The tension finally snapped the next morning.
Asli entered the kitchen to find one of the house staff preparing breakfast.
"Good morning, ma'am," the woman said politely.
Asli forced a small smile. "You don't have to call me that."
Before the woman could respond—
"She does."
Ferhat's voice cut through the air.
Asli turned sharply. "Stop controlling everything!"
"I'm maintaining order."
"This isn't order—it's control!"
Their eyes locked, the air between them charged.
"You're part of this family now," he said.
"I never chose that!"
His voice hardened. "Choice doesn't matter here."
Her anger flared. "It matters to me!"
For a moment, it looked like he might explode.
But instead…
He stepped closer.
Lowered his voice.
"Then learn to survive anyway."
The words hit her harder than any shout.
Because deep down…
She knew he was right.