WHEN I WAS 7 YEARS OLD, I CRIED AND SAID I WAS GOING TO MARRY MY NEIGHBOR. I WENT TO A JOB INTERVIEW 15 YEARS LATER — THE GENERAL MANAGER LOOKED AT ME AND SMILED: ‘THE GENERAL MANAGER… DID YOU APPLY TO BE HIS WIFE?

We both laughed. The tension slowly dissipated.

But there was something I had to ask.

“Why did you leave without saying goodbye?”

His face turned solemn.

“My grandmother suddenly fell ill. Everything happened very quickly. After the funeral, I won a scholarship in Istanbul. I felt like I had to go. I didn’t know how to say goodbye… I thought it would be easier for you if I got lost.”

I swallowed.

“It hasn’t been easier.”

He lowered his head.

“I know. But whenever I hesitated, I would remember something.”

“What?”

“A little daughter who promised me to work hard.”

My eyes filled with tears.

“I kept my promise,” I said.

“I know. I examined your file. Honors. Impeccable references. You worked hard.”

For a moment, I forgot that I had come to the meeting.

“Well… Have I been hired?”

A playful glint appeared in his eyes.

“Connected.”

“What does it depend on?”

“Whether he will agree to work with me directly.”

My heart raced.

“Directly with you?”

“I need someone in my strategy team that I can trust. Fifteen years may have passed… but I know I can trust you.”

I watched him. I didn’t just see the general manager anymore. I could see that young man cleaning my knees.

“I agree,” I said without hesitation.

He extended his hand formally.

“Welcome to Güneş Holding, Lawyer Lucía Herrera.”

I held his hand.

But that contact was not only professional.

It was hot. He was strong. It was familiar.

And for a moment, fifteen years disappeared.

## A New Beginning

It was not easy to work with him.

Emre was meticulous. He was a perfectionist. He was demanding.

But it was fair.

He never showed privileges. He never confused the personal with the professional.

Me too.

Our first months were completely business-oriented. Meetings, projects, strategies, business trips.

But sometimes small moments took it out of protocol.

Bringing my coffee exactly the way I like it.
After a difficult meeting, he said, “Breathe. You were always stronger than you thought.”

One evening, after a significant presentation to investors, the team went out to celebrate.