Nothing could overshadow this morning. Neither the sky frowning in the rain, nor the lack of hot water in the shower, nor the escaped coffee, which had to be re-brewed. Even the cramped apartment, in which the two had nowhere to turn around, was not annoying. After all, doing morning rush affairs, colliding with each other, meeting with hands, touching elbows and hips, cuddling and, as if by chance, kissing a strong shoulder or fragrant thin neck, was pure bliss.

And they were in a state of bliss!

Discarding all other thoughts openly enjoyed each other. They smiled openly and easily, touched gently, kissed excitedly. They ate a scorched omelet and over-dried toasts as if it were pure nectar. And even the coffee, which again ran away because at the crucial moment Omer wanted to kiss Defne, seemed to be both the tastiest in the world. Divine, fragrant, sweet. The bitterness completely disappeared in him ... or maybe the lovers simply did not feel it. They drank it from one cup and kissed after each sip. The lips smelled of coffee and it was the aroma of their morning with a taste of happiness.

And then Omer tried to leave for himself to change clothes. And he couldn't. Defne's hair restrained him, in which his fingers tangled. Her eyes. He was drowning in them and did not want to emerge from the golden whirlpool. Her sweet lips, from which he could not tear himself away and covered with his again and again. He buried his nose in the crease between the neck and shoulder and, inhaling deeply the native smell, closed his eyes and bald with pleasure. Defne laughed, threw back her head and complained that she was tickled.

"Get used to it," Omer purred and fingered the skin of the graceful curve of the neck.

"If you don't let me go now, we'll be late for work," whispered Defne, squinting with pleasure.

- So what? - He untied the lacing on her pajama blouse and, pulling the short sleeve, bared a rounded shoulder. Drawing patterns on it with his lips and finger, he made her tremble and forget about everything in the world. - I am a co-owner of the company and may be late.

His words finally returned Defne from heaven to earth. Sighing, she replaced the sleeve of her pajamas and stood on her feet. Regretfully looking at Omer, who was disappointed by her actions, she shrugged and explained:

"You are a co-owner, and I am a subordinate." And I have no right to be late.

Reluctantly, she began to collect dirty dishes and leftover breakfast from the table. Omer stood up after her and began to help. At the same time, as if by the way, noting:

- Here you go! Another excuse to return to Passionis. As the wife of a co-owner, you will have the same rights as me.

Defne froze. She looked at him and asked:

- Let's discuss this issue another time. Now there is no time. Twenty minutes later we must leave the house. Therefore, run to yourself, take the form of a big boss and we go to work on time. I will even give in and go with your Mercedes.

- Even? - surprised Omer. "I took it for granted."

Defne smiled slyly and pushed him toward the door.

"If you don't get ready in twenty minutes, then I, of course, will leave by taxi."

- What else! - He was indignant and opened the door.

But he could not leave the apartment. On the threshold, with her hand raised for a knock, stood the landlady of the apartment, Fatima. At the sight of the disheveled appearance of the tenants and their pajamas, she froze for a moment with her mouth open, and then burst into indignation:

- What is it? - not looking at Defne she demanded an answer. "Didn't I tell you not to invite men into the house?" Shameless!!! She scanned the girl from head to toe with a contemptuous look and shook her head condemningly. - Aren't you ashamed? The man just moved in, and you already pull him to bed. Slut!!!

- Quiet!!! Omer barked.

The next second, she was already standing in the cramped corridor of the apartment and gasped for air. Omer let go of the stretched wool sleeve and slammed the door shut behind her.

"Now listen to me." Defne is my wife. So hold back your indignation. Better yet, apologize for the offensive words you just told her.

"I-and-I'm sorry," the woman obediently blew turning to Defne.

She nodded in confusion. Omer grinned in satisfaction and continued his speech:

"It is very good that you came to us this morning." We must warn you that we are moving out of this house. Today. You can keep the October fee for yourself. Sister Zehra and Sukru will arrive a little later, collect our things and give you the keys. Now, please, disappear. Defne and I have no time for empty talk.

The door behind the woman opened, and she instantly was behind the threshold. The wooden canvas hit the jamb in a big way. With an open mouth and a dumbfounded look, she went down the steps and stopped. Damn it! Again she was left without tenants! But she hoped so ...

The door opened again and Omer stepped outside. He raised an eyebrow inquiringly and asked:

- Are you still here?

The phrase was spoken in such a tone that she hurried to disappear away from the scanning gaze of cold, coal-black eyes. Looking after her trail, Omer, jumping over two steps, rushed upstairs. Of the allotted twenty minutes, fourteen remained. But he did not want his wife to go to work alone, and besides, in a taxi.

Exactly fourteen minutes later, an elegant and confident couple came out of the apartment on the ground floor. Pajamas were replaced by business suits, disheveled hair - neat hairstyles. Here are just the facial expressions remained the same. And you could call it in one word - happiness. It burst from the eyes, shone in smiles and softened features. Looking at each other, Omer and Defne approached the car. Sukru, smiling, opened the door in front of them. And then a mannered voice sounded, from the sound of which Omer rolled his eyes. The annoying Sabrina cаme next to the car.

- Omer! Good morning! She said sweetly. In contrast to her tone, the look to Defne blazed with anger. "I decided not to cook anything today." Maybe we'll have breakfast in the cafe. There is a wonderful place nearby.

Sukru burst out laughing. Omer's speech disappeared from such impudence. But Defne was not confused. She smiled sweetly at the girl and said:

"Sabrina, turn your attention to someone else." In the case of Omer, you only lose time. My husband is having breakfast, "she looked at Omer and smiled at him," only with me.

Sunlight flashed in his gaze. There was so much love, admiration, delight in him, so much tenderness and affection that Defne thought - he kisses her with eyes.

"Is he your husband ?!" The hysterical screech interrupted the conversation. "But ... but ... but ... how can this be?"

"Ordinarily," Omer answered and showed the ring on the ring finger of his left hand. "It's strange that you didn't notice it." Okay, Sabrina. Have a nice day. Defne and I are in a hurry. Darling?

He looked at his wife, but her gaze was fixed on the corner of the house. There stood a shaggy, blue-eyed boy in which Omer recognized the boy who had given him the address of Defne.

She lightly touched her husband's hand. She asked: "Wait a couple of minutes," and went to the boy. He looked serious. Like an adult.

"Are you leaving the area?" Defne nodded. - It's a pity. You are the best thing here.

Defne looked into the sea-blue eyes and said:

"Thank you ... for yesterday."

"For nothing," Mert answered.

Without saying a word, both looked back at Omer. He stood by the open door of the car and waited patiently. Sabrina, finally realizing that she had nothing to catch here, left. And she didn't even look at the tri-cursed neighbors, who again watched her embarrassment and grabbed their bellies with laughter.

"He's cool," Mert spoke again. "And Mehmet and his gang are morons." They wouldn't do anything to you. They are afraid of Kerem. But him," he nodded to Omer," they would have beaten him. Defne stroked his black curls and smiled sincerely and a little sadly.

"Take care of yourself," she asked.

- You too.

Defne hugged him and kissed his forehead.

"Go already," the young man rudely ordered.

Defne obeyed. She went to the car, but before climbing into the passenger compartment, she looked around and waved to him. In response, he raised his hand with his palm to the temple and saluted with two fingers. And then disappeared around the corner of the house.

Omer sat next to his wife and natural as if he had done it a million times, seized her hand. He intertwined his fingers with hers and told Sukru to hurry. Defne is late, which is not good at all. When the car drove outside the quarter, he asked:

"This boy ... did you make friends with him?"

Defne smiled lightly:

- Yes. He is a good boy. Once he helped me bring bags from the market. So we met. He has two sisters ... and only mom. It's not easy for them. And also - it was he who knocked on my door yesterday and said that they want to beat you.

"You never know what he wanted," grumbled Omer. "I would have known before - I would have pulled the ears of your defender."

- For what? - Defne was indignant.

"For putting you at risk." And if these hooligans did something to you while I was lying unconscious? Omer frowned and squeezed her hand harder.

"He knew they won't do it," Defne reassured him. - It's the neighborhood. They don't touch their own. And those who are under their protection, too.

"And under whose protection were you?" - in Omer's voice was heard jealous notes. To which Defne only smiled.

"Kerem," she answered simply.

- The lawyer? - Jealousy in Omer's voice sounded even more distinctly. "And how did this happen?"

- He has great authority in the area. One evening, when the local guys wanted to get to know me better, Kerem explained to them that I should be treated with all possible respect. They instantly agreed, - Defne replied jokingly.

Omer turned pale. Turning his whole body to Defne and scanning her face, he asked:

"Did they do anything bad to you?" Scared you? Allah! I felt that I should not take my eyes off ...

"Beloved, calm down," Defne stroked his forearm. "They didn't scare me and did nothing." If you remember, I grew up in the neighborhood, and I know how to deal with such bullies. Yes, and Kerem arrived on time.

- Heck! I owe him, - resigned to this thought, Omer pronounced it out loud. "And what should I do about it?"

"To see a good man in Kerem and treat him with respect," Defne advised.

He scratched his head, then his beard, sighed, and agreed:

- It's hard, but I'll try.

Defne laughed and laid her head on his shoulder.

"You must succeed." I believe in you.

Omer kissed the top of her head and, smiling at his thoughts, pressed his cheek to her hair.

***

Defne was in a hurry. She hated being late and therefore felt guilty. Although today she was so happy that no one and nothing could ruin her mood.

Her watch showed four minutes to eight and if the elevator does not keep itself waiting, then she may appear in the office on time.

She's lucky. The elevator, opening its door sparkling with chrome and mirrors, was waiting for passengers. Defne, rejoicing in luck, went into the booth after a pretty girl and pressed the button for her floor. But the joy was premature. An ugly hand appeared in the doorway, with short thick fingers and an ugly shape of nails, followed by its owner, Kivanc Talat. He examined with his usual, contemptuous, arrogant look in the elevator. At the sight of Defne, his eyes lit up unkind. He twisted his mouth, enter the booth and stopped at the wall. His perfume, sharp and at the same time sugary, was as disgusting as he was. Defne's stomach contracted unpleasantly, and the already usual nausea, which appeared every time she had to be in a society of this vile type, rolled up to her throat. She swallowed a lump and stepped away. As much as possible in the small space of the elevator. Kivanc only smirked at such her maneuvers.

The pretty girl came out on the twelfth floor, and only Defne and Kivanc remained in the booth.

A sticky fear crawled along her spine, but Defne tried her best to keep her face and not show her feelings. She closed her eyes and thought about Omer. She remembered how her heart trembled with excitement every time they both found themselves in the elevator. What were his quietly stolen touches ... what sweet kisses ...

The booth jerked and stopped. Defne startled, and opened her eyes. In front of her face loomed the grinning physiognomy of Kivanc. His thick fingers grasped her neck rather roughly, and he hissed:

- How do you look at a couple of kisses?

Talat reached for her with his lustful mouth. Defne acted automatically. Raising her knee sharply, she punched him between his legs and at the same time stabbed his ears with the palm of her hand. The stunned Kivanc, gasping for air and whining, bent in half, and Defne turned the key, resuming the elevator. All the while, until it stopped on the floor of the office of Tranba, she did not take her eyes off the man and coldly, with a faint tremor in her voice, she said:

"Mr. Kivanc, you are disgusting to me." Like your kisses. I am sick of even one thought ... - Defne shuddered. - It's the last time I warn you - stay away from me.

The elevator rocked and stopped. Behind with a monotonous humming, the door opened. Defne backed up, Kivanc, holding onto the mirror wall, straightened up and looked at her. And so much hatred and malice were in his eyes that Defne became scared. She ran out of the elevator and rushed into her office like an arrow.

***

As soon as, among the other employees of Tranba, Defne entered the conference room of Passionis, when Omer, who was impatiently waiting for his wife to appear, felt something was amiss. She was pale and clearly upset by something. Not at all the Defne that he kissed this morning near the office center, and wished a nice day.The familiar fear that had plagued him for a month and melted without a trace this morning returned and blew coldly over his heart. Maybe Defne decided that their reconciliation would be a mistake? Or did someone else's evil words again cast doubt in her soul?

He pushed back a chair next to his and, helping her to sit down, quietly asked:

- What happened?

She raised her face to him and smiled. Openly and affectionate. Omer felt relieved. Between them, everything is still fine. Then, who dared to upset his Defne?

"All is well," she answered with her lips. And she didn't lie.

As soon as she saw Omer, met his eyes, felt him close by, the pain that had tormented her in the morning, caused by nasty hands, eyes and Talat's words, disappeared without a trace. The heart became easy again. After all, Omer is nearby. He will protect her, dispel all fears and doubts.

She imperceptibly, easily touched his hand and confirmed her words with her eyes. Eyelashes for a moment hid the amber eyes and again shot up.

"You are with me, then everything is fine!" said her gaze.

"I am always with you!" Omer repeated her gesture.

And around, employees of both firms roared, talked, creaked chairs and seated in places. Zubeyir set up the projector, Derya on a laptop was reviewing the presentation. Iz and Seda quietly discussed how it would be more profitable to present the collection so that everyone who looks at the Passionis-Tranba stand at the festival wants to immediately buy it. Denise and Sinan on both sides leaned toward the girls and listened carefully to their ideas. Koray was bored and muttered indignation under his nose at the malice of the leadership, which even the cookies had not been ordered to put on the table. Only water. But some oooooh want to eat and, in general, snacks - this is vital. But no one paid attention to him and his nagging.

And only Kivanc Talat sat in proud isolation. Out of habit, he contemptuously curved his mouth and looked at the hated Iplikci.

What he saw angered him incredibly. The black cat, which was sitting between the spouses, clearly ran away. Although they tried to pretend to be businesslike, they looked happy and in love. And this fact was for Kivanc, like a knife in the heart. The desire to punish both, to trample on their love and tenderness, to spoil it, became simply unbearable. This red-haired beauty dared to reject him, Kivanc. Called him disgusting. Well, he will make it so that she becomes disgusting for her brilliant husband.

- Is everyone ready? - Sinan examined those sitting at the table. The answer was restrained nods and expectant glances - Then let our super talented Iplikci present their creation.

The first sketch of the shoes appeared on the screen, which accompanied Omer's deep voice:

- In the eyes of a man, the woman is a wonderful creature. Graceful, elegant. She flutters without touching the ground and the shoes on her legs are just decoration.

"But in reality," Defne continued. - These legs feel every pothole and pebble on the road they are walking on. And when they are wearing modern shoes that only recognize beauty, these stones and potholes feel even sharper ... Pain is not what a woman wants. She wants care and tenderness.

"Confidence in every step," said Omer. The shoes on the screen were replaced by one another, and he continued, characterizing and describing each model with one phrase: - Soft, velvety heat. Thin skin that hugs every curve of a graceful female leg.

"Sometimes a riot of colors, a mood of snow purity, and sometimes a red, cheerful sun, which gave its light to women's shoes," Defne looked at Omer and smiled at him. A return smile warmed her heart. It was exactly what Defne needed to see — understanding. Omer no longer dismissed her thoughts and did not ignore her wishes. He wanted their fulfillment. Even if these desires are ordinary and simple. Like the shoes on her legs.

"A woman wants to be ephemeral," Omer continued, smiling at his wife. - To gracefully flutter, barely touching the ground. A woman wants her shoes to be worn on her legs at the same time beautiful and comfortable. Refined and comfortable. She wants to go around the world. Dancing and spinning in the rain on the cobblestones of a night city. To play with children on the grass in the park. To go down the stairs of the ballroom arm in arm with her beloved man. And every time to feel only love, joy, and endless happiness. No pain and cramps.

"Forgetting that she's wearing shoes on her legs," Defne said simply and sincerely. - As if she is walking barefoot on a fluffy carpet. But at the same time remembering - her legs are shod in the most special, most elegant, most beautiful shoes. Her shoes.

For several moments there was complete silence in the room. It was violated by Koray. He grotesquely twisted his face and sobbed loudly:

- Umf! And-and-oh! What have you done to me? Ruthless. So poetic and beautiful! And-and-oh! And why am I not a woman!

The first giggled Iz. Behind her is Seda. And Sinan, trying to suppress a fit of laughter, said:

- In my opinion, the recognition of the collection and its presentation is evident.

"I agree," Tranba supported, and bit his lower lip. His shoulders were shaking.