Page 110 of My Lucky Star
Burcu handed me an open gift box. I stared down at the candle holder. “It was so lovely to meet you,” she said, offering me a pair of ballet flats, a far more comfortable alternative to the golden heels waiting for me at the door.
“Thank you.” I focused on breathing in and out. In and out.
Breath became my singular focus, the only way to keep myself together. To not dissolve onto the floor.
In. Out. Out of this house. Into that taxi. Onboard that plane. Somewhere private where I could fall apart.
Chapter 40
Cem
“YOU DID WHAT?” I SHOUTED, raising my white-knuckled fists.
Emir shrunk back, probably regretting his decision to join me in the back seat.“I asked her if she wanted to take an earlier flight and she said yes. Burcu told me she’s willing to take over. It was the logical choice.” He blinked in confusion.
The nightly Istanbul traffic flickered past, a blur of colorful lights as Tarik drove us away from Burcu’s house. I wanted to throw up. My brother had casually swapped the woman I loved for a soulless lookalike, acting as if it was no big deal.
Of course. He didn’t know.
“You didn’t even let me say goodbye. I know you’re a heartless robot, but—”
“Call her. She’s probably still at the airport.” Emir pointed at the phone in my hand.
“No. We have to drive there. Now.”
“Why?” Emir’s forehead creased. “She’s a lovely girl and she was helpful, but she won’t think less of you if you’re not there to see her off. I paid her well and she was happy to go.”
“What do you mean, happy?” My heart pounded in my chest. “Did she say she was happy... to go?”
Emir shrugged. “She didn’t argue.”
No, it wasn’t true, I told myself. Aria wasn’t happy to leave me. She couldn’t be. I tapped Tarik’s shoulder. “Take us to the airport, now!”
Tarik turned to Emir, who shook his head.
“Fine!” I shouted. “Stop the car and I’ll get a taxi.”
