5

I had one drink too many, and the next morning I woke up with a pounding headache. My parents were waiting for me at breakfast, so I dragged myself to the table, still half asleep.

As the chatty housekeeper Seray arranged the trays, my mother stood by the window and said, “There’s been a lot of noise from the duplex next door lately. Seray, is something going on?”

“Yes, Mrs. Aysel. I’ve been seeing new faces. I think they have overnight guests.”

“Oh, could it be Mr. Sedat’s sons? Poor man’s been unwell,” she said with concern.

“What’s wrong with him?”

“His mind’s not right. He doesn’t even remember who I am anymore. At least Mrs. Rüveyda is with him, taking care of things. Alzheimer is a cruel illness. I know. My father had it too.”

This time my father frowned. “Your father’s issues weren’t from illness. All his troubles came from his attitude. He didn’t forget anyone. I’m sure he was faking it just to keep you close.”

“The man’s dead and gone, and you still hold a grudge.”

“I don’t like the Beyzade men.”

“You’re angry at my father, but don’t take it out on his grandchildren,” my mother said quietly.

“What was I supposed to do? He told me no noble girl would be given to a widower like me. As if I killed my wife. Fine, don’t give your daughter to a killer, but I’m a successful businessman. I’m widowed, yes, and I have a child. Just because I’m a few years older, he humiliated me like I was nothing. Said he wouldn’t give you to me even if the heavens collapsed. If he hadn’t said that, I wouldn’t have had to elope with you from Adana. And I have no regrets. I’m glad I did. Let your father do cartwheels in his grave if he wants. I don’t care.”

“Alright, I get that you’re angry, but what kind of thing is that to say? Don’t talk like that about my late father. You’re hurting me.”

My mother’s eyes welled up at my father’s words. My sister Gül Sena hugged her, trying to comfort her, while my father, unfazed, kept going.

“He hurt both of us badly back then. That’s what the Beyzades do. They made us go through hell. Even your brother Fırat took your father’s side. He raised him to be just like himself. Fırat Beyzade, if you ask me, is a pathetic man. So are his sons. One’s a drunk and the other is always pulling the trigger on someone.”

Gül Sena smirked and said, “You say all that, Dad, but you also want us to propose Hazal, Fırat Uncle’s daughter, to my brother. So what’s your real stance on the Beyzades? I’m confused.”

“I’ve got no problem with the girls. They’re decent. But if Ethan’s not planning to get married, we should know now. If he doesn’t like Hazal, just say so.”

“Dad, I’m not going to marry a relative. We’ve talked about this countless times.”

“Maybe it was a mistake to even consider asking for Fırat’s daughter. Let him give his old maid of a daughter to whoever will take her.”

“Enough already. Stop dragging my nieces into your rants,” my mother snapped.

“What did I say? Was it a lie?”

“Our kids aren’t perfect either,” she said. “Look at our son. He runs a huge law firm but wakes up with a headache after drinking too much. And our daughter? She finished school but wants to be an independent woman instead of settling down. She should at least help you in the construction company. You educated her for nothing.”

My father slammed his fork down on the table, clearly angered.

“What are you saying, woman? Even if my son drinks, he’s nothing like Serhat. He’s not an addict. And my daughter can live however she wants. I trust her. Don’t compare us to your family.”

My mother couldn’t take it anymore. She got up from the table, wiping her tears, and I followed her to her room.

“Mom, please don’t be upset. Dad loves you. He’s just a hot-headed man.”

“You don’t understand, my dear. You don’t know. I’ve been like this ever since I married your father. Always belittled, always looked down on. His family never accepted me, and mine turned their backs on me. I could never please anyone.”

“Don’t let it wear you down, Mom. I’ll talk to him. Is there anything else I can do for you?”

She hugged me tightly and gently patted my back.

“I’m lucky to have a son like you. If you really want to do something for me, marry Hazal. She’s a good girl. I know you two would be happy together.”

“Mom, please. Let go of this Hazal idea already.”

After I left her room, I went to my father. He was sitting by the window, frowning into the distance.

“Dad, why do you keep upsetting Mom? You know how sensitive she is when it comes to her family.”

“I’m busy, Ethan. And you’re already running late. Drop by my office later. There’s a tender file you need to sign.”

“Alright, I’ll come by.” There was no point in pushing the conversation further. My father’s obsessions would never change.

As I stood by the window, my eyes wandered to the duplex next door. A young woman caught my attention. She was walking in a hurry when her foot caught on something, and she tripped and fell. She brushed the dust off her long legs and adjusted her short skirt before standing back up. Then she kicked the stone that had made her fall. With a quick toss of her hair over her shoulder, she walked off as if nothing had happened.

I wondered if she was Mr. Sedat’s granddaughter. From a distance, she looked quite pretty. If this assistant situation turned out to be a disaster, maybe I’d give the girl next door a chance.

Two more people stepped out into the yard after her. Another girl and a young man. They were talking to the one who had fallen. Then she got on the back of the young man’s motorcycle and they rode off together.

Who was that guy? The way she clung to him so comfortably, he was either her brother or her husband. We’d find out soon enough.