Chapter 1 Chapter 1

Kiara: “Are you excited?” My best friend, Natalie asked. It was my wedding day, a wedding that would bring the two families together, in hopes to keep my family safe. “Yes, very” I rolled my eyes, sarcasm dripping from my voice as I spoke. Natalie rolled her greyish blue eyes on me fixing my brown curly hair which I didn’t bother looking at. I couldn’t care less about this marriage to the Russian. It was even worse that I had to move to the States with him, leaving my home, my family, and friends behind, I didn’t want to do it. However, I knew that I had to, and knowing who he was, how ruthless and merciless he was; I knew that he wouldn’t spare me for a second before sending me back home. That would lead to a war between families which my family could not afford. It annoyed me why I was doing this more than ever. But I knew that I had no other option. It was either this this or I suffered the consequence of what I was to bear if anything went otherwise. “Remember why you’re doing this” my father’s voice repeated in my head. It hurt like hell, my heart aching every time I thought about it. But I knew why I was doing this therefore, despite myself I had to give in. Especially since my family’s, more specifically, my mother’s, safety depended on it. Being the weaker family in the mafia community, and with no son as an heir to father. It was up to me to unite and guarantee the safety of this family, even if I was forced to a contract marriage. I would make sure it works, well, as much as I could, and if not, mother’s life would be the price of this. Though I was trained to be able to fight, trained to be able to protect myself and my family. I made sure to never be a disgrace to my family, nor was I the spoiled princess I was supposed to be. My father still used my mother to threaten me to doing what he wanted. This part, of course, was something that no one, not even mum knew of. Father having taken me to his office that night when mum had slept. I knew that he did not love her, that he was only married to her for the pleasure of having a wife. Though the stories told me otherwise, everyone spoke of their deep love before their marriage, there was also a time when I knew that they were in love. I saw it in their eyes, how it changed was beyond me. But it did. “Come on Kiara, he’s hot. Plus, he’s from a rich and strong family” Natalie said smiling. I couldn’t blame her for being as excited as she was. She knew nothing about my family being a mafia, where we came from, what we did, how we lived. It was something that she was oblivious to. All she saw was the bling we had, and for that I couldn’t blame her for seeing this marriage as a blessing rather than my curse. I would’ve thought the same thing if I was in her shoes. I were being honest, I would have slapped me for not wanting this marriage, ironic isn’t it? “Come on Natalie, let’s get going. The guests are already waiting and dad would be coming up to get us if we don’t go down, and we both don’t want that” I said looking at my best friend through the mirror. Wondering when I’d be able to see her again, have another proper conversation with her, sit like we did in my or her bedroom and talk for hours. Even if she didn’t know who my family was or what they did, she still was MY best friend, regardless to all the crap my family did. A small lie to keep her safe was a lot better in my eyes than putting her in a danger which could cost her life, I would NEVER be able to live with myself if anything happened to her. “Oh, Kiara, are you crying?” Natalie asked turning me to face her. She wrapped her arms around me and hugged me, it being the first time I’ve cried in front of her. Being the only daughter of the mafia don, especially since he did not have a son, meant that I would never be showing any weakness. It wasn’t even allowed, and I didn’t need to be told about it. I always wanted to prove myself worthy of being my father’s daughter. Even though he sometimes despised the fact that he did not have a son, seeing as I was not worth his time or effort. I was still mostly the one who got him OUT of trouble rather than throw him IN it. “I’ll miss you so much Nat” I whispered hugging her. Natalie pulled away from the hug and wiped my tears cupping my cheeks and smiling at me. Though her eyes had filled with tears as well, I knew that my emerald green eyes would be bloodshot red from crying, and I didn’t want that right now. Everyone had to believe that this marriage was something that I was happy and excited about. “Oh, Kia, we’ll be talking every day, video calls, phone calls, text messages, and I’ll be visiting you in American whenever I can. You can show me around there, you know I’ve never been there” Natalie said softly. I gave her the best smile I could manage. Wiping my tears and checking my appearance once more in the wedding dress. The dress hugging my curves in all the right places, bringing out my breasts, showing me off to everyone. The dentelle, which was mum’s idea, covered the dress all over giving it a fancier look. I personally wasn’t really interested, the wedding being the least of my concern. It was mother, Natalie, and Natalie’s mother, Margaret, who chose my dress. “Come on love, let’s get going before dad comes up to get us himself” I said walking toward the door. “Wait your flower bouquet” Natalie said handing me the white flower bouquet. I smiled and raised my dress, careful not step on it. I walked out of my bedroom for the last time before heading down to see the guests who were waiting for me to walk down the aisle. To them, I was the beautiful Brook bride who was marrying the strongest mafia don. But to me, signing that wedding paper today was my death certificate. **************** “Princess, you look lovely” dad said smiling both of us well aware of eyes on us. I smiled back at him knowing that it was what he expected me to do. He cupped my cheeks and kissed my forehead before looking me in the eye. His eyes saying the same sentence he said to me when he first told me about this marriage. The kiss being simply for show in front of the guests, and I had to fight back a sarcastic laugh at the fact. Remember why you’re doing this. Nikolay looked at me from beside his father. His icy blue eyes met my green ones, both our eyes cold as ice toward one another. Both of us hating the day we were suddenly destined as one another’s partner. “Kiara, my baby girl” mum smiled approaching me. She opened her hands for me and hugged me tightly. Her eyes looking proud as she looked at her daughter who was now a bride to one of the most powerful mafia bosses, the future Mrs. Ivanov. The savior of this family. She appreciated what I was doing, at least that was what she showed “Mum, you look lovely” I said looking at mum who smiled. Putting her hand on my lower back. Slowly pushing me forward to my future husband, who happened to be walking toward me. Probably under the pressure of his father Dimitri Ivanov, who was looking at my father. Both of them nodding at one another in greeting. I took a deep breath before taking a step forward to my ‘husband to be’. “Nikolay” I greeted him with cold eyes. He wrapped an arm around my shoulder and both of us cheek kissed for show. Pulling away from the quick peck, the two of us looked one another in the eye. “Kiara” he answered coldly. His sharp jaw tensing. I took my time to examine his face, though I’ve seen him hundreds of times as I grew up. Neat scruff, muscular body which was visible under his designer suit, and his deep voice which would have had any girl swooned at his feet. I had to stop myself from rolling my eyes on him, knowing that his gun was under his jacket. Mine was strapped on my thigh just like it always is. “Let’s get this over with” he said and I nodded. This ceremony was taking way too long for my liking anyway. The faster we got done with it, the faster we could leave, and the faster I could get out of this dress. “Please” I muttered under my breath. My eyes meeting Vladimir’s, Nikolay’s right hand, best friend, and brother by blood. These two were somewhat inseparable, they grew up by one another. Their fathers were best mates growing up, Dimitri was the don of the Russian mafia family, and Ivan was his right hand. When their sons were born, they grew up as brothers. Lived together as so, and when Dimitri saw that it was time to retire when his son reached the age of twenty five. He gave Nikolay his position, and Vladimir just took his father’s by default. Both Nikolay and I walked toward the table where we were to sign our wedding agreement. Being married to a man I despised was never on my to do list. Then again, if I think about it, him and I were once friends. But that was long before any of us reached puberty. He was eleven at the time and I was seven. Then we grew older and each one of us sided with his own family. Thus turning us against one another, especially when attacks were being made by the other English Mafia families toward the Russians. We signed the paper, and I looked at my new sir name. Ivanov, Kiara Ivanov, wife of Nikolay Ivanov. I had to fight back a sigh as I took a deep breath. Nikolay drinking from the glass that was on the table before handing it to me to take a sip. Both of us agreeing that it would be the most suitable thing to do. Especially since I refused to lose my first kiss to a man that I did not love, and yes. I was twenty-six, a virgin, who had never kissed a man, but blame it on my father, who never saw a man fit for me, and had been preparing me to marry the Russian don since I was young anyway. No man could even think of approaching me without fearing losing his life. Then as time went by, I lost interest in finding a fit one for me anyway knowing that it would simply be a waste of time if I never had a future with him. “Congratulations to our new bride and groom, and welcome to the family, Mrs. Ivanov”

Chapter 2 Chapter 2

Nikolay: I watched as the girl, my wife, danced with her father before he handed her to me to have our ‘first dance’ as a husband and wife. This act becoming annoying to me, but I knew that I had to hold it off just a bit longer for the guest’s sake. Not caring whether or not it annoyed Dimitri. I couldn’t care less about what he thought. But if we wanted this ‘arrangement of peace’ to work, then I had to cooperate. “Hands a bit higher, if you don’t mind” Kiara rolled her eyes on me. Raising my hand to her waist, below her boobs, careful about where she wanted me to touch her. Acting as if she’s never been touched there before. A girl like her was bound to have had at least a number of men at her feet. But I wasn’t one to judge, I couldn’t care less about what she did. “Believe me, I would rather be anywhere than having my fingers on you” I said pulling her to me. My voice just above a whisper for her ears to hear. I knew that my words were harsh, but none of us cared. We knew and hated one another enough to show it to each other whenever we had the chance to. “I’m glad the feeling is mutual” she rolled her eyes. Giving me a sarcastic smile, I twirled her once before bringing her back to me. Our eyes meeting, cold as they looked at one another. “Indeed, it is mishka”“Oh, we’ve moved to nicknames, interesting” she battered her eyelashes. I was glad that the music was loud enough for the guests not to hear us. Hell might end up breaking loose and I was NOT in the mood for her attitude right now. I twirled the girl and brought her closer to me. Her back was to my chest as I swayed us both. “I suggest that you tone it down before things get out of hand, mishka” I turned her back around and brought her to me. This time her face facing me, and though she was wearing heels, she still barely reached my shoulders. Her body small compared to mine. “And if I don’t? Would you be shoot me and putting me out of my misery?” She asked raising an eyebrow. Her voice dripping with sarcasm as it almost always is. “If it was that easy, then yes, one bullet to your head, and we’re done with you. But you know, with no one to take over your family’s dynasty. That would require you to be alive and to be married to me” I rolled my eyes on the girl who thought that she could simply challenge me. “Huh, sad, I guess you’re stuck with me then” Kiara rolled her eyes on me. Putting her hand on my shoulder. Her eyes meeting mine, blue to green, both of our eyes showing dislike and distaste toward one another. Both of us knowing and hating why we were doing this. *************** We got into the private plane after saying our goodbyes to Kiara’s parents. She let out a few tears, I couldn’t understand her worry about her mother. However, Lilian assured her that she would be calling her on a regular basis. Her behavior confused me. But I didn’t bother asking, not that I cared about it anyway. “Can I change this dress?” Kiara asked me once we were inside. I looked at her still in her wedding dress and nodded pointing to the bathroom’s direction. She nodded and got a white leather bag with her and walked toward it. “Nikolay” Vladimir hissed under his breath. My best friend and partner glared at me, I looked at him with a raised eyebrow. Ivan and Dimitri were both sitting in the front of the plane waiting for us to come. The two of them having left a while before we did, having gotten bored of whatever the ceremony held out. “What?” “She’s your bride, come on. At least be decent enough to say more than two words to her” Vladimir said, I rolled my eyes and sat down. Just as the door opened revealing the girl wearing grey sweat pants and a black long sleeved shirt. Her dress was in her hands as she carefully set it on her chair on the other side of the aisle. Reaching up to the compartment and taking out a bag on her own and putting it on the chair. Opening the bag casually and putting the dress inside it, all while Vladimir glared at me. I watched as she closed the bag and reached up to put the bag back in its place before Dimitri took the bag from her making her flinch. She looked at him as he put the bag back in the compartment and smiled at him as he closed it. “You could have called for help dear” he said softly. I raised an eyebrow at him, but he didn’t even bother looking at me. Keeping his attention on the girl who smiled at him. “I was fine Uncle Dimitri, but thank you for your help” she said softly. Dimitri nodded and watched as she walked past him and sat on her chair. His eyes met mine, shaking his head at me before he walked back to his seat without saying a word while the girl put a few things on the table. Taking a cotton pad and poured some liquid on it. “What are you doing?” I asked. “Removing my makeup?” She answered wiping her eye with the patch. “Do you want to eat or drink anything?” Vladimir asked “you haven’t eaten anything at the wedding, nor did I see you drinking anything. Well, aside from the drink you and Nikolay had” “I’m fine Vladimir, thank you” she put the patch down and got another one. Repeating the process a few times before she was done. The plane had already taken off by the time she was done, and I honestly wondered how much time it took her putting all she did in efforts for this wedding. She began removing a bunch of black pins from her hair, running her fingers through her hair as she did. letting out a sigh of contentment before getting up and throwing the now smudged cotton patches. The waitress brought juices and Kiara smiled taking a glass and drinking from it and putting it on the table. Opening a purse she had placed on top of the table beside her. She took out her tablet and started reading. “You don’t look or seem to be acting like a bride” I commented raising an eyebrow at her. “Coming from the ‘husband’ that is paying so much attention to me as his ‘bride’” she said not looking away from the device. I didn’t answer her and went to open my own laptop. *************** “Welcome home Nikolay” mom smiled when she saw us entering the house. I smiled and wrapped my arms around her hugging her tightly. She nor my sister Grace attended the wedding. Dimitri having refused it due to the fact of us going to make an agreement rather than a proper wedding, and the fact that he did not trust the English families. Me marrying Kiara would not change the fact that we are still somewhat enemies. “Hello to the new groom” Grace teased hugging me after mom pulled away from the hug. I chuckled and hugged my little sister. she kissed my cheek before pulling away and hugging Vladimir who smiled at her, wrapping his arms around her. Having grown up as siblings, we all acted like it. “Kiara, dear, welcome” mom greeted Kiara who smiled politely. I had to fight back rolling my eyes at her as I saw her attitude. Mom wrapped her arms around Kiara pulling her in for a hug, I could tell that she was trying to make her feel welcomed. Despite knowing that I would not be caring about the girl. “Huh, looks like faith has brought me a sister-in-law” Grace teased Kiara. Kiara smiled and shook her head at Grace who raised an eyebrow at her, making her feel somewhat uncomfortable. I knew that didn’t care about the bride, and she was now showing it to Kiara as she rolled her eyes at her before walking toward me. Her eyes meeting mine and I had to fight back the smirk that threatened to make its way toward my lips. Kiara didn’t say a word as she looked down at her feet. Discomfort could be read in her body language, which had mom glare at me. “Are you going to join us for dinner? Claudia and Adrian should be coming home at any minute” mom said mentioning our youngest siblings smiling at me. I walked toward her and cupped her cheeks before kissing her forehead. She raised an eyebrow at me already taking my answer “I’m guessing that it’s a, no?”“I have work mom. It’s been delayed for a few days…” I said looking at Kiara who raised an eyebrow at me “I’ll be back late tonight, don’t wait for me”“Alright Nik, take care of yourself” mom said softly. I smiled and nodded at Vladimir nodding at him to follow me to the office. We had a lot of work to take care of. The wedding having delayed a lot of it. Well, not as much as it normally would have. I just didn’t like the fact of us having made the wedding when I didn’t even care about being with the woman. They could’ve sent her here to the States and I wouldn’t have given a damn about it. “Boss?” Vladimir asked once he entered my office. I looked at the papers which had been brought to me from one of my clubs. The women there reported to follow up with them on a few tasks I had asked them to get done. Pictures of the men I wanted, the best girls around them having their arms around their necks and getting them drunk for questioning. I could already tell that they had a lot to tell us. “We’re going to the Rosa Delarosa, Melina just reported back to us”

Chapter 3 Chapter 3

Kiara: I woke up to the sound of rain dripping on my window making me smile. I loved the rain as it reminded me of back home the days and nights that we would be spending outside playing under the rain. Natalie and I would often get scolded by her mum for going inside and being wet. Mum would glare at me but she could not say anything to Natalie about it. Smiling at the memory. I got up from bed and walked to the bathroom to get done with my morning business. My thoughts going back to this marriage which was already proving to be worst and harder than I had thought it would be. I knew that no matter how much I disliked the idea of this marriage, of having been eloped to a man that wouldn’t bother sparing me a second glance. I had to be sure to try and make this marriage work for my family. Freshening up, I got dressed in normal black sweat pants and a white V-neck shirt. I tied my hair in a pony tail, wanting to go out and get a few things to make breakfast. I knew that the house had its supplies and I was sure that most of what I needed was going to be there. But I still wanted to see if there was anything else that I could bring with me. I walked out of my bedroom. Careful not to make too much noise as the doors were all closed meaning that everyone was still asleep. The maids were the only ones up, tending to their businesses as they cleaned or started dealing with breakfast. Finding it a bit hard to reach the kitchen as I didn’t really know where I could find it, and not knowing if the maids would spare me a second glance to answer me if I did ask. I didn’t take my chances and went by luck until I did find it. “Good morning” I said walking inside finding a woman who looked to be at the age of fifty cutting fruits. Her golden hair tied in a bun, and a girl who was sitting on one of the chairs. Both of them wearing black dresses and a white apron. The girl stood up and smiled at me, her brown eyes meeting my green ones as her smile reached her eyes. “Good morning” the girl smiled looking at me. Her eyebrow raised as she took in my appearance “you must be the new girl who was arriving. This is my mother Leila, chief of the servants she’ll help teach you everything you need to know. I’m Madeline, but you can call me Maddie” . “Kiara, it is a pleasure meeting you” I said smiling at the girl whose eyes widened before she took a step back her eyes hardening as she heard my name making me frown in confusion. “You’re Nikolay’s wife?” Maddie asked looking me in the eye. I nodded not knowing what to say before Madeline nodded at me and went to stand by her mother. Her eyes showing visible anger and annoyance which had me look down at my feet not knowing what to say. “I came to ask if you needed me to bring anything. I was wondering if I could make French Toast. But I wasn’t sure if there were any ingredients” I said looking at the two women who kept their eyes on me. Leila smiled at me, her smile genuine and reaching her eyes as she put the fruits aside. Though I couldn’t say the same thing about Madeline who was making sure to glare at me for breathing. “You don’t need to do anything dearest. We have it covered” Leila said gently. I wanted to open my mouth to speak before deciding against it not wanting to disturb the woman who was being nice to me. “Do you mind if I make coffee at least?” I asked looking at Leila. Her eyes met mine and she smiled giving me a soft nod before showing me where everything was to make my coffee in her kitchen. I smiled and began heating milk and stirring my coffee, slowly brewing it “would you two like me to make you some with me?”“There is no need to tire yourself with it” Leila said softly. “I won’t really, please?”“Sure, I’ll have a cup” Madeline said raising an eyebrow at me before handing me her mug. I smiled and poured the coffee in her red mug, then in a pink mug which Leila brought for me to use. I smiled politely and sat down on the bar while I drank my coffee. “How was your night? Did you manage to get any sleep?” Madeline asked me. “Yes, the jetlag caused me a bit of a fuss. But I was fine later” I answered her smiling. Knowing that I was looked at as an intruder in this house. Though I wasn’t trying to be, I was in a situation that forced me to be here. Therefore, I really did want things to work. Whether Nikolay chose to believe it or not. The pressure that was on my head for this marriage to work was one that no one would understand. To Nikolay and this family, it was simply an act of peace which WE needed. However, when it came to me, it was my mother’s life and safety, which were both on the line if I did ANYTHING wrong. “I see you’ve also invaded our kitchen” Grace, Nikolay’s sister said raising an eyebrow. I looked at her with a similar raised eyebrow, her blue eyes which were a shade lighter than her brother’s met my emerald green ones and I crossed my arms. “Grace, dear…” Leila started but Grace smiled and kissed her cheek before putting her hand on Madeline’s shoulder, giving it a light squeeze as Madeline put her hand on top of Grace’s, the manner friendly. Both women staring down at me as if I was some pest sitting in their kitchen “Don’t worry Leila, I haven’t come to speak to her, nor do I want to waste my time on such trash. I just came to get a glass of water and to let you know that Nikolay and the others are awake” Grace said looking at Leila. My chest clenched and I opened my mouth to speak before deciding against it. Knowing that anything I said right now would be held against me. This was initially her house, where I was just the ‘unwanted bride’. I walked past Grace toward the sink and poured the coffee before washing the mug and walking out of the kitchen without saying a word or waiting for anyone to comment on what I just did. Heading toward the door to go out, I would rather not stay here while being insulted. “Where do you think you’re going?” Nikolay asked from behind me. I didn’t bother turning around to face him as I opened the house’s door. Knowing that I had no keys to get back inside. But I didn’t care, I just wanted to leave this place before getting more insulted than I already was “I asked a question”. “Hell…” I said turning around to face the Russian boss. He raised an eyebrow at my answer and I rolled my eyes “I am going to Hell” With that said I turned around and walked out the door. Closing the door behind me before heading to the house’s gates. My wallet and purse were inside the house. However, it was the least of my concern, my phone being in my back pocket had my cards and everything I needed. “By the way” I heard from behind me. Nikolay having followed me half way out of the house and to the garden. I turned to face him raising an eyebrow at him, my anger and annoyance visible in my expression. He frowned when he saw my angered expression,. However, didn’t bother asking about it as he took my hand and opened my palm before throwing keys in my hand “I figured that you wouldn’t want to go to hell on foot”“Thank you, but I don’t want your car” I said putting the keys in his hand. He raised an eyebrow but refused to take the key as he casually shoved the car key inside my front pocket. “I wasn’t really asking, you are taking the car. I didn’t expect you to be as reckless enough to take a cab, but looks I stood corrected” Nikolay said rolling his eyes at me. “Oh, look at you being caring”“Believe me little mishka, I’m not being caring. The car was bought for you by Dimitri, I wouldn’t have minded you going on foot” Nikolay said angrily. I nodded at him and walked away without answering him “the garage is the other way around” Screw you Nikolay Ivanov…

Chapter 4 Chapter 4

Nikolay: “I don’t understand, why didn’t you just tell her that YOU got her the car?” Vladimir asked when we entered the office. Having heard the conversation between me and a furious Kiara. I sat on my chair while he sat on the one facing me like he usually did when we were talking. I personally couldn’t understand what had annoyed her to begin with, and seeing as the two of us had barely said a few words to one another. I didn’t bother asking. “First, she wouldn’t have accepted it if it was from me. Second, I’d rather not have her knowing that I was getting her anything. And third, she was dumb enough to be willing to take a cab” I said raising an eyebrow at Vladimir who shook his head at me. It was true that I had gotten her the car before we even got married, knowing that she would need it transportation should she decide to go out. I even hired a driver for her, which I doubt she’d be going out with right now. But I didn’t really care, as long as she wasn’t going to stupidly put her life in danger with any of my enemies. She could rot in hell for all I cared. “And how are you two going to manage this marriage?” Vladimir asked raising an eyebrow. Showing annoyance at my attitude, but it was no one’s business what I did with my life. If I was married right now, then it was on papers ONLY. Even the girl knew that it. Therefore there was no need to fake anything about the subject when we were at home. “Is this now our biggest concern? I really don’t give a damn about this marriage, Vladimir” I stated getting annoyed by my best friend’s questioning. He shook his head at me knowing that he was the ONLY one who could do so. Well, that is if you count out Grace. The girl wouldn’t listen to me if I put her on gun point if she didn’t want to, and of course, mom. There was no question there “can we change this fucked up subject, cause it’s getting annoying”“Sure, we have other things to discuss anyway, what are we going to do about Wilson? The fucked bastard has been plotting behind our backs, and it was HE who wanted a business alliance” Vladimir asked. I tapped my finger on my glass desk the glass of water which was on the desk seemed to be interesting as I thought of the things that I could do to the bastard for thinking about betraying a deal that HE begged for. “And every one wonders why I hate dealing with the English…”“He is Scottish though” Vladimir said stopping me earning another glare from me which he knew that he was playing at getting. The amusement in his eyes proved it. Though my own eyes were hard as I glared at him. “Vladimir, do you have a death wish today? All you have to do is ask by the way. I could do it without even using a gun” I said looking my best friend in the eye. He laughed, his muscles flexing as he raised both his hands in mock surrender. My blue eyes met his brown ones and I could swear I saw mockery in his eyes. Knowing that I was already annoyed. He didn’t care, that part I knew all too well. “Nah, you wouldn’t do it, you’d miss me too much” Vladimir teased earning a shake of my head at his attitude. The door of the office was knocked and both our eyes hardened. All playfulness gone as I called ‘come in’. I had expected one of the maids to be the one knocking the door. However, my frown turned into a smile when the door opened revealing my little sister, Claudia who smiled looking at me. Her blonde hair tied in a pony tail as her green eyes looked into my blue ones, I hadn’t seen her yesterday. Having gone out before she and Adrian were back home. I smiled and moved my chair back as she walked toward me, standing up. She threw herself in my arms and hugged me tightly. I kissed the crown of her head before pulling away to look at her more clearly making her smile. “Mom told us you were in your office. Adrian suggested we wait for you to finish whatever you were working on. But I had other plans” Claudia said smiling. I shook my head at her and kissed the crown of her head again. Her and Adrian were both turning seventeen in a few months. Both having different personalities that people would rarely believe that they ARE twins. But if I was being honest, I sometimes didn’t believe it, and they were MY siblings. “Vladimir” Claudia smiled as he got up and hugged her. “Princess” Vladimir used the title we used to call her when she was a child. The man knew that she was his little sister. We may have not been brothers of the same parents. But we sure as hell were brothers by blood and choice. It was not even questionable. “Viktor is also back by the way, as is Alexei” Claudia said and I rolled my eyes at her. “Have you decided to start working with the guards or something?” I asked her with a raised eyebrow. “Yes, since you won’t let me help you out do your dirty work. I’ll be working with the guards until I get promoted” Claudia said crossing her arms over her chest making both Vladimir and I laugh at her attitude. She rolled her eyes at me and I raised an eyebrow at her before running toward her and lifting her over my shoulder earning a squeal from her as she effortlessly punched my back “NIKOLAY! PUT ME DOWN!”“No?” I said walking with her in my arms. Vladimir smirked as he opened the office door and both of us walked out of it with an annoyed Claudia in my arms. She wouldn’t even give up on punching me. It amused me actually. “Nikolay, put your sister down” mom said raising an eyebrow at us when I entered the dining room. Dimitri had his eyes on me as I put my little sister down. But instead of her going to the dining table she decided to attack me back. Playfully hitting my chest. I shook my head at her and took both her hands in mine, kissing her knuckles softly. She smiled as she looked at me before playfully glaring. “You two are weird” Adrian commented standing up from his seat to walk over to me. Hugging me as he approached me before he hugged Vladimir, Alexei and Viktor walking toward me. Greeting me as they did, smiling in a teasing amused manner at the fact that I was now a ‘married’ man. “Where’s your bride?” Mom asked frowning in confusion when she didn’t see Kiara. “Going to hell” Grace commented rolling her eyes. Proving that she has heard the girl snap at me as she walked out of the house after being insulted by her. “Nikolay?”“She went out a while ago” I said keeping my eyes on Grace. The look she had on her face told me that she understood that I knew about what she did. But I didn’t want to upset mom about it. But I knew that she could already tell that I was going to speak to her about it after breakfast. “Where would she be going? Especially as a newlywed bride” mom asked frowning. Her expression showing clear annoyance. I opened my mouth to answer when Kiara walked inside the dining room carrying a brown paper bag in her arms. Her expression calm as she took out a bottle from the bag. “Sorry I’m late, I wanted strawberry juice and didn’t find any in the kitchen. So, I figured that I’d go to the store and get it myself”

Chapter 5 Chapter 5

Kiara: I walked into the garage my body boiling with anger as I thought of Grace’s words. They were harsh, and I didn’t know how to respond to her without getting MYSELF into shit that I wasn’t going to be able to handle. Therefore I was forced to stay quiet. I was forced to walk out and just let her insult me the way she did, and now I’m going to give them an excuse to mock me. Thinking that I was a child for walking out the way I did. Yes, I admit that it was a bit uncalled for from my own end. But judging by the circumstances that I was in, I had no other option. However, I didn’t plan on giving her the satisfaction of thinking that I left because of her. I didn’t want them knowing that they were hurting me. It was something against my nature, and everything I’ve learned. Clicking the key button to unlock the car which Nikolay gave me the keys for. I raised an eyebrow when a white Range Rover’s lights went on meaning that it was unlocked. Looking at the key which was in my hand. It was indeed a Range Rover’s key. Hmm, sporty. I like… ********************** “Sorry I’m late, I wanted strawberry juice and didn’t find any in the kitchen. So, I figured that I’d go to the store and get it myself”  I said walking inside the dining room. Suddenly becoming the center of attention as everyone turned to face me. I walked toward the dining table, putting the juice bottle on top of it. Knowing that Nikolay’s eyes were on me as I walked. The man had clearly not been expecting me to be back. I looked at Grace who rolled her eyes on me. But I paid her no attention as I walked past the men to Nikolay’s mum, Mia, where she had indicated that she wants me to sit by her side. Dimitri smiling at me, and I nodded at him, giving him a soft smile. He and Ivan both shared a proud look as they saw my calm reaction. “How did you sleep, dear? How do you feel after the jetlag?” Mia asked me softly. Turning her gaze to me. Her green eyes meeting mine, and I couldn’t help but smile at her gentleness. Being different than her son and daughter who were making sure to glare at me whenever their eyes met mine. However, I knew not to care about what they were doing. I wasn’t a spoiled brat to care about such childish manners, and if they thought that I did. Then they were mostly looking at the wrong girl. “I’m fine love, thank you for your concern” I said politely. The woman’s gentleness would’ve made a rock soften. She put her hand over mine and squeezed in assurance. Knowing that this was not the way any bride wanted to spend the first night married. Being away from her husband. Having given me my own room, I was aware that he had prepared everything as NOT to see me. The man didn’t even want to look at me and his own family proved that they all shared his same perspective. It hurt when you thought about it, but I wasn’t going to dwell about the subject. Whatever was destined to happen, had happened. I was a married girl, and Nikolay was my husband. It was either we both accepted and lived with it, or I would end up suffering a consequence that I didn’t want to think about. “Why don’t you and Nikolay go out today? Try getting to know one another?” Mia asked looking at me. Removing her blonde hair from her eyes. I looked at Nikolay who glared at me, both of us not wanting this. It was obvious in our eyes. “Maybe another day, love. I’m still drowsy from the long trip, and I still haven’t settled…”“Oh, that is nonsense. Go out for the day, the maids can take care of it. You go and have fun” Mia said stopping me. I looked at Nikolay hoping that he would say anything to change his mother’s mind but he did not speak as he ate watching us in silence. I closed my eyes not knowing what to say. t annoyed me, but I nodded at Mia who was being genuine to me, wanting to help me out. Agreeing to go out with her son for the day, and since the man didn’t speak to object. Then he must have a reason for it. “Where are you going Nikolay?” Mia asked her son who got up. Running his fingers through his black hair. I frowned in confusion at the man who didn’t even look at me as he walked toward his mum and kissed the crown of her head. She smiled at him and I couldn’t help but feel my heart skip a beat at the sight of them. Despite him being who he is, he loved and respected his mum deeply. “I have work, mom. If I was going out in a bit, might as well get some work done” Nikolay said calmly. He nodded at me before going out through the door, Vladimir following shortly after him. The two other men who were sitting with us, leaving Grace, Dimitri, me, and I’m assuming Claudia and Adrian, the youngest of the Ivanov siblings. “I’ll go check on the stuff and start with them before going out” I said excusing myself from the table. Wanting to give the family their privacy. It was better to know when to leave when it was not your place. That was something that I had learned from mum and dad a long time ago. “Kiara darling…”“I’ll just start with things dearie, I’ll need to choose what I’ll wear too. Most of my things are in my bags and I can’t go out wearing sweat pants and a shirt” I said smiling at Mia stopping her. Not wanting to be rude for getting up without even eating anything she looked at my clean plate before she nodded at me. “Alright dear, let Maddie help you if you need anything, I’m sure you two could get things done a lot faster if you’re working with one another” Mia said softly. I nodded at her and leaned down to kiss her cheek. Nodding at Dimitri before walking out of the dining room and going up heading to my bedroom. I knew that Mia had told me to call Madeline to help me, but I was sure that she had other more important things to tend to. “Nice save” Nikolay said meeting me in front of my bedroom door. I raised an eyebrow at him but he simply smirked at me “I’m talking about going to hell to get strawberry juice”“Didn’t you have ‘work’ to finish?” I asked raising an eyebrow at him. He smirked at me knowing that he was ticking a button, though why he was I didn’t know. Especially since he said or did nothing wrong. “You’re very stupid if you bought that excuse. I was waiting for you” Nikolay said. I glared at him, crossing my arms over my chest as I waited for him to finish what he had to say. Ignoring the fact that he just called me stupid as I didn’t feel like getting into an argument with him. “What do you want Nikolay?” I asked raising an eyebrow at the don who was looking at me with a smirk on his face. I didn’t know where this conversation was going, but I didn’t like it. “We will go out, we’ll do it for mom. Don’t think that I’m doing anything for you, and that doesn’t mean that I want anything to do with you” Nikolay said rudely. I rolled my eyes at him and nodded. The feeling was mutual in every possible way. The man was just too full of himself to realize that. “I already know that we’re going out for your mum’s sake, and by the way, love. The feeling is mutual, don’t worry” I said giving him a sarcastic smile. One which he did not return as his smirk turned into a frown. “Good, I don’t want you thinking that anything will change between us. Our marriage is still a contract marriage…”“I do know that it is a contract marriage Nikolay. I married you to protect my family. For a stupid alliance to be formed. You don’t need to remind me of it on our second day being married” I snapped stopping the mafia don. He raised an eyebrow at my reaction and I glared at him. The one reason I was married to him was to protect mum. I knew that her life was the cost of this marriage. The family’s alliance was bullshit to me if I compared it with her. Especially since dad was sure to kick me out of anything that belonged to ‘family’, leaving me with nothing. Knowing that I wasn’t the one who would be taking care of the family ‘legacy’ if I didn’t get married anyway. Dad made sure to let me and everyone know that he would’ve never left it in my care, and now that I was married to Nikolay. I don’t think that dad or any of the other men who were part of our family would allow me to have the family’s dynasty. Especially since it would be in the hands of the Russian. “Good, now that it is cleared. I’ll be waiting for you to get ready. The faster we get this day over with, the better” Nikolay said calmly. Not knowing why I was angered by what he said. But I knew that he didn’t really care. all that mattered for him was that he was doing his part of the contract. The rest was up to me to do. “Alright, if you let me get inside my bedroom to get ready then I will. I don’t think you’re invisible nor are you walkthrough. Just a friendly reminder” I said glaring at him. Nikolay moved away from the door and walked toward his bedroom. Which was the door in front of mine. I raised an eyebrow at the fact that my room was right in front of his. However, that wouldn’t make a difference since I was sure that his mother had something to do with it. I was sure that if  it were up to this man, he would’ve put my room up in an attic for all he cared. But that didn’t matter after today. I knew what I needed to do to keep myself out of trouble. But first, I needed to get today over with.