Episode 16

Night fell, and Doruk and Demir were eager to visit the Club. As Demir prepared to leave, he secreted a weapon from the wardrobe into his clothing with care. Exiting his room, both Doruk and Demir, smartly attired in suits and shoes, sought out their car to commence their journey to the club.

Upon arriving, they caught the attention of many, as they were not regulars of the establishment. They queued to reach the entrance.

"Who are you?" inquired the bouncer with a deep voice, his body excessively muscular.

"We're here to see Larissa's show," confidently replied Demir.

"Okay, pay for your entrance at that window," directed the bouncer.

They entered the club, paid the admission fee, and while making their way through a corridor adorned with large photographs of dancers, including their names, they paused at Larissa's picture.

"It's her! Look, she's wearing the necklace I gave her! She's alive! My sister is alive!" exclaimed an ecstatic Demir.

"Hey, calm down! I can't believe it. We need to get her out of here. Do something now!" urged Doruk.

"Let's go find her!" said Demir.

They hastened to the bar to inquire if Larissa was there.

"A beer, please!" ordered Demir to the bartender.

"Here you go," the bartender replied.

"Is Larissa performing tonight?" asked Demir.

"No, Larissa won't be here for a few days; she’s doing shows at other clubs," said the bartender.

"Oh! I specifically came to see that young lady! I've heard so much about her," fibbed Demir.

"You'll have to wait. This place is usually packed, but now that they know she's not here, only those interested in the other girls come," explained the bartender.

"Mm okay! And is there a chance to meet her in person?" Demir hinted, implying more intimate intentions.

"No, no, she's not a prostitute; she only sings here," clarified the bartender.

"Okay, fine! I’ll just hang around and then return in a week? A week, right?" persisted Demir.

"Yes, at least a week. You can call to find out when she'll be singing," suggested the bartender, offering a business card to Demir.

"Oh, thank you very much!" accepted Demir.

Leaving the club, Doruk and Demir struggled to grasp the unfolding events. Just that morning, they thought there was no chance of finding her, yet now she seemed almost within reach. After two years of uncertainty, they might finally uncover the truth.

"Listen, cousin, we need to handle this carefully, or we might lose her," cautioned Doruk.

"I know, I know how to manage," assured Demir.

"Yes, but this involves your emotions. You have to find a way to bring her back without any issues," advised Doruk.

"I'll get my best men on this job," determined Demir.

"Didn't you say they could betray you?" questioned Doruk.

"Maybe I'll just talk to Carlos; he would help me," Demir considered.

"Alright cousin, let's head home," decided Doruk.

Meanwhile, Larissa was in another city performing shows with Santiago and her friends, her official dancers. They couldn't believe the transformation of Larissa into an artist eagerly sought after for her charisma and the connection she made with people.

It was another show night, and after it ended, Larissa dozed off in the last seat of the transport. Becky approached, sitting beside her. As Larissa woke, Becky embraced her.

"I love you so much, friend. Who would've thought you'd become like a sister to me," Becky expressed while hugging Larissa.

"Ah, friend, I don't know what I'd do without you! You are like a sister, and that will never change. I could never thank you enough for all you've done for me," shared Larissa.

"Yes, friend. Look, I even found you a boyfriend," said Becky with a mischievous smile.

"Haha, yeah, who would've thought!" chuckled Larissa.

"And how are things with Santiago?" Becky inquired, settling comfortably.

"We're good; he’s very sweet and always tries to make me feel good," spoke Larissa.

"And have you two been intimate?" probed Becky.

"No, not yet. I can't even if I wanted to. I'm always scared," Larissa confessed.

"Oh, friend, but you must try, or start slowly. Maybe sleep next to him, and perhaps another day in just your underwear until you build up confidence. But you've got to overcome what happened. Life moves forward, and if you live in the past, you'll never progress," Becky encouraged.

"I want to, and I'll try my best. I'm so in love with him, and I don't want to lose him," Larissa vowed.

"You won’t, but you've got to put in the effort because he's been doing it all alone," Becky advised.

"I will, friend. Thanks for your advice. You know, I had a dream," revealed Larissa.

"Really? What did you dream about?" Becky asked.

"Well, I'm not sure if it was a dream, but it felt like someone familiar. I dreamt of a young man I was having breakfast with and playing cards. He talked to me, but I don't really remember what he said. But he made me feel like I knew him," recounted Larissa.

"Are you saying you think it might be a relative or something?" Becky queried.

"I think so! But I'm not sure," Larissa pondered.

"Maybe, friend! Maybe you're starting to remember," Becky speculated.

"Do you think so?" Larissa asked.

"It could be. Just take your time and try to remember, but don't stress yourself. Everything in its time," Becky reassured.

"Mmm, I'll see if I can delve into my mind to figure out who that young man is. I felt peace with him," Larissa reflected.

"Maybe it was a boyfriend, right?" Becky teased.

"No, I don't know, I don't think so. It didn't feel like that; it felt more familiar," Larissa mused.

"Well, maybe, little friend. I’m going to sleep. You know, I'm tired after shaking my booty all night," Becky yawned.

"Hahaha, you'll get a nice firm butt; I don’t see the problem!" Larissa joked.

"God willing!" laughed Becky. She leaned against Larissa and tried to sleep, while Larissa did the same.

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