Belle, heartbroken and lost, finds herself in Turin, Italy, accompanying her best friend Erica on a business trip. this unexpected journey will lead her to encounter Kenan Yildiz, the rising star of Juventus. Their meeting sparks an unexpected conne...
A few days have passed since the thunderous news in the Italian media. It was followed by several more, based entirely on the imagination of journalists. I could not even read them. Again, I stopped opening my social networks and isolating myself from everything and everyone. I couldn't take any more spiteful comments and rustling about me - online or physically.
I could feel the eyes on me wherever I went. I had even become paranoid by now while shopping at the farmer's market near my home. I wore sunglasses more often to avoid people's stares. The paparazzi started following me around a lot more than before, and now I was annoyed every time I crossed the threshold of my home to go out.
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The Italian press: the protagonist in the love triangle with Yildiz and Leclerc is spotted alone once again. Where are her boys?
It was late in the evening and I was just unlocking the trunk of my car to put away some books I checked out of the library. I had just closed it when my phone rang. I figured it was Erica since we had agreed to go to the dress fitting tomorrow. The big day was approaching and I was so excited. However, my screen displayed a name I hadn't seen on in a long time. Kenan.
I watched the screen quizzically until I decided it was good to know what he wanted. I picked up the phone and answered dryly, as if he hadn't broken my heart into a million pieces.
-Yes. He thought for a few seconds, probably surprised by the coldness in my voice, before answering. -Belle, where are you? Did he really ask me that? -It's none of your business. - I replied coldly He sighed loudly -I know I have no right to ask you, but please tell me that what they write is not true. - He answered me in a very calm voice. Did he really ask me that too? Did he really read the nonsense that was being written about me? He must be pretty naive to do that.
-Kenan, you are no longer a part of my life. Why do I have to explain to you what's true and what's not? - I shuddered when I said it out loud. Inside I was crying, but on the surface I was like a stone-unbreakable. -Tell me you're okay. That's all I want to know. -It took you a long time to ask me. I think it's quite late. -Belle, let's see and... -Bye, Kenan. - I cut him off and hung up the phone.
I couldn't continue this conversation any longer. It tortured me to think of hearing him, but not having him by my side. Not to be a part of my life. Everything was different now, and the only thing I cared about was my biggest goal - to make my father proud of me.
The next day Erica and I went out to go to her bridal gown fitting. Good thing it was her to lift my spirits - it acted like a magic pill. She always managed to make me laugh. We both stopped to get coffee before going into the boutique.
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Italian press: Someone clearly needs a best friend in difficult times. Is she Team Kenan or Team Charles?
Erica looked at her phone and rolled her eyes. -"What? - I raised my eyebrows She turned her phone towards me for me to see. I laughed, genuinely.-'I'm sorry I had to involve you in this madness. - I said. -I have to be careful how I dress when I'm with you. You're an internet sensation.-she laughed -'If only it was for something nice. -I sighed.
We spent the whole afternoon at the boutique. We drank champagne, lots of champagne, and chatted away without worrying that someone would take a picture or write another stupid thing like "Kenan's beloved pours herself champagne trying to forget him." Actually, that would be absolutely true. I wanted to forget him.
The days and weeks passed quickly, and my phone collected missed calls and text messages, which I never opened, from Kenan. It hurt, but I knew it was the only way to forget him. I didn't want to risk the gallery's future over some Italian love affair. At the time, I had a great business relationship with all the gallery partners. That helped me find new ones and grow it the way Dad expected.
I wasn't going to let the emotions of another love disappointment get the better of me and prevent me from developing and becoming a successful woman. Over time, I began to learn how to be more chill and not be so influenced by the people around me, least of all their opinions. I also didn't pay as much attention to the media anymore, who wrote absolute crap about me. I ignored them completely and was totally focused. This built more confidence in me.
Month of June
Tomorrow was Erica and Tarak's wedding. I was already staying at a hotel near Como. I was so nervous, like I was going to get married. Maybe my worry was rooted in the fact that I was going to see Kenan. I hadn't seen him since .... I don't even know when. My heart was pounding hard, it was going to pop right out.
How would I cope tomorrow? How would I ever get to sleep tonight? My ears were burning, I was running around the room in circles like crazy and a thousand scenarios were spinning in my head. What if I snapped and said something stupid? God, give me strength.
I put on my satin nightgown and threw myself on the bed. I closed my eyes and started to drift off. I was suddenly startled because I heard a very loud banging on my door. What on earth was going on? Who had come so late!
