Chapter 4:The Unwelcome Guest

ADRIKO’S POV

The presence of Viktor set off warning bells in my head, the air felt thick like a volcano was teetering beneath the surface. My hand twitches, itching for the familiar weight of my gun in my pocket but I can't make a scene…at least not yet.

Viktor’s lips curved into a slow deliberate smile as he strode forward, his gait too casual, too confident for a man walking into the lion's den. I know it is a strategy. Viktor never acted without a plan.

“Adrik, hope i’m not late? ,I couldn't miss the history-making occasion” he chided, a mocking smile spreading across his face.

Seeing that look on his face took me back to memories I’d rather not dwell on, deals gone wrong, bonds broken. He had always challenged my authority and questioned my decisions. We hadn't crossed paths since I left Russia but this..him here, now was a veiled threat

“You weren't invited,” I snapped, my tone sharp enough to slice through butter.

Serafina’s gaze moved between Viktor and me. Her eyes were sharp with curiosity. I could see the wheels turning in her head.

“Oh but I was” he retorted, his mocking smile widening “Irina dear asked that I be her plus one”

“Irina?” I frowned, giving my sister a questioning look.

She looked at me, her expression one of innocence. “I ran into him at the airport brother” she mumbled with a shrug. “I didn't realize you two were still…at odds”

I raised a brow at her carefree tone, a flare of irritation shooting through me. At odds? That was a light way to put it. “And you thought it was best not to seek my permission first?” I ground out, my voice laced with warning.

Irina sighed,” It's a celebration Adrik. Can we not do this now? The guests are waiting for you and Serafina inside,” she pleaded.

“Yes Adrik, it is a happy day after all. Loosen up a bit”. Viktor chuckled glancing at Serafina beside me.

I took a deliberate step forward “Leave. Now”

He didn't make a move,his eyes glittering with amusement. When his gaze returned to Serafina, she straightened, the smallest flicker of discomfort crossing her face but it was gone as quickly as it appeared which made me question if I had imagined it.

“Congratulations on the wedding Mrs Ivanov,” he sneered “I look forward to seeing how long this….truce lasts”.His smile lingered as he turned on his heel retreating into the shadows and disappeared into the darkness beyond the courtyard.

As the silence settled over us, I turned back to Irina who glanced away guiltily.

“Let this be the first and last, this happens,” I warned.

Her gaze fell, her hands toying with the hem of her dress “I didn't think it would be a big deal brother” she grumbled defensively but I caught the edge of guilt in it. “I’m sorry”

My jaw tightened as I watched her turn and stride into the reception hall, leaving me standing there with Serafina at my side.

“Who was that?” Serafina asked, her voice laced with curiosity.

“None of your concern” I replied curtly, not wanting to divulge information to her.

“Two shall become one”, “Wasn't that what the priest said” she teased “We are married now so it is my concern”

I turned to her, stepping closer,my height forcing her to tilt her head to meet my gaze

“Do you always stick your nose where it doesn't belong, Mrs Ivanov?”

Her glare didn't waver “Do you always evade questions when you are cornered, Mr Ivanov?”

For a moment, I was torn between irritation and an unwilling flicker of amusement. She had fire and a smart mouth. A loud hum of voices and laughter from the reception spilled out into the courtyard, interrupting my line of thought. It was a reminder of the happy facade we were supposed to be presenting.

“Let’s go” I respond, ignoring her jab “We’ve wasted enough time out here.”

*************

Conversations flowed smoothly among the guests. Champagne glasses are being refilled and passed around by the waiters. The chandeliers cast a golden glow over polished smiles, while shadows lingered in the corners, watching and waiting.

Serafina is seated beside me observing the guests with a guarded look, she fiddles with her hands on her lap, the lone wedding band glittering. I am reminded of her earlier comment which prompts me to lean toward her, my breath brushing against her ear, and ask

“Where is it?” I ask in genuine curiosity.

She looks up at me startled “Where’s what?” her brows furrowed in confusion.

“The engagement ring,” I demanded, my head tilting to her fingers .”Did you leave it behind on purpose?”

“It's gone,” she hissed,her chin tilting up in defiance.

“Gone?” I say with an arched brow. “A ring doesn't just disappear”, Mrs Ivanov”

She rolls her eyes “A ring isn’t a chain Mr Ivanov. I didn't see the need to keep it”

My jaw clenches in annoyance “It Isn't Just a ring Serafina, it was custom-made and a symbol of an alliance. One I suggest you wear”.

She glares at me “Why would I do that? I didn't ask for the alliance”

“You may not have, but you went along with it like a good little pawn,” I counter,my voice sharp and cutting, with the intent to hurt. For a moment we stared each other down, none of us ready to back down. With a scoff, she looks away from my intimidating gaze.

The music shifts to a soft romantic melody and the guests move around subtly to create room for what appears to be the first dance. I look to Serafina with a smirk “Shall we?”

“Do I have a choice?” she muttered.

“Not tonight” I chuckled ,taking her outstretched arm and leading her onto the dancefloor, her resistance evident in the reluctant sway of her hips.

Her dress hugged her figure in all the right places, the lush fabric shimmering under the chandelier. She was exquisite, radiant even.

I pull her closer than necessary, my hand resting on the small of her back that feels soft to my touch and I wondered briefly if the rest of her would feel as soft. She squirms lightly in my hold snapping me out of my roaming thoughts. I glance down at her.

“Relax”, I said, my tone laced with authority. “It's a dance, not a battlefield”

Her grey eyes locked onto mine “But it feels like one” she mumbles.

A small smile crept upon my face “Only because you insist on defying me at every turn, Mrs Ivanov”

Her face scrunched into a frown, she made to say something but at the last minute refrained. I twirled her slowly savoring the fleeting vulnerability in her expression before she looked away.

I followed her gaze and saw her father. He stood at the far corner of the ballroom, nursing a glass of champagne while in deep conversation with Don Marco. I observed them, they are both skilled manipulators and polished liars each not knowing how dangerous the other might be.

I knew it was time to make an exit, I had indulged in enough charade for one day.

I looked down at Serafina who was now looking in the direction of her friend and housekeeper. I squeeze her hips lightly to grab her attention. She returns her gaze to me.

“It's time to go. You can say your goodbyes to your family” she nods, disengaging herself from me as she moves in their direction. I walk towards the exit, signaling to Sergei that it is time to leave. I had dismissed some of my men and chauffeur earlier, wanting to drive myself tonight.

Serafina joins me at the exit and we walk outside and make our way towards the Rolls Royce Phantom.

The shrill ringing of my phone cuts through the night air. I bring it out of my pocket and see an incoming call from an unknown number I pick and a distorted and unrecognizable voice rasps from the other end

“Watch your steps, Ivanov. This truce will bury you and your bride” The line goes dead before I can say a word.

A chill snakes down my spine but before I can analyze it a faint tick, tick, tick floats into my ears. I dive towards Serafina in the same instant that a deafening BOOM shatters the night. The Rolls Royce explodes in a violent eruption of fire and metal leaving chaos in its wake