Chapter 6HabbabThe plan has been set in motion, just as it was supposed to happen. I look at the ring on my finger, I just get engaged to a beautiful woman, who does not deserve all the horror she will experience in the days to come. We have chosen a date for the wedding; it will take place precisely a year and a half from now. Çakir Erdoğan is known throughout the city as the king of the money, he will spare no expense and as I am the one who will be putting up all the money for the ceremony, I am sure he wants to empty my chambers to take revenge on me, for having preferred Melek over Irem.In fact, since the engagement I have seen very little of him, those who continue to give face me regarding business, are his sons. Every time I meet Hazar, I have to do my best not to strangle him with my own hands... I never imagined that I would have to smile, pretend and be condescend to the murderer of my parents. What bothers me most about watching him, is how he pretends to be the good gu
I turn away so I can't see her face, and I start to get angry. Stupid traitors, if it weren't for them this wouldn’t been happened. Enise is an envious harpy, I will never be able to see her the way she wants me to, on papers we are husband and wife, but in real life we never were, nor will we ever be anything, nor do I want to be. "Enise's whole problem is that she can't stand to see me marrying Melek, but I swear grandma, I don’t feel anything for that girl." I listen as her footsteps approach where I am, I feel her warm hand on my shoulder, though I dare not turn around, I don't want her to see something that I’m trying to deny myself. "Don't blame your cousin, nor Erdem for my visit." My grandmother has always had the power to read my thoughts, it is something that continues to amaze me despite the years. "It was necessary, I had to come. I have to deliver something important to you, something that kept me standing, gave me strength, and even protected me, all these years." Gen
Derya ArslanAfter closing the door to Habbab's office, I dry my tears indifferently. I smile, I still have him wrapped around my fingers. That damn boy brat is not going to ruin my plans, I have waited for over forty years for the Erdoğan family to finally pay for the sins of their father. Çakir Erdoğan.I walk away from my grandson’s office and take the car home. But first I pass in front of Çakir's house... As I see the mansion to my mind come hundreds of memories full of pain and bitterness, but I also have happy ones, when both of us were just kids. I can hear the laughter of both of us, and the screams I gave the last day I was by his side.I tell my driver to start while I swear to myself that I will see Çakir Erdoğan kneel and ask for my forgiveness. After an hour's drive, I finally enter my home, where I find a hysterical Enise, crying on the floor of the main courtyard."What the hell are you doing child?" I ask her, annoyed."Grandma." She stands up and runs to my skirt, I
Chapter 7 Habbab Before I close the last button of my shirt, my eyes get caught by the glow of my mother's ring hanging from my throat, resting on my chest, so close to my heart and yet so far away. I miss my mother, every day that passes, I imagine growing up by her side, being in a happy family, without tragedy and pain broke our souls. I wonder what would become of my life right now if my mother were still alive, maybe I wouldn't be about to hurt a woman who doesn't deserve it. I’m about to break her too. “I hope someday you can forgive me, Melek.” I pray to nothingness because I seriously don't want to hurt that little girl who hopes to find a hero in me. She longs for someone to love her, and save her from the family hell she lives in, very soon she will realize that it's not me and that will end up crushing her heart. The faint glow of my mother's ring reminds me that I can't feel sorry for that girl, no one did for my mother, it's time for me to take revenge and end it all.
Chapter 7 / Part TwoMelek looks beautiful, with her hair down and that smile loaded with tenderness and innocence, as she looks at some of the store windows. I would be willing to give her everything she asks for, everything and more if by any chance she asked me for the whole store I would be willing to give it to her.The moment I cross the glass doors, one of the saleswomen approaches me and asks me how she can help me, I answer her that I am looking for my fiancée and then Melek looks for me with her eyes, giving me a gesture of total happiness when our eyes meet."Habbab, you came." She runs into my arms and settles in between them, as she squeezes me with all her strength. The smell of peaches that her hair releases, wafts into my nostrils and takes me to another world, I would like to spend the rest of my life surrounded by that sweet scent."I told you I would, I couldn't miss this moment, buy you a jewel, as tradition dictates.""Of course, the good Habbab would never miss a
Chapter 7 / Part Three Cakir wrinkles his face but says nothing in front of me, I have seen them argue many times before and I am sure he does not want to make it a habit, there is a lot of money between the two of us and we both know it. Hazar leaves to look for his daughter, Cakir apologizes and leaves, but not before inviting me to go to one of the living rooms, to wait for my girl. Twenty minutes go by when finally, my eyes meet Melek's. "I hear you want to take me on a date, are you serious?" she asks with excitement shining in her eyes. "Yes, it's completely true, shall we go? They're waiting for us." She turns to look at her father expectantly, waiting for the go-ahead. "Go quietly, my daughter, it's me who is giving you the permission to go, don't worry about anything." "Thank you, Father." She gives him a huge hug and then turns to me, I hold out my hand and she accepts it, I think it's the first time we hold hands, after the commitment ceremony. "Have fun," Hazar says
Chapter 8 / Part OneHabbabThe rest of the day goes on without any major problems, we go to lunch at a nice restaurant inside the museum and then we return to his house. As we do so I notice that the ankle brace I have given her is not on her ankle, and neither is the bracelet. I suspect that something has to do with Çakir Erdoğan and I hope to get an answer out of it."Melek, where are the gifts I bought you?" I inquire carefully not to alert her."My grandfather, he decided to keep them, he says it is not in good taste, for me to display the jewelry that a man gave me.""They were a gift, Melek, besides I'm not just any man, I'm your fiancé." I cling tighter to the steering wheel of my car. I hate the Erdoğan family, all they cause is pain and sorrow. "I'm going to have a chat with your grandfather, he'll see what it means to mess with Habbab Arslan.""Excuse me, isn't your last name Argent?"I blink in disbelief, I just made a huge mistake, it's what happens when you start to trus
Chapter 8 / Part TwoI leave the Erdoğan mansion and head for my car, open the door and someone slams it too violently. I turn around to yell at my assailant to fuck off and I find Esat Erdoğan, Melek's cousin."What the fuck is wrong with you?" I yell at him, stepping back to face him."What's wrong with me is that you're going to ruin this family. You think by putting my grandfather on an edge you're going to protect Melek? I should be the one asking you, what the fuck is wrong with you, Argent?""I don't have to explain myself to a spoiled brat like you. Now, get out of my way, you good for nothing.""You don't have to explain yourself to me? Do you have the slightest idea what Melek lives in this house? My grandfather beats her every day since you came into our lives." He shoved me by the shoulder and I laughed sarcastically."Don't ever touch me again. Next time you do, you'll lose the hand you touch me with." He shakes his head, from one side to another, looking indignant at m