A Night's Mistake, A Lifetime's Love

Chapter 9

After a few minutes, they broke up the kiss. Ekim's cheeks were reddened, so Kanat pulled her head and rested it on his shoulder. Ayla woke up and started crying, so Ekim turned to her. Kanat's phone rang, and it was Melisa. He looked at Ekim nervously, and Ekim turned to him when the phone kept ringing, which annoyed Ayla. She looked at the phone to see Melisa's name.
Ekim: You can go out and answer or cancel the call because Ayla is getting annoyed.
Kanat: I'm sorry.
Kanat hung up the call and looked at Ekim, who had turned to caressing Ayla's head until she calmed down.
Kanat: Is everything okay? Should I call the doctor?
Ekim: No, it's okay. He will come after a while anyway.

Ekim said then looked at Kanat's hand to see the ring on his finger. She turned her gaze to him when he tried to hide his hand once noticing her staring at it.
Ekim: It's okay, mr. Kanat. It was a silly mistake anyway.
Kanat held her arms gently to make her close to him.
Kanat: Stop saying "Mr". At least between us.
Ekim looked at him surprised and questioningly.
Kanat: Also, I'm not considering it a mistake at all! I wanted to do it.
Ekim: But it's not right! And...
Ekim turned to look at his ring again.
Kanat: And what? It's just a ring, Ekim. It doesn't change the way I feel about you.
Ekim: But what about Melisa? You're engaged to her.

Kanat: Melisa and I have been engaged for a long time, but things change. People change. I wasn't sure if she's the right person for me, but now I'm sure she isn't.
Ekim looked into Kanat's eyes and saw the sincerity in them. She felt warmth spread through her body, and she realized that she felt the same way about him. But she couldn't help feeling guilty about the situation.
Ekim: I don't know what to say, Mr. Kanat. I never thought this would happen. It's all so sudden.
Kanat: Me neither, but sometimes life surprises us. And I think we should take this chance to explore our feelings for each other.
Ekim hesitated for a moment, but then Kanat pulled her into a hug, so she couldn't do anything but hug him. The door suddenly opened, which made Ekim freak out and move away quickly.

Alanur: Good morning!
Kanat: Good morning!
Alanur was looking at them slyly and approached Ayla to check on her.
Alanur: Did she wake up today?
Ekim: Yes, she cried a few minutes ago, but after that, she went back to sleep.
Alanur: Hmm, good! You must feed her!
Alanur said, looking at Kanat. He snickered and rubbed his forehead.
Kanat: Ahem, I'll go bring coffee and something to eat.
Ekim nodded, and Kanat left. Ekim tried to avoid her mother and directed her attention to Ayla, but Alanur held her by the ear.
Ekim: OUCH! Mom, what are you doing? OUCH!!
Alanur: Sit here and tell me what exactly is going on!!!
Alanur forcibly put Ekim on the chair and sat on the bed in front of her.

Alanur: What was going on?
Ekim: Nothing?
Alanur: Are you fooling me? Is there something between you two that you're hiding? I asked you yesterday, did you lie to me, Ekim?
Ekim: No! No, I didn't lie, I swear! It happened suddenly now.
Alanur kept silent, looking at her surprised.
Ekim: What?
Alanur: I don't know what to say, Ekim! I mean, he is engaged, and in front of people, you are a single mother. Don't get me wrong, but...
Ekim: You're right! You're right, but I don't know what to do. I can't ignore the feelings growing for him, and at the same time, I'm trying to prevent them, but also I can't!
Alanur: Okay, now feed Ayla. He might come at any time, and we will talk later.

Ekim nodded and turned to Ayla, who woke up once she was carried. Kanat came and waited outside the room for a while until Ekim finished and got out of the room.
Ekim: Kanat? Come in!
Kanat held her hand, stopping her.
Kanat: I said no more "Mr." It's just Kanat now.
Ekim: It's just a little hard for me. I need time.
Kanat smiled at her, then entered the room. Two days passed, Kanat spent almost all of his time in the hospital with Ekim and Ayla. He went to the company for a few hours in the morning and then went home to change his clothes before going back to the hospital. Ayla was released today, and they were in the car going home.
Alanur: Ekim, call Leyla and tell her to wait for us in the house and make something to eat. You're coming with us, Kanat, okay?