18] You're Hiding Something.

Three weeks later...

Mercedes entered Sedar's office carrying a silver tray with two freshly brewed teas, which she placed on top of his desk while she waited for him to return from his meeting. She stood by the window, looking out at the cityscape. She's been in Istanbul for three weeks and has already fallen in love with the people and their customs.

She hears the door open and, thinking it's Sedar, turns around to greet him with a smile. For the past week, she has enjoyed his company, working alongside him and watching him interact with his employees as if they were equals, earning her respect.

Her smile fades as she realises Sedar has not entered the room. She exhales with a sigh, summoning all the patience she can muster from her core.

When her gaze falls on a pair of grey eyes, she attempts to maintain a level tone of voice, unwilling to step down to her level once more.

"Good day, Zeynep." She says, smiling.

Zeynep runs her tong