Everyone was gathered in the living room as if on cue: Siren held Mert in her arms, Umay sat on the couch with Leyla. Parla was flipping through a magazine, and Nevra, as usual, was buried in her phone. The moment Bahar and Evren stepped in, all heads turned toward them. Footsteps rustled, and Yusuf entered the room — and suddenly, everything seemed to come alive.

— Hello, — Siren’s eyes immediately darted to their intertwined hands.

Parla put down her magazine. Umay’s brows arched ever so slightly — she looked at Parla, then at Siren, her eyes practically shouting: I told you so. Nevra, caught off guard, set her phone aside.

— Don’t look at them, — Evren leaned toward Bahar’s ear and tugged her toward the stairs.

She blushed even deeper, her cheeks flushed red. She felt like a schoolgirl again and tried to pull her hand free — but Evren held on tighter and even wrapped his arm around her shoulders, steering her upstairs without offering anyone an explanation.

— What are you doing? — Bahar muttered through gritted teeth.

Evren paused halfway up and turned around to glance at the gathering below. They had all stood and moved closer to the stairs, looking up at them, as if unable to believe what they were seeing. And in truth, even Evren couldn’t quite believe it himself — that he could be here, in her home, among her family, and act like he belonged.

— Umay, Yusuf, — his voice rang out loud and clear, catching everyone off guard. — I’ve ordered groceries. They should arrive soon. Please take the delivery and unpack. I’ll be down shortly, and we’ll start dinner.

— Wait, — Umay tried to stop them, wanting to ask something.

— I’ll be down soon, — Evren cut her off mid-sentence. — I need to examine Bahar, — he added so seriously, the words hung in the air.

Umay froze. Siren went pale. Parla tensed. Nevra covered her mouth with her hand. Only Yusuf looked around from face to face, unsure.

— Examine? — Umay was the first to find her voice. — Mom?!

Bahar felt her cheeks burn. For once, she didn’t know what to say. She couldn’t take control of the moment — and Evren was doing whatever he pleased. And the worst part… she was letting him.

— Evren, — she whispered, elbowing him in the side — the only protest she managed. — You’re scaring them.

Evren climbed a few more steps, still holding her hand. She glanced back at her family, embarrassed.

— Evren… at least let go of my hand, — she whispered.

He leaned closer and said, loudly enough for everyone to hear downstairs:

— Relax, I’m not kidnapping her. I’ll return her by dinnertime! — and he winked.

— You’re impossible, — she whispered.

— Exactly, — he replied smugly, pulling her upstairs.

Bahar blushed even more. The stairs felt endless. Evren thought his joke had lightened the mood — but she knew better. He’d just planted a hundred new questions in their minds.

As soon as the door closed upstairs, everyone began talking at once.

— “Examine”? — Siren echoed, her voice trembling. — So something is wrong?

— Did you hear her breathing when they walked in? — Nevra whispered, wringing her hands. — I thought she had a fever.

— Not her liver again… — Umay murmured, staring at the floor. — And we didn’t even notice.

— She’s probably just tired, — Yusuf offered, but his voice lacked confidence.

Parla looked thoughtfully toward the stairs.

— I’ll go ask Aunt Bahar! — she stepped forward, ready to climb up — since no one else dared.

— Don’t, — Siren stopped her the moment her foot touched the first step. — If Evren said he’ll take care of it, then he will.

But her voice lacked conviction — and all four exchanged glances. None of them could shake the worry growing inside them. No one wanted to be the first to break the silence. They all just waited… hoping Evren would come back with answers.

***

Bahar looked at him. The moment the door closed behind them, Evren turned her to face him. He searched her eyes for just a second — then gave in, his lips crashing onto hers with a hunger he could no longer restrain.

— I missed you, — he whispered into her lips, pushing her gently toward the bed. — So much, — he murmured, kissing her again and again, holding her tight.

He held her like he was afraid she might fall, or slip away — but Bahar clung to him just as desperately, kissing him back with all the passion and desire she had been holding inside for so long.

— Sit, — Evren guided her down onto the bed and knelt to remove her shoes.

The way he looked at her sent chills down her spine. She wanted nothing more than to pull him into her arms and kiss him, but for some reason, he held back.

— Lie down, — he said softly, laying her gently on the bed. He kissed her again, his lips trailing lower. His fingers moved to the buttons of her blouse. — Bend your knees, — he whispered, tugging the hem from her waistband.

— Evren, — she reached out for him, wanting to pull him closer, to kiss him again. She had completely forgotten that downstairs, her entire family was holding its breath, waiting for Evren’s verdict.

He opened the blouse, and his hand moved to the waistband of her trousers. The button popped open, the zipper slid down. He pushed the fabric down slightly and looked at her. A scar stretched across her belly — he remembered making that incision himself, the knots he had tied. They had been through it twice — would there be a third time?

His fingers lowered gently to her side. He pressed down — firm, intentional — pulling a sharp breath from her lips. She trembled. He kept going, ignoring the warmth of her skin beneath his touch. He palpated her liver with practiced precision, his focus absolute — like he hadn’t just been kissing her seconds ago. His brow furrowed, his head tilted slightly, fingers reading the signals from beneath her skin.

— Satisfied? — she finally asked, lifting herself slightly. — I told you I was fine, — her voice cracked, trembling.

His large hand settled on her stomach, gently pushing her back down. He pressed again, and she winced, grabbing his wrist, arching slightly, unable to lie still under the weight of his stare.

— You think I’m satisfied?! — his hoarse whisper sent a shiver through her.

With his fingertips, he traced the length of the scar, then followed it with his lips.

— Evren, — Bahar gripped his shoulders, bunching the fabric of his shirt in her fists, pulling it upward, almost tearing it off him.

He braced himself above her, and then his lips found hers again — greedy, fierce, full of longing. She met him with equal hunger, wrapping herself around him, arching beneath him as he pressed her into the bed, and still it wasn’t enough. His hands roamed over her body, slipped under her blouse, searching, wanting. He rolled onto his back, taking her with him. She straddled him, her legs around his hips, pressing into his shoulders, giving his hands free range down her back until he found the clasp of her bra.

— I want you, — the words escaped his lips, and she leaned down, kissing him, their breaths mingling.

He had almost unhooked her bra, almost freed her, when a sudden knock on the door stopped everything.

— Mom! — Umay’s voice was far too close. — Mom, are you okay? What’s wrong?

She looked down at him, her startled gasp brushing his lips. She buried her face in his neck, burning with embarrassment. Evren swore under his breath and closed his eyes, one hand still at her clasp, the other halfway down her strap. He was barely holding himself back.

— Evren… — Bahar whispered, shifting in his arms, trying to slide off, but he held her still.

— Shh, — he gently returned the strap to her shoulder, let go of the clasp, ran his fingers through her hair, then slowly laid her back down. — It’s okay, — he whispered.

— Mom? — Umay’s knock came again, more insistent.

Evren rolled off her and stood. He exhaled hard, quickly buttoning her blouse, smoothing her hair, then his own. He bent down, his breath brushing her lips, then shifted and kissed her cheek before straightening.

— Umay! — his voice was firm. He adjusted his pants and straightened his shirt. — Everything’s fine. Your mom’s just tired. I’ll be down soon. We’ll start dinner.

The knocking stopped. Bahar lay still on the bed. Evren had not let her daughter in — new rules were being set in this house. Bahar lay with her palms pressed to her face, her cheeks burning. Evren lingered at the door a moment longer, looked at her once more. His eyes still burned with desire — but there was also something else. Determination. This time, Bahar wasn’t the one rushing to fix everything, to calm everyone, to cook dinner. Not tonight. Things were changing. She felt it. And she didn’t want to stop him. She was starting to like him taking over.

— You rest, — Evren whispered, licking his lips. — I’ll take care of everything.

And he left, closing the door behind him, leaving her alone in the bedroom with her heart pounding and his touch still burning on her skin. He had said he’d take care of everything — but so far, he’d only fulfilled one thing on that long list.

Bahar exhaled, her hands resting on her stomach. She lay there staring at the ceiling, not moving — not because she was tired, but because she didn’t want to move. And then she got up.

At first, she headed for the shower. She even reached the bathroom door. But she stopped halfway, turned back. He said he’d bathe her himself.

She wandered around the bedroom, touching her stomach now and then, realizing how hungry she was — but still too reluctant to go downstairs.

She stopped by the dresser, opened a drawer. She sifted through small boxes, opening and closing them, until she found one. Her heart tightened. Her breath quickened. She stood still for only a moment — and then a smile touched her lips. Bahar opened the box...

***

Rengin opened the door and stepped out of her office. The hospital corridors were nearly deserted now — some lights had even been dimmed. She locked the door and slipped the keys into her bag. Her heels clicked against the floor, the sound echoing softly off the walls.

Her steps faltered when she saw Serhat walking toward her. For a moment, she thought about turning around — maybe even retreating down the hallway. But she couldn’t run from him forever. She straightened her back and walked forward to meet him. When they passed each other, their eyes met.

— Good night, — she said, slipping her bag over her shoulder.

— Good night, — Serhat replied, his hands sinking into his pockets.

They stood in silence, both painfully aware of what had happened not long ago. Both remembering too clearly what they’d allowed themselves in her office.

— Look… — Rengin’s voice dropped slightly. — Let’s forget about it, — she offered. — Pretend it never happened. It’ll be easier that way.

Serhat studied her face for a long moment.

— Alright, — he nodded, though tension still lingered in his posture. — You’re right.

— How’s Esra? — she asked.

— Blood pressure’s within range. The shortness of breath is still there, but overall her condition is stable, — he replied in a detached, clinical tone. — The therapy’s working, and she’s tolerating the current load.

He had, albeit indirectly, acknowledged that Bahar and Evren’s treatment strategy was working.

Rengin tilted her head slightly.

— I wasn’t asking as a doctor, — she said, then started walking.

Serhat followed, catching up with her.

— She falls asleep every night afraid she won’t wake up. That her heart will just stop. And I… — his voice faltered, he exhaled, — I can’t help her. I know her diagnosis too well.

Rengin nodded, sighing, but said nothing in return. They reached the elevator and stopped. She pressed the button and turned to him.

— And Professor Reha?

She stepped into the elevator, and he joined her.

Serhat sighed.

— He’s trying to stay strong. But I can see how tired he is, — his voice softened.

Rengin looked straight at him.

— That question was from one doctor to another, — she said evenly.

He paused, furrowing his brow.

— Are you doing this on purpose? Trying to throw me off?

She just stared, and he went on:

— His blood pressure’s still unstable. Recovery from the bypass is slower than I expected, — he stepped out of the elevator with her. — We’ll need to increase monitoring, start respiratory therapy.

Serhat couldn’t tell who he was talking to anymore: the head physician, a colleague, or a woman. He followed her, realizing he’d been wrong to agree to her suggestion. He stopped, hesitating — then, suddenly, he exhaled:

— I don’t want to pretend it didn’t happen, — he said, giving in to the impulse.

Rengin nearly stumbled. They’d just agreed. They’d just settled this. And now he’d flipped everything upside down. She stared at him, surprised, even a bit lost, unsure how to respond.

Then, abruptly, she turned, pulled out her keys, and hurried toward the exit and her car. When she reached it, the keys trembled in her hand and fell to the pavement with a dull clatter.

Serhat watched her — watched her open the car door, get in, drive off. He stood there long after the red taillights disappeared into the night, standing alone beneath the columns at the hospital entrance…

***

Evren stood at the entrance to the kitchen, watching her family. The grocery bags were already piled on the table. Siren was trying to put things away, but the fridge shelves were overflowing, and she stood there, puzzled, staring into it. Umay and Yusuf still held bags in their hands. Parla had opened a cupboard and was stacking dry goods on the shelves. Nevra had claimed Bahar’s favorite seat on the little couch.

Evren smiled, rolled up his sleeves, and stepped into the kitchen. All eyes immediately turned to him — each one silently asking the same question: How is Bahar? But he said nothing, as if he had no intention of answering.

— Where’s Mom? — Umay finally broke the silence, staring into the empty doorway. — What’s going on with her?

Evren’s eyes gleamed slightly.

— Bahar’s resting. She needs peace and quiet, — he cut off any further questions. — Rice goes here, — he nodded to Parla. — Vegetables in the sink, — he instructed Yusuf. — Fish in the fridge for now, — he added to Siren.

— Evren, — Umay dropped the bag loudly onto the table and stepped closer to him. — What’s wrong with Mom? — she touched his arm.

Evren turned toward her, a knife already in hand.

— At first glance, everything seems fine. But I’m doing an ultrasound tomorrow, — he said seriously, lowering the knife. — She’s barely sleeping, hardly eating, — he continued. — That’s why she’s resting. And we’re cooking.

Umay eyed him warily, unsure whether to trust his calmness. One sentence wasn’t enough to ease her concern. Parla watched him with growing interest — yesterday, he was a guest in their house; today, he was giving instructions like he owned the place, and no one dared to challenge him. Nevra glanced at Umay, who still looked skeptical.

Yusuf finished rinsing the vegetables and turned to Evren:

— I can help, professor.

Evren placed a hand on his shoulder and met his eyes.

— At home, I’m Evren. At work, professor. And yes, — he added, setting the knife down, — come on, I could use your help.

They walked out of the kitchen together, leaving Siren, Umay, Nevra, and Parla behind.

— Can someone please explain what’s going on? — Umay threw up her hands. — What happened upstairs? Why isn’t Mom coming down? What if something’s wrong? If she’s sick? I’m going to check on her.

— Don’t, — Siren caught her arm. — Let’s trust Evren, — she pleaded. — Bahar will come down for dinner. And if she’s actually asleep, do you want to wake her? Umay, she really hasn’t slept much lately.

— I’ll just peek in, — Umay tried to pull her arm free.

— If it were serious, — Siren pulled her back gently, — Evren would be with her right now. Don’t you get it? We’d all be on our way to the hospital! But look at him, — her voice softened, — he’s calm. His eyes shine. Everything’s fine.

— Are they… back together? — Parla cut in, turning toward the window.

Outside, the hum of an engine broke the silence. Yusuf’s car was pulling out of the driveway.

— And where exactly did our Professor Evren send Yusuf? They just got here! — Umay pointed toward the window. — Are you sure everything’s fine? What if it’s for medication? Who else could he send — certainly not you! Look! — she leaned in closer. — He’s even on the phone now!

Siren glanced out the window. Evren was indeed speaking to someone. His back was to them, and his posture was tense — he almost looked like he was giving orders.

— Definitely not medication, — Siren murmured, but Umay’s words had planted a seed of doubt. — He is allowed to have his own business, you know, — she snapped. — Might be something work-related.

— If it’s work, then we can forget about dinner. He’ll pack up and leave — and take Mom with him! — Umay grumbled, flopping down beside Nevra and crossing her arms. — They love working together. We won’t see her again. She wasn’t even home for two days — and now this! — she pouted dramatically.

— Thanks, Uraz. Got it. Run the next set of labs in two hours. No changes, and call me if anything comes up, — Evren’s voice rang out as he returned to the kitchen.

He walked straight to the counter, picked up the knife, and started cutting meat. Everyone watched in silence. It was a strange sight — a man cooking in this kitchen. Timur had cooked for them once, and that had felt like a treat. They hadn’t even had time to get used to it.

— Why are you all frozen? — Evren turned to them. — Dinner’s not going to cook itself.

Siren was the first to move. She fetched the vegetables from the sink. Parla poured the rice into a bowl and looked at Evren:

— Is Aunt Bahar really okay? — she asked quietly.

The knife paused in Evren’s hand — just for a second. He looked at Parla, then at the others.

— She’s fine, — he said calmly. — She’s just tired. She needs rest. The rest… is not your concern.

One sentence. One firm boundary.

Umay’s cheeks flushed. She was about to argue, but Nevra touched her arm, shook her head, silently begging her not to push it. But Umay didn’t listen.

— I’m sorry, but it is our concern, — her voice shook, eyes burning with determination. — She’s my mother. We have a right to know. If something’s wrong…

She trailed off — but didn’t look away.

Evren slowly set the knife down and stood up straight. His voice was low. Firm.

— I’m with her. I’m her man. I’m also a doctor. I won’t let anything hurt her, — he paused, — not even illness. That’s all you need to know right now.

Siren let out a quiet breath — but tension still lingered. For the first time, Evren had drawn a line. For the first time, he had made it clear: their relationship was no longer a topic for family interference. They would all have to get used to that. They’d have to respect his decisions… their decisions. They’d have to accept that not everything would be explained.

— Let’s calm down, — Siren said gently. — Bahar’s resting. Arguing won’t change anything.

Evren returned to the meat, slicing with the precision of a surgeon. Parla handed the bowl of rice to Siren and stepped away to the couch.

— He even cuts meat like he’s performing surgery, — she whispered to Nevra and Umay.

Nevra silently picked up her phone. Umay turned away. Siren switched on the stove and began rinsing the rice. The argument had left its mark. The anxiety hadn’t gone anywhere. Umay still had dozens of questions — but for the first time, she realized: not all questions had answers. And not all answers were hers to demand.

She glanced at the door again — still no sign of Bahar. A part of her wanted to rush upstairs, throw open the door — but something had shifted. She couldn’t just walk into Bahar’s bedroom anymore.

So instead, she walked over to Evren.

He glanced sideways at her — and she picked up a second cutting board, a knife. Evren paused, then smiled slightly, slowing down so she could watch his rhythm, learn how to hold the blade so it would obey her hand.

Siren turned on the burner. Parla chopped vegetables. Even Nevra, reluctantly, set her phone aside and took the bowl of mushrooms.

The kitchen, once heavy with tension and fear, now began to feel like a tiny operating room — each of them with their own “instrument,” and Evren as the lead surgeon.

This dinner was their first shared compromise. Together, they were beginning to learn how to be a family.

Evren flipped the light switch, and the kitchen filled with a warm glow…

***

The soft glow of the nightlight illuminated the hospital room. On the bedside table sat a box of cookies, a fresh newspaper, and a magazine. Reha leaned back against the pillows, watching his wife intently. Gulchichek, muttering under her breath, was trying to get comfortable in the awkward chair.

— You always choose the hardest chairs, — he smirked, tugging the edge of the blanket. — Want to switch? I’ll take the chair, you take the bed.

Gulchichek scoffed and finally found a bearable position.

— Not a chance. You lie down. What did the doctor say? — she smoothed her blouse and placed her hands on her knees, looking at her husband. — I didn’t marry a medical professor just for him to ignore doctor’s orders.

— Who exactly did you marry? — Reha tried to sound serious. — A professor or a man? — his brows lifted, a teasing tone in his voice.

— As far as I can tell, — Gulchichek said, resisting his provocation, — I married a stubborn man who still insists on giving orders, even after surgery! — She took his hand in hers. — But I listen to you anyway, — she smiled, gently stroking his fingers.

Reha squeezed her hand and glanced at the door, as if checking whether anyone was eavesdropping.

— Sometimes I think we’re like teenagers, — he sighed, looking into her eyes. — A late-blooming love.

She lowered her gaze.

— But real, — she whispered, blushing. — And you know what? — she laughed softly, looking up — That’s why I’m not afraid. Even if it gets hard, we’ll manage. Together, it’s easier.

Reha smiled and exhaled quietly.

— Just promise me one thing, Gulchichek. If the doctors argue about me — don’t start fighting them like Bahar does with anyone who dares question her patients’ care.

— I already am fighting! — she flared up. — Just not with them yet — with you, because you never listen!

Reha looked at her with gratitude, affection, and a quiet sense of peace. After years of solitude, he had finally found real family. Real family. And he knew every single member of Bahar’s clan would stand up for him.

Gulchichek adjusted his blanket, kissed his cheek lightly, and straightened up.

— Rest, — she said. — We’ll deal with the rest later.

— Later… — he echoed softly, his smile warm.

— Medicine, — she reminded him, reaching for the magazine on the table.

Reha took the cup of pills the nurse had left. He swallowed them, set the cup back on the table, and looked at Gulchichek. She sat next to him, holding the magazine, flipping pages without reading them.

— You’re thinking about her, aren’t you? — he said.

— About who? — she looked up.

— Bahar, — he answered plainly.

She wanted to deny it but lowered her gaze instead, saying nothing.

— You’re afraid things won’t work out with Evren again, — Reha continued. — But maybe… it’s time to let them figure it out for themselves?

Gulchichek sank deeper into the chair, clutching the magazine to her chest.

— And you… — she said softly, with a hint of hurt, — you worry about them more than you do about us.

Reha paused. Silence stretched between them, filled only by the quiet beeping of monitors. Then he reached out and touched her fingers.

— Because I see us in them, — he admitted. — And I’m afraid they’ll make the same mistakes. Lose time.

Gulchichek looked at him but stayed silent. He smiled again, and his voice lightened:

— You know where we were supposed to be right now?

— Where? — she asked, still not smiling.

— On an island. Tiny house, white sand, the sea ten steps away… — he closed his eyes, painting the scene in his mind. — I’m in a hammock. You’re grumbling because I forgot to put sunscreen on my back.

She snorted, but the corners of her mouth twitched.

— And instead, we’re in a hospital room. Your only sea is a saline drip, — she said, trying to pull him back to reality.

— But I’m here with you, — he countered. — Yes, this is our honeymoon. No, it’s not an island — it’s a hospital room. But the important part is you’re my wife, and I’m your husband, and we’re together. And you know what? — his voice dropped. — Bahar and Evren want the same thing. Just to be. Maybe it’s time they believed that a hospital room or a kitchen at home can be places of happiness too?

She smiled — but it was a little sad. Gulchichek leaned in and gently brushed her lips against his cheek. Reha’s voice softened even further, barely a whisper now, as if trying to carry her into his dream.

— Still… one day, we’ll go. To the island. I promise, — he squeezed her hand. — And you’ll wear that big sunhat.

Gulchichek didn’t answer. She simply leaned in and rested her head on his shoulder. Their quiet laughter, gentle bickering, and soft touches slowly pushed the worry aside. Two grown souls, still learning how to be a couple — in sickness and in joy.

***

Yes, she was learning again — learning how to be part of a pair. Getting used to the fact that she was no longer alone.

Bahar stepped out of her bedroom and quietly made her way to the children’s room. She entered the dim nursery of Leyla and Mert, where only the soft nightlight cast warm shadows on the walls. Leyla was fast asleep, arms splayed wide, with her white bunny tucked by her side. Mert was gently snoring in the crib nearby. In the corner, the nanny sat in a chair. She began to rise when Bahar entered, but Bahar stopped her with a small wave of her hand.

Bahar leaned over her grandchildren’s beds, adjusted their blankets, brushed a kiss on Leyla’s hair, then on Mert’s cheek. Her heart tightened with tenderness — and a strange, quiet warmth.

— Sleep well, my darlings, — she whispered.

Gently closing the door behind her, Bahar paused in the hallway, wincing as another cramp twisted through her stomach. She held onto the railing, waiting for it to pass. She knew if she didn’t eat something soon, she’d feel much worse. Placing a hand lightly on her belly, she took a deep breath and slowly made her way down the stairs — drawn by the sound of voices and clinking dishes.

All the chatter ceased the moment she appeared in the doorway. Bahar paused on the threshold, leaning against the frame, smiling at the sight of everyone bustling around the table, setting it for dinner.

— Bahar! — Siren spotted her first, but fell silent just as quickly, noticing how Evren instantly looked up.

— Mom! — Umay rushed toward her.

But Evren had already set down the knife. He circled the table and reached her first, just ahead of Umay.