Made For Me

Chapter 20

The interviewer from Elle Magazine, Ahsen Gelin, arrives and greets us warmly. As she settles in, she takes out her recorder and notebook, signaling that she is ready to get to business. She smiles and asks "Who is Nazli Pinar?"

"Nazli is an intelligent, compassionate, determined, and creative individual whose career is dedicated to bringing joy to people through food," I respond with a smile. Ahsen continues by asking about my career journey and the success of the restaurant. "I understand that you have overcome challenges in the past... could you share more about that?"

Taking a moment to compose myself, I share, "After losing my parents at 14 years old to a car accident, I ended up in an orphanage. And it was incredibly hard, all I've ever known was the love and security of home and it was taken away, I was truly alone." I take a deep breath "I'm thankful to have met my sister for life, Fatos who has made living bearable. And of course Ferit who means everything to me." 

"What about the recent information on your father?"

"I didn't know about my father's dark past. In my eyes, he was a loving, responsible, and devoted parent so learning this new information came as a shock and it's been hard accepting it, even with evidence in front of me. I don't know how to accept this." I shake my head. 

She shifts the conversation to discuss my work experience with the Aslan's and my relationship with Ferit. Ferit and I share a laugh. "The day we met, I thought she was breaking into my home... We didn't have the best impression of each other. But with all that, there was a sense of curiosity to know this charming intruder. The way I did it was teasing her, sparking playful banter between us. So what began as animosity transformed into love. I wish I could pinpoint the exact moment, but it simply happened." I blush smiling at his response. 

Ahsen then asks, "Do you believe that the difference in social class plays a significant role in your relationship?" 

"Adapting to Ferit's lifestyle is a challenge for me, and continues to be so. I come from a simpler background, while his world is more extravagant and demanding. The pressure to maintain a polished image is constant in his world. Initially, the class difference did pose challenges, and there are still moments when it comes into play. I didn't grow up learning the difference between a soup spoon and a regular spoon. And my daily style consists of vans, shorts and button down shirt. Ferit has been incredibly supportive and accepting of who I am." He reaches over to kiss my hand.

"Is that a ring I see?" Ahsen smirks

"Yes, Ferit and I are getting married." I answer shyly. 

From that point on, the conversation took a lighter turn as she delved into wedding plans, to which we gave her minimal details, before moving to my career aspirations. "The restaurant has garnered immense popularity, with reservations guests waiting weeks to secure a table. What is your secret?" she asks. "It's not magic," I reply. "I simply have a passion for cooking, and the public appreciates it. I strive to give my best in every dish, and I try to have a positive work environment for my staff because when someone feels good, it reflects in their cooking."

"You've been nominated for a Michelin star. How does that make you feel?" 

"I am incredibly excited. I dreamed of owning my own restaurant so the idea of achieving a Michelin star never crossed my mind. It's truly an honor."

----***----

"Turkey Pop Magazine says 'Nazli is a fresh light to the Aslan. She is our modern Cinderella." Zeynep reads and squeals. 

"On instagram people are posting videos on how much they love Nazli. Her life story has inspired so many people around the world." Now Fatos squeals. 

"Ok ladies, let's drop the wines. You both sound like two crazy teens." They laugh, its obvious they've had too much to drink. 

"Nazli you are Turkey's Princess Diana!" 

"You've gone too far. Princess Diana is on another level." I roll my eyes at Fatos absurdity. 

"How do you explain how Vans has sold out of their old skool sneakers?" Zeynep interjects. 

I take a popcorn from the bowl next to me a throw it at the both of them. "Knock it off." I say holding a laughter. I blush thinking how people have embraced my story and I have 'Naz fans' as Fatos likes to call it. 

After the article was published, there was a noticeable increase in people's interest to learn about me. Customers started coming to the restaurant just to take pictures with me and have me sign their magazine covers. I am quite shy and I find this attention overwhelming; I hope the fame subsides soon. The article not only diverted attention from my father's questionable past but also contributed to make me somewhat famous. Ferit is my super fan. He says that he loves the positive feedback I'm receving. He saw someone selling t-shirts with my face on it and quickly purchased one. I had to threaten him, to withhold kissing him for a week, so he would never wear that in public, though he proudly wears it at home.

Finding out that Hakan was responsible for leaking my personal information to the press, had Ferit and Ms. Leman terminate Hakan's role in the Aslan business. Despite him having shares in the company, Hakan is prohibited from holding any positions within the firm. I was shocked hearing this but Ferit says that he will not spare anyone who messes with me. Gosh he is so sexy when he gets like that! Hakan, reacted poorly to the news. He decided to go on twitter and bash the entire Aslan family. Despite Ferit's attempts to shield me from reading Hakan's tweets, Fatos showed me his derogatory messages, from calling Zeynep a street rat to saying that Ferit only married me for Charity. I had to keep repeating to myself that he is a ridiculous man who doesn't have any emotional intelligence.