Can Yaman International Presents: "If Only..." (Inspired by Erkenci Kus)

Chapter 10.

At the end of Chapter 9:  "Ms. Aydin, We are happy to inform you that we have accepted your transcript and the revisions that were made. We will plan a release date in early 2021. At that time, there will be a launch in the six major markets of Turkey, Greece, Italy, Spain, France and the United Kingdom. A second launch later in the year will be made across a broader spectrum of markets. We will handle all publicity engagements and book signings. A contract will follow which you will need to sign and return with a sample copy of the book cover. A check will also be enclosed as advance payment based on the projected sales of your book. We have extremely high hopes for the release of this book, and we are pleased to work with you."

(Author's Note: Please read to the end of the chapter and give us your comments. Do you like the storyline? The characters? Don't forget to vote too. Thank you!)

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Can thought it was pointless to keep up the daily harassment of Emre and Leyla about where Sanem was. He realized they weren't going to tell him anything, almost like they considered him the enemy. His thoughts of Sanem would just have to keep him going until he could finish this never-ending job.

It was October 19 and this meant only one more week on location and then the job would be done. He would fly to London the last week of the month and close out everything with the office. By the first of November, he would be back home in Istanbul.

The calls and texts had been reduced to one a day. The text always came at night when he had time to think and feel. Whatever thought made his insides open up was what he would send to Sanem. He was sure that was what she was thinking to.

So, he sent: I'm not forgetting you. I'm just letting you forgive.

By the end of the week, he was feeling energized and strong. The fear and anxiety he had been feeling was slowly going away. Just a few more things to do and he would head home. First to London to finalize everything with the office and pick up his commission. Since the whole project had been extended, he would receive a bonus. This would replenish his bank account nicely and prohibit him from having to take on another job like this one. He planned on never accepting any more assignments like this ever again.

When he arrived at the office in London, he decided to let Emre know to expect him home in a few days.

"Abi, it's good to hear your voice," Emre said. "Where are you and when are you coming home?"

Can explained he was in London and would be home early the next week. "Emre, are you going to tell me anything about Sanem?" After a long silence when Emre did not respond, Can said, "Okay, then I'll see you in a few days."

Emre hated hearing the disappointment in his brother's voice but his hands were tied. Between Leyla and his in-laws, it would be impossible for him to say anything.

A party, of course there had to be a party. This was the part Can hated the most. All the hoopla that he didn't care about.

Let's just get this over with.

The exhibit was large and a lot of money had been spent to display it properly, so he knew this was important. But he always felt uneasy at these things and tried to keep a low profile. This was hard to do. He mingled and took the time to stop and explain some of the pictures on display and take an occasional picture with someone.

He was describing the shot of an elderly lady taken in one of the villages when he heard someone call his name. It was Polen. He had completely forgotten she was friends with the director of the office. She came over to him and gave him an unexpectedly long hug and kiss.

"Can, I'm so glad your back. We have so much to catch up on. Don't make any plans for after the party," she said. "We're going back to my place and you can relax."

What did she say?

"Polen," he explained, "I have a very nice room down the street that I will be staying in but thanks."

His whole statement seemed to go unnoticed as she quickly grabbed one of the photographers to snap a picture of them.

Well, that was just great.

His hope of getting in and out of London unscathed wasn't going to happen. Somehow though, he did manage to escape the party. He used the excuse of having a huge case of jet lag and needed to sleep before his trip home to Istanbul.

Whether Polen had intended for the whole thing to happen or not, it seemed to Can like it was a well-organized plan. The next day, there it was on the front page of the entertainment section of the newspaper. Front and center. The photo took up a quarter of the page. Allah, Allah!

He was further greeted with the night's event making the entertainmentnews on TV with the added speculation of a possible reconciliation of theformer couple. He was growing tired of the whole ordeal and realized he wouldhave to be cruel and forbidding with Polen to put an end to everything betweenthem. He hoped the damage and the fallout from this unwanted publicity had notalready been done.

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This is a work of Fan Fiction inspired by the characters of "Erkenci Kus". All photos, videos and characters belong to their rightful owners.

Written for Can Yaman International by Virginia Dewberry; @grannydew on Wattpad.

Edited by Mary Bloyd, Resident Editor for Can Yaman International.