Bubbles of foam burst, and it turned from a snow cap into a layer on the surface of the water. The water itself was cooling, time was approaching midnight, and it was time to get out of the bath, but neither Omer nor Defne wanted this. Relaxed, they basked in each other's arms, gave the warm water their tiredness and the problems of the day. Enjoyed slow touches and unhurried kisses. Defne was sitting with her back pressed against Omer's chest, and he, barely touching the satin from soapy foam skin with his fingers, painted intricate patterns on her chest and stomach.

"We need to get out of the water and go to sleep," Defne said quietly. In contrast to her words, she did not even move.

"Yes," Omer agreed lazily, continuing his pleasant occupation.

"If we don't go now, then tomorrow morning, you will have to forget about your morning sports." You won't get up at five in the morning.

"And let it be," he covered both her breasts with his palms and squeezed slightly. "I'd better do another thing, and then I'll be happy all day and full of energy."

- But you are one...! - Defne was indignant and slapped him on the arm.

- What am I? He purred playfully in her ear and bit his pink earlobe.

- Bad one!

"Very much," he agreed, and his hand moved down her belly.

Defne intercepted it and, throwing her head back, looked regretfully into black eyes.

"If we continue now, we won't fall asleep until the morning." And tomorrow I will be a sleepy chicken. Not good.

"Oof," Omer sighed in disappointment but removed his hands. - You persuaded me. Let's go to bed.

Not shy of nudity, he crawled out of the bath, hastily wrapped himself in a towel, and opened the second in his hands, for Defne. She slowly rose from the water, and he admired her elegant figure, pinkish skin, and locks of wet hair that fell with red snakes on her shoulders and chest. But he didn't have to admire for a long time, Defne stepped forward, and he caught her in the towel. Wrapping up and gently whipping the moisture on her body with a soft cloth, Omer went through the adjacent door to the dressing room and returned with his pajamas. Pulling it on, he grumbled displeased:

"It turns out that for me to love you as much as I want and when we want we need to run away from Istanbul," he put his hands in the sleeves of the T-shirt and never put it on, he froze on the spot and thought. Defne, who had already clothed her own and fastened tiny buttons on her blouse, looked at him questioningly.

- Listen, this is an idea! - He stuck his head into the neck of the shirt and pulled it on the body. And then he took Defne by the shoulders and looked into her eyes with enthusiasm. "How do you look at running away from the city?" For example, to the islands. On New Year's holidays. Imagine leaving damp and cold Istanbul with its winds and rains, and fly away to paradise, where it is warm and sunny. Where there are white sand and seawater is clear, like crystal.

"Do you think that there is a woman in the world who can refuse such an offer?" - asked him Defne.

"Do you agree?" - Omer was delighted.

- Of course!

- Very well! Tomorrow I will deal with tickets and reservations.

- But you are fast!

He clasped his hands behind her and pulled her to him. Looking into the sly, caramel eyes, he winked and answered:

- When the question concerns the opportunity to be alone with you for a week - speed is simply necessary.

Defne put her hands on his shoulders. Her face became serious. Taking a deep breath, she asked:

"Will it always be like this with us?"

- How?

- Life on top. When you forget to breathe, and thoughts fly to shreds. When you just feel. When there is no yesterday and tomorrow. Just now. This minute, this moment. And it is always the best.

Omer's throat tightened, and his voice didn't come out.

He swallowed, and Defne lightly put her index finger, touched his throat. Omer caught her hand and kissed her thin fingers.

- We will always be so. Every moment will be the best. Every minute is special. Even when we grow old, nothing will change. Feelings do not grow old.

Defne pressed her cheek to his chest and clasped her arms tightly around his waist.

"They won't grow old," she promised, like an oath.

They stood embracing and smiling. Because this moment was the best.

"Did I carry you in my arms today?" Omer asked in a velvet whisper.

"You did," she answered.

- So what! He winked and jerked her into her arms. - The limit is not set.

Defne, laughing, threw back her head, and grabbed his neck with her hands.

He brought her to the bedroom and laid her on the bed. He kissed the belly seen from under her pajama blouse, covered her with a blanket, and reached out to turn off the light. His look noticed the balcony door. It was slightly ajar and the handle was lifted.

"How careless we are!" - With a smile, he thought and went to close.

"It's my fault," said Defne. - I did air the room and forgot to close.

"If we are robbed, then let it be the greatest grief in our life," Omer reassured her and, slamming the door, locked it. Then he turned off the light and climbed under the covers. With a habitual gesture he pulled his wife to him, buried himself in her hair and, stroking her stomach, whispered:

"Sweet dreams, my beauties."

Fikret stood on the balcony of Iplikci's house. Closing her eyes, she pressed her back against the cold wall and trembled. Her heart was beating frantically in the chest. When she saw Omer walking towards the door, for a moment it seemed to her that he had noticed her and now there would be exposure. She bounced into a corner and froze. But he only locked the door and the light in the room went out. Silently stepping Fikret went down the stairs and, tangled in the hem of the long evening dress, wandered to her house. The body was numb from the cold, but it burned mercilessly in the chest. There was a picture before her eyes - Omer kisses Defne's tummy. Allah, how did she hate this belly and its mistress? Fikret understood that hatred was becoming uncontrollable and threatening to destroy her, but she could not do anything. She wanted Defne and the baby in her stomach to disappear from the face of the earth.

***

"Hello," Laura said, glancing into Defne's office.

Defne looked up from her laptop and smiled.

- Hi! Come in, do not stand on the threshold.

Laura entered the office and, before sitting in the chair, put on Defne's table a folder.

- Ahtem and I made a list of materials look.

Defne pulled it toward her. Opening, with notes of self-irony in her voice, she noticed:

- It's strange for a novice jewelry designer to check the work of jewelry professionals.

"Your vision, as a designer, of the final result is more important than our professionalism," retorted Laura. - These are your dreams and ideas, and we are only apprentices who bring them to life.

Defne looked at her gratefully and looked down at the list. It was long and detailed.

"You and Ahtem did a great job," Defne noted looking through dozens of positions. - And when did you have the time?

"We gathered at my place on Saturday and did not budge until everything was finished," Laura answered and Defne rose her eyes that flashed with lively interest.

- At your place? AND? Did you talk? Did he listen to you?

Laura's smile faded. She shook her head and sighed sadly.

- We talked. He listened to me ... but I hurt him too deeply, crushed him ... he cannot forgive. I understand him. "Defne sighed too and in tacit support stroked her friend's shoulder. She smiled sadly at her and nodded to the folder: - If there are no comments, sign the application and I will give it to Mirai, let her immediately send it to Diamond.

Defne put her signature on the last page of the document and gave the folder to Laura. When she, about to leave, took hold of the doorknob, she called to her. The girl looked around.

"He will forgive," Defne said. - Believe me. I know.

She smiled softly and a little sadly.

- Even if he doesn't forgive me, I see him, I can talk to him, and this is happiness.

Laura left. Defne looked thoughtfully at the closing door, and then at the new sketches. Smiling mysteriously, she put them in a folder and stood up from the table. She took the phone out of her purse and called Omer. When he answered, she asked:

"Darling, can I take Sukru and the car for an hour?" - Having listened to the answer, she smiled broadly and said: - Great! Thank! Love you!

Having smacked the air near the phone, she ended the call and returned the gadget to her purse. Wearing a coat, she tightened her belt and winked at her reflection in the mirror. It's time for her to visit her jewelry master and show him new sketches. And at the same time tell him one story in which sadness and longing gave way to happiness. And all because its heroes were able to forgive and believe each other.

Ahtem sincerely rejoiced at the guest. He helped to take off her coat, put her in the most comfortable chair, asked if she was cold and, although Defne assured him not, added the temperature on the heater. She put the sketches in front of him and began to patiently wait until he examined them and told her professional opinion.

"Defne, you are a workaholic," Ahtem praised. "Do you even remember that you have a loving and waiting husband for your attention, or do you devote all your time to work?"

Defne laughed and answered:

- Is it possible to forget about Omer? He is the main person in my life.

"He is very lucky," said Ahtem.

But Defne, looking him in the eye, shook her head and said:

"We were both lucky." We met, we fell in love ... we went through trials and hopelessness. Forgiving a lie that at first glance is impossible to forgive ... to trust again. We realized that without love there is no life ... we do not live - we only exist. And we want to live...

"You say strange things," the man said in surprise. "From the side, you seem like the perfect couple who doesn't even know what quarrels are."

He almost word for word repeated the phrase of Laura and this circumstance pleased Defne. There are two torn halves of one whole and you just need to help them connect again.

"Now - yes, but earlier ..." - Defne's gaze was blurred with bitterness, "I did a terrible thing ... I took money from Omer's aunt for making him fall in love with me and marry me."

- What? - gasped Ahtem.

"I tricked Omer," repeated Defne. - I had extenuating circumstances, but even they are not an excuse for my actions.

She told her story ... their story with Omer. Not embellishing it or trying to justify herself, she simply told him that even the most beautiful love can begin with a big lie.

"And Omer forgave you ..."

Ahtem did not ask. He stated the fact and understanding of this truth turned his mind. Defne saw in his eyes the struggle that is now going on in his thoughts and heart. She smiled and confirmed:

- He forgave me. You know, Ahtem, all people make mistakes or make a wrong choice. And then they repent, try to correct the mistakes. This is the most important thing ... when a person cares. So you mean all the life to him. "She got up and took off her coat from the hanger. Dressing, she looked at Ahtem. He sat as if struck by thunder. "Laura loves you." She repented of her wrong choice a million times. - Defne went to the door, but before leaving, she said: - Do not let pride be higher than love. It will not warm your heart.

Finishing the phrase Defne went out the door, and Ahtem remained sitting, looking at one point and painfully reflecting on her words.

Defne returned to the office just before lunch. She did not even have time to take off her coat when Omer burst into her office and pulled her in a cafe. Defne was not opposed at all. She wanted to eat. Something tasty and more. Surprised by herself, she thought with a smile that pregnancy had turned her into a glutton.

In the cafe, a table was already waiting for them and plates of food appeared on it as soon as the couple sat down at it.

"I thought you and the bead were hungry," Omer answered the wife's silent question and she smiled a radiant smile.

"But how did you know that I want kebab with a tabula?"

"I felt it," he winked and ordered: "Eat!"

Both together took up the forks and knives.

"And where have you been?" - Cutting off a piece from his kebab, Omer asked.

"Ат Ahtem," said Defne. - I brought him new sketches. He said that I was a workaholic and asked if I had time left to devote to you.

- And what did you answer? He asked livelily.

- That you are the main person in my life and work will never be more important than you.

Omer beamed. He extended his hand across the table, palm up, and when Defne put hers in it, he smiled radiantly that made her chest warm.

"You are the most important thing." Always keep that in mind. Good? She breathed deeply and nodded.

- By the way, today is the final meeting before the charity show. Judging by the interest in it, the result should be impressive. And I got an idea.

- What? - Defne's eyes lit up with curiosity.

- Create a fund to help people with cancer. And also make such charity shows regular.

- Great idea!

"But there is one "but." The person who will lead the Fund should not only have an impeccable reputation but be truly honest and decent. All my acquaintances with such qualities are very busy people and are unlikely to agree to leave their affairs for the sake of working in a charity Fund. But it is thoughts aloud. I must first get the support of Sinan and Deniz. They may not like the idea.

"Have you told them?"

- No. You first. At first, I wanted to hear your opinion.

Defne bit her lower lip and looked thoughtfully at her husband.

Omer was worried in vain. The idea of the fund was warmly supported by partners. He voiced it during the meeting. Both Sinan and Tranba liked the idea. Fikret also tried to wedge in with her opinion, but Omer looked at her with such a look under which she fell silent.

"A noble idea and a huge front line of work," Seda's voice faltered, but the next moment she pulled herself together and continued in a businesslike tone. - And there is also a question of reputation. Unfortunately, many Foundations were involved in scandals due to the unscrupulousness of managers.

"This is exactly what I fear," Omer supported her. - We need a person for whom the problems of other people are more important than their own.

"And where can we find such?" - Ironically asked Tranba.

"I have one in mind," said Defne, who was silent throughout the conversation. Ten pairs of eyes stared at her in a silent question. - Kerem Yilmaz, the lawyer whom I turned to. He refused to work in a large law office in order to protect the interests of the residents of the neighborhood.

Omer frowned. He remembered the lawyer and the jealousy that he caused him. But now, stifling this feeling, asked Defne:

"Do you think he will agree?"

"We won't know until we ask," she answered.

Omer sighed and agreed:

- Well then, after the meeting we go to Kerem Yilmaz.

Defne smiled at him and thanked him with a look. He raised an eyebrow and winked, silently warning that he was waiting for a reward for his complaisance. Inside Fikret's mind, observing these sweet glances, opened hole the size of the Atlantic Ocean.

To say that Kerem was surprised by the visit of the former client and her husband means nothing to say. He was stunned and confused. And when he heard the reason for the visit, surprise gave way to shock.

- Charity Fund? To lead? He asked.

"Mr. Kerem," said Omer. - I understand that such an offer is somewhat unexpected for you, but I ask you, do not rush to refuse. Examine the question, think.

"Come to the charity evening," Defne said. - Meet our girls. They are wonderful ... you will see how they need help. And there are tens of thousands of such girls, boys, very young children and adults in Turkey. They live in the hope of a miracle. Is it not noble to help them in the struggle for life?

Her words made Kerem think, and Omer swallowed a lump in his throat. Without hiding, he squeezed her small hand and silently thanked for mercy.

"Good," said Kerem. "I'll come in the evening and think about your proposal." But I warn you right away - I won't leave the practice in the neighborhood. These people need me.

"I think we can find a compromise," Omer smiled and held out the guy's hand, which he, without hesitation, shook it tightly.

"He is truly noble," said Omer at dinner.

They sat in the cozy dining room of their house, ate dinner prepared by Zehra, and discussed the past day.

"Yes, he is," said Defne and smiled mockingly. - And two months ago you did not notice this nobility?

- Then I was jealous. Strongly, admitted Omer. "And I was afraid to lose you." So I saw everything in a distorted light.

- And now?

"Now you are mine."

He looked into the huge amber eyes and kissed her slowly and gently.

Defne touched her lower lip with her tongue and asked:

"So you're not jealous anymore?"

"I am jealous," Omer admitted. - I become a beast when I see how men look at you. And then I tell myself that all that remains for them is what to watch. Nothing else. Your soul, your body, thoughts, and feelings - everything belongs to me. And it lets me go.

"I'm jealous too," Defne admitted.

- You? - Omer was genuinely surprised. - From whom? I don't see anyone but you.

"You do not see, but they see you ..."

"You say we're in the same boat?" Omer smiled at one corner of his mouth.

"It turns out that way," Defne mirrored his smile.

- Come to me.

He pulled her by hand and set her on his lap. He pressed his cheek to her chest and closed his eyes. The voice sounded soft as if wrapped in velvet:

- How good ... The best minutes of the day.

Defne kissed his hair and gently stroked it.

The trill of a bell that sounded was not at all what both wanted to hear. With a sigh, Omer reached for the phone. Defne returned to her seat and listened to the conversation.

"I'm listening, Sinan," said Omer. Defne did not hear the answer, but he was not too pleasant. Her husband's face darkened and eyebrows met on the bridge of the nose. - Is it necessary to do it now? - And again, Sinan said something, and Omer frowned more and more. - Good. I'll be right there.

He threw the telephone on the table and looked regretfully at Defne.

"The problem is with our Croatian shoe delivery." One of the documents does not have my signature and they refuse to load the cargo on the ship. I have to go to the port.

- But it's already evening! - surprised Defne. "Can't they wait until morning?"

- The port is working around the clock and the ship will not wait. If the cargo does not fall into this one, we will have to wait another week, and then we will violate the delivery time," Omer explained. - We have to pay a big penalty plus a blow to our reputation.

- Then, you need to go.

"I know," Omer sighed heavily. "But I don't feel like leaving you alone in the evening."