ZeyBar One Shots -DoğduğunEvKaderindir

6. Build It Up Stronger (ep38)(Part1)

Picking up from where Nermin offers the firm to Zeynep  and asks Baris to help her run it.

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"I hope that we can start a new life together, where we can can grow stronger by supporting each other," Nermin said, smiling as she looked around the table at the nodding heads.

"Yes!" AliRiza said, "we will overcome everything together."

Nermin sat back down in her chair, pleased.

Baris cleared his throat, and every looked at him expectedly. "Uh, If you don't mind, I have something to say," he said hesitantly, looking at Nermin.

"Of course son," Nermin nodded encouragingly.

"Nermin Hanim, thank you for the very generous offer. I was only doing my job by securing the firm back for you, so you don't owe me anything." He paused, gathering his thoughts, and looking briefly over at Zeynep who had her head bowed. "Unfortunately, I cannot accept your offer. I think you are leaving the company in very capable hands with Zeynep. She doesn't need my help to run it." He huffed in self-deprecation, "In fact, she doesn't my help with anything."

He looked around the room at the shocked faces, "As you said, this is a new chapter in all our lives. Let us start this journey on a path with those who want to travel with us," he added cryptically. "I wish you all the success, and I would be happy to offer my companies services should you need any legal advice."

"Baris!" AliRiza exclaimed.

"Dayi," Baris stopped him, a hint of warning in his voice. "I think it's for the best."

He turned to Zeynep. "Don't you agree, ,Zeynep," wishing that she would grab the desperate hook he was throwing her way.

Zeynep nodded, glancing at him briefly and then turning to Nermin. "Yes," she said in a quiet voice, "yes I think it will be for the best."

The rest of the meal was an uncomfortable affair and the Tunahans made an early exit.

Baris made it clear to his uncle and brother that the events at dinner were not up for discussion. What was there to discuss really? Everyone had heard Zeynep's tirade – it had cut him deeply, like nothing had ever hurt him before, even though his brain was chockfull of painful memories. His sister had been right, he was foolish to pursue a woman whose love and loyalty clearly lay elsewhere and who could not give him the respect he inherently knew he deserved. He would immerse himself fully in his work. It's what he knew best, something that he had full control over.

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He went in early to work, before any of his employees were in the office, and pulled out all the files for the last month. He had lost a handle on all the cases that were being dealt with, and he berated himself for letting things get so out of hand. He left a note for Ceren saying he didn't want to be disturbed. He didn't know how much time had passed, so he looked up annoyed when he heard a knock on the door. It opened before he had time to say anything, and his breath caught to see Zeynep there.

"Zeynep," he said finally, rising from his chair.

She looked distraught and teary-eyed, like she had cried all night, and the bitterness gripped his chest again – crying for the love she had lost.

"Baris, I...I'm sorry. Ceren said you didn't want to be disturbed. But I insisted."

Baris nodded, sitting back down on his chair, and indicating for her to sit as well.

"No, I won't stay long," she said, leaving an envelope on the table. "My resignation letter."

Baris sighed, his face crestfallen.