Chapter 34
My day was supposed to start with a routine checkup at Can’s pediatrician; little did I know it would turn into a nightmare.
Before leaving the house, while I was still getting my son’s things ready, I heard footsteps approaching—it was Ayaz, who still hadn’t apologized to me, entering our room and, as if sensing something, asking to talk.
“Eda, I won’t be able to go with you to the pediatrician today, but two of my best security guards and Leyla will go with you.
” He cleared his throat, seeming nervous and uneasy.
“Please take care of yourself. I know it’s just a routine checkup, but you never know what can happen.
Stay alert.” His dark eyes were full of affection.
“I worry so much about you and our son.”
“Relax, Ayaz!” I said, trying to be kind. “I know you’re worried, but I’m just going to a routine checkup. There’s nothing to worry about. Besides, we’ll have two security guards with us.”
“I know, but it never hurts to remind you.” His voice was full of concern.
“After all, you’re the mother of my son and, despite the ridiculous condition you imposed on me to get back together, I couldn’t bear to lose you.
Promise me you’ll call as soon as the appointment is over. I need to know you’re both okay.”
“My condition isn’t ridiculous, Ayaz,” I scolded him. “Only I know what I went through after you rejected me. We’re just going to the doctor—what could possibly go wrong?” I smiled affectionately to ease the tension. “We’ll be fine, don’t worry so much. We’ll be back soon, I promise.”
“I know it’s unlikely, but in our world, anything can happen, and it’s always good to be prepared.” He touched my face affectionately, ignoring my initial response. “I just want you and our son to be safe and healthy. You two are the most important people in my life.”
“Okay, Ayaz. I promise I’ll be careful. You can trust me.”
“I know, and I trust you, Eda. I’ll be waiting anxiously for you both to come back.”
“When we get home, I’ll tell you all about Can’s appointment.” I smiled. “See you soon, Ayaz. Everything will be fine. We’ll be back before you know it.”
“See you soon, Eda.”
I left the house with my son, Leyla, and two security guards. It was about nine in the morning when we all got into the car and headed toward the doctor’s office, my baby’s mischievous smile lighting up my heart. Little did I know that in about two hours, our lives would be turned upside down.
The appointment went well, and I was relieved that Can was healthy and growing up happy.
He was the ray of sunshine in my life, and nothing else mattered.
We had just left the office and were returning to the vehicle with our security guards when the atmosphere changed.
The moment the car started, a black car appeared behind us, and the street erupted into a chaos of horns and screams. Suddenly, we were surrounded by several other cars approaching at high speed.
Then the security guards and I realized it was a trap.
The men in the black car didn’t take long to show their intentions: windows rolled down and guns appeared, pointed in our direction.
I screamed in panic, holding Can in my arms, while Ayaz’s security guards tried to maneuver to escape, but it was too late.
My baba’s henchmen blocked the road and got out, pointing their weapons at us.
Everything happened so fast. Shots were fired, forcing me to duck down, holding my son against my chest; the sound of breaking glass echoed through the vehicle. One of the security guards was hit, and the car crashed into a pole, stopping abruptly.
I tried to stay calm, but my heart was racing with fear for my son. The armed men ordered everyone to get out of the car and surrender. I knew I couldn’t let anything happen to Can, so I decided to obey.
In an instant, we were pulled from the car by the armed men. Can was crying desperately in my arms, and my heart was racing. We were being taken hostage, my vision obscured by the hand of one of the kidnappers.
“Eda, where is Ayaz, the cruel one?” The leader of the ambush, whom I recognized as my cousin Hassan, roared with a gun pressed against my temple.
“I don’t know!” I screamed, my voice trembling. “He didn’t come with us to the appointment.”
The kidnappers didn’t believe me, and the leader pulled the trigger, firing a shot toward the car still wedged against the pole. The sound of the explosion made me shudder.
We were pushed into a different car while I held Can with all my strength. I tried not to show fear, my heart pounding in my chest. I knew our only hope was for Ayaz to come rescue us. My son and I were all that mattered now, and I would do anything to keep him safe.
In that moment, I realized my only mission was to protect Can. Everything I loved most in this world was at risk, and there was no more room for panic. I would fight and face the unknown for him. Whatever was in store for us, we would be together, and I wouldn’t let anything bad happen to him.