The First Goal

Shadows of the Past

Amel

I looked at him, and the little Dutch side of me couldn't resist saying, "But Baris, I can't do that! I can't spend your money; it's so expensive here. I wouldn't even know how to act in those clothes," I joked, hoping he'd understand my hesitation.

"Guzelim, I told you not to say anything about it," he said with a reassuring smile. "Just enjoy shopping. Let's go." He took my hand, leading me with that unshakeable confidence. "You think a budget is even a thing for me?" he added, making me feel both spoiled and special all at once.

After browsing a few stores, we wandered into Miu Miu, and Baris found a spot on one of the plush seats in the waiting area. I was admiring a handbag when I heard a woman's voice from nearby: "Selam canım, burada olduğunu bilseydim, seni bir kahve içmeye çağırırdım." (Hi babe, if I'd known you were here, I would've invited you for a coffee.)

I turned, catching sight of a tall, blonde woman who seemed straight out of a fashion magazine. Baris looked both shocked and irritated, his expression darkening. "Ceren, what are you doing here? And do not call me that," he said, his tone unmistakably firm.

She pouted dramatically, ignoring his obvious discomfort. "Oh, come on, baby, it's not like we're strangers," she replied, stepping a bit closer to him. He stepped back immediately, his glare intensifying.

"Don't touch me," he said, his voice like steel.

"Ugh, Baris, why can't you just get over it?" she shot back with a sharp edge.

"Why can't you just move on?" he replied, not backing down.

She rolled her eyes, clearly unfazed. Everything about her screamed sophistication—she was like a perfectly groomed Barbie doll. I watched them from a distance, trying to appear composed, but Baris caught my eye and motioned for me to come over. I took a breath and walked toward them, steadying myself.

"Do you have a new assistant now?" she sneered, glancing at me dismissively.

Baris's gaze hardened. "Ceren, this is my friend, and I suggest you choose your next words more carefully."

"Friend." The word stung, but I kept my face neutral. I wanted things to be simple between us, so I let it go, even though I felt a pang in my chest.

"I'm Amel," I said, meeting her eyes directly and offering a polite smile. She barely spared me a glance before rolling her eyes again.

"We should meet up again sometime, Baris. I miss you," she said, her tone dripping with false sweetness. I clenched my jaw, but Baris noticed my reaction.

"Ceren, you don't get it, do you? I don't want you. I never did," he said firmly. Without another word, we turned and left.

Once we were outside, I could feel the anger radiating off him. "Amel, I'm so sorry about her. She's... well, let's just say she doesn't understand boundaries or any form of basic manners."

"It's okay, Baris," I said, even though I was still a bit rattled. He looked at me, apologetic.

"I wanted to tell her you're more than just my friend, Amel. But I also respect your boundaries," he said, his gaze sincere.

"Honestly, it's fine," I reassured him. "There's nothing you could do about her being there."

I followed him to the car, where he gave me a quick kiss. "I wanted to do that the whole time," he said, grinning.

I smiled, watching him. Curiosity got the better of me, and I asked, "Who was she?" Even as the words left my mouth, I regretted them, but I wanted to know.

Baris's mood dipped slightly. "She was... someone I went out with once. But we never had a relationship. It was just a stupid mistake I made when I was young, when fame was new and overwhelming. I regret it."

"Is she the one who was in the paparazzi photos with you? The one everyone talks about, the daughter of that wealthy businessman?"

He nodded, looking pained. "Yes. I'm sorry you had to meet her, guzelim. She's always been... unpredictable, and she doesn't understand what 'no' means."

The knot in my stomach tightened a bit. She had once been the only person publicly linked to him, and she was stunning, even if her personality seemed far from genuine.

"Are you okay, Amel?" he asked, his concern clear.

"Yes, I'm fine," I replied with a small, forced smile. "Can you drop me off at home? I need to get a few things ready for tomorrow."

He nodded, understanding, and drove me back to my place. When we arrived, he helped me with my bags, then looked around my small apartment. "You have a cute place," he said warmly. "Reminds me of my first apartment when I moved to Istanbul."

"Thank you. It's enough for me, so I can't complain," I replied, smiling at his easy acceptance of my humble setup.

He pulled me into a hug. "Will you come to practice tomorrow?"

"Yes, I'll be there later in the day... with Burak, to discuss the rest of the videos," I said, knowing he wouldn't be thrilled.

As expected, his expression shifted. "Why do you have to go with him? I could get you your own car, you know. Then you wouldn't need a ride from him."

"Baris, that's ridiculous. It's a ten-minute drive from the office," I countered, trying not to laugh at his insistence.

"Fine," he muttered, "but if he touches you again, I won't hold back. He should know his place."

"Why do you dislike him so much?" I asked, genuinely curious. "Did he ever do anything to you?"

"No, but I know his type," Baris replied. "He's been around a lot of women, and I know how he talks about them. You're an attractive woman, Amel, and in his eyes, that makes you a target."

"I'm sure he doesn't think that," I replied, brushing it off.

He gave me a serious look. "Please, guzelim, you don't realize how beautiful you are, inside and out."

I felt my cheeks heat, but I brushed off the comment, not wanting to overthink it. "Anyway, I'll see you tomorrow. If you change your mind about sleeping here alone tonight, call me," he said, his voice soft.

"I will," I promised, giving him one last kiss before he left. As soon as I closed the door, I felt the quiet settle in, the day's events replaying in my mind. Finally, I had time to edit the video and plan for the rest of my work.