I refused to go downstairs for dinner. I may have invited all of the Veronica Polat clan to stay, but I was far from being in the mood to fake my smile. I did, however, forced Chloe to go, much to her dislike. This was perfect practice for her to learn how to handle situations that require her to be civil instead of lashing out her opinions without any filter.

I laid comfortable on the bed, looking up at the ceiling. My phone rang. I stood up quickly, not hestiating to answer.

"Andrea." I greeted.

"Charges were dropped. NDA was signed and they have been paid."

"Charles?"

"He's here."

"Have Marcus stay with him until I get there tommorow. Don't let him out of your sights. Now pass me to him."

There was some shuffling of the phone before I heard his voice. "Cora-"

"Shut the fuck up. You listen to me and listen to me clear Blair." I spit out. "I don't give a fuck about your excuses. You're going to wire two million into my account right now, then you're going to sit your ass down until I come to you tommorow. We'll talk then."

"Cora-"

I hung up the phone, cutting him off. I dropped it on the bed. The phone began to ring continuously before I decided to turn it off. I've had about enough of his mistakes.

I closed my eyes and took a deep breathe before reopening them. I gave my mind a few minutes to relax before I made a decision. I quickly changed into a yellow mini dress that hugged my curves tight. It's giving the sexual appeal I desired to show. I let my hair fall down my back in a mixture of waves. Then I applied some mascara and a nude lip.

There was a glint in my brown eyes when I looked into the mirror. I know I'm the picture of perfection. I was a model, an actress, a business woman and I'll be damned if I hide out in this room while my husband dines with his exs family. It's about time they know who the hell Cora Verdell Alsan is.

I let the click of my heels fill the silence of the halls as I walked with poise. I passed the butler and gave him an order and then continued my way. I stopped just in front of the ceiling high door of the dinning room. Smiling I nodded my permission to the two men to open the door and announce my arrival. All eyes turned to me. I ignored the satisfaction of the unoccupied seat next to Omer. At least they knew how to respect that. I made my way to his side holding his eyes. He stood up like a gentleman and pulled my seat. I took my seat and smiled at our daughter who looked happy to see me.

"I thought you didn't feel well." Omer lied.

I smiled up at him lovingly. Taking his hand on the table. "I feel much better, love. I thought I would surpise you with my presence. I just couldn't see you eating without me afterall."

He didn't show any emotion, but even I could see the hint of suspicion in his eyes. He knew what I was up to. Good. He took my hand and kissed it. "I'm glad." He motioned for the server to bring me a plate. "Chloe suprised us with a unique dinner." Je said.

I raised my eyebrows in delight and turned to her. "You have?"

Chloe smiled back happily. "I thought it would be a good idea to mix Turkish cusine with one of your favorite dishes. So I had them make Manti with a side of Casua Flor. I know you like anything Caviar and Peruvian."

The server place my plate down. And served me a glass of wine. "This looks delicious, Chloe. Thank you." I took a look around the room. Veronica, as always, kept her head hanging low, but the mother was looking at me curiously. I know I didn't need to call Defne to me. So I just spoke to her directly. "I hope you're enjoying your stay in our home." I said.

Defne translated and the mother responded.  "Thank you. It's been nice."

I nodded at her response. "Again, I apologize for all of this misunderstanding. I honestly don't know how this confusion happen. But anyways, if you need anything, Mrs. Polat don't hesitate to ask."

Defne coughed a little awkwardly. "She said there is no need to pretend you're happy to see her. It's clear that their presence bothers you. She understands that."

I patted my lips with the napkin. "Well, let's not pretend that you didn't know Omer was married. I mean all the press coverage? The funeral broadcast? Regardless, I do welcome you into our home, with our family, but don't confuse my manners for a facade. I am far from keeping quiet about things that upset me." I take a drink, not breaking eye contact with her as Defne translates. Mrs. Polat looks at Omer with red cheeks and then just nods at me before continuing to eat.

I take a bite out of my Causa de Flor. It was delicious, almost as delicious as the one Chef Oka's in Miami.

"So Cora. I was wondering if maybe we can have lunch tommorow in the city?" Nazli asked.

"Unfortunately, I cannot. I'm flying back home tonight. I have a business to run, not all of us can be house warmers. I truly envy you." I heard Chloe hide her laughter with a cough. Though Omer was staying neutral he was growing tense by the second. I could tell. He probably thinks I'm a ticking bomb.

"Alright. Maybe before you leave I would like to take five minutes of your time."

"That's fine by me."

"If you're set on leaving tonight, I'll have Alim prepare our things." Omer said.

"There's no need. My private jet is waiting for me. You can stay with Chloe for the remainder of your trip." He looked at me confused. "You didn't think I would be dragged halfway across the world with only commercial flights available just in case I wanted to leave, did you?"

And that was it. He knew I was pissed. Beyond angry. Sadly, he didn't know it wasn't just him. It was Charles too. I'm sick of working my way out of situations that I shouldn't have been involved with in the first place.

The butler entered the room just as I finished my glass of wine. "Mrs. Aslan, your luggage is in the car. The driver is ready whenever you are."

"Thank you." I patted my lips with the napkin and placed it on the table as I stood up. "Well, this has been a fantastic dinner. Sadly, it's time for me to leave. I hope you all enjoy your stay and please make yourself comfortable." Defne translated every single word. I then turned to the woman who has to nerve to still be staying in my house. "Oh, and Veronica?" She looked up at me for the first time. I could tell she was scared and embrassed at the same time. "I know how comfortable my husband's bed must be. I do hope you restrain yourself in my absence. I don't wish for your mother to be further embrassed." Everyones eyes widen at Defene's translation. Mrs. Polat's snapped her head to her daughter with almost hateful eyes.

Omer continued with his poker face, but I knew I hit a nerve. He thinks I took it too far. I just smiled and said my goodbyes.

I walked out the mansion doors and into the car. I saw the mansion doors reopen showing Omer rushing to stop me.

"Go." The driver followed orders.

I just left Omer stunned. I didn't even bother to look back. Maybe this will show him just how seriously I am about this marriage. Like he said, 'You're mine.' Til death do us apart honey.

I really hope Chloe saw what I did there. Another lesson for her to learn. Always have the last word. As a Verdell as an Aslan we have that power.

----------------------------------------------------------------

The flight seemed shorter than before. That could be because my mind kept going back to Omer. I wonder what he's doing right now. Is he even thinking about me or is he with her? I wanted to trust him, but I know their kind of history is too heavy to ignore. Yet I still hold onto hope that he would keep me in his thoughts.

Once I was on my way to Charles's penthouse, I felt tense. I didn't know why, but I did. The drive was quicker than I expected. The doorman let me through without question. I made my way up the elevator and to his floor.

Without much though I opened the unlocked door and made myself present. Charles was sitting on the sofa with his hands on his head. Vania sat next to him to my surprise. She looked at me with distaste. Marcus stood guard at the far corner. Andrea was sitting opposite from him.

"Mrs. Aslan, they greeted."

Vania remained quiet which was unusual for her. Charles looked up. His eyes showed recovery of bloodshot red eyes. "Jesus, Charles. Were you high?" I ask him. He just shrugged his shoulders. You can clearly see how much of a rough night he had. The bags under his eyes showed probably weeks of sleepless nights. "So liquor wasn't enough? You go get high too? What the hell is wrong with you?"

Vania stood up immediately. "If you came to insult my son-"

"You." He said, cutting her off.

"Don't." I warn.

"It is you." He stood up with crazed eyes. Marcus made his way but I held my hand up stopping him. "You're face is plastered on every front cover with him! Oh, and that press conference you had in fucking Turkey? You know, the one where you announce an adoption? Rubbing it in my face! What are you trying to do?" He closes the distance between us. His face a breath away from mine. "You want to play this game with me! Huh. For fucks sake Cora. You love me. We had a family. It was you and I. You said forever, remember that? On our wedding day? Forever!"

I glared at him. "I am done having to repeat this conversation over and over again. This is what you will do right now. You're going to man the fuck up and be a responsible adult for once in your miserable life. You will not drag my company's reputation with you. You understand me? Because I promise you if you do. I'll end you." I took a step back.

"Don't you dare threaten him." Vania step forward.

"I just did." I spit out to her. "Andrea, the money?"

"He already wired it."

"Good."

Vania placed herself in front of him. Blocking his view to me. "You did what?" She asked him.

"Stay out of this, mother!" He pushed her to the aside.

I narrowed my eyes the pig in front of me. I stopped him from saying anything else. "Clean yourself up and be at the office tommorow. No excuses. And don't you even dare coming high or drunk because I sware on the life of me I will throw you out without caring about the legalities."

With that I turned around, walking out of the penthouse. Marcus and Andrea followed. I ignored Charles calling out my name. All three of us stepped into the evelator, closing the doors right on his face.

We stayed silent until we heard the ding of the evelator. We walked out. In the lobby I notice the flashing of cameras that were squeezed against the windows trying to get a shot of me. I groan in annoyance. How did they even know I was here?

"Cora!" I groaned again even more annoyed.
I turned around with a smile on my face. Playing my part in front of the cameras. He came closer.

"I said what I had to say Charles."

I didn't even see it coming. I sware I didn't. In the matter of a second he took my face in his hands rather tight and kissed me. I could hear the flashes of the camera going crazy. His hold on me was so hard I felt my face numb as his nails dug into my skull forcing me in place. I fought him off, that's when Marcus threw him off of me, but Charles's hold on me was too strong and he pulled me down with him. My head took all the impact  on the hard floor.

Andrea helped me up. She was trying her best to cover me from the camera. I ran my fingers against the side of my head. I took a look at them to see my fingers covered in blood. I felt the pounding in my head worsen. She noticed the blood and called out for Marcus. Charles looked at my hands in horror, but I ignored it. Marcus escorted us out the building quickly. Everything was becoming blurry to me. The yelling, the people, the drive to the hospital. I saw Andrea's lips moving, but I couldn't hear what she was saying.

I felt myself helped out the car. A nurse came into my view. She moved her lips, but I also couldn't understand what she was saying. All I could hear was the ringing in my ear.

Next thing I knew, I was on my back looking the the lights as I was sped away somewhere. I closed my eyes for a moment. I knew I shouldn't, but I just felt so tired. I faded into the darkness still hearing the ringing in my ears.