Moonlight 💫

~Chapter 29~

Today Ates stood in front of Vural Birkici's lavish mansion, his face a mask of determination ready to embrace his newfound role. Accepting his father's request to take over the Birkici family business, Ates felt a profound sense of purpose. With nothing to lose, he was ready to forge a new path alongside his father. The sun was setting, casting long shadows across the ornate garden, but Ates felt no hesitation as he approached the grand entrance. Inside, he found Vural lounging in his opulent living room, oblivious to the storm brewing.

"Father," Ates began, his voice cold and unwavering, "I accept it's time they all face the consequences of their actions."

Vural's eyes widened in shock, his usual composure momentarily shattered. He slowly rose from his seat, a look of disbelief etched across his face as he tried to grasp the gravity of Ates' words. "What are you talking about, Ates?" he finally managed to utter, his voice trembling.

''I'm tired of being taken advantage of. All my I've been nothing but honest and worked countless hours in the family business without any recognition," Ates continued, his voice growing more impassioned.

"Every time I had an idea, it was always dismissed by Omer Gulsoy without a second thought, while others took credit for my hard work. And when I needed support the most, the woman I thought loved me was the one I poured and opened my heart to, turning her back on me, favoring my stupid brother instead."

"Do you know what it feels like, Father, to be betrayed by those you trust the most?" Ates asked, his eyes burning with a mix of anger and sorrow. "I've given everything to this family and to the people I cared about, only to be repaid with deceit and neglect. It's time they all understood the pain they've caused."

"From now on, I'm taking control of the business, and I won't tolerate any more disrespect or betrayal," Ates declared, his voice firm. "I'll systematically expose the frauds, starting with Yaman , and ensure that everyone who wronged me faces the consequences. It's time for a reckoning, and I won't rest until justice is served."

Vural's expression shifted from shock to a slow, approving nod. "Ates, I always admired your strength to stand up for yourself," he said, his voice steady. "I'm proud of you for finally accepting this responsibility, and I will support you in whatever course of action you decide to take." He placed a reassuring hand on Ates' shoulder, a rare gesture of paternal warmth.

"Together, we will restore honor to our family's name and ensure that justice prevails."

Ates blinked in surprise, his hardened expression softening slightly as he processed his father's unexpected support. For a moment, the anger and bitterness receded, replaced by a glimmer of hope and gratitude. "Thank you, Father," he murmured, his voice wavering with emotion.

Just then, Ates' phone buzzed, pulling him out of the emotional moment. He glanced at the screen and saw a message from Feraye: "Ates, something happened to my dad. Can you please give us a ride to the hospital?" His heart skipped a beat as he read the words. His feelings for Feraye flooded back despite their complicated history. He looked up at his father, who nodded in understanding.

"Go, son. She needs you," his father said softly, and Ates hurriedly grabbed his keys, determination etched on his face.

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As Ates pulled up to Feraye's house, a mixture of anxiety and determination coursed through him. His hands gripped the steering wheel tightly, and his heart pounded in his chest. Seeing Feraye's worried face as she rushed out to meet him only intensified his resolve to be there for her and her family.

''Thank you for coming, I wouldn't have called if it wasn't important '' she said

''It's fine '' he simply said avoiding eye contact with the woman who just yesterday had been telling him that she loved him but still chose his brother over him. Ferraye's eyes were red and puffy, evidence of the tears she had been shedding. Her hands trembled slightly as she clutched her phone, and her usual confident demeanor was replaced by a vulnerability that tugged at Ates' heart. She bit her lip, trying to hold back more tears, and Ates could see fear and desperation in her gaze.