Kate's POV "Darwis? Oh, you guys are having dinner," I said, surprising both of them. They seemed very surprised and couldn't speak when they saw me coming. "Can we join you? It looks like there are no empty tables anymore," said Erlan, asking for permission to join. I looked at him surprised because this was not what I wanted. "Of course, please sit down," said Darwis awkwardly. Meanwhile, Erlan casually pulled out a chair next to Darwis and told me to sit down. Having no choice, I sat down and Erlan sat beside me. After ordering Erlan and I, the four of us fell into an awkward silence. Until Erlan started our conversation by just making small talk. Darwis looked so awkward that he stammered. But Kayra looked calm as if she didn't know what was happening. After a while, I decided to go to the toilet for a moment, take a deep breath and try to calm myself down. I know, this meeting will not go smoothly. When I opened the toilet door, Kayra was standing there, looking
Kayra's POV I still feel my heart beating fast after the incident in the restaurant toilet last night. Kate, who was once just a simple and helpless girl, now appears as a figure full of authority and strength. But what was even more surprising was when I found out that she was the only daughter of the owner of the Cosmetic GM Group. How could she possibly hide that all this time? I sat on the couch in my apartment, staring out the window with mixed feelings. Darwis sat across from me, still looking confused by everything that was happening. I know that Kate isn't just coming back to show off her success. She must have other intentions. Maybe she wants to get Darwis back. "Darwis, I still can't believe what happened last night," I said in a voice that I deliberately set to sound weak. "Kate, who we used to know, actually keeps such a big secret." Darwis nodded slowly. "I'm surprised too, Kayra. But maybe there's a reason why she didn't tell us." I felt my anger burning i
Kayra's POV I took a deep breath. "I know, Lia. But I have no other choice. Kate must be kept away from Darwis, and this is the only way I see." Lia looked at me sympathetically. "Okay, I'll start looking for information. Give me a few days to collect data. We have to do it very carefully." I nodded, feeling a little calmer. "Thank you, Lia. I really appreciate your help." We both stood up, and I hugged him warmly. "Thanks again, Lia. I know I can count on you." Lia smiled. "Always, Kayra. I'll contact you as soon as I get the information we need." I left the cafe with mixed feelings. I know what I'm doing is risky, but I can't let Kate destroy my relationship with Darwis. I must protect what is mine, whatever it takes. Hopefully this step can keep Kate away from Darwis forever. After meeting Lia, my mind was still full of plans and worries. I decided to go to the mall to divert my attention and relieve the stress that was hitting me. Shopping has always been the bes
Darwis's POV I stood in the living room, looking at the view of the apartment full of shopping bags and Kayra's new clothes. I had mixed feelings, I felt like I had failed to keep Kayra calm and I was worried about the increasingly complicated situation. Kate's true identity continues to haunt my mind, adding to the already existing burden. I regret my anger towards Kayra earlier. She's just trying to find a way to deal with her feelings, even if her way isn't ideal. But, how can I focus on our relationship when there are so many things I have to think about? Our shaky finances, the condition of the company which depended on cooperation with Kate, and the fact that Kate was the daughter of the owner of the Cosmetic GM Group. All of this makes me feel unsteady and confused. I walked to the window, looking out at the darkening cityscape. Thoughts about Kate kept running through my head. I had to make a deal with Kate, ensuring that our relationship remained professional for t
Darwis's POV There was a pause on the other end of the phone before Kate answered in a softer but firm tone, "Darwis, this isn't about jealousy. This is about reality. You have to learn to see who the person next to you really is. But that's your business, not mine." I was silent for a moment, holding myself back from exploding in anger. "Kate, you talk as if you know everything. Why do you always think you're right?" Kate laughed a little, her tone full of sarcasm. "Because I see further than what's on the surface, Darwis. I know the type of person Kayra is. She's just using you." "Utilise?" I could barely contain myself any longer. "Kayra loves me, and she has shown that in many ways. You're just jealous because I've found happiness that you couldn't give me." There was a gasp from the other side of the phone. "Maybe I can't give you the happiness you want, Darwis. But at least I'm not pretending to be someone I don't know. Kayra only wants the benefits of your relationsh
Kate's POV Erlan seemed enthusiastic about what I had just told him. "Okay. Do you have any ideas how to do it?" Erlan asked, his voice full of support. I pondered for a moment. "I will ensure that the collaboration with Darwis' company goes according to plan, but I will emphasize that any mistakes will be borne by Darwis personally. If he cannot maintain professionalism and control his feelings, then his company will suffer the consequences." "Kate, that's a good idea. But make sure you do it carefully. We don't want to completely ruin this collaboration," suggested Erlan. "I know, Erlan. I will be careful. But I also have to be firm. Darwis has to learn that he can't keep making wrong decisions without considering the consequences," I answered. "Okay. I will fully support you in this. You always know best," Erlan said confidently. "Thank you, Erlan. I know I can rely on you," I answered sincerely. After hanging up the phone, I felt a little calmer. I know what I have to d
Kate's POV I opened my laptop and started writing a personal statement. I knew that this was an opportunity to show that I was more than just the daughter of a conglomerate that disappeared without a trace. I have to prove that I am a leader who is able to face challenges. When I finish writing, I send the draft to the PR team for review. I know that this is an important first step. I have to face my past and show the world that I will not run away from my responsibilities. That afternoon, we held a press conference. I stood in front of the camera with Erlan beside me. I could feel the camera glares and the curious gazes of journalists. I took a deep breath and started talking. "Good afternoon. I'm Kate, President Director of Branch Group. Today, I want to explain a few things regarding the article that recently spread in the media," I said in a firm voice. "I am aware that there has been much speculation about my past and my role as leader of this company. I would like t
Kate's POV Erlan raised the plastic bag in his hand, "I brought pizza and beer. I thought you needed something fun after a long day." I chuckled and opened the door, letting him in. "You always know how to make me feel better. Come on in." Erlan entered and immediately headed to the kitchen, placing the pizza on the table. "I think we could use tonight to relax. What do you think?" I nodded and sat down on the sofa, feeling relief at his presence. Erlan always had a way of making me feel better, without ever asking too much. He just listened, gave me the support I needed. We opened cans of beer and started small talk about small things. The atmosphere became more relaxed as we started joking about funny incidents in the past. "Do you remember when we went to the beach and you almost drowned trying to save a child's toy?" Erlan asked while laughing. I laughed too, remembering the incident clearly. "Yeah, I remember. And you came like a hero with a giant float that ended u
Kate’s POV Erlan nodded, a wide smile still on his face. "Yes, Kate. I have prepared everything. We will get married in a week, at the place we talked about before. I just need one more thing..." He looked at me deeply, his loving eyes making me feel like the luckiest person in the world. "What is it?" I asked softly, almost whispering, while my heart was full of hope and happiness. Erlan reached out his hand, held mine gently, and then asked, "Will you marry me, Kate?" Tears began to well up in my eyes, but this time they were tears of unstoppable happiness. I had never felt love this great before, and I knew that Erlan was the right person for me. "Of course I do, Erlan," I answered in a voice full of emotion. "I want to marry you, and I can't wait to spend the rest of my life with you." Erlan smiled happily, and in an instant, he pulled me into his arms. I could feel his strong heartbeat, accompanying my own. We hugged each other tightly as if we didn't want to let go
Kate's POV I stepped out of the office, the cool night air touching my skin as I walked to the car. The thought of having dinner with my father tonight made my steps feel heavier. Over the past few months, our relationship has begun to improve after the previous tension. My father, who was initially so against my relationship with Erlan, had slowly begun to soften. However, for some reason, something felt different. My father, who used to be stiff and rarely showed his emotions, was now more attentive. He often invited me to dinner, talking about little things that had never been a topic of conversation before. Although I was happy with this change, there was still a little worry that was bothering me. Was this a sign that he had finally accepted my relationship with Erlan? Or maybe there was something else he was hiding? I took a deep breath, trying to calm myself before finally deciding to leave. The restaurant my father had chosen was located near his house, so I decided to stop
Kate’s POV I sat on my bed, letting the reality of this message sink in completely. All the loneliness, all the patience, it was all about to pay off. It felt like a dream come true, a dream I had been waiting for so long. In a rush of enthusiasm, I typed a reply quickly, trying to channel all the feelings that were pressing to come out. [I'm so happy to hear that, Erlan! I can't wait to see you. I miss you too, and I'll be waiting with great enthusiasm. See you in a week, honey.] After sending the message, I smiled widely. The thought of the coming week began to fill my mind—the thought of the two of us walking together, having a romantic dinner, and all the warm conversations I had missed. Just imagining it made me feel happy. I stared at the ceiling of my room while hugging my pillow tightly, imagining the moment when I could finally hug Erlan again, feeling his warmth and calmness that I had only been able to feel from afar. This happy feeling was like sunlight shining on my
Kate’s POV He was tall and dignified, wearing a formal suit that fit him well. From the way he approached me, I could feel the intensity behind his smile. "Kate," he called out in a familiar tone, even though I didn't know him. "I wanted to congratulate you on the success of your project. I've long admired your hard work." I nodded and smiled politely. "Thank you. It means a lot to me." "Not only is your hard work admirable, but also the way you deal with challenges," he continued. "I see you at events like this all the time, and you always seem so strong and independent. Do you always come alone?" The question sounded innocent, but there was something about the way he said it that made me feel a little uneasy. "Yeah, I usually come alone. But I'm not really alone," I answered cautiously. The man smiled wider, his eyes shining with obvious interest. "You know, Kate, I've been watching you for the past two years. And I've never seen you with anyone. I couldn't help but ask..
Kate’s POV It’s been two years since that painful goodbye at the airport. Back then, I never imagined how my days would change. But here I am, standing at the grand opening party of a project I’ve worked so hard on. I can feel the admiring gazes of the guests, some of whom are warmly congratulating me, and others even offering to work with me on my next project. The long black dress I’m wearing tonight makes me feel elegant and dignified. I stand tall, looking around the room filled with entrepreneurs, investors, and colleagues who have all come to celebrate this success. But beneath the glitter and the praise, there’s a deep sense of relief. Not just because the project went perfectly, but because I’ve proven something to myself—that I can do it, that I can stand tall even when the world seems to be falling apart. I remember the long nights of hard work, the times when exhaustion almost overwhelmed me. But now, it all feels worth it. I’ve accomplished something greater than I e
Kate’s POV I nodded with a heavy heart, trying to hold back tears. “I believe in you, Erlan. I will wait and support you from here. Farewell, and may everything go well for you there.” As the time for the plane to depart grew closer, we stood there, hugging each other tightly. I felt a deep emptiness and sadness as I watched him prepare to leave. Every second felt like time was ticking away, and it felt like all the happiness that had ever existed was shrinking into deep sadness. “What about the two of us?” I asked, trying to distract myself from my sadness. “What are our plans after you leave?” Erlan smiled softly, though his eyes were filled with pain. “We will continue to communicate well. I will try to come home whenever I have the chance. We will continue to support and encourage each other. I am sure we will get through this.” We talked about our plans and tried to cheer each other up. We tried to keep our spirits up even though we were feeling so heavy. Erlan kept wiping a
Kate’s POVI stared at him with wide eyes, trying to absorb what he had just said. “But, this is a big offer, Erlan. Are you sure you want to take the job? Doesn’t that mean we have to have a long-distance relationship?”Erlan nodded, seemingly undeterred by the challenges that might come. “Yes, I am. I know this is not an easy decision, and there will definitely be many challenges. But I believe that if I accept this offer and prove myself abroad, it will give us great advantages in the future.”“Do you really want to do this?” I asked, my voice shaking slightly with emotion. “Are you ready to face all those challenges?”Erlan smiled softly, then took my hand. “Kate, I don’t just want to prove myself to your father. I also want to prove to myself that I can do something big and significant. And I want to do it while still loving you and fighting for our relationship.”I fell silent, trying to comprehend the big decision that Erlan had ju
Kate’s POV “You look really tired, Kate,” Erlan said as he opened the car door for me.“I am,” I admitted as I got into the car. “I had a lot on my mind today.”Erlan stared at me for a moment, as if considering his next words, then said, “I’m glad you said yes to my invitation. Let’s make tonight a little lighter, okay?”I nodded, grateful for his kindness.We arrived at a restaurant we had been to a few times before. The place was small, warm, and had a calming atmosphere. The waiter greeted us with a smile, and we were quickly seated at our favorite table in the corner.“How about I order for the two of us?” Erlan asked after seeing me staring blankly at the menu.“Go ahead,” I said with a weak smile. I knew he would order something I liked.After the waiter took our orders, Erlan looked at me intently. “How was your day, Kate? It seemed like something was bothering you.”I took a breath, feeling l
Kate's POV My phone vibrated on the table as I was enjoying a cup of coffee on a quiet morning. A message came in from Darwis. "Can we meet this afternoon? There's something important I want to talk about." I stared at the message with a slightly raised eyebrow. Why did Darwis suddenly want to meet? We had agreed to meet the day after tomorrow. But no suspicion crossed my mind. After all, our relationship was much better now—no drama, no pain that used to be between us. I took another sip of coffee and decided to reply briefly, "Sure." That afternoon, I arrived at the cafe we used to frequent. This place held many memories, but it didn't feel like it used to. Now, I come here more often with Erlan. The owner of the cafe recognized us and was used to our presence. I entered and saw Darwis already sitting at the table we used to occupy. When I approached, he turned and smiled. There was somethi