GHOST LOVER

The Grand Feast at the Mansion

The Grand Feast at the Mansion

Haldun Bey’s mansion was more brightly lit than usual this evening. Selin’s uncles, aunts, and close family friends had gathered around the long dining table. Kerem had been seated as the family’s new “favorite” in the diagonal spot to Haldun Bey’s right.

Selin sat at the table in a noble yet simple dress, while Murat hovered near the ceiling, making the crystals of the chandelier tremble slightly as he observed the table.

“Gönül Hanım, these artichoke hearts are a work of art as always,” said Aunt Neriman, delicately dabbing her napkin to her lips.

Gönül Hanım responded with her aristocratic smile: “Bon appétit, Neriman. You know Selin loves them too, I had them specially prepared for her. Selin, darling, you haven’t finished your plate?”

Selin played with her fork with a forced smile. Murat leaned into Selin’s ear: “Selin, the moment your aunt called the artichoke a work of art, I lost it. Does everything in this house have to be this sterile?”

Whispers and Implications

At the other end of the table, Selin’s cousins Melis and Arda were whispering. Melis, eyeing Kerem, said in a lowered voice, “Look how well Kerem fits at the table. Selin finally seems to be coming around.” But Murat’s ears heard everything.

Murat suddenly touched the wine glass in front of Melis. The glass trembled, splashing a drop onto Melis’s white dress. “Coming around? I’m right here, little miss!” Murat muttered.

Haldun Bey cleared his throat and stood up. All the noise at the table instantly ceased. “Friends, family… As you all know, this past year has been very difficult for us, especially for my daughter Selin. But life is like a river that must flow. It overcomes obstacles and finds its way. Today we’ve gathered here to celebrate Selin’s strong stance and her return to life—to us—in the truest sense.”

Gönül Hanım looked at Selin with emotional eyes. “Yes, my dear… Seeing you smile again is the greatest gift to us.”

Kerem’s Unexpected Declaration

Kerem, emboldened by the atmosphere, turned to Haldun Bey. “Haldun Bey, I’m very fortunate to be neighbors with someone like Selin. I admire her resilience. I’m committed to always being there for her on this ‘new journey.’”

Applause broke out at the table. Kerem’s “candidacy” declaration was like receiving a “visa” of approval from the family.

Murat descended to the center of the table, standing right in front of Kerem. “Candidate! Are we an election now, tiger? Selin, this guy is literally getting approval from the family council!”

Under the table, Selin clenched her hands. Murat’s anger was beginning to weigh down the air in the room, causing the fireplace flames to suddenly flare and dim.

“Dad, Mom…” Selin said, standing up. “This evening is lovely. But I want you to know something: I haven’t ‘returned’ anywhere. I’ve always been here. And the emptiness in my heart isn’t a ‘deficiency,’ it’s a ‘trust.’ Murat isn’t my past, he’s my every day. I appreciate Kerem’s kindness, but I’m not embarking on a ‘journey’—I’m already on a path.”

An icy silence fell over the room. The smile on Gönül Hanım’s face froze. Haldun Bey simply nodded at his daughter’s clear stance.

Murat moved right behind Selin, placing his hands on her shoulders (in the air). “That’s my stormy girl… You’re shining brighter than all the silver on this table right now.”

Kerem took an embarrassed sip of his drink. Selin, feeling Murat’s presence beside her, took a deep breath. Her family hadn’t told her to “forget,” but she had planted the “I will never forget” message like a flag in that grand mansion.