Epic Love

Chapter 1

                                    Goodbye

I was on the verge of a nervous breakdown. My hands were shaking and my palms were sweaty. "This is it" I thought to myself. Today is the day that I finally share the news with everyone that I'll be leaving the Art Life company.

People around me were talking but I couldn't hear a thing through the pounding of my heart and the blood rushing to my ears. Ceren and Melo were on either side of me giving reassuring smiles. I told them about my decision to leave Art Life and Istanbul. They freaked out of course but in the end, supported me anyway. Finally as if on cue my name was called to the stage. I draw in a deep breath and exhale before squaring my shoulders to show everyone that I mean business.

The girls gave me one last smile and a reassuring squeeze on the arm before I made my way onto the stage. One of the stage lights was instantly pointed at me leaving me blinded momentarily.  I set the papers I had in my hands down before looking into the crowd. My eyes sought out to find his involuntarily, when we made eye contact our eyes instantly locked on each other. His although were cold, twinkled as the lights around us illuminated his light brown honey-like eyes. I blink rapidly as if to break the trance that I was in.

I clear my throat before addressing the room.

"Firstly I just wanted to thank every one of you for all you're support over the past 2 months in regards to Mr Bolat's absence. I also wanted to give special thanks to Art Life's employees. first on my long list of names is a very important and dear friend of mine. Some would even say a brother to me which in my opinion is a very big deal because as you'd probably already know. I've never had a brother

"Engin. from the moment I stepped through the company doors you've always welcomed me with open arms. You supported every single decision that I've made no questions asked. Whenever you have multiple tasks that need to be done you can always count on him to multitask them all"

I blink away tears that threaten to fall

"Piril. I know we weren't on the best of terms when we first met. I can honestly and openly say that there was a time where I wanted to slap the shit out of you. But now? Now you are among some of my closest friends"

"Leyla. One of the most hard-working people that I have ever met! Whenever there is work to be done rest assured Leyla would get it all done. Not once has she complained about there being too much of a workload. She's kind and gives the best hugs"

"Ferit. In the beginning we didn't exactly get off on the right foot and even though we haven't known each other long enough I can honestly say that it has been a pleasure getting to know you now. You said to me one day "You have the makings of a good leader" and that meant more to me than you'd ever know"

"Erdem. I admire you the most! you have such a great sense of humour and Allah Allah are you cunning!"

The room is quickly filled with chuckling and laughter

"I hope you didn't think that I'd forget you. After all I was saving the best for last. Did I get that bit right?"

I say pretending to flip through page after page of my papers as if he was tell one who told me to say that. Everyone laughs once more

"But on a serious note. All I can say is keep trying! Even when we make mistakes we must not only learn from them but keep going as well"

I clear my throat again as all eyes fall on me

"Thank you everyone for all that you've done for not only me but the company and all that you're yet to do. You are not just employee's but a team, a support system, friends but most importantly family. Now that I've given my thanks there is something very important that I feel like I should say. The answers to the questions everyone's afraid to ask"

I straighten up and square my shoulders and begin

"Mr Bolat and I have made the hardest decision of parting and going our separate ways not on bad terms but good ones. In saying that as of right now, today I no longer own 45% shares of the company"

The room falls completely silent. So silent that you could hear a pin drop

"Today I have decided to gift these shares to a very special someone and that person is Ferit" gasps and murmurs fill the room, Ferit looks at me dumbfounded and confused

"There is no one else I'd rather give my shares to then you"

I blink rapidly in the hopes of keeping back the tears that threaten to fall. unfortunately a single tear escapes, I quickly reached up and wipe it away

Serkan gave me the go-ahead to tell everyone that the reason for our separation was due to his memory loss but I just couldn't bring myself to do so. That would just give everyone a reason to take advantage of him and knowing that they could use such a weakness of his against him? That didn't sit right with me

𝐒𝐄𝐑𝐊𝐀𝐍'𝐒 𝐏𝐎𝐕:

I can't believe what's happening to me let alone what I'm hearing. My heart's pounding out of my chest and I don't know why. I slowly shake my head trying to get rid of this aching feeling. I make a mental note to book an appointment with my doctor. Something's seriously wrong with my heart

As Ms Eda's speech slowly came to an end I refocused my attention towards the stage once again my heart rate picked up and started pounding yet again when my eyes locked with hers. Her big beautiful dark brown eyes clouded with emotions that I couldn't figure out. Sadness? Loss? Pain? Love? Longing? When I finally managed to get my heart rate under control, I felt a sharp pain in my head. My mind started racing

I pressed my fingers to my temples and closed my eyes. I could hear voices around me but I couldn't make out what they were saying. I started getting flashbacks. They weren't like any of the other flashbacks that occurred. No, these flashbacks were different. I'd always have flashbacks but I could never see the woman's face in them. Now I could... They were more prominent this time

It was Eda...

The university encounter
Her drawing on my car with lipstick
Her handcuffing herself to me
Her driving my car
Her kissing me at a press conference
The contract
The fake engagement party
The magic trick with a necklace
Us walking Sirius together most nights
Cooking together
Antalya
Star Gazing
Me saving her from the paparazzi
Her falling asleep on my chest