Defne took water in her mouth without replying, and her body tensed momentarily. She didn't expect their paths to meet again. It was a shock for her to see Ceren once again. She thought she would never see her again at the hotel, at least as long as she worked here.

Onur noticed his assistant's nervousness. He decided to join the conversation in an attempt to gain time.

- Sorry to butt in, but Defne is very busy at the moment," Korkmaz announced, getting up from behind his desk. - I need her.

- On Saturday noon? - snorted Ceren, tossing her sunglasses into her purse. - Is this a labor camp?

- I don't think I should have to explain myself to you about how our hotel operates. At that moment you barged into my office, not deigning to wait to be called inside. - Onur grabbed the business phone. - I have grounds to call security.

- Great joke," Ceren laughed. - I came to see my friend, I don't see anything wrong with it!

- Ceren, please don't make a scene. - Defne got up on her feet. - Wait for me in the hall. I'll finish what I have to do and we'll talk.

- All right, but know that what I want to talk to you about is really important. - Ceren gracefully pushed back her falling hair. - Otherwise, I wouldn't be here.

- Well.

- Hoşça kalın! (Goodbye!) - Ceren waved to Onur, grabbing the door handle. She pressed it and left.

- I'm very sorry for this situation. I had no idea that she would show up here," Defne said, without looking her boss in the eye. She was ashamed. - And thank you for interjecting yourself into the conversation. I needed to collect my thoughts and got hung up for a brief moment.

- It was nothing of the sort. Anyone in my position would have behaved similarly. Although I admit, I went crazy with my willingness to call security," Onur laughed, leaning with his buttocks against his own desk. - It was her, wasn't it?

- Aynen Oyle! - sighed Defne, gathering her things. - Ceren Kaya in the flesh.

- If you need help, you can count on me," Onur said, smiling at her. - And of course, that's all for today.

- Thank you. I think I can handle her myself, but I'll keep this in mind," Defne replied, closing the zipper of her backpack. - I have no idea what brought her here. I hope she didn't find out the truth. Otherwise, I will be finished.

- Maybe you should call Selim? - Onur suggested. - It would be better if he knew that Ceren has decided to visit us again.

- I'll find out what she's about first. I don't want to upset him unnecessarily. He has been involved enough in the task related to her.

- This matter seems to have no end," remarked Onur, and Defne only agreed with him.

Fortunately, Selim did not reproach her for this. He even liked the role that had been assigned to him. What no one realized, however, was that the two had been playing no games between them for several days.

Defne said goodbye to her boss and, full of anxiety, went to meet Ceren. The girl was waiting for her near the office. Turan led her to the conference room, where they could talk quietly.

Ceren, without further ado, decided to get down to business as she took a comfortable position on one of the chairs. She placed her bag on the table. In her hand she held a disposable mug of coffee, which she had bought in the meantime from a vending machine.

- I'm listening to you," Defne announced, sitting across from her rival. She was leaning on the table with her elbows. She tried to maintain eye contact with her, but was unable to do so. Therefore, instead of looking into her eyes, she focused her gaze on her eyebrows. - What brought you to Bodrum this time?

Defne couldn't believe she had asked the question. She was afraid to hear the answer. In fact, she had no idea what Kaya was coming to her with, but she guessed what would come out of her mouth. She asked Allah, however, that it wasn't about the game she played with Selim during the class meeting. She realized that she herself would not bear the consequences of the decision she had made some time ago.

- I'll spare the long introductions, because I simply don't have time for them. Let me get this straight," Ceren said, taking a sip of coffee. - Your boyfriend is cheating on you!

Defne, hearing the news, uncontrollably opened her mouth slightly. Ceren's words knocked her into an armchair. She completely did not expect something like this. However, despite the great surprise, the girl decided, sticking to the fact that it impressed her. Although, in fact, she felt like laughing out loud.

- Ne?! (What?!) What are you talking about? - She replied, throwing her hands up in the air. - This is definitely some kind of mistake!

- I'm sorry, unfortunately, a mistake in this case is impossible," announced Ceren proudly. - It just so happens that I happen to know Selim's mistress well.

- You say you are sorry? Forgive me, but just the fact that you came especially to tell me about it, I will never believe! Ever since I met you, you have always interfered in my relationships. Every breakup I've had with a boyfriend has been to your advantage.

- Not this time, Defne," she denied, putting the coffee back on the table. - You don't want to believe me, but I'm really sorry that you got it wrong again. I saw with my own eyes how much you are in love with him. That's why I came here. I couldn't live with the knowledge that he is fooling you.

- I won't be fooled," Defne replied, leaning with her back against the back of the chair. - You invented all this to divide me with Selim!

- I thought so," replied Ceren, crossing her arms on her chest. - Words alone are not enough. Don't worry, I thought of the evidence. - Defne furrowed her eyebrows, pretending to be surprised. In the depths of her soul, she could no longer listen to this nonsense, but for her own sake, she preferred to continue in the role of a girl allegedly betrayed by a man. - How about confronting an unfaithful boyfriend?

- Are you kidding me? - She laughed nervously, getting to her feet. She walked over to the window and opened it. - I will not talk to Selim about this subject in your presence.

- I didn't say you would talk in front of me. - Ceren smiled. - I was thinking rather of confronting him and his mistress. I said that I know her. She came here with me.

Defne was already running out of ideas on how she should continue this conversation. The situation seemed so ridiculous. Infidelity is a serious accusation. Then she recalled her last relationship, which fell apart for this very reason. She felt anew the emotions she felt then. She did not register the moment when her eyes glazed over and tears began to run down her cheeks.

- Will you lead me to them? - She asked, wiping the tears from her cheeks.

*

Selim, unable to wait any longer, decided to go with Nesrin to the hotel. It was not in his interest to have an argument between him and Defne in front of the entire staff. Above all, he wanted to maintain a work-life balance. Therefore, he decided that it would be better if they all talked together in one of the hotel's rooms.

However, on his way between buildings, he bumped into Defne and Ceren, heading in their direction. He stopped on the sidewalk. Nesrin did the same, opening his eyes wider.

Defne continued her stride, coming closer to them. She stopped only a few meters in front of him.

- I will only ask you one question," she said firmly, lifting her head up so she could look into his eyes. Her voice was broken. She herself did not know why. But she didn't want to think about it, because what mattered to her was that she was doing well in her role of being a betrayed girl. - Are you having an affair with her? - She asked, glancing at the woman standing by his side.

Selim, hearing this question, laughed. Only after a while did it occur to him that he shouldn't have reacted that way. He guessed that Ceren had told her about Nesrin. He didn't expect that one day he would come to explain that he was a man and had his own needs. However, in the back of his mind he remembered that he had allegedly been in a relationship with Defne for a few months, and it was hard to deny the fact that he had just been caught cheating.

- The answer is simple," Defne spoke up again. - Are you having an affair with her or not?

- I don't," replied Selim, taking a step toward her. Only now did he notice Defne's wet cheeks. She was really crying. He had to admit that she found her role perfectly. Once again he understood that this girl surprises him every day. - I met her only once, and that was by accident.

- There is no romance between us, but I won't deny that we spent one night together," interjected Nesrin, looking at her friend. Kaya smiled communicatively at her.

Defne, learning the answer to her question, took two steps forward, covering the distance that separated her from Selim. In an instant, she grabbed him by his T-Shirt, causing him to lower his head. She climbed up on her toes and swept her cheek against his with vigor. Tears flowed from her eyes, which she wiped away with her hand when it was all over. She couldn't believe what she had just done, but she felt it would make her credible. She also hoped that Selim would forgive her when she explained it to him later.

Korkmaz immediately grabbed his reddened cheek, trying to massage it. His skin was burning from the impact. He didn't expect Defne to be so merciless to him.

Witnessing the whole situation was Özge, who learned from Onur about Ceren's sudden visit. She wanted to support her cousin, so she hurried to meet her, leaving for a break. However, she did not have time to intervene.

- Defne, what are you doing! - she shouted, drawing everyone's attention. Several passersby also reacted.

- Dear Özge, as if to tell you this," Ceren spoke up. - Defne is just saving his honor!

- What are you talking about? - She asked without understanding anything. - Can someone tell me what is going on?

- Ceren told me that Selim is cheating on me with her," Defne explained, as simply as she could. She hoped Özge would understand the whole situation and help them continue the lie. - He is prevaricating, but she - here with her eyes she looked at Nesrin again - confirms Ceren's version.

- And do you really have to solve problems in the middle of the sidewalk? - Özge put her arm around her cousin's shoulder. She didn't understand why her eyes were wet with tears. According to her, nothing happened that could cause them. - I suggest you find a quieter place to finish what happened here. You are drawing other people's attention to yourselves unnecessarily.

- Özge is right," Selim said, wrinkling his forehead.

The company moved toward the hotel. Korkmaz walked at the head of the group. Behind him Ceren and Nesrin clearly pleased with the course of events. At the very end, at quite a distance from the others, walked Defne with Özge holding her hand. The restaurant manager absolutely wanted to know what was going on, so she asked her cousin once again.

- Ceren came to me, to tell me about my boyfriend's betrayal. So she is behaving like a betrayed girlfriend, do you understand?

- I thought this topic was already closed.

- It was. Until today," whispered Defne. - However, let's not talk about it now. Are you with us or against us?

- With you always, although I don't like this situation one bit," replied Özge.

The girls at the reception desk became concerned about the boss's red cheek. One of them ran to get a cooling gel to help relieve the pain and prevent swelling. Selim asked the other one to give him the key to the conference room, but it turned out that there was a cleaning lady inside. So he waved his hand, walking toward the room. Once there, he apologized to the cleaning lady, who after a while took her things and left them alone. So they all sat down on chairs at the table.

- Let's start from the beginning," Özge decided.

- In general, I don't know where the beginning is. - She shrugged her shoulders at Nesrin. - The fact is that I and Selim spent an evening together. I will add that this was not my goal, but the situation turned out that way. I do not regret anything.

- I asked Nesrin, who was here on vacation before the class meeting, to check out the place. I wanted to see if I was right to make a reservation," Ceren said. - The meeting took place. After returning from vacation, I met with my friend for gossip, and word got out that Nesrin knew Selim.

- Ceren showed me pictures from her vacation in Marmaris," Nesrin added, putting her foot on her foot. - In them I recognized him.

- You all understand that I only wanted Defne's good. I had to tell her everything," she replied, looking at everyone for a moment. - You always suspect me of the worst. And I am not the one to blame.

- Since I was called to answer... - started Selim, looking primarily at Defne, who was playing with her fingers, sitting far away from him. - I'll say it again. I met Nesrin by chance. I did not intend to betray Defne.

- However, there was a betrayal," Ceren spoke up.

- That evening meant nothing to me," continued Selim. - I realize how it looks, but I really did not want to betray Defne - The girl, unable to avoid his gaze any longer, looked at him. She was sorry that he came off as the worst in this situation, although he was not like that at all. - I care about her. Bebeğim, beni affedecek misin? (Honey, will you forgive me?)

- I... - Turan finally decided to speak up.

- Yeter! (That's enough!) - Özge interjected, grabbing her head. - Cousin, I'm sorry, but I can't listen to this any longer. - Defne and Selim were never a couple.

- Really? - Puzzled, Ceren stared at Özge. - Way! Way! Way! (Wow! Wow! Wow!) I wouldn't have expected that! So you were both pretending the whole time?

- Yes, Ceren. We were pretending," sighed Defne, looking at Selim. - I fooled you all.

- I have to tell you that you are quite an actress. You don't even have to go to college like your sister to play a character," Ceren said, and Nesrin only laughed under her breath. - I don't understand Selim, how you could let yourself be involved in something like this.

- I agreed of my own free will. - Selim got up from the table. - I wanted to help Defne because I know her better than everyone else. Except Özge, of course. I think she is a wonderful person and doesn't deserve what is happening to her. I didn't want her to give up meeting her friends just because she has no one to come with. As a friend, I helped her and I don't regret it. If I had to make that decision again, I would do the same.

- A lovely speech," snorted Ceren. - I immediately shrugged.

- You don't understand it Ceren, I know that. You can't know what true friendship is, if you live other people's lives all the time," said Selim, standing behind Defne's back. He put his hands on her shoulders. - And I'm glad that everything has been cleared up.

- Defne turned out to be a despicable crook," Ceren stated, reaching for her purse. - I didn't expect that from you," she bubbled in Turan's direction, putting her sunglasses on her nose.

- I am aware that I did wrong, but I don't care," Defne replied proudly, not moving from her seat. The presence of a man, standing right behind her, gave her courage. - If I had to make this decision again, I would decide similarly.

Ceren didn't answer anything again. Without a word, she left the conference room. Right behind her came Nesrin, who added that it was good to see Selim again. She congratulated him on his excellent restaurant, wishing him continued success.

*

In the early evening Selim heard a knock on the door. He was sitting on the couch in the living room with a tablet in his hand, going through his business mail. He wasn't expecting anyone, but he put the device aside and went to see who had visited. On the way, he looked in the mirror, correcting his hair and T-shirt. The mark on his cheek remained visible, so he sighed loudly, grabbing the handle to open the door.

Behind them stood Defne, smiling gently, holding in front of her a plastic container with a lid that covered the contents. She greeted him, with a kiss on a healthy cheek, crossing the threshold of the house.

- This is by way of apology for that bump," she said, handing him the container in her hands. - I didn't want to cause you pain, but I tried to be reliable. After all, I was a girl hurt by you.

- Nothing happened," Selim replied with a smile, walking into the kitchen. The brunette followed him. - It could always have been worse.

- Are you in pain? - She asked with concern in her voice, looking closely at his cheek. The man set the container on the kitchen island, and she sat down on one of the hockers.

- Just a little," he said, removing the lid, being curious to see what was hidden inside. To his eyes appeared a tiny cake covered in chocolate. It had strawberries on top. - Did you bake the cake? - He asked, looking at her.

- Yes," she replied, smiling. Her hands held the top so she could sit steadily on the seat of the swivel stool.

- Wait a minute... In the confusion, did I forget something? - He placed his index finger on his chin, thinking. - I guess it's not your birthday today?

- I don't have one," she laughed, and then he realized that he should go through her file on Monday to find out the day she was born. - After all, I said it was for an apology.

- I know, but I wouldn't want to miss something related to you," he said, pacing around the kitchen. From the cabinet he took out plates, a knife and two forks. He placed everything on the island countertop. - You had no problem getting out of the house?

- After what I did? No! It's appropriate to apologize to the boss for getting away from him," Defne said, moving his plate with a piece of cake closer to himself. - Moreover, I mentioned that we need to check a few more things before the arrival of the film crew.

- You thought it out well! - admitted Selim, sitting down opposite her. - We can spend some time together.

- That's exactly what I wanted to achieve! - She laughed again. - Afiyet olsun! (Enjoy your meal!)

- Eline sağlık! (Cheers to your hands!)

- Thank you.

They ate dessert, returning to the events of today. Selim asked how she felt, with Özge revealing her secret to Ceren. Defne admitted that it upset her a lot at first, but she also quickly realized that her cousin had done the right thing. There was no point in continuing with the lie, especially since Korkmaz came out the wrong way in this situation. This was the only way to clear his name.

- And how do you feel about it? - He asked, looking into her eyes. - You know what I mean.

- I think the case with Nesrin is a closed topic," Defne announced, taking the last piece of cake on her plate into her mouth. - I'm not going to go back to it. We were free people then.

- I'm glad you're approaching it this way.

- I baked this cake for one more reason," Turan said, grabbing Selim's hand. - Since our game came to light, I thought we could forget the past and focus on the future. Such a new beginning. What do you think about that?

- I agree," he said, bringing his face closer to hers. She did the same. - Let this be our new beginning.

After these words, they both closed their eyes and started kissing each other. They muscled their lips together for a short while. For both of them, this position was uncomfortable. In truth, the island top could have been a bit narrower.

Selim jumped off the hocker, grabbing Defne's hand. He took her to the terrace. He decided that they would sit by the pool and lower their legs into the water. The man took off his flip-flops, dipping his calves inside. She did the same. They moved their legs, causing gentle waves to form.

The sun had already set quite a bit, but the lighting in the garden was so well-designed that they could easily move around outside. It also added just the right atmosphere.

Defne rolled up her dress more, exposing her knees. She held the material, protecting it from getting wet. Suddenly Selim laughed, leaning toward her. He once again brushed her lips. She returned the kiss. It was definitely longer than the first one.

They spent time by the pool, cuddled into each other, forgetting the whole world. They focused on the fact that they were two. They enjoyed the moment that was just for them.

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