Until I Found You

Part 14

"What's this?" Kivilcim asked, a surprised smile forming on her lips.

Omer shrugged slightly, trying to appear casual. "Nothing, just a little plush flower."

Kivilcim's eyes softened as she looked at the prize in her hand. "Yes, I know what it is," she said softly, "but why'd you give it to me?"

Omer hesitated, his gaze shifting from the flower to Kivilcim's eyes, his expression shifting. He quickly turned back to Kivilcim, his tone more guarded. "If you don't want it, I can take it back," he said, reaching for the plush flower.

Kivilcim shook her head, clutching the flower tighter. "No, I want it," she replied firmly, her eyes meeting his with determination. "Thanks."

Doga looked up and saw the stuffed flower in her mom's hands. "Mommy, that's so pretty! Mr. Omer, did you get that for Mommy?"

"Yes, Doga," Omer answered, smiling at his daughter. "The prizes up there aren't really for me anyways... I thought maybe Kivilcim would like it more than I would. Anyways, shall we go to the next game?" Omer asked, trying to change the subject.

Doga, looked at the two adults curiously, "Well... My friend Ayse got a flower from a boy in school because he had a crush on her. Does that mean you have a crush on my Mom, Mr. Omer?"

Omer's eyes widened slightly, caught off guard by Doga's innocent question. He glanced at Kivilcim, unsure how to respond. Kivilcim, noticing his lengthy hesitation and silence, quickly stepped in.

"Doga," Kivilcim said gently, crouching down to her daughter's level, "We don't ask these types of questions. Sometimes people give gifts to show they care about someone, but it doesn't always mean they have a crush. Mr. Omer is just being very kind."

Doga tilted her head, processing her mother's words. "Oh, okay. Can I play the next game now?"

Kivilcim smiled and nodded. "Of course, sweetie. Let's go see what game we can play next."

Kivilcim replied softly, her gaze forward. "Kids say the funniest things sometimes."

"Yeah, they do. But sometimes, they even ask the hardest questions too." Omer said.

Kivilcim glanced at him, hurt. Was it so hard for him to answer whether he had a crush on her or not? She raised the prize he gave her. "It's a sweet gesture. I appreciate it."

Omer's expression hardened. "Right. Just a gesture. No need to read into it."

Kivilcim's eyes narrowed slightly, her own frustration bubbling to the surface. "Why are you doing this? Act like you don't care, even when you do?"

Omer stopped walking, his eyes locking onto hers. "Maybe because it's hard to show I care when I can't trust you."

Kivilcim's breath caught, the sting of his words hitting her hard. She looked away, trying to compose herself. "I never meant to hurt you, Omer. How long will you punish me for this? How many times do I have to apologize. I did the right thing, I was protecting our daughter first and foremost."

"Right," Omer said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Because lying is always the right thing."

Kivilcim's began "Again, I didn't lie... You... so you act like you've never lied before?"

Omer paused, caught off guard by her retort. "...How did this come to me?"

Kivilcim crossed her arms, her tone firm. "I'm just saying, Omer. Everyone makes mistakes. You've already judged me without considering what I've been through."

Omer's expression hardened, his eyes narrowing. "Maybe I have lied before, but this isn't about me, Kivilcim. This is about you lying to me."

Kivilcim frowned, her voice tinged with anger. "ufff I've had enough of this conversation. You always say the same thing, Omer. You won't listen to me, not for one second. You're not even trying to understand me!"