Made For Me

Chapter 22

Since the altercation with Hakan, Ferit has spoken to the shareholders to strip him from having any power over the Aslan businesses. We have a scheduled court date where Hakan will face felony charges and if he is declared guilty he will have to temporarily transfer his shares to Demet; this is until he is deemed mentally stable. Hakan will also have to complete domestic violence counseling and attend weekly therapy session before his shares can be transferred back. On top of all this, we also asked for a two year restraining order that can only be uplifted after his therapy evaluation. 

Ferit was not holding back, he worked with the lawyer to make an example out of Hakan so no one will think that they can mess with me. 

----***----

As I walk through the restaurant, engaging with customers to ask them about their experience and the food, one of my servers discreetly informs me of a guest waiting at the front door asking for me. I turn to the front and I spot Ms. Leman waiting for me. I take a moment to compose myself and make my way to her. 

"Hello, Nazli" 

"Hi, Ms. Leman," I respond, I'm sure confusion is written on my face. 

"I'd like to have a brief conversation with you, please." I don't know if I'm seeing things, but she looks shy. Gesturing for her to accompany me, we make our way to my office. Once seated across from my desk, there was a minute of silent till she broke it off. "Nazli, I want to apologize." 

"What?" I blurt out, totally shocked because Ms.Leman has never apologized to me ever before. 

"I should have tried to force Hakan to stop his obsession. I should have tried to get my nephew some medical help. I'm sorry for what he did to you. I see now that I was in the wrong and it's a shame it took this for me to realize." she admits, her gaze downcast in shame

"It did" I agree, acknowledging that she was wrong. I'm having a hard time accepting her change of heart. 

"I'm not expecting you to forgive me, but I do hope you'll consider my words. Maybe in time, we can work towards building a relationship," she expresses, her tone earnest.

I paused for a moment. "Thank you Ms. Leman and maybe someday... only time will tell." After everything that has happened I can't just trust her so easily. I won't lie and tell her yes, but I also won't close the door on an opportunity to get to know her.

"Thank you" she stands and pats my hands. I remain frozen, not really knowing how to take this new Ms.Leman. After she exits, I remain in the office reenacting this conversation in my head. Did this really happen?

----***----

It's been a month since the verdict and after so much stress and questioning, Hakan was charged guilty. It didn't help his cause because he was acting entitled during the trial. The judge was not happy with his behavior, since he wasn't showing any remorse. The judge took his attitude to give him a harsher punishment than what we requested. Hakan was sent to jail for 18 months and then given one year of probation, his domestic violence counseling sessions and his restraining order to all of us was extended to three years. He sat with a smirk on his face thinking that he wasn't going to be guilty. So it was a shock to his ego when the judge hit the gavel to proclaim him guilty. 

With Hakan temporarily out of our lives, Ferit and I are embarking on a new chapter together - our wedding. We have recently secured a unique venue for our special day, unlike any of the previous Aslan family weddings. Our chosen location is a stunning olive farm estate in Izmir, the breathtaking views of the mountaintops, lush olive trees, and invigorating fresh air made this the perfect place to declare our love for one another.