Married To The Playboy

Chapter 33- Fractured harmony

The house was filled with the sound of Gulbahar's giggles and Sanem's laughter. Gulbahar, with her blonde pigtails bouncing, was running around the living room, her little legs moving at lightning speed. Sanem was hot on her heels, playfully screaming, "Gulbahar, stop! It's time for your homework!"
The little life,however, was determined to evade capture, darting between the couch and coffee table. Her mother was exhausted, her breathless laughter turning into pleading cries. "Bahar, please! Just sit down for five minutes!"

Just as she was about to give up, Jan appeared from nowhere, a calm smile on his face. He swooped in, scooping up Gulbahar in his arms, cradling her like a baby. "What's wrong,peanut?" he asked, his voice gentle.

Sanem collapsed onto the couch, panting. "She won't do her homework," she replied, frustration etched on her face.

Jan chuckled, his eyes twinkling. "It's fine 's just a kid. She needs to play."

Her expression turned stern, her eyes flashing with annoyance. "Not fine, Jan. She needs to learn discipline. And you're always coddling her!"

His smile never wavered. He stroked Gulbahar's hair, now quietly watching the exchange between her parents. "She's just a child. Let her enjoy her childhood."

Sanem's face crumpled, and she burst into tears, overwhelmed by exhaustion and frustration. Jan immediately turned to her, Gulbahar still in his arms, and wrapped his free arm around Sanem. He pulled her close, holding her tight.

Her tears flowed freely as she buried her face in Jan's chest. "I'm just so frustrated," she whispered, her voice shaking. "Working as a doctor and taking care of a child on my own...it's exhausting. And she's getting handful, Jan. She refuses to listen to me sometimes."

His arms tightened around her, his voice filled with apologies. "I'm sorry, Sanem. I know I've been lenient with Gulbahar, but I just can't help it. She's my little princess."

She pulled back, her eyes red-rimmed. "That's exactly what I mean! You spoil her, Jan. You never say no to her, and it's making things difficult for me."

His face softened, his eyes filled with regret. "I know, my love. I promise to work on it. But you have to understand, she's just a child. She needs love and guidance."

Just then, Gulbahar, who had been quietly observing the scene, piped up from Jan's arms. "Dada, Mommy sad?"

Jan smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Yes, little one, Mommy's sad. But we'll make her happy, okay?"

Gulbahar nodded, her blonde pigtails bouncing. "Okay, Dada!" She leaned forward, giving Sanem a gentle hug. "Mommy, sorry. Gulbahar love you."

Sanem's heart melted at the sight of her little girl's sweet face. She hugged Gulbahar tight, tears flowing again. "I love you too, baby. Mommy's just tired, that's all."

Jan handed Gulbahar over to Sanem, who cuddled her close. As they hugged, Gulbahar started to nibble on Sanem's ear, making her laugh.

Jan smiled, his eyes warm with love. "I think someone wants attention."

Sanem giggled, setting Gulbahar down. "I think you're right."

Later, as they sat down to dinner, Gulbahar started to make a mess, spilling food everywhere. Sanem sighed, about to scold, but Jan intervened, his voice gentle. "It's okay, Gulbahar. We'll clean it up together."

Sanem watched, impressed, as he helped Gulbahar clean up the mess, making it a fun game. She realized that he was trying, and that meant the world to her.

As they finished dinner, she reached out, taking Jan's hand. "Thank you," she said, her voice sincere. "I know I've been stressed lately, but you're an amazing father and partner."