Once

Chapter 1

He's back. My heart stopped as I stared at him. What was he doing back here?

He is the boss, Sanem.

Rolling my eyes, I had to agree with the voice in my head. Of course he would come back eventually, but I didn't want it to be so soon.

It's been over a year, Sanem.

Trying to ignore the voice, I turn away and head back to my desk. I didn't want to admit it, but I still loved him. About half a year ago, I had resigned myself to the fact we would never be together again. After my accident, I had held out hope that he would come see me, send me a message even. But after waiting 3 months, I knew he didn't care – right then and there I had chosen to harden my heart to love.

To everyone around me, it had seemed that I had returned to my old self. Although a year ago I had sworn to resign, only 2 weeks later had Deren showed at my door and asked me to come back. To say I was surprised was an understatement. But I was happier, I was contributing to all the new projects. I was enjoying my job. But every so often, I'd look over at his empty office and feel a wave of guilt flood over me. But slowly I had built a wall to protect myself – until he had come back to knock them all down.

But I wasn't ready. I wasn't ready to see the cold in his eyes. So, I headed towards the archive room, Deren had set me an assignment which I needed to finish today. But as I headed towards the stairs, I turned towards the crowd that had formed around him – as well as Emre Bey and Leyla.

I hadn't seen Emre Bey or Leyla since they had gone to a conference 2 months ago, but here they were. To be honest, I didn't even know that Leyla was due to return – no one had ever managed to talk to her after she left. For my sister to be gone so long without a word to her family was very out of character.

But just as I started to make my way to the stairs, I looked up to find him staring right at me. I couldn't work out his expression – perhaps a mixture of shock and something else – so I continued to walk away. I was determined to not let him break me.

I worked hard, managing to keep a low profile. I was quietly proud of myself but I couldn't ignore a growing pain in my side. I often hid the fact that my injury wasn't as healed as everyone thought. Although I could walk without a crutch, I still limped slightly as I had slightly rushed my rehabilitation to return to work and escape my parents constant watch. My scar was still red and ran down from the left side of my hip to just above my knee from where I had hit the road.

As I sat at the desk, I winced as the pain grew. At this rate, I wouldn't be able to stand up, let alone walk up the stairs to leave the office. Slowly, I reached for my phone to call Osman. I had made a deal with my parents and Deren, I could come back to work only for half days until the doctor gave me the all clear.  As it had just passed midday, I knew very soon Deren would be forcing me to leave if I didn't myself.

I convinced Osman to go down to the car park, which was easier for me to reach than attempting to climb the stairs. As I started to make my way to the door, I could hear Deren speaking to someone – Can.

Can BEY, Sanem.

"Where is she Deren?"

"I told you Can. She is working on the assignment – there is no need to disturb her." Deren replied sharply, her feelings for him had long since vanished since he had disappeared with no note a year ago.

I paused as I tried to work out why he would want to see me after all he had said to me last year. To him, I was merely the "other one".

I felt grateful for Deren, she knew there would be nothing good achieved if Can Bey and I were near each other. But, I needed to leave the office as Osman would be here in less than 2 minutes. Limping slowly, I made my way out of the archive room.

"Ms Deren." I called clearing my throat, "I have the assignment you wanted."

I smiled at Deren, handing her the stack of papers. But I could feel his eyes burning into me. But I wouldn't let him affect me, I couldn't risk breaking my heart all over again. Suddenly, someone called out for Can Bey. Letting out an irritated sigh, he turned on his heel and left without another word. It was strange to see him like this, cold and irritated by everyone. It made me wonder why he had even chosen to return.

Not for you.

But then why was he trying to find me? My thought were interrupted by the call of my own name.

"Sanem! Osman is waiting for you!" CeyCey called as he raced past, likely trying to avoid being shouted at by Deren.

Smiling, I looked back towards Deren, who motioned for me to go, clearly seeing that I was in pain. Limping slowly, I called for CeyCey to wait up. I was glad to still have him in my life, he was one of the only people who knew everything that had happened. For someone who hated keeping secrets, I was surprised at how well he was coping under the pressure - but I wasn't so sure how he would do now that 2 of his bosses had returned.

Taking his arm, we slowly made our way down to the car park, where I found Osman waiting beside his shining car - his pride and joy. But just as I was about to climb in, another familiar voice stopped me.

"Sanem?"