Alihan pinned her hands above her head with one strong hand. "Do whatever you want, huh?" he said with a smirk, repeating her words.

Azra's breath hitched, and she stammered, "I-I'm healthy... I don't need medicine anymore."

Alihan leaned in close, his breath hot against her ear. "So, if you're healthy, sweetheart," he whispered, "why don't you try to free yourself from me?"

Azra squirmed beneath him but couldn't break free. Alihan's grip was firm, his presence overpowering.

"If you won't take the medicine yourself, I'll find my own way to make you swallow it," Alihan said, his voice low and dangerous.

"No, no! I'll take it. I'll take it," Azra said quickly, her voice trembling.

"Good," Alihan said, releasing her and handing her the medicine. "Eat it."

Azra gulped and took the medicine. Alihan handed her a piece of chocolate.

She looked at him, surprised that he remembered her habit. "Thanks," she said softly, her voice carrying a mix of surprise and gratitude.

Alihan smiled, a rare and genuine expression that made Azra's heart skip a beat.

"You can smile?" Azra asked, her eyes wide with wonder.

Alihan's smile faded. "No, I'm not."

"Yes, you are," Azra insisted, her voice more daring.

"No, I'm not," Alihan said, his tone firm.

"Yes, you are," Azra said, her tone more playful now, challenging him.

Alihan's eyes darkened, and he moved closer, his presence overwhelming. "Don't say anything," he said, his voice a low growl.

Azra's breath caught in her throat as she felt his heat, the intensity of his gaze sending shivers down her spine. Without another word, Alihan got up and left the room, leaving Azra with a pounding heart and a whirlwind of emotions.

______________________

"What we all need in this world is wealth and power," Altan said to Emir, his voice dripping with a cold, calculated confidence.

Emir remained silent, his eyes fixed on his father. His expression clearly showed he was listening out of fear, not love.

"Have you seen how successful your brother is?" Beyza chimed in, placing a hand on Emir's shoulder. Her touch was as much a grip of control as it was a gesture of affection.

"Yes, mother," Emir replied, his voice subdued.

"You're joining the office tomorrow," Altan continued. "I want you to take charge of the Edinburgh business."

"But, Father, Alihan manages Edinburgh," Emir protested, his voice barely above a whisper.

"Then speak to your brother and join," Altan insisted. He knew how much Alihan loved his younger brother, and he was ready to exploit that relationship for his own gain.

"But Big B will never agree," Emir said, uncertainty clouding his features.

"That's your problem to solve," Altan said dismissively. "I've invited them for dinner tonight. Discuss it with him then."

Emir knew his parents were using him to get their hands on Alihan's hard-earned empire. Yet, he felt trapped by his mother's affection and his father's manipulation.

"Don't disappoint us, Emir," Beyza added, her voice smooth but with an underlying threat. "This is your chance to prove your love to the family."

Emir nodded, feeling the weight of their expectations pressing down on him.

______________________

Azra was getting ready for tonight's dinner. She looked incredibly beautiful,dressed in a stunning white gown. The long sleeves featured a shimmering net fabric overlaying sleek inner sleeves, while a slit in the main fabric subtly revealed the gleaming layers beneath. The outfit was both elegant and mesmerizing.

Knock... Knock...

Alihan knocked on the door before entering. "Ready?" he asked.

When Azra turned to answer, Alihan's heart skipped a beat as their eyes met, her pearl-like gaze captivating him. Her black hair was tied in a loose bun, with soft strands falling free, enhancing her beauty.

Yet, it was her innocence that made her truly enchanting.

But Alihan, ever in control, masked his emotions, refusing to let her hear the rapid beat of his heart.

"Wear this," Alihan said, handing her a delicate necklace.

The necklace had elegant, intricate details, exuding an air of rarity. The craftsmanship was exceptional, clearly not ordinary—this piece was something truly special.

"I don't want it," Azra replied softly.

"Wear it. It's for our public image," Alihan said, his tone devoid of emotion.

Azra winced at Alihan’s cold words, but silently reached for the necklace. Her fingers fumbled with the clasp, frustration building as it refused to lock.

Before she could react, she felt his touch cold, yet strangely electrifying glide across the nape of her neck. Alihan had stepped in, his body close, his breath warm against her skin as his skilled fingers fastened the clasp with ease.

"Divine," he whispered, his voice dark and controlled, laced with something deeper, a possessiveness that sent a quiver through her core.

Their eyes locked in the mirror, a clash of simmering tension and buried desires. For a fleeting moment, the hatred between them gave way to something darker, more primal. Azra caught a flicker of dangerous intensity in Alihan’s gaze,

He brushed a strand of hair behind her ear, his fingers lingering just long enough to make her breath catch. It wasn’t gentle it was a silent claim, dark and irresistible.

"God, why do you make me feel this way? Whenever I look into those blue eyes, why do I start losing control?" Azra thought, her heart racing as she looked deeply into Alihan's eyes in the mirror.

"Thank you," Azra said, her voice barely above a whisper.

______________________

The dinner venue is at a grand hotel in a private VVIP room, adorned with luxurious decor and an air of exclusivity.

As Alihan opened the door, he suddenly placed his hand on Azra's waist, pulling her close. She hiccuped at the unexpected touch, feeling his warmth.

"Smile," Alihan whispered, his breath hot against her ear.

"Big b, hey! And Azra too!" Ayce and Ayen called out, their voices echoing in the opulent room.

"Hey bro," Emir greeted, his smile genuine.

Alihan passed them a courteous smile, and Azra mirrored him, though her heart was racing.

"You're on time, son," Altan said, gesturing grandly towards the table.

Just then, Dilara glided in and wrapped her arms around Alihan. "Hey Alihan, how are you?" she purred, her tone sickly sweet.

Azra's heart clenched with jealousy at the sight of Dilara's audacious embrace.

Alihan wasted no time in gently but firmly removing Dilara's arms from around him. "I'm good, Dilara. What about you?" he asked, his voice cool and controlled.

"I was feeling down earlier, but that hug made everything better," Dilara replied, her eyes lingering on him shamelessly.

Alihan didn't dignify her comment with a response.

But tone, Azra felt a strange pang of jealousy stir within her

With a smooth, deliberate motion, Alihan pulled out a chair for Azra. "Sit," he instructed softly.

Azra sat, feeling a mix of relief and anxiety. Alihan took the seat beside her, his presence a fortress against the outside world.

"Azra, you're looking beautiful as usual. Pretty woman," Ayen said with a smile.

"Thanks, you're looking great too," Azra replied, returning the smile.

"Thanks, Azra, and your eyes are magical," Ayen continued with a playful grin. "Say, big b, aren't they?"

Azra turned to Alihan, her blush deepening as she caught his unwavering gaze.

"Yes, they're beautiful," Alihan said, his voice steady, but his eyes revealing a flicker of emotion.

Azra's heart fluttered, and she tried to steady herself. "No, no, Azra, control yourself. He's acting, he's acting," she told herself silently. "But these freaking blue eyes are so manipulative. It's hard to understand," she struggled inwardly, her mind a whirl of conflicting emotions.

"Here's dinner, let's have it," Dilara said, breaking their eye contact.

The table was set with Chinese dishes, and Dilara intentionally served Azra, handing her chopsticks.

Everyone started having dinner.

"It's tasty," Ayce said.

"You like everything Dilara does," Ayen teased.

"Shut your mouth, Ayen," Ayce retorted.

"You shut your mouth," Ayen shot back.

"Enough, both of you," Alihan's single command was enough to silence them.

"Bro, I need to talk to you about something. Can we speak after dinner?" Emir said hesitantly.

"Of course, Emir," Alihan replied.

"Why don't you talk here, Emir? In front of everyone," Altan interjected.

"No, Dad, we'll talk after dinner," Emir insisted.

"Why are you hesitating, son? Alihan is your brother," Beyza chimed in.

Alihan sensed something was off. "Say it, Emir. What's the problem?" he asked.

"Actually, bro... Actually, I..." Emir hesitated.

"Say it straight, Emir. What do you want to say?" Alihan's tone turned serious.

"I..." Emir started, but Altan cut him off. "He wants to work in the Edinburgh branch as CEO," Altan said with a smirk.

Alihan's fists clenched, his eyes flashing with anger. Emir's face turned pale, knowing what his father had just done.

Alihan, aware of how his father was manipulating Emir, took a deep breath. "So, why don't you start working from next week?" Alihan said calmly, surprising Altan.

Altan's smirk vanished, replaced by shock at Alihan's unexpected response.

"Bro..." Emir began.

"Come to my office tomorrow. Burak will teach you everything you need to know," Alihan said, taking a sip of his drink.

"I'll be on time, bro," Emir replied, relief evident in his voice.

"Why aren't you eating, Azra?" Dilara asked, knowing well that Azra didn't know how to use chopsticks.

Alihan glanced at Azra, whose plate remained untouched. Understanding her predicament, he interjected before Dilara could say more.

"She's not hungry, or maybe it's just my sweetheart's mood swings," Alihan said, his tone laced with a protective edge.

Dilara's expression darkened with irritation. Azra looked at Alihan, her eyes reflecting the tension she felt.

"At least try a piece of sushi. It's amazing," Dilara insisted, trying to push Azra into using the chopsticks.

"Let me," Alihan said, picking up a piece of sushi with his chopsticks. He held it up to Azra. "Have it, babe," he said, his voice low and commanding.

Azra blushed, her cheeks turning a deep shade of red. Meeting Alihan's intense gaze, she took the sushi from his chopsticks and ate it.

Dilara struggled to control her anger, her thoughts filled with jealousy. "I'll show you whom Alihan belongs to," she vowed silently.

Alihan's mind raced. "Why does Altan want Emir to work in Edinburgh?" he thinks.

Meanwhile, Azra's thoughts were a whirlwind of confusion. "Why is he saving me from embarrassment?" she wondered, feeling a strange mix of gratitude and tension.

_______________________

"Alihan, why aren't you giving the Syndicate a chance? They'll not harm Kalvanc," Altan said as they walked after dinner.

Alihan's fists clenched at his sides, his eyes blazing with anger. "I told you, Mr Altan, I will not let the Syndicate touch Kalvanc. And using Emir to manipulate me will only make me fight harder."

Altan's smirk faltered, but he pushed on. "You're just like your mother stubborn and unyielding."

Alihan stepped closer, his presence overpowering, his voice a dangerous whisper. "Mention my mother again, and you'll regret it."

Altan felt a chill run down his spine as he saw the fury in Alihan's eyes. Alihan's anger was palpable, and his fists tightened even more at his sides.

Flashback

Alihan was 12 years old, standing in the schoolyard with a shiny trophy in his hand, his heart bursting with pride. He had won the contest and couldn't wait to share his victory with his father. He waited with his mother, Derya, but as the hours ticked by, there was no sign of Altan. By 10:00 PM, Alihan had fallen asleep on the couch, his trophy clutched to his chest.

He was jolted awake by the sound of his mother's sobbing. Confused and disoriented, he tiptoed towards the living room, peeking through the crack in the door.

"You can't do this to us, Altan," Derya cried, her blue eyes filled with pain and betrayal. "Alihan is your son."

Altan's face twisted with false concern. "Emir is just a boy, and I'll never give him my name, I promise you, Derya."

"How can you deny your own blood?" Derya's voice broke. "If you can do this to one son, you'll do it to the other. I'm sure of it."

"No, Derya, it's not like that. Give me time to explain myself," Altan pleaded, his words dripping with insincerity.

Young Alihan's heart shattered as he learned the truth about his stepbrother, Emir, and his father's deceit. It was that night he realized how manipulative and cold-hearted his father could be.

End of Flashback

Alihan's jaw tightened as the painful memories flooded back. He leaned in closer to Altan, his voice low and menacing. "You will never break me, Altan. Not then, not now. And I swear on my mother's memory, I'll protect Kalvanc from your schemes."

_______________________

Someone grabbed Azra suddenly, yanking her with force, and pushed her into the restroom.

___________________

_______________

♡