that it took her breath away, and the heart fluttered in her chest.
"Trying on a dress for the photoshoot," she explained.
- Is it time for me to leave? - He asked. There was disappointment in his velvet voice.
"Uh-huh," Defne confirmed.
In the corridor, the steps of stylists were already heard, but Omer bent down to Defne's ear and whispered passionately:
- I already dream of the night. Don't promise anything for the evening. It's only ours! - He looked into the misty eyes of his wife and winked. She swallowed and nodded her head.
Before the door opened, Omer had time to get up from the table and button up his jacket.
- Have nice work, - he wished Passionis's employees and left the office.
"Well, how can this be? - Looking after him, Defne was indignant in her mind. - All so calm and unperturbed! As if it was not he who burned with passion a minute ago and blazed everything around! "
"Mrs. Defne," the stylist called her carefully.
- Yes, - she woke up and smiled embarrassedly. - I apologize. Thinking - she got up from the table and confidently walked into the middle of the office. - Let's get to work? Arrange your screens and take out the dress. I have twenty minutes to fit.
Omer entered the office and frowned. Heck! Again that intoxicating smell of Laila's perfume. He couldn't stand breathing it every day. He just can't stand it. Maybe he should give her a hint to change her perfume?