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20. Alone at Lunch
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The Ruthless Mafia’s Contracted Bride 21. The Gala
Boris took care of everything for me and now, I'm ready to go to this gala with him.My hair is up and I'm wearing a light pink dress that is absolutely fabulous. He arranged all of this last minute, which means that I couldn't have the dress adjusted, but I have no complaints. In fact, I think I suspect that this had to have been pre-arranged, because there is no way he got everything together so quickly.Then again, what do I know?We're back in his car and his driver is taking us to the venue. He complimented my appearance back at the boutique and all I could do was thank him. He was kind enough to do this for me and if I have to be completely honest with myself, I'm glad to be out of that apartment for a whole day. Even though I still think Boris is obnoxious, I'm glad he's done this for me.I don't think I'll be able to tell him that, though. I don't know if I have it in me to be so humble. It doesn't take long for us to reach the venue of the gala—only about five minutes since
Last Updated : 2024-10-29The Ruthless Mafia’s Contracted Bride 22. Burning Fury
Beside me, Boris shifts.I don't take my eyes away from Igor's face. Time seems to be frozen in place. The only thing that isn't stagnant is my fury. How much can one take before reaching their breaking point? How does one know when they've reached their breaking point?Is this my breaking point?"You forget the bargain we struck," Igor says carefully. It sounds like he's trying to keep himself from shouting. "You offered me your obedience in exchange for your brother's life. Don't make the mistake of thinking that I can't get my hands on him again if I want to. I will do so and this time, you'll be the one to blame."There's a knot in my throat that I can't swallow down no matter how hard I try. I try not to glance at Boris as I step forward. Igor tries to grab my arm but I inch away from him before he can do so and walk ahead of him with my head held high even though I'm crumbling from the inside. I wait for him outside only for a moment. He doesn't take along. His driver appears b
Last Updated : 2024-10-29The Ruthless Mafia’s Contracted Bride 23. Business Trip
Igor left at around three and I didn't see him again after that.He didn't look at me as he walked past. It was clear that he was just doing that to make a point, which just added to the feeling of triumph hovering over my head the whole day. Paula told me they'd leave at five and so I was determined to stay and work the whole day to make up for the hours I missed in the morning. Now that it's time for us to leave, I'm not quite sure what to do. Do I take a taxi home? Unfortunately, I don't have any money with me and I haven't used my phone since the auction. I never got it after I left with Igor, and he didn't get me a new one. All three of us walk out together. I learn that they're roommates and live together, and so they drive to work together. Once we go outside, I see the driver who dropped me off standing in front of the car with his arms folded. Of course, he'd arrange for me to be picked up. He probably had the whole building on alert in case I decided to leave. Paula and B
Last Updated : 2024-10-29The Ruthless Mafia’s Contracted Bride 24. Hotel Arrangements
After six hours of having to sit across from him in his private jet and being forced to watch him take notes and give orders to the guards who came along with us, we finally arrived. This whole trip is starting to feel like a drag and I’m starting to realize that what he wants is to bore me to death. I haven’t even attended to him in the way that he expects me to and I’m already sick of him. Arriving at the hotel takes about thirty minutes. We’re sitting next to each other in the back of the car and he’s smoking with the windows down. I’m tired and hungry because I refused to eat anything on the plane, and I want nothing more than to sleep what has already been a terrible day. Only, I don’t think it’s going to be that easy. I still feel like he’s planning something. Once the driver parks the car in front of the hotel, we get out. He speaks to the woman behind the counter while I stay a safe distance away, holding my luggage. After checking in, we go up to our rooms. The security g
Last Updated : 2024-10-29The Ruthless Mafia’s Contracted Bride 25. Having Fun
Of course, I don't have a choice in the matter, like everything else.I'm forced to tag along with Igor to this inauguration that I don't want to go to. My energy is on the ground and what I need is sleep, but it seems like he has other plans. He wants to overwork me, perhaps until I beg him to stop.That's too bad because I won't. I'll do no such thing.I've come this far, so I can go further. I can do this to prove a point and besides, I'm not that sleep-deprived. I can hold out longer. Much longer, actually. If proving him wrong and disappointing him is the end result, then I'm happy.We're in the car together and he's smoking a cigarette. He's dressed more casually than I've ever seen him—there is a plain black shirt beneath his blazer, and it's unbuttoned. It shows that he's wearing a golden chain with a cross. His hair isn't brushed back the way it usually is. It's more shaggy and...casual.I'm in a short black dress and strappy heels. It's the only appropriate dress I brought a
Last Updated : 2024-10-29The Ruthless Mafia’s Contracted Bride 26. Rescuer
"Take him outside," he commands coldly, his eyes on the man his guards just pushed to the guard like nothing.This has sobered me up but now I feel nausea rolling in my stomach and filling my mouth with this awful taste. When his guards carry him away, his head lolling to the side, Igor finally looks at me.I was dreading this moment and now I know why. I seem to see blame in his eyes, which is completely unacceptable because all I was trying to do was have fun. That man had no right to put his hands on me, the same way Igor has no right to blame me for this."We're leaving," he says before turning on his heel.I stand with my back against the wall. A few feet away from me, the couple who were kissing have stopped and are now looking at me. I glance at them before pushing myself against the wall and walking lazily toward...I don't even know where I'm going.When I step back into the main area, I see Franco. He walks toward me with wide eyes and puts his hands together. "I'm so sorry.
Last Updated : 2024-10-29The Ruthless Mafia’s Contracted Bride 27. Invitation to Dinner
I thought I wouldn't have to see Igor for the rest of the night but it seems I was proved wrong. He just never disappoints. He comes into the room fully dressed, which makes me wonder if he has a separate hotel room and simply did that to torture me. I wouldn't put it past him. I don't sit up in bed when I see him. "If you're up for it, we can have dinner together," he begins, which takes me off-guard completely. "I believe there is much we can discuss before we return to New York." "I don't think there's anything we can talk about," I say, not missing a beat. "And I'm not up for to but thank you for asking." Igor narrows his eyes at me and then adds, "I only asked to be courteous. If anything, this is further evidence that you're the one making things more complicated than they have to be. Be downstairs in thirty minutes or you'll be carried there. And in case you were wondering, no, not by me." I grit my teeth as I watch him walk out. I don't think there is anyone in the world
Last Updated : 2024-10-29The Ruthless Mafia’s Contracted Bride 28. Taunting
We're back in New York and I have to say that I'm beyond relieved. Too much happened in LA and frankly, I can't say that I made any good memories there. Being harassed in the club by some stranger and then having to deal with Igor ruined everything for me, and since that was all that happened, I think it's safe to say that the trip was terrible. Igor has me dropped off at the apartment before he goes to work. He doesn't mention my job so I assume I don't have to go in today. I wouldn't have either, not with the jet lag that's killing me. What I need is sleep. Hubert greets me at the door. He sends me up to the room with a hot bowl of soup and I'm beyond grateful. He is the best person in this place and I'm glad I have him on my side. I sleep for a few hours and wake up just in time for dinner, but what I don't expect is the penthouse being this full with people. Hubert is standing by the stairs and immediately climbs the few steps to meet me. I ask, "What's going on?" "It's Leo's
Last Updated : 2024-10-29
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The Ruthless Mafia’s Contracted Bride Epilogue
I watch the waves crash into the shore while the ocean breeze rustles my hair. I take a deep breath, drawing the salty air into my lungs and holding it in hopes that it’ll become a part of me. There’s nothing as therapeutic as this. The sun is deliciously warm today. Most days, it’s burning hot, but today, it’s just perfect. I’m lounging in the hammock in the porch of our beach house. I do this every morning as soon as I wake up because it helps me dispel my troubled thoughts. Whenever I think about all those traumatic events of the last couple of months, I feel like I’ll never truly move on from them, but when I come out here, my hope is renewed. Things will get better at some point. As long as I’m seeking help and am surrounded by my loved ones, I’ll be perfectly fine. I close my eyes, take another deep breath, and then reopen them when I hear someone approaching. I turn my head to look at the door and see Igor leaning against the door with a cup of tea in his hand. It’s for me
The Ruthless Mafia’s Contracted Bride 106. Interlude V
IgorGetting home is my only priority at the moment, and as soon as I step through the elevator, I feel relieved. The first person I see is Anastasia. She rushes toward me with tear stained cheeks. “Igor. For the love of God. Don’t do anything stupid.”“Where is she?” I demand. “Where’s Clara?”“You can’t kill Leo,” she says, following me all the way up the stairs. “Remember the promise your father made you make. You’re supposed to stick together no matter what. You’re supposed to forgive each other.”I ignore her and start opening doors while calling her name desperately. I have to see her. Fuck, I have to hold her. I have to make sure she’s okay before I go looking for that traitorous fucker. “Igor!” Anastasia exclaims, trying to get my attention. A door on the other end of the corridor opens, and she peers out. I race toward her, and when she sees me, she rushes toward me. I drop my bag and gather her in my arms. “Clara,” I say her name. Like a prayer. “My love.”She’s sobbing.
The Ruthless Mafia’s Contracted Bride 105. Sacrifice
There were more endless hours of waiting. At this point, I've started losing hope. I've already cried and screamed, and now there's nothing left of me to pour out into the world.I’m missing Alex and Dimitri like crazy. I fear I’ll never see them again. I’m starting to actually acknowledge the fact that I’ve been beyond stupid for not having told anyone in the family about my suspicions. Yes, Boris knows, but has news of my disappearance gotten out yet?What’s even going on out there? What’s being said?It’s impossible to know what Leo made up. He could’ve said that he never saw me, and then I’d be screwed. I didn’t encounter anyone when I reached the penthouse; it was just him. I’m hungry and thirsty. My back is killing me, and the pain behind my eyes hasn’t subsided yet. I close my eyes for a few minutes each time, but I open them when I feel myself falling asleep. I don’t want to be caught off guard. I want to see whatever it is that he’ll do to me. The door opens, and I sit upr
The Ruthless Mafia’s Contracted Bride 104. Interlude IV
IgorI grip my phone tightly in my fist. “What do you mean she’s gone? Gone where?”“That’s what we’re trying to figure out,” Ivan replies, flustered. “Ivan,” I say through my teeth. “You’re not making any sense here. You’re telling me that the driver dropped her off in the garage, and she went up. But nobody saw her in the apartment. And it’s like she’s vanished into thin air?”“Yes, that’s about it.”I sag against the couch, then decide that there’s no way I can sit when this is happening. I run my fingers through my hair, feeling more frustrated than ever. “Is it possible that she stepped out for a bit without telling anyone?”This is reminding me of when she first went missing all those years ago. I was so lost, and hopeful, too. I kept imagining her walking through the door, saying that she just went shopping or something. I had no idea that she’d already found out about everything and left me, feeling betrayed. This is reminding me of that day, that’s for sure, but this time,
The Ruthless Mafia’s Contracted Bride 103. Taken
To my immense surprise, a smile curves Leo’s lips instead of the opposite. He’s supposed to be terrified that I know his secret, but instead, he’s smiling at me. “Have you lost your mind?” he asks in the most unconvincing voice that I’ve ever heard in all my life. “Is that it?”“You won’t fool me,” I announce. “I know it’s you. You’re behind every single bad thing that’s happened to this family for some time now. You’re not a friend, Leo. You’re a foe. You’re an enemy. You’re the one who ordered someone to hit Igor’s car, and then, you shot Luke in hopes to clean your tracks. And then, when Igor survived the crash, you paid that shooter. And just when we were going to look into, he shows up dead in his apartment. How’s all of this supposed to be a coincidence?”There’s that smile again. Honestly, it scares me. I know what he’s capable of. There’s no reason why I shouldn’t be afraid. “Those are some really filthy accusations, Clara. I’ve sacrificed a lot for this family. I’ve risked
The Ruthless Mafia’s Contracted Bride 102. Unanticipated Confrontation
I exit Boris’ building with my heart in my throat. The situation is getting out of control. If Leo truly is behind all of this, then I have my work cut out for me. I’m supposed to be working with him (and Ivan, of course) to find out who is behind all of this. Now, I’ll have to work against him. The five security guards are all around me, forming a half-moon shape. Technically, I’m protected from anyone who might want to attack me, but I don’t feel safe. How can I, when I’m living in the same house as the person who wants to destroy Igor? It’s him who’s behind all of this, and the faster I come to terms with this, the more sense everything makes. We’re just stepping outside when a car screeches to a halt in front of the building. Before I can even register what’s happening, they’re pushing me back, trying to shield me from what’s happening. They draw their weapons, and I realize that my head is spinning, and things are happening in slow motion right before my eyes. “Take her bac
The Ruthless Mafia’s Contracted Bride 101. No More Doubts
“I wouldn’t recommend seeing him,” Ivan tells me. “He’s bad news, and we all know what his intentions with you are. He’ll probably ask you to marry him.”“He’d receive no for an answer,” I state firmly. “He says he might have some information for us. Wouldn’t it be wise to hear him out?”“‘Might’ isn’t a good enough word. He ‘might’ve have nothing valuable to tell us.”“But what if he does?” I ask. “I know he would never hurt me.”“You’re the Head now,” he says with a sigh. “You’re free to make whatever decision you please. For us, that’s sacred, and we don’t take it for granted. Not going is only my advice, but if you wish to go, you’re free to do so.”I sit back, and put my fork down. I think deeply of what he’s saying. Should I go? Would Boris be helpful? I think he will, so I say, “I think I’ll go.”“I’ll arrange a car and a group of security to accompany you, then,” he concedes. “In the meantime, I’m going to start looking into—”We hear the elevator, and soon enough, Leo joins u
The Ruthless Mafia’s Contracted Bride 100. Suspicious Conversation
I wake up in the middle of the night, sweating, and with Luke’s voice echoing in my ears. This is the first time I’ve dreamt of him since that thing happened. I keep hearing the gunshot, too, and it echoes in my mind. I wipe my eyes, and then sit up. My mouth is parched, so I have to get some water. I don’t have any in the room. I should probably bring a bottle with me from the kitchen so that I don’t have to go downstairs again. I open the door as quietly as possible, not wanting to wake anyone up. Before I head downstairs, I check on the boys first. They’re just next door, so it’s easier for me to keep an eye on them. They’re both sleeping peacefully, so I close the door carefully and then creep downstairs. I step into the kitchen and open the fridge. After finding a glass, I pour water in it, and tip my head back as I down all of it. I immediately feel better; more refreshed and awake. The noise in my head is a lot less, and I feel I can sleep again if I tried. It’s only two in
The Ruthless Mafia’s Contracted Bride 99. Function
The boys love Hubert. Then again, if I have to be completely honest, I don’t know who wouldn’t. He’s the most caring person in the world. I’ve told him that I don’t want the boys to know about Igor’s ‘death’ just yet. He isn’t dead, so to tell them something and then have to admit to them that it had all been a lie would be too much. They’re only five years old. This is a matter that would have even adults spiraling. Hubert doesn’t know the truth yet, though. I really feel bad. I can tell that he’s having a hard time coping, but he’s too much of a professional to ever let it show. After dinner, the boys were filled with restless energy, and they were curious about this new place that we would call home. Hubert showed them around, and told them everything he felt they needed to know about the place. It was just the four of us, along with the cook and the maid, both whom I hadn’t seen yet. That was last night. This morning, it’s honestly pretty much the same; the only difference is
