- 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?