“Because she broke up with me.” A smile continued to tease his lips. It was a novel idea, the thought of someone dumping him. Women usually fought for his attention, but Yasmin had rejected him. Not once, but twice. It was an unusual sensation, but not unpleasant.

Volkan was very much like his father. Karim had been stubborn, independent, and ruthless in business. He knew his business inside out, but when it came to the softer emotions, he was often a cold man. Narin had been the perfect complement to her emotionally unavailable husband, bringing him out of his shell and enticing him to join family life. As a result, Volkan had a hands-on upbringing with his father, often going to work with him and learning the ins and outs of shipping.

His father had only ever shown softer emotions to his immediate family, saving the cold and ruthless side of himself for everyone else.

Volkan hoped Yasmin could be that person for him. Pull him from the darker instincts that urged him to do whatever it took to win. To be the best, no matter who he had to push out of the way.

“What makes you think she’ll marry you if she broke up with you?” Narin asked. “Has she forgiven you?”

Volkan shook his head. “No, but she will. With every interaction, I learn something new about her. I’ll use everything I know to make her fall in love with me and accept our marriage. She won’t have a choice.”

Narin looked alarmed. “You can’t be thinking of forcing her into a marriage?”

Volkan nodded. “Yes, mother, that’s what I’m thinking.” His gaze softened. “It worked out for you and father.”

“Oh, my son.” She leaned forward in her seat and took Volkan’s hands in hers. “What happened between your father and me was unique. We were lucky to eventually fall in love, despite our circumstances, but what are the odds of replicating our story?”

Narin hadn’t loved her husband when he first pursued her. She’d preferred a local pearl diver and the two had been making wedding plans when Narin’s father told her she would instead marry into the Kartel family. When she refused, Karim kidnapped her and took her on an illicit excursion on his yacht where he compromised her innocence. When she was returned to her family, she’d had no choice but to break her engagement with the pearl diver and marry Karim.

She’d been bitter about the forced marriage for many months, but eventually became pregnant with Volkan. Motherhood changed her thoughts on her marriage. She wanted a happy home and did her best to make it so and then one day, she realized she loved her husband. She’d opened up to Volkan about her experience when he was introduced to his first wife. His parents had wanted him to give marriage with Caria a chance.