Chapter 14
I was in my office in the back of the bar, where my cousin and I usually discussed business.
That night, however, I'd scheduled an extra meeting and had something more personal to share with him.
The muffled sounds of music and lively chatter from the patrons couldn't reach us here.
My cousin, Murat, sat across the desk, studying me with sharp eyes.
I'd noticed Eda had been acting strangely over the past few days, especially when we were together. I knew she was smart and would realize something was off. I had a feeling my girlfriend had discovered my true identity.
I needed to tell her the truth, but I was afraid of losing her because of it. I'd already put off the conversation for too long. I'd been so worried about keeping her close that I ended up hiding who I really was. But now, I knew I couldn't avoid the truth any longer.
“What's going on, Ayaz?” he said, a slight smile playing on his lips. “You seem worried. Something I can help with?”
I sighed, knowing Murat was the only one I could trust with my secrets. He was like a brother to me—we'd grown up together in the Yavuz family, one of the largest criminal organizations in Turkey, the one I now led as baba, the boss.
“It's Eda,” I began, my voice barely above a whisper, worry etched on my face. “Something's been bothering me. I've noticed something strange about her over the past few days. She's been acting differently, like she's hiding something or knows something I haven't told her.”
“And what could that be?”
“I'm not sure, but I have a feeling.” I shook my head, brow furrowed. “I feel like she's discovered something about me, something I never told her.”
He examined my face for a moment before speaking. “You're worried she knows about your true identity, aren't you?”
“Yes.” I swallowed hard. “I know it's past time to tell her the truth, but I'm afraid of losing her.”
My cousin paused, looking thoughtful. “Ayaz, despite all my suspicions when this started, I could tell you two share something special.
If what you have is real, Eda will understand.
The truth can be scary, but it's the foundation of any lasting, sincere relationship.
Don't let fear stop you from being honest with her.”
I sighed, knowing he was right. What we had was deep and real, and I couldn't keep my past hidden any longer. Eda deserved the truth.
“You think I should tell her soon, then?” I asked anxiously.
“You'll know when the time is right, Ayaz.” He placed his hand over mine in support. “Follow your heart. I can't decide for you, but I think it's better to be honest with her now than to let this consume you,” he said, placing his other hand on my shoulder.
In that moment, I realized I was ready to face my fears and share the truth with Eda, no matter the consequences.
If she truly loved me, she would understand and stay by my side.
I was certain our love was strong enough to overcome any challenge—or at least, I wanted to believe it was.
I knew it was time to be honest with the woman who had conquered my heart, but deep down, I was still afraid.
I couldn't live with the weight of this lie on my conscience any longer. I knew it would be difficult, but I was willing to face the consequences.