Innocent in the Dark

Chapter 8

Açelya submerged herself under the cold water, lost in her own turbulent thoughts. The recent events had shattered her. She was trapped in a whirlwind of confusion—Polad kidnapping her and obsessing over her like a madman, only for Ateş to be the one to rescue her.

She replayed her moments with Ateş in her mind: him applying cream to her skin, tending to her wounds, feeding her. The way he looked at her... he was undeniably handsome.

Suddenly, she snapped back to reality. *He is your enemy,* she reminded herself. *He is the reason your brother is in danger. Wait—where is my brother?*

She rushed out of the shower, threw on some clothes, and ran downstairs, her hair still dripping wet.

"Mom! Mom, where are you?"

Nil glanced up, annoyed. "What is it? What’s wrong?"

"Where is he?" Açelya demanded, her voice trembling. "Where is that son you protect so fiercely? Demir family, tell me—where is Cem?"

"Honey..." Akın began, trying to soothe her.

"Don't you 'honey' me!" she snapped. "You saw it too, but you stayed silent. You just couldn't bring yourself to accept that your son is a traitor, could you?"

Altan, confused, stepped forward. "What treachery are you talking about, Açelya?"

"Open your ears and listen closely," she spat out. "Cem is a traitor. Keep that in your minds."

With that, she turned and locked herself in her room. Downstairs, the family was left stunned, torn between pity and fear.

"How rude," Handan hissed. "I’ll show her."

"Mother, stop," Altan interjected firmly. "No one is to disturb her. She’s going through a lot right now. I’ll speak to her first thing tomorrow."

The family backed off, leaving the room in a heavy silence.

Upstairs, Sinem was taking off her jewelry, watching Altan through the mirror. "After you talk to Açelya, I’d like us to go out for breakfast."

Altan turned to her. "Oh? Where did that idea come from?"

"We won't be alone," she said, wrapping her arms around his neck.

Altan kissed her forehead. "Who else will be there?"

"A friend of mine," she explained. "She just returned from England and just heard about my wedding. I’d love for us to catch up."

"Alright, that sounds fine," Altan agreed. "But I have work to attend to afterward, so you two can enjoy your time, and Kerem will drop you off later."

Sinem adjusted her husband’s collar and pressed a kiss to his lips.

Meanwhile, Ateş stared at the number on his screen, hesitating. *Whatever happens, happens,* he thought, and pressed call.

"Hello?"

"Who is this?" Açelya asked, her voice guarded.

"Your savior, Ateş."

"How did you get my number?"

"From Polad’s phone. How are you feeling?"

"Ateş, I..." Açelya’s voice broke as she began to cry.

"Açelya... don't cry," he said softly.

"I don't feel okay at all."

"I want to see you."

"Turn on your camera," she whispered.

As the video call connected, they locked eyes.

"Açelya?" Ateş said, his voice laced with concern. "Why are you doing this to yourself? You're like a ghost—you're a living dead."

"You're right," she replied bitterly. "I am a ghost. Nothing matters anymore."

"Don't let that scoundrel break you," Ateş commanded. "Don't give him that satisfaction."

"What are you going to do about my family?"

"Get some sleep. Eat something," Ateş replied, ignoring her question. "I'm telling you this not because I care, but because when I finally face my enemy, I want a worthy opponent, not a corpse." He ended the call, but his heart remained heavy.

*That girl is my enemy,* he told himself. *She may be beautiful, she may be captivating and innocent, but she is forbidden to me. She would only suffer if she stayed by my side.*

The next morning, Açelya opened her eyes to find her uncle standing by her bed.

"Good morning," Altan said softly. "I want to talk."

"I don't want to," she replied coldly.

"Açelya, my flower, why are you being like this?"

"I'm exhausted, Uncle. I'm tired of explaining everything to you. Open your eyes and see the truth for yourselves." She turned her back to him and closed her eyes again.

Altan left the room, his mind racing with her words. He immediately ordered his men to find Cem and keep him under surveillance before heading to the breakfast meeting with his wife.

When they finally arrived at the restaurant, Altan looked around. "Where is your friend?"

"There she is," Sinem said, waving toward a table.

As they approached, Altan froze in his tracks.

"Hello, how are you?" Irem said, embracing Sinem. When she held out her hand to Altan, he offered a sardonic, chilling smile and shook it.