Moonlight 💫

~Chapter 37~

Feraye was working late at the studio, her sketches scattered across the table, the hum of the city filtering in through the open window. Her phone buzzed. 

It was a text from Ates:

 *Finishing up here at the office. Want me to swing by?*

She smiled, typing her response:

 *I'd love that. See you soon.*

Excited, she went back to her sketches, but her mind drifted to Ates. His unwavering support made her dreams feel real, and she couldn't wait to show him what she'd created. But after nearly an hour, he still hadn't arrived. She texted him again, but this time, there was no response.

Growing uneasy, she grabbed her coat and decided to surprise him at the office. Arriving at the company's building, Feraye walked through the lobby, her steps echoing in the quiet corridors. She made her way to Ates' office, but just as she reached for the door, voices from inside caught her attention.

It was Gunes, her voice carrying a warmth and familiarity that made Feraye hesitate.

"You know, Ates," Gunes was saying, her tone soft yet intimate, "I really don't know what this place would do without you. You've become... more than just my business partner."

Feraye's heart twisted as she heard the flirtation in Gunes' voice. Silently, she took a step back, her fingers curling around the edge of the door.

Ates' voice, warm but firm, replied, "I'm glad you're invested in the company, Gunes. It means a lot to have someone who understands the vision."But as she continued to listen, Gunes leaned closer to Ates, lowering her voice just enough to sound intimate.

"Ates," she murmured, her hand lingering on his shoulder, "sometimes, I think we'd make a powerful team in... other areas too." She let the words hang, her gaze never leaving his.

A pang of jealousy surged through Feraye. She knew Ates' heart, but seeing Gunes' persistence hurt more than she wanted to admit. Just then, Ates gently but firmly took her hand from his shoulder, his expression serious.

"Gunes, I think you're crossing a line," he said, his voice firm but calm. "I'm committed to Feraye. I'm grateful for your support, but that's as far as it goes."

Feraye, feeling both relief and confusion, pulled herself away before they noticed her. Her heart pounded as she walked back down the hallway, trying to process what she'd seen. Ates had been clear, yet Gunes' intentions were unmistakable. The following day, Feraye was back at the studio, but her thoughts were elsewhere. She couldn't shake the image of Gunes leaning toward Ates, her hand lingering on him. It was only when Ates came by that evening, his familiar smile and warmth instantly easing her, that she felt her doubts begin to fade.

"Hey, you," he said, his voice soft as he wrapped his arms around her. "Sorry I got held up yesterday. Gunes and I had a few last-minute details to iron out for the investors."

Feraye tried to shake off her suspicion, but the words slipped out before she could stop them. "Is Gunes... always that close to you during these late meetings?"

Ates looked surprised, then softened, sensing her worry. He took her hands, his thumb brushing over her knuckles. 

"Feraye, you're the only one I'm committed to," he reassured her. "Gunes is just a colleague. You know that, right?"

She nodded, offering a small smile, but couldn't quite let go of the lingering doubt. Days passed, and despite Ates' reassurances, Feraye continued to notice Gunes' calculated moves. At company gatherings, Gunes would find ways to linger beside Ates, her hand resting just a little too long on his arm, her laughter a touch too warm. Feraye, watching from across the room, felt her chest tighten, her heart caught in a constant tug-of-war between faith and suspicion.