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Chapter 13 Theorems and Axioms

"Madame Defne, do you love your husband?"

The judge's words blew her mind. Whatever she answers, truth or falsehood, everything will turn out to be a disaster in the end...

Omer watched his Defne's pretty face without breathing. Fright, confusion, inner struggle - emotions replaced each other with lightning speed. Omer read them like an open book. And prayed:

"Say ... my love, say ... please!!!"

"Yes," Defne answered barely audible and bowed her head.

Omer sucked in his nose noisily.

"Please, Madame Defne, repeat louder," the judge asked.

"I Love Him," Defne said loudly and clearly and looked into his eyes. - But it does not matter. I want to get a divorce.

"You are mistaken," he smiled with a kind, warm smile, and at one moment he turned from a strict guard of the law into a wise grandfather who always listens and gives the right advice to young and ardent grandchildren. - Love is the only thing that matters. Believe me, an old man who has been happily married for over forty years.

Mr. Iplikci," he turned to Omer," do you and your wife live in the same house? "

"No," Omer answered.

"This is bad," the old man shook his head disapprovingly. - Do not listen to the advice of a judge, but a man wise by experience - return to live under one roof. Only in this way you can understand your problems and mistakes. Never before has distance helped to reconcile quarreling spouses. To do this, you need a common house, a common table, and a common bed. And now, "the good-natured old man disappeared and the imperious judge returned to his place," the verdict of the court: I give you six months to settle your differences. If, after this period, you, Mrs. Defne, are still demanding a divorce, I will make a positive decision for you.

He hit the copper stand with the hammer and this noble sound seemed to draw a line to what was said - the decision was made and cannot be appealed. The judge stood up and full of majestic dignity left the office.

Lawyers and Omer rose after him. And only Defne was left to sit.

She rested her forehead on her palm and closed her eyes. Omer, realizing that to sort things out here in this room, would be big nonsense, nodded to his lawyer at the door and went out into the hallway. There he stopped and turned to him:

- Mr. Ryza, thank you. You are free now. Have a good day!

"Goodbye, Mr. Omer," the lawyer bowed his head and left with a confident step toward the exit of the building. And Omer leaned back against the wall and looked uncertainly at the closed door of the courtroom.

- Ah, Defne! - spoke Kerem, as soon as Omer and his lawyer closed the door. Defne did not move. She sat with her eyes closed, dropping her forehead into her palm. Kerem felt sorry for her and his tone softened: "If you told me everything openly, the verdict of the court could be different. I would have built your defense differently." He sighed in dismay.

-"But I understand you, and your desire to protect the innermost from prying eyes." And you know ... maybe the decision of the Judge is the only right one and you should listen to it. Your husband loves you, "bitterness sounded in his voice. "And you love him ..."

Defne's shoulders flinched. She raised her head and looked at the guy. There was so much pain in her eyes that Kerem choked on words.

- Sorry. In any case, I am always on your side. And not only as a lawyer but also as a friend.

"Thank you," Defne answered hoarsely.

Kerem nodded, awkwardly patted her shoulder and left the room.