~ Melis ~
As I flipped through the pages, I could hardly believe that the woman I had been searching for was right here, within my grasp. Zeynep EMEK. A poor, lonely woman trying to survive amidst utter despair.
Twenty-four years old. Just a young woman.
She lost her mother, her older brother, and her sister-in-law in a car accident four months ago. Her nephew, Umut Can, only survived because he was at school at the time. A month after her brother's death, she sold their house and rented a place in a run-down neighborhood. And just a week ago, she started working at our company as a cleaner.
"What a tragedy!"
I picked up my coffee cup from the side table and looked at the screen. A notification popped up, and I clicked on the message.
"Ms. Melis, Ms. Zeynep has applied for a loan of one million TL from our bank."
A satisfied smile spread across my face. I took a sip of my coffee and stood up. I quickly texted Güney, then sat back down on the sofa, resting my feet comfortably on the coffee table.
"Finally!"
The search that had lasted for months was coming to an end. All that was left was to talk to her! Anyone applying for a one-million loan without looking at their job position must be in a dire situation.
"She is exactly the kind of desperate, pathetic woman Mr. Pars wanted!"
★★~★★
~ Zeynep ~
After feeding Umut and putting him to bed, I went into the living room. I stared at the phone numbers in front of me, closed my eyes, and prayed for strength.
"You will talk on the phone. Even if they refuse to give you money, you won't be the target of their judging eyes!"
I opened my eyes and picked up the phone. Holding the paper in my other hand, I dialed the number. When the name appeared in my contacts, I closed my eyes again and pressed the call button.
After four or five rings, the phone was answered. Hearing my aunt's voice, I spoke hesitantly. "Hello."
"Zeynep, how are you? Are you okay?"
"I'm fine, Auntie, thank you."
"How is Umut Can? Has he accepted his parents' death?" she asked.
A lump formed in my throat, and I swallowed hard. "Auntie, I wanted to ask you something," I said with difficulty. I haven't even accepted my family's death yet; how can Umut?
"Go ahead, dear."
"Auntie, is there any possibility you could lend me some money?" I forced the words out.
There was a brief silence. Then my aunt spoke, her tone changing.
"How much do you need, dear?"
I closed my eyes tightly again. "Two hundred and fifty thousand!"
My aunt coughed, clearly choked by the amount. "Girl, what are you going to do with that much money?"
Her questioning tone gave me my answer before she even said no.
"I need it, Auntie," was all I could say.
"Dear, who has that kind of money lying around for us to find? You already sold the house. Your fiancé threw the ring back at you. No engagement, no wedding... What did you do with the money from the house sales?"
"Okay, Auntie, I'm sorry to bother you. Umut is calling me. I have to go."
"Dear, I'm just asking to understand your situation..."
"I understand, Auntie, but I have to go. Good evening."
I hung up and leaned back, tears streaming down my face. Everyone asks for details, but no one offers help!
Suddenly, my phone rang again. I didn't want to look at it. Maybe she was calling back to apologize, but it was meaningless now. When it continued to ring persistently, I straightened up and checked the screen. It was an unregistered number. The thought of the loan shark flashed through my mind, and I stared at the screen in terror.
The ringing stopped, and silence filled the room. But then, the phone vibrated with a message notification. My fear doubled as I read the text:
"If you don't pick up the phone, I'm coming to your house!"
I jumped up from my seat just as the phone started ringing again. I didn't wait this time; I answered it immediately and brought it to my ear.
"H... He... Hello!"
I couldn't stop my voice from trembling. Hearing the laughter on the other end, I clenched my hand into a fist.
"Zeynep, don't be so afraid of me! If I come to your house, half of your debt will be wiped out!" he said, his voice dripping with disgust.
"I will pay you your money!" I snapped.
"Hmm, you're starting to get angry. Good!" he said, his tone turning dangerous.
"Why did you call?"
"I'm going to take your nephew's organs in exchange for your debt, remember?" he drawled slowly.
Even though anger surged through me, I tried to stay firm. "That will never happen!"
"A client showed up today. They want a child. If your nephew was a bit younger, I would have sold him to them right now!"
"I told you that will never happen! I will find your money and give it to you!" I screamed in rage.
He burst into laughter, enjoying my torment. He was doing this on purpose to break me, but I couldn't take it anymore.
"You better find it, Zeynep. Because there are a lot of rich people waiting for organs!" he said with sudden seriousness.
I stood frozen. Just as I was about to speak, a small voice called out from behind me.
"Auntie!"
I turned around in panic to see Umut standing there.
"Is that the voice of my little gold mine?" Çağan asked over the phone.
I slammed the phone shut, ending the call. I rushed over to Umut.
"Why did you get out of bed? Why did you come here?" I yelled, my nerves frayed.
His eyes filled with tears instantly, and he stepped back from me. He turned around and ran back to his room, sobbing.
I watched him go, regret washing over me like a cold wave...