Phoenix
Part 38: Shadow in the Light
It was already late evening when Albatross arrived at Sanem’s apartment.
Sanem was sitting on the couch, holding a cup of tea in her hands. The moment she saw Albatross, her gaze was both worried and curious at the same time.
Albatross took off his coat and sat down beside Sanem, but something serious—something heavy—flickered in his eyes.
Sanem (carefully, in a soft voice):
“What happened? Why do you look like that… as if the weight of an entire world were on your shoulders?”
Albatross took a deep breath, then spoke quietly and seriously:
“Sanem… I have to tell you something… I’ve fallen in love with Phoenix. Completely. It wasn’t just a moment… it’s more than that… I… I truly…”
Sanem smiled, but wisdom—and a hint of concern—shone in her eyes.
“I know… I’ve seen the way you look at her. But… you need to know that there’s something Phoenix must know.”
Albatross looked at her, confused.
“What?”
Sanem spoke softly, but firmly:
“That you’re not just taking photos at the company… you’re also the owner. Phoenix should know who you really are.”
Albatross grew serious and closed his eyes.
“Sanem… I can’t. If I tell her… Phoenix would hate me. She would never forgive me for lying to her. I can’t do it. I don’t want to lose her…”
Sanem gently took Albatross’s hand.
“I understand… but one day you will have to tell her. A serious relationship cannot exist without truth. But if you can’t do it now… then you must move carefully. Give her time, and try to be honest in every other way.”
Albatross let out a deep sigh, then spoke quietly—almost playfully, but with a trace of bitterness:
“Okay… but it’s hard… very hard. Every moment I see the trust on her face… and I’m afraid that one lie could destroy everything.”
Sanem smiled at him kindly.
“Then pay attention to her… be there for her, but know when it’s time to be truly honest. Phoenix will understand… when she’s ready.”
Albatross nodded, his thoughts drifting toward Phoenix’s image.
“Yes… she’s the most important thing. And I can’t lose her… at any cost.”
In the silence, only the distant noise of the city could be heard, and Albatross knew: the days of difficult decisions were only just beginning—but even now, he was certain he wanted to spend every moment beside her.
The first light of morning filters through the company’s glass doors as Phoenix steps inside. She adjusts her bag, tries to fix her hair, but she’s still under the influence of the previous evening. Her heart beats a little faster, because she knows Albatross will be there.
Albatross is already standing near the reception desk, arms crossed, a half-smile on his face. When he sees Phoenix, his expression brightens.
Phoenix (muttering nervously):
“Oh… okay… focus… calm down… no problem… just… walk in… and…”
Albatross slowly steps toward her—too close, but not intrusive—just close enough for Phoenix to feel his presence.
“Good morning, Phoenix…” he says softly, in a deep voice, with a half-smile.
“Well rested?”
Phoenix flinches, blushes, and quickly rummages in her bag.
“I… yes… well rested… it’s just… morning… and the… coffee… yes…”
Albatross’s quiet laugh fills the space.
“That’s exactly what I like—when you try to be ‘normal’… and end up completely flustered.”
Phoenix quickly looks toward the receptionist, Melike, as if seeking rescue, but her eyes keep drifting back to Albatross.
“No… no… it’s just… just… things… yes…” she mutters, trying to stay calm.
Albatross leans closer, almost whispering in her ear:
“You know… I’d like to talk to you… just the two of us…”
Phoenix’s heart starts racing, her face turning red.
“Oh… yes… I also… talk… we can… later…” she stammers awkwardly.
But just then, Sanem walks by and calls out loudly:
“Hi! Albatross! Phoenix! Come quickly, I need something!”
Albatross gives a faint smile, but Phoenix startles.
The moment slips away—the quiet, intimate closeness breaks.
Albatross (softly, playfully):
“Looks like we won’t get a chance to talk alone today… maybe later…”
The blush remains on Phoenix’s face, her eyes filled with both confusion and excitement.
The secret remains intact: Albatross still hasn’t told Phoenix that he is the owner of the company, and the romantic feelings only continue to intensify the tension between them.
The entire company moves around them, but for them, the world fades into the background.
Only the playful flirting and the feeling of closeness remain in the moment—even if Sanem’s interruption keeps the conversation from happening.
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