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8. A New Strategy
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2024-10-29 19:42:56Related chapters
The Ruthless Mafia’s Contracted Bride 9. Apology
After dinner, dessert is served. It’s light, so I can easily finish it. It’s a tart and sweet passion fruit mousse, which is one of my favorites. Igor is the only one who doesn’t have dessert. Instead, he sits at the end of the table sucking on the end of a cigar with a glass filled halfway with whiskey in front of him. I only glance at him because I want to gauge the mood. After Leo made that comment in Russian, things became more awkward at the table. I don’t speak Russian, so I have no clue what he said. Waiting for everyone to rise from the table is the painful part. Although nothing much is said, nobody makes a move to stand, which means I’m stuck here for a few more minutes. “The Italian princess doesn’t think she’s too much for us anymore,” Leo says, surprising me. He puts emphasis on the word Italian. “What happened? Your plan didn’t work out for you?”I don’t answer him. I stare at my empty glass bowl and try to keep my expression light and neutral. If he wants to amuse
Last Updated : 2024-10-29The Ruthless Mafia’s Contracted Bride 10. Great Shock
The morning is a slow one, which I’m actually thankful for. I’m dressed in one of the sleeping gowns I found in the shopping bags, which have been packed into the closet by Hubert and another maid. They washed it all and I watched them arrange the closet accordingly and couldn’t help but feel depressed. There was a permanent feeling to the act that was unshakable. Seeing the clothes in the shopping bags made this whole affair seem temporary. Watching them pack everything away made me feel like I’d never leave this damned place. It’s all I want yet things are taking longer than expected. I wish I could talk to my father and ask him why he didn’t come yet but I won’t ask Igor for the phone and anyway, he didn’t come yet because he forgot about me. He certainly didn’t forget. Things are probably more complicated than they seem. Until then, I’ll try to stay calm and I appreciate mornings like this. Firstly, I wasn’t called down for breakfast, which is a big relief because I genuinely
Last Updated : 2024-10-29The Ruthless Mafia’s Contracted Bride 11. The Engagement Party
When the doors to the large venue open, my eyes widen considerably. I feel like I've stepped into the nineteen hundreds. The venue is more of a ballroom, and it's breathtaking and majestic. And the crowd. There are so many guests, all immaculately dressed. I notice this even from afar. There's a grand staircase leading to the party below, and so I can oversee everything from where I'm standing. It almost feels like someone will stand beside us and announce our presence like in the old days but that doesn't happen. The guards disperse once we step through the massive engraved doors and it's just Hubert and me. My courage fails me. I'm convinced that I won't be able to see this evening through. I can't face these many people. "I can't do this," I murmur to Hubert. "You must," he insists. "And I am certain that you can."Sometimes it's hard for me to tell whether he's on my side or not, because everything he's done so far is to benefit Igor. But he's also helped me from making a fo
Last Updated : 2024-10-29The Ruthless Mafia’s Contracted Bride 12. Scene
“Igor,” Boris says with a quirk of his mouth. “I was just congratulating your lovely fiancée for being engaged to one of the finest men in the city.”His words drip sarcasm. If I have to be honest, this cheers me up a little. Not enough to crack a smile, but it still makes me feel a little better. “You have no reason to congratulate her,” Igor says. “In fact, you have no reason to speak to her at all.”“What’s this about?” Boris asks playfully as his eyes dart to Leo and Igor’s brother. “We’re friends. Practically family, according to the old laws.”“The circumstances of our association aren’t necessarily easy to define,” Igor answers. “But we are not family, Boris. And we never will be.”Boris narrows his eyes a little but he still doesn’t seem surprised or disappointed by anything. “How devastating,” he says dryly. “I expected more from the person I work closely with, so much that I might lose my life due to his desire for a pretty Italian zhena.”Igor’s face contorts into a mask o
Last Updated : 2024-10-29The Ruthless Mafia’s Contracted Bride 13. Attempt
Sitting in my room and waiting for something to happen is the worst kind of torture. I’m anguished. My thoughts are solely on my brother and I keep imagining the worst every time I don’t hear any sound coming from downstairs. I imagine Igor in a dark room with him, a knife in hand and a creepy grin on his face. I close my eyes to make the image disappear but the feeling of dread and unshakable fear lingers. I’m terrified that he’ll do something to Marco before I intervene. The thought I had earlier keeps coming back to me. I’m angry enough to contemplate seeing it through and the fact that my brother’s life now depends on the action I’ll take. I’m the one in close contact with Igor so I have a better chance at helping him. I’m so desperate that I refuse to think of a plan where I don’t do something When I finally hear a sound, my heart drops to my stomach and I struggle to stand up. It isn’t just any sound—there’s a full-blown argument happening. I hear many angry voices shouting
Last Updated : 2024-10-29The Ruthless Mafia’s Contracted Bride 14. Pity
Igor looks at me like I’m crazy for a few beats. I repeat my words. “Let my brother go and I’ll do whatever you want me to do.”“You say that now, after you stabbed me?”I gulp, unsure of what to say to that. He keeps the ball of tissues on his chest and then he turns around to discard them before pulling new ones. His whole back is covered in the not detailed tattoo of a skull I’ve ever seen before. There’s a cross right on its forehead, and I can’t help but wonder what it means. So far, nothing is going according to plan. I didn’t plan on begging him to not hurt my brother. He was supposed to be dead by now but I couldn’t see it through. I don’t think I’ll ever forget the feeling of sliding the knife in him, even if just the tip. It’s the most horrible feeling in the world. “I don’t quite know what to do with you, Clara,” he says, and I have to admit that he sounds honest. I stare down at my feet as humiliation rocks through me. I remind myself that this is for my brother, and s
Last Updated : 2024-10-29The Ruthless Mafia’s Contracted Bride 15. Downward Spiral
I manage to sleep through the night by some miracle. When I wake up, my eyes are heavy and gritty. Washing my face doesn’t quite get rid of the feeling. When I stare into the mirror, I lock eyes with my reflection and stare at myself for the longest time. I don’t recognize the broken woman staring back at me. My face is that of a stranger’s. I’ve come to some shocking realizations overnight, and the words Igor uttered to my brother are still with me. I’m a Makárov now. That’s what he thinks. I guess a part of me always thought that this was all some joke and that once my family intervened, I’d be freed. The only rescue mission was ruined by Boris and my brother didn’t even want to come. I thought they’d come through the elevator shooting, all to get me away from here, but that isn’t going to happen. I don’t think I’ll be getting out of here anymore. I go back to the bedroom and to my surprise, I see Hubert standing at the foot of my bed. The tray of breakfast is already on the
Last Updated : 2024-10-29The Ruthless Mafia’s Contracted Bride 16. Cocktail Party
Despite the fact that this event is supposed to be an important one, I don’t receive any assistance in getting ready like I did for the engagement party. It was a tremendous waste of time and money, in my opinion, considering the fact that I was only at the party for about thirty minutes, but since it wasn’t my money or time wasted, I don’t really care. Hubert brings me a new dress, which is what I’m expected to wear tonight. It’s a lovely gown that’s not too formal but not casual enough to wear outside a formal event. It’s just the kind of dress that anyone should have one of—thin sleeves, a decent side slit with no embellishment on it whatsoever. “I picked it myself,” Hubert informs me. “I thought it would suit you.”“Thank you, Hubert,” I say with a small smile. Whenever I’m in his presence, I feel safe and seen. Though he works for Igor and will always ultimately be loyal to him, he’s good to me, and I don’t have the feeling that he betrays my feelings to Igor whenever I confide
Last Updated : 2024-10-29
Latest chapter
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
