Turkish Love

The jealousy

Ritika gathered her courage and asked, “Cann, would you be my partner for the party tonight?” Cann stood silent for a moment, his mind racing. He looked at Ritika's hopeful face but could feel nothing but confusion.

"No, I already have a partner for tonight," he said abruptly. Without waiting for a response, he turned and walked away quickly, not even glancing back.

Ritika stood frozen, taken aback by his cold reply. Embarrassment washed over her. *Why did he have to be so rude?* she thought. *He could’ve just said no politely.*

Hurt but determined not to let it ruin her day, she walked outside to catch a cab, heading to the hospital to submit her reports.

As Cann hurried away, guilt gnawed at him. He regretted his harsh response but couldn't bring himself to face her again. In his car, Feliz greeted him with a wide smile. "Don't forget to come to the party tonight, Cann! Delitz also called to remind me to make sure you're there."

Cann nodded absentmindedly and drove off to his shoot, but Ritika's disappointed face stayed in his mind.

**EVENING**

Sunshine Apartment was transformed into a winter wonderland. Twinkling fairy lights adorned the trees, and the garden was filled with the scent of red roses and lilies. The soft glow of the lights created a romantic, dreamlike atmosphere. Music floated through the air as couples twirled in the garden, hand in hand, beneath the stars.

Cann arrived, wearing a sleek black tuxedo, his half-open, half-tied hair adding to his striking appearance. But he had come alone—without a partner. As he entered the party, his eyes scanned the crowd, searching for Ritika. His guilt from the morning had grown, and he wanted to apologize. His dark eyes flicked around the garden, but Ritika was nowhere to be seen.

Frustrated, Cann found a seat near the open bar, his gaze wandering over the lively scene. He poured himself a glass of wine, lifting it to his lips, but suddenly stopped. His eyes locked onto the stairs.

There she was—Ritika, descending the staircase in a stunning red velvet satin dress. Her hair was elegantly tied in a bun with a few loose strands framing her face. She sparkled in the light, her diamond earrings glistening as she smiled. Her black eyes shone like the night, and her beauty commanded the attention of everyone at the party.

Cann stood up, completely entranced. He barely noticed when the glass of wine slipped from his hand and shattered on the floor. All he could think about was walking over to her, taking her hand, and dancing with her all night.

Ritika, aware of the eyes on her, scanned the crowd and her gaze landed on Cann. He was standing there, tall and handsome, his dark hair catching the light. Her breath caught, but just as Cann took a step toward her, Oziya appeared at her side.

Oziya offered his hand to Ritika with a warm smile. She hesitated for a second, her eyes flicking toward Cann, who had stopped in his tracks. Then she smiled at Oziya and placed her hand in his.

Hand in hand, Oziya and Ritika entered the party together. Cann’s heart sank. He turned back to the bar and poured himself a shot of tequila. He watched them, his chest tightening as Oziya leaned in close to Ritika.

"I don’t know how to compliment you enough," Oziya said to Ritika, his voice soft but playful. "Not just me, but the entire party is mesmerized by your beauty. You’ve brought this event to life."

Ritika laughed, flattered by his words. "That’s more than enough appreciation," she replied, smiling.

Oziya tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear, a gesture that sent a wave of anger through Cann. He downed another shot, his knuckles turning white as he gripped the glass.

Ritika, feeling a little overwhelmed by Oziya’s attention, glanced away, her eyes naturally seeking out Cann. She saw him watching them from the bar, his expression dark, as if he was battling an inner storm.

"Oh, Oziya, let me introduce you to someone," Ritika said, her voice steady but her gaze still fixed on Cann. "He’s over there, by the bar."

"Sure," Oziya said, turning to look in Cann’s direction.

Before they could walk over, the lights dimmed, and a spotlight hit the stage. The host grabbed the microphone and spoke excitedly, "Thank you, ladies and gentlemen, for joining us tonight! I hope you’re all having a great time. Now, let’s kick things up a notch with some music! Grab your partners and let’s dance the night away!"

The neon lights flashed on, casting a blue and pink glow over the garden. Soft music filled the air, and couples began to sway and twirl in rhythm with the melody.

"You want to dance?" Oziya asked Ritika, offering his hand once more.

"Sure," Ritika replied, smiling as she placed her hand in his.

As Oziya put his hands on Ritika’s waist and they began to dance, something snapped inside Cann. He watched them, his anger bubbling to the surface. The sight of Oziya’s hands on Ritika’s waist was too much. Cann poured himself another shot, then another, and another, trying to drown the surge of emotions. But the more he drank, the worse it got.

Ritika, laughing and dancing with Oziya, couldn’t help but glance back at Cann. He was sitting alone, staring at them with a pained expression, taking shot after shot.

Something in her chest tightened, but she quickly turned back to Oziya, trying to ignore the storm brewing in Cann’s eyes.