Chapter 5

IVANA'S POV

These past two weeks in Russia were probably the worst moments of my life after the death of my father, fifteen years ago.

I had gone through hell and was currently going through it, due to the imprinted blood stains that spilled all over the carpet from my father's head.

That image remained imprinted in my head for the past fifteen years, despite seeing different therapists.

None could help me end my phobia for blood or wipe those memories out of my head.

And currently, staying with the Orlovs topped it all. Especially Ruslan, my overbearing step-brother.

He always has a way to make me bend to his demands no matter how stubborn I claim to be.

And today, was one of those days I wished would remain a nightmare.

“What did you just say, Mom?” I didn't quiet catch what she had said earlier, so I needed her to explain it more clearer this time.

“Your step-father and step-brother are in discussion concerning your marriage.” Mom said as drank from a cup of hot tea.

“You are joking right?” A chuckle rippled out of my throat as I took my seat across hers in the dining room.

“It's no joke, Ivana. Your marriage will help the clan to be more stronger.” Mom added and the chuckle slowly changed into ripples of laughter.

Her words were so ridiculous that I couldn't help but laugh.

Marriage? Me?

“It seems you're forgetting how old I am, Mom.” I stopped laughing, turning all serious as I tried to explain the weight her words carry.

“No, Ivana. You're twenty-one and I'm aware of that. I have no say in that. I couldn't stop you from getting married. I wish I could.” She reached out to hold my hand but I withdrew it immediately.

“Can you take a minute to listen to yourself, Mom. You tried to stop it, but you can't. How? You gave birth to me not them!” I slammed my hands on the table.

I have had enough of everything and at this rate, I might go crazy if I don't leave this place instantly.

“You can't run away from it, Ivana. You have to get married willingly or forcefully.” Mom’s soft voice couldn't stop me from saying my next words.

“Well, that leaves me with just one choice,” I pushed the dining chair backwards and stood up, maintaining eye contact with Mom. “Leave. I'm leaving, Mom. You can remain a mafia queen, but I won't be part of any of this.”

“Ivana! Ivana!” My mother's voice rang behind me but I didn't stop walking until I got upstairs, grabbed my suitcase and return downstairs.

Upon getting to the entrance door, I was just about to push the door open and walk out of this prison forever, when that deep baritone voice rang out.

That voice that makes my stomach churn made me halt on my track.

“And where do you think you're going, Step-sister?” His voice carried a hint of mockery and was downright terrifying, but I remained composed, trying to mask my fear.

Turning around slowly, my gaze met his. “I won't let any of you define my life for me. I never chose to be a mafia princess.”

With that said, I proceeded to twist the door open, when his voice came again, this time, sending spirals of adrenaline through my spine. “Nicko, shut that door. She's not allowed to leave this clan without my permission.”

Swinging my head to his direction, my brows furrowed and my jaw dropped in shock. “What? Why won't you let me leave?”

“Because, dear sister, you're now an Orlov,” he stepped closer, his hands in his sweatpants, walking in all his grace and powerful presence. “And as an Orlov, you're under the Clan’s protection and without my permission, you can't leave just as you please.”

My heart dropped to the pit of my stomach, as I felt my world crumbling before my very eyes.

I was fighting a lost battle, I could feel it inside of me.