The balloons flew into the sky. Defne mentally whispered prayers to them. She asked heaven to be merciful to her family. Do not punish them with troubles and losses. Don't ruin their happiness. She asked for a bright fate for Emine Diana, endless love for herself and Omer, long life for grandmother and grandfather. She asked that friends be calm and happy, and their children were born healthy. She asked that the disease should not return to the cute birds Nisa, Kumru, and Dila, and the rebel Jansu Baisal would find peace of mind. She asked that the first feelings of Esra and Mert not break against the wall of lies and cruelty.

Defne watched until the last balloon became a dot high in the sky. Having disappeared without a trace, they left a huge trace in her soul, like the universe. Smiling, she turned away from the window and almost fainted from fear. Koray was holding baby Emine Diana in his arms. She fully fit into his huge palm, and her doll face looked very pleased.

- Koray, - Defne croaked and rushed to him, instinctively holding out her hands and securing the head. - You will drop her!

- Never! - He confidently answered and shouted at the scared mom: - Get out of here! You are preventing Diana and me from getting to know each other. Yes, my sweet girl? - He cooed to the baby, who drove her eyes-olives and folded her lips like a bow. - Ay, what a beauty you are! All in mom! Or dad? - He turned his eyes thoughtfully and immediately exclaimed: - Ay, what's the difference! Both are beautiful! And you will be beautiful, my princess Diana! Korish will teach you to be capricious, and you will harass mom and dad.

- What a wonderful prospect, - Defne muttered and demanded: - Koray, return the child to mom! It's time for Emine to feed. And you will not be present! She said decisively, jabbing her finger into his powerful chest. "You'll go home and show up here only tomorrow."

- Ay, wait! - putting Emine in the crib, Koray waved her aside. He took out his phone and began to photograph the girl from all sides.

- Koray! - Defne said with all the severity she was capable of. - God forbid, photos of Emine appear in newspapers! I'll strangle you! I swear I'll strangle!

Koray looked at her as if she were crazy and, tapping his forehead with his finger, asked:

- Skinny, are you crazy? Where does Diana go to the newspapers?! So many people with unkind eyes and watch! Will curse the child! Not! Not! And no! These photos are just for me! Well, maybe I'll show them to Nero. The Black Mamba forbade her to visit you. He said not to disturb you, otherwise, he will take the mansion. She's nervous all over, so much wants to see Diana, - he rumbled. The baby curled up and her lower lip quivered. Koray widened his eyes in fear and raised his hands. - I'm leaving, leaving, my life! Tomorrow I will come and bring you a present, - he pushed Defne to the bed and angrily ordered: - Feed the baby! What kind of mother is this?! Muddle! Bye Bye! - He waved his hand on the move and swam out of the room.

Defne breathed a sigh of relief and, taking her whimpering daughter in her arms, spoke:

- Praise be to Allah! Gone! My soul, Koray is a wonderful friend, but I feel he will drive us crazy, - she sat down in a chair and gave the baby a breast. Examining the tiny face, and gently stroking the red fluff on the round head, she said: - And where did our dad get lost? The balloons flew into the sky long ago, but he still does not come.

Omer, who had been quietly standing in the doorway for a couple of minutes, smiled a satisfied smile. Defne missed him. Wants to see him. How good! He pushed off the doorframe, silently closed the door, and went into the room. Defne noticed her husband and her face lit up.

- Are you here! How good. Where have you been? And why is it taking so long? We missed you!

He kissed her lips first, then the top of Emine's head, and only then replied:

- Today is my girl's birthday. And the fact that you are in the hospital does not mean that we will not celebrate it. I made some preparations for the evening.

- Will we have a real feast? - Defne was delighted.

- The most real! - promised Omer.

Since the morning, Kartal could not find a place for himself. He worried about Mirai. Yesterday evening was a huge shock for her, and the man was worried about her state of mind. He called a couple of times, but the telephone conversations did not calm him down. Kartal knew firsthand how skillfully Mirai was able to hide the pain. But, even hidden, it burned and tormented him. He loved this woman so much and wanted her to be calm and happy. So that suffering never again tormented her soul. Hiding his phone in the pocket, he got into the car and drove to the house, which for some time now became his family.

He saw Mirai from afar. She, as always, refined and impeccably elegant in a beige dress and open shoes walked along the sidewalk to the taxi stop. He was glad that he was in time and hurried to her.

He immediately recognized the man who called out to her. Kartal saw him yesterday in the house of Engin Astarkhan and knew that he was none other than Mehmet Astarkhan, Mirai's ex-husband. A man who abandoned his wife after being raped and abandoned his children. Who drove the family out of the house without a penny! Never remembered her for seven years. And what does he want now?

He came closer and stopped, ready to help at any second.

- Mehmet? What are you doing here? - Mirai asked in a strange, cold voice.

"I came to talk," the man replied. - To apologize. I am guilty before you. And in front of the children, I am to blame. Forgive me if you can.

Mirai was silent. Kartal felt her anger with his skin, and it was transmitted to him. As if they had one soul for two and her pain was his pain.

- Forgive you? Mirai asked hoarsely. - Do you think that this can be forgiven? The girls were only a year old! Year! Quite small and I left them to ten-year-old Mert and went to work. Because otherwise, we would starve to death. They sat in a damp basement, and their cough did not stop in winter or summer. They didn't have toys, they didn't have enough food. They dressed in rags given by compassionate neighbors. They didn't see their mother, because I took on any job, just to rent a normal apartment and pull the children out of the dampness and mold. Are you talking about forgiveness now? To hell with you!!! Go away and don't dare come close to us ever! Mirai's voice vibrated. There was a steely determination and barely contained rage in it.

Mehmet lowered his head and muttered dully:

- I then went crazy. Didn't think about anything, except that you cheated on me. I was jealous...

"I was raped," Mirai hissed through clenched teeth, interrupting him.

"But Hazal and... he... said something else," the man stammered.

Kartal approached Mirai, stood beside her and, taking her hand, spoke with contempt:

- And you believed everyone except your wife.

Mirai raised her surprised eyes at him, and in the next moment gratitude and unconditional love sparked in them.

"You're here," she whispered, and he nodded silently.

Mehmet's eyes lit up with an unkind fire.

- Who is he? - he asked.

"The man Mirai is marrying," Kartal answered firmly, and Mirai felt herself the happiest of women.

- Marry? Mehmet asked, stunned. His face turned pale and then reddened. He snapped and muttered through clenched jaws: - I want to see the children!

"If they want to see you," Mirai objected boldly. - And it will be decisive. I will talk to them, but it will be as they decide.

- You will turn them against me, - Mehmet threw the accusation, but Mirai only laughed and rightly told him:"Believe me, I don't even have to make an effort. Life and your behavior turned the children against you. And to gain their trust, you need to turn back the clock. And this is impossible, - concluded Mirai. Turning away, she raised her face to Kartal, smiled warmly, and said: - I am going to buy a present for little Eminе Diana. Come with me?

"I'd love to," he said and nodded to the side of the road where his car was parked. - I'm driving. Say what mall you want.

- Zorlu, - answered Mirai. Not honoring her ex-husband with a single glance, she walked by the hand with Kartal to his car.

Mehmet looked after them and felt complete devastation. His life no longer mattered in the least to him. For seven years he held on to anger and hatred. Now they are gone, and a ringing void remains inside. Mehmet repented, but his repentance was years late and no one else needed it. He understood this with utmost clarity, and the cruel truth made him sick.

He came home. Hunched over and bowing his head, he entered the huge mansion, which he once shared with his wife and children. Then the house was noisy, warm, and cheerful. Now - spotlessly clean, empty, and quiet. The housekeeper came out to meet and informed the owner:

"Your sister, Mrs. Hazal, is waiting for you in the living room."

Mehmet nodded restrained and went into the room. Hazal, wringing her hands hysterically, rushed from window to window. Seeing her brother, she jumped up to him and, clinging to the lapels of his jacket, shouted:

- Where have you been? I have a disaster !!!

He unhooked her hands, pushed her away from him, and walked over to the bar. He poured a generous shot of whiskey into a glass, drank it in one gulp, and pressed the glass to his forehead.

- Can you hear me?!!! Hazal screamed. - I have huge problems! Hussein is in jail, the firm's assets and all accounts are under arrest! Father flatly refused to help! The lawyers say that they can only achieve mitigation of punishment, but not an excuse, and demand fabulous money! And I don't have them!!! Moreover, Hussein threatens that if we do not pull him out of prison, he will not cover me. Will tell the police everything! - Hazal burst into tears and whined pitifully: - Mehmet, I will go to jail! They'll jail me! You see, they'll put me in jail! Help me!

Mehmet stood motionless. And then he turned sharply and threw the glass into the wall. It shattered into small pieces and Hazal, stopping howling, stared at her brother in horror.

- Help? - He asked in a tone that made her chill down her spine. - Are you asking ME for help?! After you destroyed my family and my life, you lied, slandered an innocent person, shielded the rapist, and made me doubt the paternity of my children with your lies?! After all this, do you ask for help?!!

Hazal backed away and spoke quickly:

- She's to blame! She seduced him for many years, and he could not stand it. He was lost. He was a man...

- Shut up !!! - shouted Mehmet, and in two steps caught up with her, grabbed her throat. - Shut up or, I swear to God, I will kill you!

Blue, Hazal wheezed and desperately tried to rip her brother's hands from her neck.

- Meh ... met! Let..me...go! You ... will strangle me!

He unclenched his fingers and pushed her away from him.

- Get out! - ordered. "I won't lift a finger to help you."

Swaying, Hazal left the room. The police drove up to the house. The howl of sirens made Mehmet approach the window. Тhe housekeeper went to the police car. She answered the officer's questions and looked anxiously at the front door. Mehmet saw her confusion and guessed that it was for Hazal. He left the room. His sister stood in the lobby, staring in horror at the police cars outside the window. Hearing the footsteps, she turned, rushed to her brother, and begged:

"Please help me!"

He looked her up and down and nodded at the door.

Slowly, like a sleepwalker, she turned and walked outside. Mehmet followed. He watched as Hazal was handcuffed, her head bowed, and put in a police car.

- Mister Astarkhan, - the officer addressed to him. He felt ill at ease. The arrest of the daughter of the chief of the Istanbul police broke the patterns of his thoughts, and he did not understand how he should behave. - We are taking Mrs. Hazal to the seventeenth police station. If you want to notify the lawyers, let them go there immediately.

Mehmet looked at him with an icy, unreadable gaze and said:

- There will be no lawyers. Let Mrs. Hazal and her husband be defended by a public defender.

***

The jewelry exhibition in Ankara opened at the announced time and was a huge success. Visitors wandered around the hall, and in the street, despite the stifling heat, a line of people wishing to look at the jewelry lined up. The Starry Night necklace became the center of attention. The crowd around it did not thin out, and those who wanted to buy the amazing piece of jewelry numbered dozens. But Ahtem Minibaev's answer was unequivocal. The necklace is not for sale. But Sapphire accepts custom orders. Those who wish can contact the design department of the company and order an exclusive piece of jewelry from Defne Iplikci. Yes, it will be expensive. Very expensive. But the author's unique work will be worth every lira of money spent. Interested clients took business cards and again hung out in front of the jewelry collection for a long time.

- Defne has a lot of work to do, - Laura said quietly in her husband's ear. - How will she cope with it and the small child?

He nodded his head in agreement and replied:

- We need to expand the design department. Take some promising designers. Defne will draw the basic sketches and they will do the rest of the detailing.

"You're right," Laura agreed with him. - When we return to Istanbul, I will talk to her about this, - she fell silent and, listening, put her hand on the barely noticeable bulge of her belly.

- Kicking? - Ahtem breathed out, and touching amazement appeared on his face. For two weeks their baby had been persistently reminding mom and dad that he was a no longer little bean, but a real child, but Ahtem still perceived his moves as a miracle. Laura smiled and nodded affirmatively.

- He is kicking. Will be as nimble and athletic as you.

Ahtem sighed and with reverent tenderness, gently touched her belly.

Visitors, having examined the jewelry, left, and new ones came in their place. The huge hall was never empty for a minute. The guards closely watched the guests and vigilantly watched their behavior. Although the expensively dressed men and women, they were all distinguished by exquisite manners and dignified behavior. The man who entered the gallery in the late afternoon was no exception. The beige suit was perfect for him. The brown shoes shone with a mirror-like sheen. There was not a single wrinkle or fold on the blue shirt. A silk tie spoke eloquently about the fact that its owner spared no expense for his appearance. And the view itself was impressive. Impeccably cut black and gray hair, a dandy mustache, and a clean-shaven chin. But there was something unpleasant and repulsive in that handsome face. It lurked in the squint of brown eyes and in a smirk that curled its lips.

The man, casting lazy glances at the exposition, walked casually across the hall and stopped near the Sapphire collection. Taking a closer look at the gorgeous jewelry, he looked up at a promotional photo of a lovely red-haired girl wearing a sapphire necklace. Looking into huge amber eyes, he said:

- Well, hello, Defne.

***

Omer again disappeared in an unknown direction. But Defne only smiled and patiently waited for the evening. After five Iso and Aysegul visited her. The friend, just entering the room, opened his arms and loudly declared:

- Come to hug you, my hooligan! Do you think that now, you have become a mother, and I forgot that you are Defo, not Defne?

- Ay, forget it! - Defne cheerfully answered and threw herself into a bear hug.

Iso patted her on the back and said gently:

- Congratulations, my Defo! May Emine Diana grow up healthy and bring you a lot of happiness! And where is my niece? - releasing mom from the embrace and looking around, he asked.

Defne happily greeted Ayshegul and led both to the bed in which the baby was peacefully snoring. The man and the girl broke into sweet smiles.

"Red-haired," Iso said, gently touching the small head. - Another hooligan was born.

- What are you talking about! - Ayshegul was indignant in a whisper. - Look, she's a princess. So delicate and fragile.

"Yeah," the man said mockingly. - Defo also looks tender and fragile. But the guys in the neighborhood were beaten so that they were afraid to approach her.

Aysegul looked at Defne in surprise.

- It was long ago and not true! - She embarrassedly began to make excuses. - I've changed.

- Because Omer struck you in the very heart, and you do not want to show him your fighting character, - Iso jocked.

- Not! - Defne objected and smiled a piercingly beautiful smile. "I just have no reason to fight anymore. I am infinitely happy!"

- I see, Defo, - leaving the joking tone, Iso said seriously and his eyes flashed with a warm light.

After her friend and his fiancée left, a nurse looked into Defne's room. She put two boxes on the bed and said:

- Madam Defne, Mr. Omer asked you to wear this. In the meantime, I'll take the baby, bathe her and change her clothes. And then I'll bring her to you.

She took Emine Diana and left. Defne opened the top box. It contained silver, crystal-beaded sandals with thin heels. Omer's creation. Defne did not doubt it. He simply could not help giving her hand-made shoes for her birthday. It was already like a tradition. A beautiful, touching tradition.

The second box contained a dress. Deep green in color, with a tight bodice and a flying skirt, it was tailored so that a woman could easily release her breasts and feed her baby. Here, in the box, was her cosmetic bag. Admiring her husband's foresight, Defne grabbed both boxes and went to the bathroom to get ready for a romantic evening. She showered, dried, and styled her hair, and tinted her eyelashes and lips. Dressed in the dress and shoes, she turned in front of the mirror and applied the final touch - a drop of perfume behind her ears. Deciding that she looked very good for a woman who had given birth yesterday, Defne left the bathroom.

Candles were burning in the room. Their soft light flooded the room. In the middle was a table set for dinner, and around were vases of flowers. Roses gracefully held their delicate heads on long stems and exuded a delicate aroma. Omer stood by the crib. He wore a black tuxedo with a bow tie and a dazzling white shirt. His handsome face was tense with the excitement and solemnity of the moment. Emine Diana lay in her crib and drowned in white foam of lace. The pink suit was gone, and instead, she was wearing a lace beaded dress. The baby was awake. She rоlled her olive-shaped eyes and kicked her legs dressed in white socks.

Delighted with everything that her eyes see, Defne approached her husband. He gently touched her cheek and whispered:

- Happy birthday, darling! Long years and endless happiness! Thank you for everything! You are the best thing that has happened to me in my life.

Moved by his words, Defne recalled in a voice hoarse with excitement:

- It's not just my birthday.

- You're right, - Omer smiled and asked: - Let's give our princess her first gift?