Chapter Two

Anya's POV

It was 9am in the morning when I got out of bed. I did my morning activities and went downstairs. Everywhere was strangely quiet and I could not see any of the maids around.

I paused in front of Uncle’s office when I heard raised voices. His door was half opened and I inched closer to hear what they were saying. It was then I knew why everywhere was quiet.

I spotted Maksim, the Bratva’s boss sitting on Uncle’s chair. I was scared of Maksim. He was the one who tried to rape me some years back.

He is a dangerous man.

Uncle was involved in the mafia world and it was because of him, I was almost raped. I suspected my Uncle knew about it but remained quiet.

I stared at Uncle Pietro and watched as he paced around with a disturbed look on his face.

“How could you be so stupid, Pietro? You very well know who he is.” Maksim yelled.

“I didn't know,” Uncle said.

“Oh please. You very well know what you were getting yourself into. You messed with a whole Vincenzo Cassano. Even I don’t want to mess with him.” Maksim ran a hand through his hair.

Uncle Pietro took in a long breath and massaged the back of his neck.

“Chirkov, you know we have an unfinished business with him, so how could you add this to it?” Maksim was saying.

What on earth did Uncle do to make him this agitated? And with Vincenzo Cassano of all people. I knew how much that guy was dangerous. He is the only name that brings terror to the heart of the Russian boss, Maksim.

“So what do you suggest I do?” Uncle asked.

“You can always give him what he wants."

“You want me to give him my daughter so he can destroy her? No way!” he ruffled his hair roughly.

“You have a second option.” Maksim smirked

“Which is?”

“Anya.” He simply said.

I reeled back in shock. Uncle wouldn’t give me to him right?

“Yeah. I could give him Anya.” He said

Maksim smiled, “So you don’t mind giving him Anya?”

“I don’t give a fuck what happens to that bitch.” Uncle said.

He doesn’t hate me that much, right?

I can’t believe he was thinking of selling me to Vincenzo. That guy was going to destroy me. Without thinking, I burst into the office and they both turned their heads in my direction.

“Anya, what are you doing here?” Uncle Pietro asked.

“You are not going to give me to Vincenzo, right?” I clenched my fists.

“How much did you hear?” Maksim asked.

I ignored him and turned to face Uncle Pietro. “Answer the damn question.”

“You are right about that. We are giving you to Vincenzo.” Uncle Pietro said like it was no big deal.

“Why should I be the one to pay for your mess?” I asked both of them.

“Because we say so.” Maksim said.

“Stay out of this, you scumbag.” I said to him, I know I wasn't supposed to say that to him but I was so pissed off to care.

“Anya, don’t talk to him like that.” Uncle warned me.

“Let her be. She is going to him no matter what.” Maksim said.

“And to Vincenzo of all people. Uncle, that guy is going to destroy me.” I cried.

“Take a look at me, Anya. Do I look like I care?” He asked nonchalantly.

The words hit me harder than any slap ever could.

I stumbled back, my legs shaking and my breath coming in short, shallow gasps.

He didn’t care. He never did.

My hands curled into fists at my sides, my nails biting into my palms so hard they might draw blood. My whole body trembled, my veins burning with the kind of rage that made thinking impossible.

“I won’t go anywhere.”

“Then you know what will happen to Erik.” Uncle Pietro walked to me.

“Why are you doing this to me?” I screamed. “I am your blood for Christ's sake.” I threw my hands in the air.

“So? That doesn’t change a thing.” he said.

"I wish it was you and Aunt Alina who died instead of my parents, then I won’t have to take this your shitty behaviour." I spat, my voice thick with venom.

The slap came so fast I didn’t even see it coming.

A sharp pain exploded across my cheek, my head snapping to the side. A second blow followed, harder than the first, knocking me off balance.

My knees buckled, and I caught myself just in time, my hands pressing against the cold floor.

The coppery tang of blood filled my mouth. My lip throbbed, split open from the force of his hand. The sting was sharp, but I refused to react.

I wouldn’t cry. I wouldn’t give him the satisfaction.

Instead, I laughed. A raw, broken sound that didn’t even feel like my own.

Maksim made his way to me and grabbed my hair in a death grip. “You are going to do as we say.” He thundered.

I shook my head, “Not this time.”

I slapped his hands away and walked out of the room. I met aunt outside of the room eavesdropping. I hissed and walked past her.

Enough of all this, I am sick and tired of them telling me what to do. I am so sick of being their pawn.

I should have died that night, and then I won’t have to be facing all this torture from the very people I called family.

I picked up the small phone I normally use to call Erik and put it in my pocket. I took some money that I hid in my closet for emergency purpose and put on a jacket. I am leaving this place for good.

I knew where Erik was staying this time, so I was going to get him and go someplace where no one can find us.

After making sure no one saw me or noticed me, I escaped from this prison I call a home. Some of my clothes were in Zoya’s place so I headed to her house.

Zoya is my best friend of five years. There were only three people in this fucking world that I loved and trusted. Erik, Zoya and Alek, my boyfriend. I met Alek two years ago in one of aunt’s party.

We fell in love and started dating. Of course, uncle and aunt were not aware. These three people were the only friends I have in this pathetic world.

I arrived at Zoya’s small apartment and put in her passcode before entering. Her living room was a mess. I chuckled and shook my head. She was nowhere in sight but I knew she was home because her car was outside.

I called her name and when there was no response, I headed to her room. I opened the door and the sight that greeted me was extremely shocking.

Zoya was right there on her bed having sex with Alek, my boyfriend.

I stood there looking at them in shock and my feet wouldn’t move. I was trembling in anger and couldn’t believe what I was seeing.

Alek was the first person to see me. He pushed Zoya off him and stared at me. Zoya started to protest but she followed Alek’s gaze. Her eyes widened in surprise when she saw me.

I turned and walked to her living room. Bitter tears spilled from my eyes. The people I trusted the most betrayed me like this and it was like multiple arrows were sticking in my heart. It hurts so much.

“Anya.” Zoya called and stood in front of me fully dressed. Alek stood further form us wearing only his jeans.

“Anya. I can explain.” She bit her lip.

“Explain what? I caught both of you in bed and you still have something to explain to me?”

“Anya, what happened to your face?” she asked worriedly.

“Let’s not talk about my face. I can’t believe you guys would hurt me like this, you are supposed to be my best friend.” Fury roared through my mind.

“I am sorry, Anya.” She pleaded.

I chuckled bitterly, “Like that is going to help. I can’t believe you, Alek. You said you loved me, so how could you do this to me, with my best friend of all people?”

“Anya, I did not mean to hurt you.” Alek said.

I sighed, “Zoya, Alek. I want both of you to be honest with me, how long has this be going on?”

I looked at Alek and he lowered his head. I turned to Zoya and she turned her face away.

“Alek? Zoya?” I needed to know how long they have been deceiving me.

“Anya, just know I did not mean for any of this to happen. It just happened.” Zoya said.

“How long, Alek?”

“Well, for about a year now.” He said, ruffling his hair.

I scoffed bitterly. A year?

My shoulders sagged and I swayed on my feet. I quickly sat down to avoid falling.

Zoya sat down beside me and wanted to touch me but I pulled away.

“Don’t touch me, you betrayer!” I yelled.

“I am sorry, Anya.” She said.

“I am sick and tired of you telling me sorry when we both know you don’t mean it.” I said angrily.

“Anya, calm down.” Alek said coming to sit in front of me.

“How was it?” They both stared at me blankly.

 “Was it fun toying with me? You claimed you were my best friend and you, my boyfriend,” I pointed to Alek. “Did you guys enjoy playing with me? You betrayed me, both of you. You knew what I was going through. You guys said you will always be there for me, so how could you hurt me like this?” I cried out.

It hurts so much. The betrayal and their lies hurt so much. I trusted them so much, they were my second family and now I have been deserted. I was all alone in this harsh world. I had no one to run to anymore.

Thank you so much, universe. I screamed internally.

“Anya, please.” Alek pleaded.

“For a whole year, you both lied and pretended in front of me. You must be feeling so triumphant. How could you be so heartless?”

So this was how betrayal felt like. It was like being left alone in the desert at dusk without any warmth or water. It left your mouth broken and dry.

“Stop crying, please Anya.” Zoya said, tears pooling in her eyes.

“So this is it, Zoya. You know the saddest thing about betrayal, is that it never comes from your enemies, it comes from friends.”

“Anya, listen to me. I…” Alek was saying but I cut him short.

“Look guys, forget you ever knew me and if we ever happen to meet in the future, pretend you don’t know me. I wish you both good luck.” I stood up and walked out.

“I really loved you, Anya!” Zoya shouted.

I kept on walking not even minding my environment.

Betrayal happens after trust…

It hurts to know we are not betrayed by enemies, it’s actually by those we trusted.

I should have known or better still, I knew. The signs were there but I chose not to see it. They were always together each time I visited either of them and they were always talking about each other but I chose not to believe it.

What did I expect? No one had ever stayed close to me. They either left or betrayed me and that feeling alone was so painful.