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42. Leo’s Return
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2023-10-31 17:24:16Related chapters
The Ruthless Mafia’s Contracted Bride 43. Unexpected Visit
As I descend the staircase, I ask Boris, “What are you doing here?”“Clara,” he says with a nod of his head. “I’m glad to see that you’re alright. I’ve been quite worried about you lately.”I frown. This is just about the strangest encounter I’ve had with him so far, especially after what happened yesterday. “Are you even supposed to be here?”“Why shouldn’t I?” he asks with a whisper of a smile on his lips. “You’re a friend and I’ve come to pay you a visit. I can do that, isn’t that right Hubert?”Hubert says nothing to him. He seals his lips and walks past him, disappearing into the kitchen. “I’m glad to see that he’s still a nice fellow,” Boris says jokingly. “Come, Clara. We have a lot to talk about.”“I don’t think we have anything to talk about.”“That’s where you’re mistaken,” he says, gesturing at the sofa in the living room. “The war has started and I’m sure you’re eager to have some news about the proceedings, aren’t you? I doubt Igor would tell you anything.”“Why wouldn’
Last Updated : 2023-10-31The Ruthless Mafia’s Contracted Bride 44. Pleasantness
As I’m lying in bed, two days after Boris told me the truth, I come to a staggering realization. Igor is showing me more kindness than my own family, and I can find a single thought against this. He didn’t have to treat me well, especially since I’m just someone who was going to be used as bait. Now the plan failed and he could easily discard me or even kill me to prove a point. But he hasn’t. If there is one thing about this whole thing that’s making me confused, it’s the fact that I’m not sure why he plans on marrying me. What’s the point? He could have threatened them with this, yes, but now that it’s all gone to shit, what’s the reason? Is the marriage still going to happen?I don’t think he’ll let me go. I need to have these questions answered so I can have the full truth but I haven’t seen him since he left my room that day and I haven’t ventured downstairs. I just needed some time to be alone and get myself together. I had to come to terms with everything that’s happening.
Last Updated : 2023-10-31The Ruthless Mafia’s Contracted Bride 45. Evening Adventures
When evening falls, I expect that I'll be staying in bed and that maybe I'll have time to start another book.I don't expect Hubert to come to my room and tell me that Igor wants to meet me somewhere. My heart drops when I receive the message and the butterflies in my stomach are awaken. I ask him, "Where does he plan on taking me?""I don't know, he just mentioned that you should dress warmly because the temperatures are expected to drop tonight."My mouth feels dry. I nod at him and then tell him that I'll be ready but as I get out of bed, I feel dizzy and I have no idea why. This isn't the first time that I've received some news like this from Hubert. Igor has asked me to dress up and be ready for many occasions. This, however, is new to me because we've never been on good terms before. I can't begin to imagine what we would even talk about. No, maybe I'm exaggerating. Maybe we won't even have time to be alone, or not in the way that I expect. Maybe it's an event of some kind, th
Last Updated : 2023-10-31The Ruthless Mafia’s Contracted Bride 46. Strange Confession
I feel like I’ve been plunged into ice-cold water. “What?”“I’m sorry if I’ve shocked you but I had to say it. I’m not good at keeping things a secret, I don’t know if you’ve noticed that.”I’m certain that my cheeks are up in flames. God, I don’t even know where to look. This is absolutely the last thing I thought he’d say to me. “I think you’re very much joking.”“I’m not a man who jokes about matters like this, Clara,” he tells me. “Not at all. And I wouldn’t sit across from you and say these things if I didn’t mean them. I would never waste your time in that way.”Even though he’s clearly trying to justify what he said, I can’t really believe it. It just doesn’t seem like it’s true to me. Yes, he’s been showing me kindness and his demeanor toward me has changed entirely since the first time we met. He’s openly kind to me and the kiss he gave me the other night was a clear indication of his feelings—but I still can’t believe it. “I don’t know what to say,” I finally breathe out.
Last Updated : 2023-10-31The Ruthless Mafia’s Contracted Bride 47. Lucid
I wake up to someone getting in my bed and I know it's this because the mattress dips. I open my eyes and find myself looking right into Igor's eyes. They're a shade lighter than usual today and it makes me feel like I'm staring at clear water."What are you doing here?""I wanted to talk too you," he says. "About what happened last night.""What, here in bed with me?"He flashes me a smile that makes my insides melt and the butterflies in my belly go crazy. I stare at him with wide eyes and tell myself that I have to get myself out of this situation fast or things aren't going to end well."We can talk at breakfast.""No," he says decidedly. "I want to talk to you here.""But I don't," I say, wondering why my body feels so heavy. Igor looks at me for a beat longer than necessary before sliding his hand up to my belly. His hand is warm, his grip sure, but that doesn’t matter because he’s not supposed to be touching me. I pinch his hand. “Don’t touch me!”“Why can’t I when I know yo
Last Updated : 2023-11-03The Ruthless Mafia’s Contracted Bride 48. Sincere Apology
Igor doesn’t even sit down. “About last night,” he begins, “I can only say that I’m incredibly sorry for putting you through that. I don’t know what had gotten into me. I should never have said that.”“It’s alright,” I say. “Really.”The look he gives me intensifies before he says, “No, it isn’t alright. It’s far from alright. I had too much to drink and I shouldn’t have lost control that way.”I only stare back at me, unsure of what to say to him. Although I was offended by his actions, I don’t want this to have to drag on more than it has to. It’s an equally embarrassing moment for me too. “If there is anything that I can do to assure you that I’m truly apologetic—”“No, there isn’t anything,” I interrupt him. “Your word for it is enough.”Igor presses his lips together and nods. I take it as my cue to leave. I really don’t believe that anything more than an apology is necessary. I stop when I close the door behind me. I’m thinking of going back to the kitchen but I’ve bothered H
Last Updated : 2023-11-05The Ruthless Mafia’s Contracted Bride 49. Late Night Talks and Gifts
The sun has set and I feel bored in the penthouse. I decide to go upstairs to the rooftop where I can probably get some fresh air and try to forget today's events. It's starting to get overwhelming for me again, and I've been spending too much time thinking about it all. The penthouse appears to be completely empty. I don't know if everyone has gone to bed or whether they're not even home yet. I don't stop to think about it either as I follow the path to the rooftop. I've made sure to bring a lighter coat along with me so I can stay out there for as long as possible. I didn't think I would see Igor smoking a cigarette as he stares at the view below. My first instinct is to take a step back and go back downstairs. I came here to avoid him, not the other way around. I turn on my heel with the intention of returning to my room. I don't even know what I would say to him. I make sure not to make a sound but for some reason, he still hears me. "Clara?"I close my eyes for a beat befor
Last Updated : 2023-11-07The Ruthless Mafia’s Contracted Bride 50. Rescue Mission
I wake up today not having the slightest idea of how crazy my day will be. It all starts with the order Igor left for Hubert. He said I could take the day off and go to the mall. Surrounded by security, of course, but nothing that I'm not already used to by now. I didn't want to go, not at first, but then I figured why not? It'll be the perfect excuse to get out of this place and relax. I'm eager to put the stress of the last few days behind me. Hubert isn't coming with me this time around and I'm a little sad that I'll have to go shopping by myself but I guess it's still alright. I can manage on my own and I better get used to the solitude because I won't always have him with me.I'm preparing myself to go out and as I stare at myself in the mirror, I realize that I'm not as miserable as I was some weeks ago. Things have changed a little and I'll say that knowing the truth helped me get past my sorrow. It made me appreciate the present a little bit more. I'm all set and ready to
Last Updated : 2023-11-08
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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
