Can Yaman International Presents: Leaving Him

Chapter 9: "Part Of A Family Again"

At the end of Chapter 8:  Emre and Leyla announced their engagement at the end of November. Can and Sanem felt happy for their siblings but at the same time, they resented their happiness and their possibility to live their love openly. Hüma had joked at the irony of them becoming in-laws now, but the humorous aspect of the situation fell flat. They knew the time of the wedding would come soon enough. Can would have to attend whereas Sanem would not. That morning, Can was brooding over wedding thoughts when the doorbell rang. He put his tea glass down and rushed to the door. Mevkibe and Nihat were standing on the terrace with large smiles on their faces.

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Can was praying that neither Sanem nor Alba would be heard or worse, that Sanem would not come downstairs with the baby in her arms.

"Can, my son! How are you?" started Nihat.

"I'm fine," muttered Can. "I was actually heading to the agency. Is there anything I can do for you?"

"Mevkıbe and I wanted to talk about Emre and Leyla's wedding preparations."

"Ah! Of course! Of course!" Can replied. "Well, why don't we all go to the office and talk about it there with the groom and bride to be, hum? I'm sure they would love to have a word on that topic," pressed Can, feigning enthusiasm.

Mevkıbe and Nihat agreed with a nod and Can quickly led them to his car. They were driving away when Sanem entered the living-room.

Can was on the verge of a panic attack, even though he forced himself to smile and chat with Sanem's parents. Their unexpected visit had been a close call, a bit too close for his liking. After a long ride due to Istanbul's customary morning traffic, he parked the car and they headed into the agency and straight to the top floor.

Emre and Leyla were working on the finances for a new campaign when they spotted Can leading the Aydın's into his office. At the sight of Can at the agency for the first time in the last month or so, they exchanged a look of surprise and dropped the files in their hands.

"Mom? Dad? Mr. Can?" exclaimed Leyla. "Welcome! Emre and I didn't expect to see you today. Were we supposed to meet? Did I miss something, Emre?"

"No, no, not at all daughter," intervened Nihat. "We went to visit Mr. Can this morning to talk about your wedding but he thought it best to keep you two in the loop. I mean in the end, it is YOUR wedding."

"Exactly," insisted Can. "And it's just Can if you don't mind. Soon we are all going to be part of the same family!" he concluded with an emphatic laugh. "We are already family, if only they knew." Can's throat dried up at the shameful idea that he was doing the thing he hated the most in the world... lying. And even worse, he was lying to some of the best and most decent people he had ever come to know.

The five of them exchanged ideas and opinions animatedly for two hours, talking about flower arrangements, dress, suit, menu. Finally, Leyla found the courage to bring up the topic of the maid of honour. She looked particularly moved and Can knew the only person she wanted to see in that role was Sanem. Leyla kept her emotions under control though and suggested Ayhan, the closest she had to a sister nowadays.

Can was clutching his fists at Sanem's stubbornness. These people were her family. They loved her. "How could she think that they would reject her?" he asked himself.

Once the topic was closed, Mevkıbe hugged Leyla and whispered in her ear, "Be brave Honey!" and Nihat gently stroked her arm. They shook Emre and Can's hands and took their leave.

"Can, we are going out for lunch. Do you want to come with us?" offered Emre.

"Humm? No, no, no. Thanks. Enjoy. I'll see you later," Can replied. He had made a decision. He was on a mission. Sanem would attend Leyla's wedding whether she was willing to or not!