Omer looked at his wife in confusion and asked:

- Defne, who are you talking of? About Lаila?

"About her," she replied. - I can't logically explain my feelings, but I don't like her. There is something about her so ... fake. As if she deliberately tries to please everyone ... flatters, and at the same time, she hates and despises all.

Omer shrugged and thoughtfully scratched the stubble on his cheek.

- I didn't notice. She does the job well. It suits me. Otherwise, I don't care about her character.

Defne looked out the window. The sky was dark, it was raining. Slanting drops hit the glass and then flowed down in winding paths. Watching one of them, she spoke again:

- I understand that my words sound biased, but still I will say - it seems to me that Laila is capable of such meanness that happened yesterday. And others too. Maybe you'll consider firing her from Passionis?

Omer's eyes widened in surprise. He even shook his head, checking if what he heard was not a hallucination. His generous, kind-hearted Defne asks to fire Laila for no reason. Just because she doesn't like her. And hides her eyes. Frowning, he replied:

- Are you in agreement with Koray? He demands to fire her, and now you too.

- I do not demand, - Defne answered quietly. - I just suggest.

Omer got up and began to measure the office with wide steps. Stopping in front of his wife, who turned away from the window and looked at him with a keen glance of amber eyes, he spoke:

- How do you imagine it? I am firing a person whose guilt has not been proven! For what? How do I explain this to the other employees?

Defne turned pale and got up from the sofa. Looking straight into his eyes, she said with undisguised bitterness:

- You once kicked me out without proof. For the missing shoes. Do you remember? And you didn't think about how I would look like in the eyes of my colleagues.

Omer was confused. The words disappeared from his head, and he did not know at all how to respond to his wife's reproach. Why did she say this? After all, she cannot doubt him and his love. Or maybe?

- Defne, - he held out his hand to her, but she bypassed him and returned to her chair. Taking a pencil in her hands, she bent over the drawing and said in a dispassionate tone:

- Omer, go to your office. We both have a lot of work to do.

- What?! - Not believing his ears, he breathed out.

In two steps, overcoming the distance to her desk, he pulled the pencil out of her hands and threw it into the corner. Then he pressed his palms to the tabletop and bent down to her face. She looked into his eyes. She looked so cold. As Defne from the recent past. And he thought she was gone forever. That they are now one and understand each other like no other.

"Do you really think that some kind of assistant might matter to me?"

"I was also an assistant then... if you remember," ironic notes appeared in her voice.

- Don't you dare compare anyone to yourself! Omer shouted.

- Don't you dare shout at me! - Defne answered in the same tone.

"I'm sorry," he straightened and raised his hands. - Okay, let's both calm down and talk at home in the evening.

- Аt home? - asked Defne. It seemed to her that a tub of ice water had been turned on her. More recently, Omer said that they would not sort things out at home. And now, it seems, he completely forgot about his words. What or who made him forget? Defne smiled bitterly and agreed: - Well, let's talk at home.

She heroically held back her tears until Omer's footsteps died away at the end of the corridor. And then she covered her face with her hands and cried. Was she wrong? Are all those feelings of her husband in which she was sure are only her fantasies and delusions, and all that he said to her is words and only words? Didn't he feel and does not feel for her such a huge, unconditional, endless love, which she herself loves him?

The door opened and Laura's head stuck through it.

- Defne, I have entrusted Sedа's affairs and will leave earlier. Banu will come to visit in the evening, and I want to ... - she saw the tear-stained face of her friend and quickly entered the office. Squatting down in front of Defne, she turned her face to her and asked:

- What happened?

- Yes, so, nonsense, - Defne quickly wiped away her tears and tried to smile. - Of course, go home. And take me with you. There are no meetings and appointments for today, and I can draw at home.

- Let's go, - Laura agreed and stared thoughtfully at her friend who was busy collecting things and dressing. - But on the way, you will tell me everything.

Laura was driving and listening attentively to Defne's story. When she fell silent, the girl spoke:

"Defne, but actually Omer is right. In relation to Laila, there are only suspicions and they have not been proven. If Omer fires her, it won't be fair. She can even sue Passionis.

- But then why did he fire me? The situation was similar. Although no! The current one is much worse. Then the firm was under threat, and now the wife and the child. - Defne fell silent and turned pale. Laura stopped the car outside Iplikci's house and turned to her friend. She sat, covering her mouth with her hand, and tears glittered in her eyes again. Lowering her hand, she whispered: - So it is. Passionis is more important to him than bead and me.

- Defne! - Laura was indignant. - What are you saying? Omer loves you like crazy! He doesn't let dust fall on you! He breathes you!

"He's a man," she said, looking at one point.

- A loving man! - Laura took her by the shoulders and shook her. - The man who will soon become a father for the first time.

"Should we not know that for most men, children and family are not the main values in life," Defne looked at her friend, and her heart sank with pity for her - her eyes were so unhappy.

"But not in the case of Omer," Laura said firmly. - Defne, I understand that you are offended, but do not wind yourself up and do not invent something that is not even in sight. Omer loves you. Remember this. Forget now your quarrel and remember all the beautiful things that happened between you. Okay?

Defne nodded and opened the car door. She smiled exhausted at her friend and said goodbye:

- See you! Thank you for your support. Run to cook treats for Banu. She will be glad. You will kiss her for me and say that Esra said hello.

- Surely, - Laura assured and reminded: - Don't wind up yourself! You promised me.

Defne nodded and got out of the car.

Zehra met her at the house. Not expecting the hostess so early, she threw up her hands and spoke in fright:

- Defne, my daughter, are you sick? Did something happen? Why did you come back so early? And why alone?

Defne squeezed out a smile and hurried to reassure the kind woman:

"It is okay, Sister Zehra. I have no business in the office, and I can draw at home. In comfortable clothes and a cozy atmosphere. Will you make me tea?

- Of course honey! Have you had lunch? The housekeeper asked sympathetically. Defne shook her head. The woman clucked her tongue disapprovingly. - Ts-c-c! Is it possible? You're pregnant. The baby in your tummy needs to eat on time. Go, change your clothes, and I will quickly cook tarhana soup.

- Thank you, - Defne gratefully touched her hand and went upstairs.

In the room, taking off her shoes, she sat down on the bed and thought. She promised Laura not to get nervous, but it was difficult. Almost impossible. Thoughts came to her mind. She recalled everything, both good and bad, that had happened between her and Omer in a year and a half, and did not know what to think and what to believe.

***

Omer could not find a place for himself, but, clenching all his available will into a fist, forbade himself to go to his wife. Let her calm down and think sensibly. She will remember how much he loves her and realizes that she is wrong. How can these two situations be compared? The girl who took possession of his thoughts and an ordinary worker. Тhe difference is like between heaven and earth!

Then he acted with his feelings, not his head. He wanted to punish not so much for the lost shoes as for the fact that she burst into his life and disturbed his peace. For his jealousy. For leaving with Sinan after their magic dance, and this deeply hurt his own poor heart.

Now he wants to find the real culprit, and not kick out the first one who comes to hand so that others are afraid. After all, the most important thing, the most valuable for him, was under attack - Defne, and the baby. He must be sure that he is punishing and removing the real criminal from their lives. Except ... who is he?

There was a soft knock at the door, and it opened. Laila, clutching a plastic folder in her hands, entered the office and said in a subdued voice:

- Mr. Omer, I brought a list of invitees to the presentation.

"Put it on the table," he ordered, and turned to the window, showing with all his appearance that the conversation was over.

But Laila did not leave. Hesitating on the spot, she asked:

- Do you want me to announce the schedule for tomorrow?

"No," the boss replied without turning around.

Here's an iceberg! He does not allow a person near him. Laila felt her anger surge up her throat. But she has always been a good actress. And now, making a sad face, she said tearfully:

- Mr. Omer, I feel very bad that such a disgusting incident happened. But I swear on my grandmother's health - it's not my fault!

"Put the oaths aside," the boss ordered coldly. - Nobody accuses you of anything. Go and work calmly.

Laila went out of the door. Omer took the folder in his hands, opened it on the first page, stared blankly at the chains of black letters for a couple of minutes, and then threw the orange plastic on the table and stood up. He walked to the door with a wide step and stopped. He scratched the back of his head, slapped himself on the cheek, and came back. He looked at his watch. It's a quarter to five. He sat down in a chair again and at the same second jump to his feet.

- To hell! - muttered through clenched teeth and tore off his coat from the hanger. - Let her just try to kick me out of her office! I will hug her and kiss until all the nonsense disappears from her head!

He grabbed the folder and, going out the door, threw it on the secretary's counter.

"Check the list with the one that Derya prepared for the last presentation," he ordered Nazlican. - If no one is missed, hand over to designers to prepare invitation cards.

"Okay, Mr. Omer," she reported. - Are you leaving already?

- Yes, - he answered abruptly and, without saying goodbye, left the office.

Without waiting for the elevator, he ran down the stairs to the lower floor and headed to his wife's office.

"Mistress Defne is gone," Alina's voice sounded behind him.

He stopped and looked around. Sternly looking at the girl, he asked:

- Where is she?

- She went home at noon. Together with Mrs. Laura. She said that since there is no work in the office today, she will work on the drawings at home.

She went home! And not a word to him, not half a word? And who should feel hurt?

Gritting his jaw, Omer turned around and, on the move, ordering Sukru on the phone to immediately bring the car, went to the elevator.

By the time the Mercedes drove into the yard, the anger in his chest grew and reached the brain.

- Is Defne at home? - He asked Zehra, who opened the door for him.

She nodded.

- Yes. Working on her drawings in the office.

- Thank you, - abruptly thanked the woman and pointed with his chin to the front door. - Sukru is waiting for you. You can go home.

Zehra took off her apron and hid it in the closet. As she dressed, she looked thoughtfully at Omer. It seems that the young had a quarrel. Then she needs to quickly disappear from home and not interfere with them to reconcile. Let the misunderstandings that have arisen be resolved quickly, and laughter again sounds in the house.

Buttoning her jacket, Zehra maternally addressed the man:

- Listen to a bit of advice - go and kiss her. And then sort things out.

His face brightened. He did not answer, but Zehra did not wait for an answer. This is Omer. The main thing is that he hears her words.

After waiting for the woman to leave the house, Omer turned abruptly and went into the office. Twilight reigned there. The overhead light was off, and only a table lamp illuminated Defne's desk and hands. Her face remained in shadow. But the way, when he appeared, her back straightened and her hands froze for a moment, without a word said that his wife was offended.

She put down the pencil and looked at him. He silently walked over to her, bent down, put his hand around the back of her head, and kissed her. Persistent and deeply. Forcing her to forget about everything in the world and submit to him. Confused by his pressure, Defne threw up her hands and then dropped them on his shoulders. Omer groaned. Without stopping the kiss, he turned the chair and, picking her up in his arms, carried her to the sofa.

- Omer, what are you doing? Defne sighed as he laid her down on the pillows and began to tear off his clothes.

She tried to get up, but her husband threw away the shirt, held her back, and covered her with him.

"I'm showing you who I want and whom I love," he growled at her ear and pressed his lips to her neck.

Goosebumps ran down Defne's skin. Treacherous trembling woke up in the lower abdomen and rapidly began to cover the whole body. Omer, with his palms under her sweater, frenziedly caressed the delicate skin. His hands rose higher and higher and covered her chest. Defne intercepted them and tried to push them away.

- You must not ... it is wrong! She moaned. - We must talk...

- To hell with talking! - His hands left her chest and hugged her beloved face. "Look at me," Defne looked up. Resentment splashed in her eyes, but the desire was already fogging the amber depth. - Exactly, my love! That's right! Sometimes bodies speak louder than words. Just listen...

The man's finger traced her lips, slid down her chin to her ear, and pressed against the point where her pulse beat feverishly. Lips replaced fingers. Omer kissed her neck, stroked her body with impatient palms, and it responded with trembling. Desire won. It took possession of the body ..., the heart ..., confused thoughts. Defne closed her eyes and submitted...

She touched him with her slim fingers.

Their every movement sent a wave of pleasure through the body and turned it into a prisoner of Defne's touch. He was ready to give everything for one more touch. But he wanted to be inside her even more. Become one body, one heart, one breath again. And show her that there is no one in the world more important than her.

He covered her with himself. Penetrating into her, he clenched his teeth with burning pleasure and moaned:

- You are mine...

Defne was dying of pleasure. It was so sharp, Omer inside her was so hot and big. He burst into her, filled her with himself, and groaned in the rhythm of the blows:

- Mine ...mine !!!

- Mine !!! - Defne screamed and arched.

- Mine!!! - Omer threw back his head and a spasm went through his body.

They lay on the narrow sofa with their legs intertwined and huddled close to each other. Omer slowly drew patterns on Defne's back with his finger and listened to her soft breathing.

"You have kept your word," she said.

- What? - Without stopping his occupation, he asked.

- Do not sort out the relationship at home. When you said in the afternoon: "Let's talk at home," it hurt me that you forgot about this promise of yours.

- Silly, - Omer kissed her temple. - "To talk" was exactly what meant - to talk. Discuss the problem calmly and reasonably. Without clarifying the relationship.

- Somehow I did not notice special calmness in you when you came home, - said ironically.

- That's why I didn't speak. I decided that my body would say more than my talking. "He looked into her face. - Did it said?

Defne turned away and lowered her eyes. What should she say to him? Yes, he's right. His body said a lot. That he is a man who can drive a woman crazy and lift her to heaven. That she doesn't have the willpower to resist him. That nothing has changed, and she, as before, is not able to tell him "No". That she would give her soul for his hugs and kisses. But it did not say the main thing - how much does he need her and the bead?

- Defne, - Omer turned her face to him and asked: - Look at me, - she raised her eyes. He looked worried. His fingers gently stroked her face, and the other hand wrapped forcefully around her shoulders. - Why are you silent? Did I do something wrong? Did you not like it?

She shook her head and smiled sadly.

- Can you do something wrong? I flew...

- Then why are you sad? Because of Lаila? Do you want me to transfer her to another department, and take myself another assistant? For example, I can swap her with Nazlican.

"But you said that she is a good assistant."

- She is. But if her presence next to me upsets you, then there can be no choice.

Defne imagined this situation and what people would say about it. The jealous wife threw a scandal on her husband and removed the beautiful assistant. What a shame! She freed herself from Omer's embrace and sat down. She picked up her clothes and slowly began to dress. Throwing on a bra, she put her arms behind her back to fasten it and spoke:

- No, not worth it. Let her work. You are right - you cannot play with a person's bread just because you feel dislike for him. We are professionals, after all. And fair people.

Omer removed her hands and fastened the tiny hook himself. He kissed her white shoulder, got up from the couch, and bent down to get his pants. He pulled it on, fastened the zipper. Defne managed to get dressed completely. She smoothed her hair, straightened her sweater, and did not look at him. Omer caught her hand and pulled her to his chest. A warm strong chest that is like a rock. Nothing will destroy it, will not break it.

"I'll find who did it," he promised firmly. - The bastard will curse the minute when this damn idea occurred to him, - he took Defne's face in his hands and looked into her eyes. "But I cannot punish an innocent. Do you understand? The criminal should be responsible for the crime, and not the one who for some reason we do not like.

- How do you find him? - Defne sighed sadly. - No traces and leads.

- I'll find him! Omer repeated stubbornly. - I swear!

Defne believed. It's Omer. He will find the culprit.

***