Forgiveness No Punishment

Mert Kara Melekoglu

Chapter 67

Mert Kara Melekoglu

Sinbad arrived just in time after school ended to pick up his two beloved . "Hey, old man, I hope you're not still mad at me," Mert said, flashing a peace sign. But Sinbad pulled him into a tight hug, playfully ruffling his hair.

"Dad, that's enough. My friends are going to tease me tomorrow and call me daddy's precious baby," Mert grumbled, fixing his hair as his friends emerged and laughed at him.

"Daddy's princess," they chimed in, coughing with mock seriousness. Sinbad listened, realizing that since Sibel's arrival, their friends had become more bold in expressing their thoughts, influenced by their old-fashioned parents. Mert laughed, unfazed.

"I am daddy's prince, but you guys are too ignorant to understand the difference in words," Mert confidently replied, irritating them to their breaking point.

"How dare you call us ignorant, you bastards?!" they retorted angrily.

"Actually, a bastard is someone who is born out of wedlock, from an illegal relationship. My parents were married when they had me, and they consider me their most precious gift in the world. Now, we all live together under the same roof because my dad won my mom's heart," Mert explained, schooling them.

"Yeah, we've heard about your mom too. She used to work on the streets in Italy and now pretends to be a respectable teacher," they venomously replied, fueling Sinbad's anger. He was just a few meters away, ready to fight and forget about the rules he had set. Fortunately, Hakan arrived to pick up Sanem and his own children, not Gökhan cause was occupied with training . Hakan knew Sinbad well and placed a hand on his shoulder to stop him.

"Let your son handle this," Hakan advised, sharing a knowing look with Sinbad.

"And for all of you who are still ignorant and speak without seeking information, let me enlighten your empty heads. My mom worked as a piano teacher in Italy, just like she does here. I've been with her every summer. Thankfully, she didn't have to engage in the job you mentioned, because she has always had my father's support and the support of her family. She's not alone in this world like those unfortunate women who have no choice but to sell their bodies. When I learned why my parents separated, I felt ashamed of my father and proud of my mother for choosing to leave an unhealthy relationship. Unlike your mothers, who stay married to fathers who don't know how to be real men. I've witnessed your fathers' marks and heard them insult your mothers in public, even insult you in front of your friends. And you can't do anything to protect your mother or yourselves,

 One time, my dad raised his hand against me, which he had every right to do, but despite his past mistakes, he is the best father one can have. He loves me and cares for me so much that he wants to hug and kiss me whenever he gets the chance. I am the one who tries to avoid him just so I don't have to hear your hurtful words, but you know what? I don't care anymore. Say whatever you please, I won't refuse my father's attention, as who knows how long I'll have it before my siblings come into this world."

Mert declared boldly, leaving his classmates speechless. His parents have never been so proud of him. Sibel had listened to everything, as she was coming with Sanem and her little princess. Her boy had already gone ahead to avoid his friends' gaze, seeing how he takes care of his sister or how his mom will smooch him.

Mert went to Sinbad and hugged him, allowing him to do the same. "May I be part of your hug?" Sibel requested with her warm voice, and her boys didn't think twice before wrapping her in their arms. Hakan, not wanting to leave Sanem alone, took his princess in one arm and pulled Sanem closer with the other. If Sibel had two men, he had the queen of his heart and the princess of his soul.

That very day after the family lunch they had together with Hakan's family, Mert ran into his classmates by chance as they were leaving the bar. Instead of just responding to their taunts with words again, Mert decided to give one of them, Sarp, a square punch. Sarp had been Mert's friend since kindergarten, but this time he crossed the line.

"Sarp, you better remember who my parents and grandfather are. I may be a good boy, but in a snap, I can be even more devilish than my own father. Especially if you dare mention my mom with that mouth of yours. I'll show you and anyone else who dares, the real Mert Kara Melekoglu." Sarp saw the devil rising inside Mert and backed off in fear with his crew of cowards.

"To scare away some bugs, you asked me to train your butt months ago," a deep voice said, making Mert turn around. It was Gökhan, appearing from the corner of the bar.

"I asked to be able to protect my mom when people started defaming her. But having this kind of power is dangerous."

Gökhan watched him closely as he approached and put out his cigarette, then offered one to Mert.

"Thanks, but I don't smoke, and I never will, especially as a future doctor. I don't want to set a bad example."

"Then, Doctor, don't hurt your hand unless it's really necessary, and I'm not around," Gökhan paused before putting the cigarette to his lips.

"Mert, you're my best friend, and I don't want anything happening to you, because she cared about you a lot." He continued puffing the cigarette.

"I believe wherever Meral is right now, she's thinking about your happiness, and she'll send the right girl for you one day."

"Just like your mom, you think too."

"She has the name of the prophecy. Who knows, maybe I have her prediction too. Put down that cigarette and let me treat you to a sparkling soda."

"As you wish, Doc."

Gökhan is one and a half years older than Mert, but since they first met, they have become best friends. The event from a couple of years ago could have potentially ended their friendship because of the distance, as Mert was in Rome and couldn't be there for Gökhan when he needed him the most.

When Mert returned home, he had no idea what had happened, as Sinbad had made the decision to not involve him. But eventually, he went to Gökhan and they both ended up blaming each other until they realized that Mert was completely unaware of the situation.

When Mariana entered Mert's life as his sweetheart, after his parents, Gökhan was the first one to know. And since then, he has taken every opportunity to tease him on a daily basis, just like their father used to do with each other.

Before I move on to the next chapter, I want to mention that Marianna and her family came to spend two weeks with Mert's family on their farm during the month of August. This way, she got to meet the rest of Mert's family and was warmly welcomed by everyone.

Sinbad and her father Roberto had a specific conversation about their kids' future. But in the end, the decision was left up to the young couple's hearts.

Sibel and Anna, Mariana's mom, had a great time too, despite their past disagreements about whom little Mariana loved more: her piano teacher or her mom. They both had a change of heart when they attended the engagement of Ismail's daughter, Firuze. They enjoyed the traditional vibe of the event and had a lot of fun!

Both Sibel and Sinbad didn't reveal much about their past, as Sibel requested.

This was the last family vacation for Mariana and her little brother Mateo, as their parents finally decided to end their 18-year marriage. They couldn't find anything to work on and were constantly fighting over trivial things.

Life is like this sometimes.

Sometimes, people who haven't seen each other in a long time come together again, and it's a beautiful reunion.

And then there are those who, despite being married and seeing each other every day, reach a point where they can no longer be together, no matter what. It's a sad reality, but it happens.