Defne gave her a sly look and whispered, “Get used to it. She’s brilliant, but she’s a drill sergeant when it comes to events. She lives for this kind of thing and as much as she might complain about having to pull a wedding together in just a few weeks, she’ll love every moment.”

Narin bustled around the table piled high with cakes, giving the caterer a list of instructions. She was a capable woman, but what exactly was she capable of? Certainly, she was an accessory to Yasmin’s kidnapping. She might not have planned it, might even object to it, but she was also making sure Yasmin was a prisoner in the family home, which made her complicit.

Later, when Volkan arrived home and asked about her day, Yasmin told him the truth. She stood with her arms crossed, gazing out the window to the ocean beyond. “Your mom showed me the property this morning, being sure to point out all the security measures and making sure I knew it would be impossible to leave. Then she chose the invitations and cake for our wedding before sending me up to shower and change for an intimate dinner with my fiancé.”

Volkan approached her from behind, she could see his reflection in the glass. He slid his hands down her arms, holding her in a gentle caressing grip. He placed a kiss on the side of her neck. “Do you want me to ask my mother to back off? I know she can be intense, but I’ve grown used to her. I didn’t think what it would be like for a newcomer in the family.”

Yasmin shook her head. “No, I don’t want you to say anything. She knows what she’s doing and if we really are getting married in four weeks, she seems like the best person to plan the wedding.”

“Then what has you so bothered?” Volkan turned her around and tipped her face until their eyes met.

“Besides getting married against my will?” She shrugged and shook her head, but then admitted, “It sucks to plan a wedding without my family’s involvement.”

Volkan nodded and though she half feared she’d incur his anger, he didn’t seem upset. Instead, he looked thoughtful as he sat on the couch, pulling her down with him.

“Would you feel better if they were involved?”

She nodded. “I’d feel better if they knew, but that’s not a possibility, is it? They must think I’m missing, or worse.”

“They don’t think you’re dead,” Volcan assured her.

“Well, missing then.”

“They don’t think you’re missing ether.”