Monday finally arrived, the long-awaited moment to see Jan. I'm excited to face those deep brown eyes that seem to pierce my soul with a single blink. Even his cockiness, the way he waits for praise, is charming. It's an addictive game. I knock on the door cheerfully.
"Yes, Aylla?" Jan turns in his chair, watching me.
"Günaydın, I brought your tea, Jan bey." I walk in and notice Polen there. I nod to her and, inevitably, sneeze.
"Günaydın. I see your allergy hasn't improved," Jan remarks.
"Apparently not," I scratch my nose and offer a forced smile to his girlfriend.
"Would you like anything, Polen?"
"A coffee, please."
I leave the room fuming internally. Aylla, did you really think he felt something? Look at Polen, she's elegant, not clumsy like you. I deliver the coffee and position myself at my desk. His glass door allows me to watch everything while pretending to read important documents. Jan looks in my direction sometimes, but I'm quick to look away.
Suddenly, he leaves the room and heads straight for me. I try to flee, but he's faster.
"Want to say something, Aylla? Not going to hide in the file room today?"
"Today seems like a formidable day to have some light out here."
"It also seems formidable to keep staring into my office. Don't think I haven't noticed."
"I..."
"Merhaba, Jan Divit?"
A man interrupts our conversation. He's tall, with short black hair and vibrant green eyes. My heart races. Could it be him?
"I'm Kerem Aslan. My cosmetics company is looking for a location for a commercial."
Before Jan can answer, I jump in:
"Günaydın! I'm Aylla. Would you like some tea, Kerem bey?"
"I'd love some, but I'm more of a coffee fan."
"I completely agree! Coffee is the drink of success," I lie shamelessly, making Jan look at me in confusion.
"I thought you liked tea, Aylla."
"I'm eclectic," I reply, while Kerem analyzes me from head to toe in an intimidating but charming way.
"Excuse me, Kerem bey, were you at the company party recently? In the private boxes?"
"Yes, how did you know? I think I remember you..."
My destiny is aligning! The Albatross saved me from confessing to the "Evil King." But Jan is furious.
"The coffee, Aylla. Kerem, join me in the office." Kerem enters, but not before giving me a warm smile. Jan slams the door, visibly irritated.
After Polen leaves, I bring the drinks. Kerem is very friendly.
"Please, just call me Kerem, Aylla. Beautiful name." Jan doesn't even turn around. I leave the cups and ask if they need anything else.
"Aylla, if you're free tonight, we could talk more about that night," Kerem suggests, smiling. "NO!" Jan jumps up, his voice raised. "I'm sorry, Kerem, but she's very busy. Another time."
Jan practically kicks Kerem out and sits back down as if nothing happened. I'm furious. I go to his desk and face him.
"Why did you treat him like that? And why were you angry?"
"Do you want me to treat you as work or a friend?" he counters.
"Work!"
"Fine. He's a partner and for you to be involved with him is unethical."
"You offend me! You don't need to act like this... cold, angry, ignoring me..." I whisper, letting my heart speak.
He stands up and walks to me, cornering me against the cabinets.
"Is this distance enough for you?" he whispers.
"No." He gets even closer, our bodies almost touching.
"And now?"
"It's a good distance," I swallow hard.
I close my eyes. Jan makes me forget Kerem, the Albatross, everything. I feel like he's going to kiss me. But he leans in and whispers in my ear:
"Aylla... don't enter a war you know you're going to lose to me." He puts a lock of my hair behind my ear. "And Kerem is not your Albatross."
I open my eyes and he's already at the door, laughing as he leaves. Oh, Allah! He was playing with me! I feel the floor disappear. He had control the whole time.
Deniz enters the room right after, looking nervous.
"What are you doing here, Aylla?"
"Cleaning... Deniz, where are you going today?"
"I have a meeting with Emre, okay?" She's hiding something. I use our childhood trick, hugging her from behind and caressing her arms.
"You know you can tell me anything, right?" She smiles but keeps the secret. She'll tell me, but in her own time.