Our Love....After Forgiveness

Chapter Fifteen

Sanem turned to Can with eyes full of questions. " Can, what did she mean, lose your photography career, " She can't do that can she?" Her eyes fill with tears, " Such a mean and vindictive person," she thought. " Can, tell me what she is talking about, please." She shouted. Can took a deep breath to calm down, he lowered his voice to almost a whisper, " Sanem, my love there's nothing she can do to us, these are empty threats." She just wants to make us unhappy" She threw her arms around his neck and held on for dear life.  " Can just make her go away " She cried. " This is our time, why can't we be happy," She trembled inside, she didn't like the way that woman always made her feel. Can took her to the sofa, sat down and held her, letting her calm down. Deren knocked on the door, asking if their was anything she could do for them. Can replied with a thank you, and telling her to send everyone home for the rest of the day. Emre offered to go talk to Polen and see if he could put an end to her antics, but Can refused. 

They stayed in his office until Sanem was ready to leave, she wasn't looking forward to saying goodnight to Can tonight. When Can arrived at home he called a friend that sat on the Board of Photography Union. He told him about Polen's threats, urging him to be aware of what she might do and asked him not to believe anything she said. Can told him, " She seems destined to ruin my career with lies, and I hope you will understand that. His friend had all the faith in Can and had known him for years. He assured him they would handle whatever lies Polen came up with, and treat them as insufficient. Can felt better just letting them know what could possibly happen, now he hoped Polen didn't have a the same fate for Sanem.

The next few days had Can guarded and suspicious. But they carried on with there work, and Sanem was getting closer to leaving on her book event. The presentation was a hit, they love the campaign and of course, wanted Sanem to be the face of their brand. She thanked them profusely, but declined the offer. They would find the perfect model to put out there for the world to see. Their marriage plans were coming along nicely, Sanem was leaving it up to her mom and Leila, to organize it all while she was gone, she jokingly told them, "Just tell me when and where and I'll be there." They knew Can wanted a wedding  as soon as she returned. The absence of Polen had Sanem worried, what was she up to. She knew they hadn't heard the last of her yet. Can as well, had the same reservations, but had tried not to let them show. 

Yigit was busy making plans to attend the writers forum as well. It would be a perfect opportunity to acquire any up and coming new writers that didn't already have a publisher. And Polen was counting on him to put that spark of doubt in Can's mind about Sanem's faithfulness. He almost felt sorry for Can, when a Polen was out for revenge, there was no stopping her. And Sanem, well......he knew his sister, she would make her pay.....He had noticed that she was a lot more aggressive than she used to be, but he thought it to be that of a scorned woman. They both would have a lot to gain if this plan worked.

Sanem and Can were spending their last evening together at the mountain cabin. He brought take-out because he didn't even want to let her go long enough to cook. They stayed snuggled in their blankets for hours, the fire crackling and the stars shining. Sanem's heart was breaking, how would she do it, she thought. The plan was for him to join her in Thessaloniki for the book release and signing, but that was still almost two weeks away. Her plane left at 10:00am, so he would take her to the airport and wait with her until she boarded. Her bags were packed and ready, so there would be nothing for her to do in the morning. She would stay with him all night , if her mother wouldn't kill her, but she finally talked him into taking her home about 3am. 

Can brought her breakfast the next morning, as always, refusing to break their routine. The goodbyes were tearful but they knew she would return soon. Their drive to the airport was in silence, with her clinging onto his arm. The flight was on time, and they made the announcement to board, Sanem had the feeling of fear. It crept all through her, it was a different fear from when she left Istanbul the first time, running to Greece to start a new life. This was a fear of not being able to hold on to the life she now had. She loved him deeper than she ever thought possible, their trust would surely get them through this. Their eyes held each other until the gate closed, Can felt the empty feeling that he had while he was gone on his trip, she was his heart and soul. How would he survive the next ten days, without her touch, her smell. He watched as the plane taxied down the runway and lifted up into the sky, the tears flowed without shame. These feelings were foreign to him, unconditional love, the first of many feelings she had introduced him to. He was so proud of her, that was the only thing that would keep him sane during this time.......

Yigit had confirmed his flight to Athens. He would fly out the next day, and get there just in time for the forum to start. He knew that Sanem would already there, so his arrival wouldn't be suspicious. Their plan was to simply, watch every move she made, how hard could be. Be ready to record any suspicious behavior. Even if he thought it was nothing, take a picture anyway. Polen was very adamant about recording every move. 

Can drove home from the airport, dreading the next days, he knew she would call as soon as she landed. He wanted to get home and be ready to answer the phone when it rang. He missed her more than he thought, it was almost unbearable. The flight from Istanbul to Athens was 1hr 30 mins, he would have to hurry and get home for her call. He had taken the rest of the day off, he knew he would be worthless after seeing her go. She called the instant she landed. She waited for her bag to come, feeling uncomfortable, she called Can. He grabbed the phone, eager to hear her voice. 

" Sanem are you ok, I miss you," he moaned.  She felt the same pain, but tried to sound brave and in control.   " Can, my love I'm fine, this will be over before you know it. " I'm getting my bag and taking a taxi for the hotel." I'll call as soon as I'm settled" I love you".... She whispered. The taxi ride was short, about 10 mins from the airport. Within a half hour she was in her room, and what a lovely room it was. Ahmet had out done himself in picking her accommodations. And as always, had an abundance of food already waiting for her in her room. Ahmet wouldn't arrive until tomorrow, so she was on her own tonight. 

She changed into comfy clothes and settled in on the sofa to call Can. 

" Can, I've got a beautiful room," she said.... He sighed, wishing he was there.

" Do you want to stay with me tonight? " she whispered. " You're with me, in my heart, always....