Chapter 3

***

'Is that really all? Have you been talking to him this whole time just for this?'

'No, sister.. it's just that...'

'What, Elif?'

'Nothing.. let's go downstairs, come on.'

A cunning smile appeared on her sister's lips, and a demonic twinkle passed through her eyes:

'Fine.. let's see if I won't tell him what I know about Emir.'

Elif blushed to her ears. This was the first time she had such a conversation with her sister, and her cheeks were already burning with shyness.

'What nonsense is this, sister...'

'My dear Elif, what you'll hear about him is not good anyway; Emir is 24 years old, exactly your groom's age, and he's also a playboy who doesn't want a long-term serious relationship.'

'Enough, sister, did I ask you to tell me any of this in the first place!'

She had been very close to love for the first time in her life. True, she hadn't seen the right man, but she felt him in the depths of her soul. And perhaps she would have dared to take the plunge for the first time, but the result turned out to be completely disappointing. Perhaps what happened was for her own good; this is the reward of melting in infatuation over a man's voice you don't even know...

***

Finally, the long-awaited day had arrived. Everyone woke up early and headed to the pre-booked beauty salon. Yasemin looked like an angel in her pristine white, or perhaps like an innocent fairy-tale elf. Unlike her, Elif chose a dark navy dress whose upper part was adorned with sparkling blue stones and flowed in a soft cut downwards. Instead of exaggerated hairstyles, she preferred a simple updo interspersed with carefully braided strands. She made sure to apply captivating eye makeup that highlighted the beauty of her clear blue eyes without getting lost amidst the shades of blue, blending brilliantly with her dark brown hair strands. She looked like a rebellious angel or a fierce fairy, completely different from today's bride.

As soon as Özge stepped over the threshold of the room, all eyes turned toward her. Her cousin Özge hurried enthusiastically toward Yasemin:

'Welcome our radiant bride, the prince charming has finally come to take you.'

Yasemin slowly raised her head, playing with her bouquet, and started searching around with her eyes for Elif:

'Elif.. where are you?'

Elif was organizing the bags in the corner, and when she heard her sister's call, she ran toward her:

'Did something happen, sister?'

'Where have you been all this time? Kenan and his entourage have arrived. You will ride with me in the wedding car, while Kerem will come to pick you girls up, okay?'

Elif handed the bags she was holding to Özge and straightened her sister's dress:

'Okay, Yasemin, I'll handle things here. We'll meet at the hall later.'

'I'm counting on you, Özge. And Elif.. stop grumbling, his collar will get wrinkled again.'

'Ugh sister, nothing ever pleases you!'

Before Yasemin could finish her sentence, the door opened and Kenan walked in with absolute grandeur. As soon as his eyes landed on the woman who would officially become his wife moments later, he was completely left speechless:

'Yasemin...'

'My eyes, my love.'

'You.. you are breathtakingly beautiful, my companion.'

'Really?'

'Definitely, my love.'

Kenan took wide strides toward his beloved, reaching out his hands to cup her delicate palms:

'You look just like an angel, and you are my angel alone.. my only one.'

'And what a wonderful lover you are, my only prince...'

Kenan lingered his gaze on her and planted a deep, meaningful kiss on her forehead filled with all meanings of adoration. Elif, who had been watching the scene in admiration, could no longer bear it:

'Oh my groom.. when did you become so excessively romantic?'

'Elif....'

Ignoring her sister's warning glances, she continued with absolute determination:

'Isn't it enough? A real man is a bit rugged, what are these silly phrases.. my love, my angel and stuff like that...'

'My love, can you please forget that your sister's sister-in-law is here before we leave, or else I'll commit a crime against her!'

Kenan was afraid of losing his only ally, so he started smoothing things over cautiously:

'Darling, she's still young, she doesn't know the meanings of love yet.. wait until she learns it and you'll see wonders from Elif...'

'I think you're right, my love. I'll wait for that day with bated breath to enjoy the show.'

'Okay enough, let's talk about my love life later, or else we'll be late for the marriage contract because of you two.'

Kenan and Yasemin realized the truth in her words and stopped their teasing. As soon as the bride and groom stepped out, Elif followed them to catch up:

'Elif my dear, you will sit in the front seat, while we sit in the back, this way we won't have to bother you when getting out.'

'As you wish, groom, let the lovebirds sit in the back then.'

Elif sat in the front seat waiting for her sister to settle in the back, while the groom was helping his bride with utmost care. While smiling to herself, she suddenly realized she wasn't alone in the car. When she turned her head to the side, her eyes suddenly met a pair of pitch-black eyes.

Despite her sudden surprise, she quickly pulled herself together. She hadn't been paying attention to all the banter between her sister and her groom earlier because of his presence:

'Oh.. hello, I'm Elif...'

'It seems you're the famous Elif I've heard about.'

'Pardon.. what do you mean?'

'We spoke on the phone. I am Emir...'

'Oh.. I see.'

Elif nodded in agreement, and no further conversation continued between them. As soon as Kenan and Yasemin settled into their seats, Emir started the car engine and they headed towards the intended wedding hall."