Moonlight 💫

~Chapter 20~ (Part 2)

***Welcome to part two , Thank you for reading this book.

It has been two years since Ates left Antalya and he hasn't thought of going back until today. He was attending his little brother Okan's wedding, who was getting married to Bade Birkici. He had wanted to say no and no go but he knew that he had to go support his little brother no matter what. Ates's hesitation stemmed from unresolved feelings and memories associated with Antalya, a place he had purposefully avoided. The thought of facing old acquaintances and the possibility of confronting past mistakes filled him with anxiety. Despite his reluctance, his sense of duty towards his family ultimately overpowered his personal reservations.

Ates boarded the early morning flight with a heavy heart, staring out the window as the plane ascended into the sky. The familiar landscape of Antalya came into view as they descended, stirring a mix of nostalgia and trepidation within him. He took a deep breath as he exited the airport, bracing himself for the emotional rollercoaster that awaited him.

As he exited the airport, he saw Okan running towards him with a wide smile, arms outstretched for an embrace. The sight of his little brother's genuine happiness momentarily eased his apprehensions. Ates couldn't help but smile back, realizing that, despite everything, family was worth facing his fears for.

As they drove home, Okan chatted excitedly about the wedding preparations and how much Bade meant to him. Ates listened, his initial anxiety slowly melting away as he focused on his brother's happiness. Okan's enthusiasm was contagious, and for a moment, Ates felt a glimmer of hope that perhaps this trip to Antalya might bring more healing than heartache.

As they neared the family home, Okan turned to Ates with a heartfelt expression. "I'm so happy you accepted to come and be my best man," he said, his voice filled with gratitude.

"Everyone missed you, especially Mom, and she can't wait to see you back in the mansion."

Ates wasn't ready to face his mother because they hadn't talked for two years; he had discovered she had been lying about her sickness the whole time he was there. He had planned to stay at a hotel to avoid a confrontation, but as they pulled up to the family mansion, his mother came out, looking frail yet hopeful. Ates felt a lump form in his throat, unsure of how to bridge the chasm that had grown between them.

He wondered if their reunion would lead to a painful confrontation or a long-overdue reconciliation. As he stepped out of the car, Ates steeled himself for whatever was to come, knowing that this moment would set the tone for the rest of his visit. The uncertainty loomed heavy, but a part of him dared to hope that perhaps, amidst the tension, they could find a way to heal old wounds.

Tears welled up in his mother's eyes as she took tentative steps towards him, her hands trembling slightly. "Ates," she whispered, her voice cracking with emotion. She paused, as if waiting for a sign, before finally wrapping her arms around him in a tender embrace.

Ates felt a whirlwind of emotions surge through him—anger, betrayal, sadness, but also an unexpected sense of relief. His body stiffened for a moment, but as he felt the warmth of his mother's embrace, he allowed himself to relax, tears silently streaming down his face. In that fragile moment, he realized that despite the lies and the pain, the bond of family still held strong, and perhaps, just perhaps, they could begin to mend their fractured relationship.

A few moments later, Yaman came out and hugged Ates tightly, welcoming him with a warmth that spoke volumes. His grandfather followed, his eyes glistening with unspoken emotions as he patted Ates on the back. Surrounded by the embrace of his family, Ates began to feel the first flickers of healing touch his heart, realizing that perhaps they could all find a way to move forward together.