Chapter 12: Revenge fulfilled

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Kemal adjusted his coat as he stepped out of the prison gates, the cold Istanbul wind biting at his face. Freedom tasted bittersweet—he knew it wouldn't last long. His enemies were already making their moves.

As he walked down the dimly lit street, he noticed the headlights of multiple black sedans trailing him at a cautious distance. A knowing smirk tugged at his lips. So they've decided to play.

Kemal ducked into a bustling restaurant, his sharp gaze scanning the crowd as he quickly made his way to the back. With a calm demeanor, he pulled out his phone and called one of his trusted men.

"Take my car and drive out of here immediately," he instructed, his voice low and measured.

"Understood, sir," came the immediate reply.

Hanging up, Kemal dialed another number. "I have a task for you. Eliminate the pests tailing me. Be discreet."

"Yes, sir."

With that, Kemal slipped out through the kitchen exit, blending into the chaos of the city. They think they can corner me? Let's see who survives the night.

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Murat's World Crumbles

Murat sat at home, his hands trembling as he read the damning headlines splashed across the newspaper. ASSOCIATES OF MURAT YILMAZ ARRESTED FOR FRAUD AND EMBEZZLEMENT. The article detailed years of illegal dealings, all tied to his name.

His heart pounded as he picked up his phone and dialed Leyla. She had to help him, had to explain this away. But her phone rang endlessly without an answer.

Frustration and fear clawed at him. He tossed the phone onto the table just as the doorbell rang. His maid rushed to answer it.

A moment later, police officers stormed into the house, their stern faces and firm grips leaving no room for argument.

"Murat Yilmaz, you are under arrest for embezzlement, illegal dealings, and the wrongful framing of Iskender Yilmaz five years ago," one officer declared.

The mention of that name drained all color from Murat's face. He staggered back, his knees nearly buckling.

"No… no, this is a mistake!" he shouted, panic lacing his voice. "I don't know anything about this!"

The officer held up a folder. "We have evidence provided by Leyla Kara. She handed over detailed records of your crimes."

"Leyla?" Murat whispered, his voice breaking. His mind reeled from the betrayal.

The sound of cameras clicking and reporters shouting questions bombarded him as he was dragged outside. His shame and humiliation were laid bare for the world to see.

From a distance, Ali stood watching the scene unfold. A small smirk graced his lips. Justice has been served.

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Ali's Revelation

Later that evening, Ali returned home. The night was quiet, but his mind was a storm of thoughts. He knew what needed to be done.

He found Leyla sitting in the living room, staring out at the glowing city lights. She turned as he entered, her face lighting up with a soft smile.

"Ali, you're back," she said warmly. "Is everything alright? You've seemed… different lately."

Ali stood silently for a moment, his expression unreadable. Finally, he spoke.

"There's something I need to tell you," he said, his tone calm but heavy. "It's time you knew the truth."

Leyla's smile faltered. "What truth? Ali, what's going on?"

He stepped closer, his dark eyes boring into hers. "Leyla… my name is not Ali Demir."

She blinked, confusion clouding her features. "What are you talking about? Of course, you're Ali—"

"No," he interrupted sharply. "My real name is Iskender Yilmaz."

Leyla froze, the blood draining from her face. "I-Iskender? That's impossible. You… you can't be him."

"I am," Ali said coldly. "The man you and Murat framed. The man you sent to prison for a crime I didn't commit. The man whose life you destroyed."

Leyla staggered back, her eyes wide with horror. "No… I didn't know… Murat said—he told me you were guilty!"

Ali's expression hardened. "You believed him because it was convenient. You chose to trust him over me, the man you once claimed to love."

Tears welled in her eyes. "I was scared! I didn't know who to believe. Murat manipulated me—I never wanted this to happen!"

Ali's voice was sharp, cutting through her pleas. "Your fear doesn't absolve you of your actions, Leyla. I spent years in prison because of you. Years of my life, stolen!"

Leyla sank into a chair, sobbing uncontrollably. "Please, Iskender. I'm so sorry. I'll do anything to make it right. Just tell me how to fix this!"

Ali leaned in, his gaze icy. "You can't fix it. You made your choice, and now you'll live with the consequences."

Leyla reached for his hand, but he stepped back, his resolve unshaken. "Iskender, don't leave me like this. Please, don't abandon me!"

He turned to leave, pausing only once to glance back at her tear-streaked face. "Goodbye, Leyla. Live with your guilt, as I lived with my pain."

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Kemal's Countermove

Meanwhile, Kemal's men intercepted the sedans that had been tailing him. Within hours, the shadowy agents sent to follow him were neutralized. Kemal sat in a dimly lit room, speaking into his phone.

"They thought they could corner me," he said with a dark chuckle. "Let this be a warning to anyone else who dares."

The man on the other end of the line responded, "What's next, boss?"

Kemal's lips curled into a smirk. "Istanbul will soon learn what happens when you try to trap a lion."

As the night deepened, the city braced itself for the storm that was brewing. The games of betrayal, power, and revenge were far from over.

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