"You too?" Zeynep whispered, the words catching in her throat. She hadn't expected to see Aras Demirkan standing in front of her. Aras... the son of the damned judge who had caused her father to be imprisoned.
Alp's piercing gaze was on Zeynep, and the young woman's shock and anger towards Aras seemed to make the air vibrate. "Zeynep, is there a problem?" Alp asked, his voice dangerously calm. It was as if a hunter had cornered his prey, savoring the moment before making his final move.
Zeynep swallowed. She hadn't anticipated that Alp knew this much. "No, there's no problem," she said, trying to appear as calm as possible. "Aras and I are just... acquaintances." *Acquaintances? What nonsense am I talking about? This man is the son of the man who turned my life into hell!*
Aras shrugged and entered the room. He was wearing a navy blue suit and looked as impeccable as ever. Unlike Zeynep, he was completely at ease. "Alp, you're here. I've been looking for you," he said in a friendly tone. "We need to get together for the new project."
Alp gave Zeynep a quick glance. There was something in his eyes that she didn't understand. "Of course, Aras. But I'm not really available right now."
Aras's gaze shifted to Zeynep. A sly glint appeared in his eyes. "I understand. Maybe we'll see each other later, Zeynep."
Zeynep simply nodded. Aras's presence alone was enough to make her uncomfortable. *What is this man doing here? And what is Alp doing with him?*
After Aras left, Alp turned to Zeynep. "I think you owe me some explanation," he said, his voice icy.
Zeynep took a deep breath. "Aras Demirkan... is the son of the judge who caused my father to be imprisoned."
Alp's face didn't change at all. It was as if he already knew this information. "So, part of your revenge plan is to use Aras?"
Zeynep's anger flared up again. "It's not about using him! I'm just... I'm just trying to figure out what he's up to."
"What about me?" Alp asked, taking another step closer. "Are you trying to figure out what I'm up to?" Alp's dark eyes locked onto Zeynep's. Zeynep's heart rate increased. Alp's proximity both attracted and frightened her.
Zeynep wanted to back away but couldn't. Alp's gaze was like a magnet, pulling her closer. "You... you're complicated," she whispered.
Alp laughed. His voice was mocking. "Complicated? Maybe I'm just honest. Unlike you."
Zeynep frowned. "I am honest!"
"Do you think so?" Alp retorted. "Then tell me all your plans regarding Aras Demirkan. Everything."
Zeynep hesitated for a moment. Should she trust Alp? Telling him everything was risky, but she had no other choice. She had made an agreement with Alp, and she couldn't break that agreement.
"Alright," Zeynep said. "I'll tell you. But you'll also tell me about your family and your connection to Aras."
Alp thought for a moment. Then he nodded. "Agreed."
Zeynep took a deep breath and began to tell everything she knew about Aras. How she met him, how she got close to him, and what she was trying to learn from him. As she spoke, the expression on Alp's face became even harsher.
"Aras is trying to cover up his father's dark deeds," Zeynep said. "And I'm going to use that."
Alp was silent for a moment. Then, "Aras's father... is a powerful man," he said. "You should be careful against him."
"I know," Zeynep said. "But I'm not afraid."
Alp approached Zeynep and put his hand on her cheek. "You should be afraid," he said, his voice a whisper. "Because this game is much more dangerous than you think."
Zeynep flinched at Alp's touch. Her heart was pounding like crazy. There was both a warning and a desire in Alp's eyes. Zeynep didn't know what to do.
"What about you?" Zeynep asked. "Why are you so involved? Why are you helping me?"
Alp grinned, "Maybe I'm just as full of revenge as you are," he said. "Or maybe... I just enjoy playing with you."
Zeynep shuddered. She realized once again how dangerous Alp was. But at the same time, she felt an undeniable attraction to him.
Alp took his hand off Zeynep's cheek and stepped back. "That's enough for now," he said. "Get some rest. We'll continue tomorrow."
Zeynep nodded. After Alp left the room, the young woman remained where she was for a while. Alp's words and touches echoed in her mind. *This man will ruin me,* she thought. *But maybe... I can ruin him too.*
That night, Zeynep had trouble sleeping. The images of Alp and Aras were constantly in her mind. Both men were dangerous in different ways, and Zeynep would have to play with both of them.
When morning came, Zeynep felt tired and nervous. A new day had begun, and she needed to take new steps for her revenge plan. However, the surprise that awaited her when she went to the faculty that day would turn all her plans upside down. Because the person walking towards them on Aras Demirkan's arm, grinning, was Zeynep's closest friend.