Stay with me

Chapter 30 - Think About Me

- Fikret!

The girl at the window jerked at the sound of a squeaky voice. Putting on her face a mask of cold indifference, she slowly turned around.

- Yes, grandmother?

- Time for dinner. Tradition has always been respected in this house. Be kind, and you stick to them. Fatima has already set the table.

Fikret looked at the old woman. Straight, like a stick, all in black, harsh, and cold. As long as she remembered herself, grandmother was always like that. Only the number of wrinkles on her face changed, but hеr expression remained the same - arrogant and contemptuous. As a child, Fikret thought that if she was good and obedient, her grandmother would smile at her, stroke her hear, hug her. She had seen other grandmothers treat their grandchildren like that. But a miracle did not happen. Never.

"I remember," Fikret answered, not hiding her irony. - Traditions above all. Hurry up. We will not detain Fatima.

She walked past the old woman and went out the door. Squinting at her, the woman went to the window and looked where the granddaughter peered a few minutes ago. To the neighboring house. Pursing her lips, she shook her head condemningly. Strange people. Even on the windows do not hang curtains. Showing their happiness to everyone. They don't know - it needs to be hidden. Human envy and anger do not know pity and condescension.

***

In Ipliкci's new house, chandeliers shone brightly with golden light, the scent of fresh pastries hung in the air, and laughter sounded loud. Close friends who have now become partners, discussing working moments, moved on to pleasant things - they celebrated the birth of their new company. Omer opened champagne, and for Defne brought juice from white grapes. She laughed and said that it tastes better than champagne and the color is almost the same. Only there are no bubbles. Omer winked and suggested adding soda to it.

The filled glasses touched and nicely clinked.

"For the smooth road for Sapphire," said Omer.

"For luck," Deniz supported him.

Defne smiled at her husband with a radiant smile. He answered with a look of love and tenderness. Holding her gaze he took a sip. In Defne's chest sang violins. She closed her eyes and thanked the heavens warmly. For this house, for a given happy life, for the opportunity to be loved. For Omer.

Laura also found the courage to look into Ahtem's eyes. And met his gaze. Impervious, but burning. No matter how she wanted, she could not read his thoughts. But he could not hide his feelings. No matter how much he tried to hide them, they lived their own lives and glowed with fire.

After the hungry guests emptied the snack trays, the host turned on the music. Sinan led Seda to dance, Deniz, invited Iz. Omer grabbed the laughing Defne in his arms and spun with her on the parquet.

Laura decided to quietly evaporate. Grabbing a tray with cups, she went out into the kitchen. Putting it near the sink, she went to the window and wrapped her arms around her shoulders. Behind, the door closed with an almost inaudible click. The back of her head warmed and goosebumps ran down her spine. She did not need to look back to understand who was behind.

"So this is the old friend and his wife who offered you a job?"

She closed her eyes. Favorite voice, up to trembling deep and dear. How much she missed it.

- Yes.

- Didn't there be similar offers in Italy? And what about the family company. Doesn't it need your knowledge? Why did you leave Italy and choose Istanbul?