_Ludovic. I sat on my chair behind my desk with a long sigh. At last, the circus was over. We had done it. Half of our problem was nearly solved. All that was left now was to take action and I knew that part Neon would take care of. I was waiting for a call from Neon to tell me when it was done. I hated to have lied to Meghan about having a lot of work to do but it was either that or I would be very unfocused and agitated at dinner. Thinking of Meghan. I hoped that when all was said and done, she would forgive us for the part we played in deceiving her and toying with her emotions, it had been cruel but necessary. The silver lining about this was that not all of it was false, the reading of the will had been genuine, the only problem being, Neon was still alive and well. But he was now a pauper, with all his assets gone, and would have to sweet talk his way back into her good graces again, what a gamble. If things didn't go according to plan, he was screwed. If this is what love d
_Meghan The car pulled into the parking lot of the station. The officer escorted me inside. As soon as we had sat down and a detective was introducing himself. The door burst open. "I wouldn't do that if I were you, Detective."We both turned to see a tall, stern man standing in the doorway, he must be the family lawyer Ludovic was talking about. He held a document in his hands, a document that held my fate in its inked words. I could see the detective sink in his chair with a defeated chuckle. "What are the charges against my client?" He asked the detective in a relaxed manner."There are no charges yet, it was just routine questions." The detective answered without the enthusiasm he seemed to possess earlier. "You and I know how wrong this is, on so many levels. A Russian detective investigating a murder that happened in London, please tell me this is a joke." The lawyer said without much emotion in his words. The Detective shrank back into his chair, looking sheepish and s
_Ludovic The morning following the chess game, I walked into the kitchen to find Meghan already on what I thought was her second cup of coffee. "Please don't tell me you didn't sleep after the wonderful game we had last night," I asked her."I did, what makes you say that?" Her brows furrowed. "You having coffee and there is an empty cup already." I pointed to the already-used cup in front of her."No. it's nothing like that." She leaned back in her chair, I thought she was beginning to accept Neon's absence. The lines around her face were slowly fading away. "Miriam was here earlier. We were having coffee together." "The simple answer is always the correct one." I poured myself a cup and leaned against the Island."How is she, Miriam I mean?" "She's okay, she's very good with Ethan." She was either being vague or she didn't understand what I was asking her. Either way, I let it go. "Okay, what are your plans for today?" She tensed her shoulders and then answered nonchalantly
_MiriamWhat Ludovic didn't know was that last night I hadn't been mad because of the proposal that he made, I was more hurt than angry because he had awakened something that had laid a doormat inside of me, something that I had once longed for but thought It would never happen. Hence the outburst, he had triggered a very sensitive spot inside of me. "You mean that you are willing to listen to my idea?" He prowled closer, his eyes glittering with hope. "I'm here aren't I not?" I said, the words came out harsher than I had intended for them."Okay, so this is how I think we should do…" He was instantly in his element, laying out plans for something that had not even taken form yet. I listened attentively, trying not to crumble and cry at his words. He was saying everything that I've always wanted to hear and thought I never would hear from a man."Have you considered my age and that there are high chances that this might fail?" I asked, afraid that I might disappoint him somehow. "Y
_Meghan The following morning I was woken up by someone knocking at my door, I couldn't remember the last time I had slept like that, it had been like I turned off everything and fell into a dreamless sleep. I opened the door and found Ludovic in casual wear, he looked like he was dressed for running. Which was new because he was always dressed in business suits, no matter the time of day or night. "To what do I owe such an early morning visit?" I rubbed my eyes and smiled at him."My dear is past ten already, I got worried when you didn't turn up for breakfast and after my run, you still had not appeared. Feeling okay?" He had gone for a run? No wonder he didn't age."I'm fine, I must have overslept, too much wine last night." I lied, wine yes and something else had knocked me out completely."My fault entirely. You looked excited last night, I didn't want to dampen your mood but if I had known you would be like this…" he shrugged. "I wouldn't have let you near that bottle." He st
_Neon The minute I arrived in London and located the store that sold my guns, it was clear as day to me what I had just walked into. The store was a front, with employees who had no clear answers as to who they worked for and merchandise with my name on it. It could only mean one thing and one thing only, there was a bigger operation behind the scenes that ran the show. I had seen a lot of them spot the work of a syndicate from a mile away. The minute I left the store, I knew that this was one assignment I could not walk into blindly with guns blazing. I needed to research who was behind the whole operation. I took a taxi to my penthouse. I hadn't driven anywhere in the last month. Besides the fact that my car had been beyond repair, I didn't want the attention of sitting in front of a salesman while he shuffled through my papers. I walked to places, and where I couldn't, I took a taxi, like a regular bloke.I made myself lunch and sat in front of my window looking down at the Lo
_Meghan The morning after Alicia came to st. Petersburg, I woke up early and went into Ethan's nursery, I bathed and feed him. It was too early for him to be playing outside but he didn't complain when Miriam walked into the room holding Lego blocks to start their fun-filled day. By eight o'clock I walked into the kitchen and found a hot pot of coffee brewing. This reminded me of my time at the eatery with Dave before the store opened for customers. I should reach out to him. Find out how he was, I had left things less than decent between us. I poured myself a cup and as usual got lost in its rich taste. I couldn't help thinking about Ben and how he died. That and other things were the reason I was up this early. In the end, he had been a monster but we had spent some good times together once. Now I had two boyfriends who were dead and buried. My phone beeped and it was a message from Vera, my phone hadn't worked in months and I had only got a new line a few days ago when I went
_Meghan.By the time I arrived back at the house, it was almost sunset. I hurried into the house and put my bag on the table before sitting on a nearby chair. "Some lunch it was, it's almost time for dinner." Lufovic came over to sit next to me, why was it when I was hoping to not see him, he seemed to be everywhere. "Like you won't believe." He took my feet and put them on his lap and took my shoes off. "It's okay, I can do that," I said, but he only tightened his grip on them. "Ludovic." I hissed. "What? I only want to hear about your lunch date with Vera, and this here will stop you from running away." he made a good point. "Okay. We ate " I wasn't sure what to share and not to share with him. "I know that." he shifted gears and focused on the soles of my feet. I closed my eyes and savored the feeling on my feet "Then..mmh.." He knew what he was doing. "Then? You were about to say something." He didn't stop working and every time I was about to say something in protes
Eight months later. Later as we watched the sun set above the white sand. I thanked Simon for walking me down the aisle, he beamed at me and walked away. Yes, the funny man was back at the Petrov residence. The wedding reception had been exquisite, but I expected nothing less with Vera planning the whole wedding on the beach, picnic style. Now that the main event was over. The different couples were scattered around the sand enjoying themselves. Vera was sitting with Marcelli. They had danced the day away and now they sat feeding each other what looked like strawberries. After the outburst at the dinner, Vera had filed for a divorce and she and Ivan had gone their separate ways. Something she said was long overdue. She now stayed in Italy with Marcelli, the man she said was the love of her life. Ivan was also in attendance. He was now a single father raising Boris. A difficult task, given that Boris was in his late teens and becoming a young adult. But he had the best team money
_Meghan The following morning I woke up to an empty bed. I walked into the ensuite and prepared for what I knew would be a long day. I made my way downstairs and found Vera in a bathrobe sitting on the kitchen table with tea between her hands. "Good morning, dear. Did Neon come home last night?" she asked the minute I walked in. It felt like someone had died. I'd never seen her in a bathrobe before and her face was not done. She had bags under her eyes."No, he still hasn't shown up." I poured myself a cup of coffee, I needed something stronger than tea. "Do you think that's a good idea, I also noticed that last night you were drinking wine. Im sorry I don't mean to pry." She nodded at my coffee cup and blushed scarlet. "Im not pregnant, if that's what you're worried about." I smiled at her in answer to her unasked question. "Oh. I assumed-""The will," I said, knowing full well what she thought. "I never understood why Neon put that clause in there. He had everyone worried for
_Meghan The day had been a beautiful one. I finally had a dress to wear to Ludovic's wedding tomorrow. But I couldn't have done it without Vera's help. She truly had an eye for fashion. When the car drove up to the driveway, I noticed that there was an unusual bursting activity at the house. And there were more cars parked outside. "Are we having guests over tonight?" I pointed to the parked cars."Yes. But it is only family. Neon's Uncles and their better halves are joining us for dinner, it's the least we could do for Ludovic and Miriam." Vera said, picking up her clutch bag. "That is so kind of you and Ivan.""Ludovic insisted that Miriam didn't want any grand parties, so I thought this would just be us having dinner.""She has always been reserved. I can not imagine her in a party." I said, thinking what a pair they made with Ludovic. They fit perfectly together. *** "This is an interesting arrangement." Uncle Alek said as soon as I was seated and Uncle Lev surpassed a laug
_Neon Three weeks flew past fast, and it was already time to go to Ludovic's wedding. We were leaving this evening and I was still at the office going through the last batch of work when the phone rang, reminding me that I needed to get a move on.I took the elevator down to the basement. I was busier than I'd ever been. To make matters worse, I had deadlines I wanted to meet before we started with our wedding preparations, which would start the minute we came back from Ludovic's wedding. But amid the chaos of work and everything, I was happy to report that Boris was doing well in his new environment and with his new nurse. He was joining the family in Russia for the wedding. Nothing was ever without a wrinkle, as Adelita would be in attendance as well. They both had left the previous night. Meghan suggested that we all share a plane. But the thought of enduring a flight to st. Petersburg with Adelita was unthinkable. I was still searching for answers about her wealth and her gener
_Meghan Going to the doctor with Neon would at least get me away from my mother, who was in the party spirit. The car stopped in front of the entrance. Neon got out and opened the passenger door for me."I love this car." I looked at him as I settled into my seat."Does that mean you didn't like the one before this?" he raised an eyebrow."I did. But I like this one more than I liked that one. You get what I mean." I shrugged."I get what you mean. So…how's that headache of yours?" he asked. "On and off." It depended on where I was. "We should still check it out. It may be nothing or it may be something." "So where are you taking me?""To see the doctor." He grinned "Why are you happy?""I have news." he pressed the ignition and the car came to life."OK. Don't keep a girl waiting." I folded my arms over my chest. "I spoke to my lawyer on my way here. I'm looking into buying a pharmaceutical company." he beamed."Oh? Are you interested in the pharmaceutical business?" that was
_Neon I was officially back at the office for the first time after a long time. I parked my car at the underground parking and took a lift to the last floor. When the doors opened, I felt like I'd come home. The layout of the place was still the same. Not much had changed in that regard. But most of the faces were new, including my assistant, who looked like she was ready to bolt the minute she saw me. god, bless his little creatures. "Good Morning," I called out when I passed her desk "Good morning, Mr. Petrov," she replied with a bold voice for someone of her small stature. I couldn't remember her name, it must have been between Maggie and Mandy, but I remember thinking it was close to Meghan. I had to look it up, I didn't like not knowing someone's name. Someone as important as my assistant. Before I could settle down my phone rang."Yes?" I said to the receiver. "A Miss Dowels is here to see, sir. She doesn't have an appointment and she says she not leaving until you see he
_Meghan "My darling baby, I'm so happy to see you." Mom came forward with her arms outstretched. I wanted to return her enthusiasm, even if it was only to make Neon happy but my feet were rooted to the spot. I couldn't move them. When mom hugged me. I felt cold for standing as still as a rod. "It's good to see you too Mom." I led her to the couch and Neon must have seen the tension between us. he left us to catch up or murder each other. As soon as he was out of hearing distance. I sat next to Mom on the couch."what are you doing here, Mom?""Your fiance reached out to me, and I have to say I'm glad he did. I didn't even know I was a grandmother, there is so much to talk about, it cannot be squeezed in just a few minutes. Why did you never come home?""You know why." how could Neon do this to me? "I am your mother, don't you miss your mother?""You hardly knew when I was there or not." "But I have to say, Meghan, you have done well for yourself." she looked around the living ar
_NeonMy head Felt like I had gone under the knife. I couldn't remember the last time I drank so much, except when I was in college and with my uncle, who, not so long ago had sworn to stop drinking. But last night was understandably a happy occasion. I needed to buy Miriam the biggest wedding gift I could find. How she managed to tie down my uncle was a wonder that we would talk about for years to come. I could only imagine his brother's face when he got to st. Petersburg. What I would give to be a fly in the wall when he explained to everyone that he was settling down and starting a family of his own. I knew my father would be proud of him. As for my other Uncles, that is another story on its own. If they can get over the shock first. I knew for a fact that they were going to tease him about it for all that he was worth. "Still leaking your wounds?" Meghan kicked my leg when she passed me on the couch. "What do they say about kicking a dog when it's down?" I lifted my shades and
_Meghan Finally. Neon had fallen asleep. I hadn't been able to sleep after I woke to find Neon in bed. I decided there was no point in trying. I knew the day would be long. So I might as well prepare for it early. I made my way down the stairs. I was not very familiar with the house, I had only been there for dinner with Ludovic once and there hadn't been much time to do a proper tour of it. But I had a faint idea of where the kitchen might be.Once downstairs, I was about to walk past the dining area when I stopped in my tracks. Adelita was up already. She was feeding Boris. She must have heard me because she turned her neck and looked at me. "Come and watch the freak show closely. You might need something to later report to your street mates." she snarled. Before turning back and focusing her attention on her son. I went back upstairs. I had lost interest in making coffee. What kind of a woman was she? To make jokes like that about her son. When I opened the door. Neon raised