Chapter 41 – Toward the Shopping Street
After learning the young woman's name, Murat smiled politely.
"Pleased to meet you, Miss Mariam," he said. Then he stepped back gently and adjusted his coat.
"If there's nothing else, I'll take my leave. We have errands to run. And... take care. Walking around in wet clothes might make you sick."
As Murat turned to walk away, Viki and Balibey followed. They had only taken a few steps when Mariam called out from behind them:
"Please… wait!"
Murat turned. Mariam, still dripping wet, hurried over to them.
"You saved me," she said, her voice still trembling slightly but filled with sincerity. "And... your clothes are soaked too. Please… my father's shop is just ahead. Let me arrange something for you to wear. It's the least I can do to thank you. Otherwise, you'll get sick—because of my carelessness…"
Murat initially refused politely.
"We were actually on our way to buy clothes anyway. No need to trouble yourself."
But when Mariam insisted, Murat bowed his head gallantly.
"Very well, if you insist..."
And so Mariam joined their group. This time, she walked alongside Murat in front, while Balibey and Viki followed a few steps behind. As they walked along Venice's cobbled streets, Mariam remained silent; the shame of earlier still lingered on her face. Her cheeks were slightly flushed, and her eyes were fixed on the ground. Murat occasionally glanced at her gently, but didn't speak.
They continued walking along the canal. The streets were now crowded; shopkeepers had opened their stores, and the city was buzzing with activity. Though it was still midday, the atmosphere had already taken on a festive mood. Colorful fabrics, the scent of spices, the sound of bells, and the hum of voices filled the air.
Soon the canal path ended and the shopping street began. After a short walk, a stylish boutique appeared before them. Written in gold lettering above the door: Del Pierro.
Viki stopped as soon as she saw the sign.
"Hmm... interesting," she muttered to herself. Then turned to Balibey,
"We were actually planning to come here anyway. It was on my list."
Balibey looked at her without saying a word, which made Viki scowl.
"Brute, of course. What else?" she muttered, stepping ahead.
Mariam opened the door and stepped inside, followed by Murat, and then Viki and Balibey.
The interior of the boutique was elegant; light from crystal chandeliers danced over silky fabrics. At the entrance, a young clerk approached Mariam. She pulled out a golden-embroidered badge from her purse and showed it to the clerk.
The boy was momentarily stunned. He recognized the badge. His eyes widened, and a look of sudden respect appeared on his face.
"Welcome, young lady," he said quickly. "Please, let me show you to the private suite."
The group was led to a spacious area at the back of the store, furnished with a sofa, several chairs, and surrounded by full-length mirrors. They were asked if they wanted refreshments, but no one accepted.
Mariam turned to the clerk.
"Could you bring us some clothes to choose from here?"
The clerk nodded and left. As they waited, Viki fixed her gaze on Mariam.
"Wait a second... Are you Nico Del Pierro's daughter?"
Mariam smiled softly and nodded.
"Yes. I'm the youngest in the family."
Viki was genuinely surprised.
"But... the Del Pierro family lives in Rome, not Venice."
"True," Mariam replied. "We usually reside there, but my father was invited to Venice on a special request. I didn't want to leave him alone."
Viki jumped in,
"Don't tell me… was the invitation for the Gritti family's masquerade ball tomorrow night?"
Mariam smiled.
"Yes. They invited him. My father is designing custom outfits for the event. Are you invited as well?"
Viki glanced at Murat with a grin.
"Of course."
Just then, the door opened. The clerk entered with an array of elegant and colorful garments on hangers.
"These are our most exclusive pieces, young lady," he said.
Mariam thanked him and set a few pieces aside. Then she turned to Murat:
"Please, you choose as well. Pick whatever you like."
Viki chimed in with a smile:
"With pleasure. I gladly accept your offer."
At the back of the room, Balibey stood with his arms crossed, watching everything in silence. Shaking his head slightly, he muttered:
"Women and shopping… inseparable."
Murat chuckled at this. Then stood up.
"It's rude to keep turning down a lady's offer. Let's have a look..."
He began browsing the outfits. Seeing this, Balibey sighed inwardly. He also noticed Viki's triumphant smirk. Telling himself to be patient, he finally stood up and joined in.
Once the outfits were chosen, Murat and Mariam went to the changing rooms in the back to try them on. Balibey and Viki were left alone in the room. Suddenly, a silence settled between them. Viki's heart began to race for no reason, and Balibey's stoic demeanor only made her more uneasy.
Balibey walked toward Viki with his usual indifferent expression. Without meeting her eyes, he spoke in his customary formal tone:
"Give me your selections. I'll have the staff prepare and pack them."
Viki paused for a moment. Though she tried to hide her disappointment, her voice came out slightly wounded:
"No need... I'll handle it myself."
Balibey shrugged lightly.
"As you wish," he said, then stepped out to find a staff member to handle the packaging.
Soon, Murat returned from the changing room dressed in his new outfit. Stylish yet understated, he looked perfectly composed. Then Mariam entered, also in her new attire.
Murat looked around.
"Where's Balibey?"
Viki replied briefly,
"He went to the staff to get the clothes packed."
Murat and Mariam moved to the front of the boutique. At the entrance, Mariam turned to Murat and smiled sincerely:
"It was nothing to provide you with clothes. The real thanks should come from me. If it weren't for you, I wouldn't be here today. I hope we meet again someday."
Murat gave a courteous bow.
"Thank you. Take care, Miss Mariam."
After the farewells, Murat, Viki, and Balibey left the boutique together. For a while, silence hung between them as the streets of Venice gradually filled with the rhythm of the midday crowd.