Rules of Engagement- A CanEm AU

Chapter 3. A New Rule?

Previously

He replied honestly, "I don't know if we are doing the right thing, Sanem. But I do know that I would rather do this with you than with anyone else."

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They headed towards the car and Can offered to drop her home.

"No, that's ok. I still live with my parents. It will cause quite a ruckus if a strange man drops me home", she said. "Maybe if I get the inheritance I'll be able to move out and live life on my own terms", she added wistfully.

"We'll make it happen", he said confidently, and she almost believed it herself.

She held out her hand to shake his, and he closed in for a hug, then took her hand instead. They shook hands awkwardly and she called a cab and left. She turned around and looked through the rear window and found him still standing there, watching the cab drive away and she waved. She saw his face break into a smile as he waved back.

The following day, she received a text from Can asking her to meet him at his home before work. Metin, his lawyer, would have the papers ready for them to sign.

Can: Fair warning, he thinks this is a crazy idea and will probably show his displeasure. Don't let him get to you.

Sanem: Thanks for the heads up. I guess he kind of has a point 🤔🙃 I'll come prepared.

She arrived at Can's house shortly thereafter and true enough, Metin tried his damndest to dissuade them. Sanem knew that she was the one who needed the marriage certificate, and she was half afraid that Metin would convince Can to change his mind. But he seemed nonplussed by Metin's warnings.

They signed the papers, Sanem doing so with barely a glance. Metin was taken aback at how trusting she was. "Never sign anything without reading, tamami Sanem?", he said, the lawyer in him surfacing.

Can had breakfast laid out for them and excused himself for a little while to make some calls for his actual job.

When he returned Metin and Sanem were deep in conversation. She was telling him about her plans for her company. He was warning her about the pitfalls of venture capitalist sharks who would want a piece of her pie. And he was actually offering to read over the paper work before she signed anything. She appeared to have won him over and Can was not surprised. Metin was one of his oldest, closest, friends and it felt validating to have him trust Sanem.

Metin looked up as Can walked in. "I still think this is crazy idea but if you have to be doing it with someone, I'm glad it's Sanem", he said, echoing Can's words. Sanem gave him a wide smile and quick hug, and Can felt just a twinge of jealously. Oh, sure, new guy gets the hugs!

Metin left soon after, and Can and Sanem strategized about the best next steps.

"I think we should announce it to the office in a day or two. We can say we've been hanging out for the last couple of days and we are officially dating", Can said. "Telling Guliz is the best way to spread the word."

Sanem laughed and agreed. Guliz was the official resident gossip. "How about my parents?", I think I should tell them we are dating and you can turn on your charm on them. I can just see my Anne fawning all over you", she said wryly.

"I didn't know you found me charming", he teased.

"Not at all", she protested a little too quickly. "But I know my mom. Just praise her cooking and give her that dimpled smile, and she'll be asking you when we're getting married". Then added with a smile, "Her food is really tasty though, you won't have to pretend too much."