Our Love....After Forgiveness

Chapter Fourteen

Yigit had a few connections in the publishing world, some in Canada and even in Italy. He had heard of the offices that were in charge of Sanem's book and they had the reputation as one of the best around. Yigit made a call in hopes of finding out her schedule for the upcoming launch. Inquiring about a possible book signing date for the launch of her new book. They informed him her schedule had already been booked for the first three weeks of the release. In his cunning way he managed to get her itinerary. A writers forum in Athens, that's interesting, he thought. That would be something he could look into. Polen had the wheels turning in her head already. She would make this work, Yigit could go to the same forum, with the excuse of finding talent for his new publishing house. Maybe a little encounter with the perfect and famous, Ms Sanem, could prove to be her downfall. Ah, yes,  how perfect she thought she was, it would be fun to show the world how imperfect she really was. 

As Can and Sanem made their way to work that morning, neither discussed the engagement party that was to happen that evening. Just the looks between the two, said it all. Sanem was anxious, but knew everything was ready for their special night. As in tradition, it was to have an element of surprise. He would arrive with Emre and Leila, they would witness the engagement, and the exchange of the rings. Can had already purchased the ring for Sanem, and would present it to her that evening, and she would offer Can their traditional gold band to symbolize their upcoming marriage. The time was to be joyous and sacred, the same as the union of two people in love. 

They went about the day as usual, focusing on the photo shoot for the cosmetic company. They would start the shoot the next day, everything had been planned and organized. Can's mind wouldn't rest, thinking of Polen and her threats. After lunch, Sanem and Leila excused themselves, leaving early so they could get ready for the party. Leila would help Sanem and her mother that afternoon, then go home, get ready herself, and return with Can and Emre. Her mother's best friend and neighbor. Milihat, would attend also. With this time alone, Can decided he would call their new client, Victor, and maybe get sone information about Polen. 

He rang his number, Victor answered, excited to hear from Can. They exchanged welcomes and Can got right to the point. " Victor, I hope you don't feel this is out of place, but can you tell me what you know about Polen. It has been some time since I had last seen her." He briefly filled him in on some of the details of their relationship, not going into it all. Victor told him that Polen had been having some problems over the last several months. Her bad judgement of some things had jeopardized her reputation at the lab. From what he understood, the foundation that supported her lab had threaten to pull their funding if she didn't seek professional help. Can was shocked, Polen had always been an intelligent and level headed person. What had brought on this change. He explained to Victor that Polen had shown up there in Istanbul, acting irrationally,  and he was concerned about her. Victor somewhat confused, reported that he was under the impression she was to go for some medical help, and was given a leave of absence to do so. They talked some about the campaign and said their goodbyes. Can was afraid of what had brought her there, could she possibly harm Sanem. He decided not to tell Sanem anything about what he had found out, he didn't want to spoil the evening he had waited for so long. He was definitely going to keep an eye out, but at least he had a bit of leverage to work with. 

At the end of the day Can and Emre rushed home to change and pick up Leila. He did inform Emre of what Victor had told him about Polen. And he also was shocked and concerned to learn she was in distress and needing medical help. They decided to put it in the back of their minds for now, and concentrate on the engagement party. They arrived right on time, everything was perfect, Sanem was preparing the coffee when they arrived. Emre did the honors in asking for her hand for Can. Nihat didn't hesitate with his answer, he couldn't have been more proud to have Can as a son. He was an exceptional young man, just right for his most beloved daughter. 

The ceremony was all they hoped it would be. The party afterwards had been opened up to all the neighborhood, for them to celebrate the upcoming union of their Sanem. It was a late night and Can hated to leave but tomorrow was the photo shoot for the cosmetic company, and they needed it to go well. Nihat and Mevkibe left the couple alone to say their goodnight,  Sanem hugged Can refusing to let him go. Can breathed in her smell, enough to last until the morning. The parting was so hard for them, Can promised to make this the shortest engagement ever, as soon as she was back from her book signing, they were getting married, even if it was just a simple ceremony at the wedding hall. He didn't see any need to wait, it seemed like he had been waiting his whole life for her. She agreed, but she would need to take care of her book events first. They finally parted, with Can promising to pick her for the ride to work the next morning. Just feeling the ring on his finger made him able to sleep that night, she was almost his....

It was a fun filled day, the news of their engagement made the office erupt with happiness. Even Deren had to wish them well, she knew she never had a chance to have Can as her own, it just wasn't in the cards for her. The photo shoot surpassed all of their expectations. Sanem was a complete natural when it came to modeling, especially with Can handling the camera. There wasn't anything they couldn't do. They all returned to the office at the end of the shoot, jubilant with the outcome. The presentation was only 3 days away, so there was still a ton of work to do. Can and Sanem were met by Polen, waiting for him in his office. Just the site of her disturbed Sanem, making her feel ill. Can demanded to know what she was doing in his office. 

She noticed the ring on Sanem's finger first, and then saw the one on Can's. She smirked, " So you think this ring will get you my man, " she asked Sanem. " And Can, I thought you had more insight then that, can't you see she's using you." She laughed, " Thats ok, go ahead and have your little fun and games. She's going to cost you your photography career." .....Hope she's worth it"......

Sanem shot a look at Can and could see the anger boiling.

Was she threatening his career, how can that be. She wouldn't let that happen......

Before Can could say a word, Polen turned and stormed out the door......