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92. Hopelessness and Despair
Last Updated:
2023-12-22 15:47:14
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The Ruthless Mafia’s Contracted Bride 93. Feelings of Betrayal
I can’t seem to focus on anything apart from the fact that Boris is the person who betrayed my location to Igor. If he hadn’t done it, I would’ve still been living anonymously. Igor would never have found me. Although technically, it’s not fair of me to think this way because Igor and I practically reconciled before this tragic accident, Boris still betrayed my trust. I would never have expected this from him because he’s the one who helped me get away in the first place, and anyway, we were friends. How could he do such a thing to me?Now I understand why he ran. He didn’t even say a word to me. Coward. I’m so angry that I could follow him all the way to New York just to ask him why he did such a thing to me. To what purpose?I don’t think Leo would lie about this, not when I could easily find out the truth. We have coffee and toast in the cafeteria. It’s four in the morning, so there isn’t much to do except leave. We part ways in the parking lot. I send Luke a text letting him k
Last Updated : 2023-12-22The Ruthless Mafia’s Contracted Bride 94. Drifting
I answer all the questions that the police officers ask me, but frankly, I’m not even sure about what I’m saying. My mind is elsewhere. Luke has been my friend for years. It’s impossible for me to imagine him doing such a thing to anyone. But at the same time, a tiny part of me would have to admit that there’s something about all of this that adds up and makes sense. When the officers leave, I feel restless. I don’t feel safe in my own home because a friend of mine allegedly tried to kill the father of my children. This really can’t be. I sit down on the couch with my hands clasped in front of me as if in prayer, and think. The officers assured me that there would be a proper investigation but that for now, he was a suspect. A suspect! He was being questioned right at this moment. It made me wonder if he was lying, or whether he’d confess to the crime. When I hear the boys coming downstairs, I wipe my face and stand up to meet them at the bottom of the stairs. They’re still dres
Last Updated : 2023-12-23The Ruthless Mafia’s Contracted Bride 95. Bleak
There are many times when I can hardly believe what my life has been reduced to. Pain and suffering. Emptiness and anxiety. All these emotions are going around in circles above my head. I can't push them away, or ignore them. I have to live with my burdens. Luke dying on top of me will forever be something that will haunt me. I feel the warmth of his blood staining my shirt about a hundred times a day. I press the area on my abdomen with my fingertips until it goes away, but it keeps coming back. The reason why Leo shot him is because he believed Luke was being aggressive toward me. It's true; he barged into my home and was digging his fingers in my wrists. Technically, he had been aggressive, and I was terrified of him for those few minutes before the gun went off. His body was taken away in an ambulance, but it still feels like he's in my house. I feel like if I ever have to look over my shoulder, I'll see him standing by the door, enraged, telling me that he loves me. This is
Last Updated : 2023-12-24The Ruthless Mafia’s Contracted Bride 96. Leaving the Hospital
Today is the day that Igor is leaving the hospital. I’m beyond relieved, as that means that things are starting to get back to normal. He’s not in life-threatening danger anymore. He made a steady recovery, which surprised even the doctors. Today is also Luke’s funeral, and everyone who knows him is attending except for me. I don’t think I could show up there. I’m not that bold. Although the investigation is still ongoing, I’m not convinced that Luke didn’t try to kill Igor. That day in my house, he said the strangest things. For five days now, I’ve been seeing a therapist. I feel I have to talk to someone who isn’t a relative or a friend. A professional who knows just how to help me is a much better choice. I’m having an incredibly hard time coping with Luke’s death. He died right on top of me, for heaven’s sake, and I can’t seem to move past it. I can’t find a way to forget it all. I would have to be the coldest person in the world to act like it didn’t affect me. Luke was stil
Last Updated : 2023-12-25The Ruthless Mafia’s Contracted Bride 97. The Return
In the end, we decided to take Igor back to my place.I close the door as soon as we walk through it, and there lock it just to ensure that nobody is going to simply walk through it. Igor is limping a little from his fall, but he assures us that he’s fine. “We don’t have time,” Anastasia says. “We have to make a decision quickly.”“What kind of decision?” I ask. She looks at me. “Whoever is out there probably thinks that he’s dead, and that’s our advantage. For now, I suggest that we keep him that way, and then we can find out who’s behind all of this.”Ivan asks, “What? Keep him dead?”She nods. “It’s the only way.”“No,” Ivan says. “This is too crazy.”“It’s not. We’ve done a lot worse.”Her phone starts ringing, and she glances at the screen the says, “It’s Leo.” Afterward, she switches off her phone, and shoves it back in her purse. “The less people know about this, the better.”“Even Leo? That makes no sense.”“If we can have at least one person of our family mourning him, it’l
Last Updated : 2023-12-26The Ruthless Mafia’s Contracted Bride 98. Rapid Settling
The last few days were so chaotic that I actually felt relieved to be stepping on a plane that would take me far away from Alaska. I want to keep them in the past, so I'm avoiding the memories, but having to act like Igor was dead was just about the worst thing I ever did. I managed to shed a few tears, but I never felt as fake as I did that day. Nothing was genuine. When I went to fetch the boys in the hotel, Leo was there, and he gave me the longest hug he'd ever given me. I was uncomfortable in his embrace. I almost wanted to push him away. "Clara," he said, again and again. "God, Clara. What's happened to us? What's happened to us?"I tried to keep the boys as far away from this mess as possible, and because we'd be leaving soon, I didn't have much trouble. I had to explain to them that we were taking a short trip for the summer, and that got them a little excited, but soon Alex was asking me a whole bunch of questions that I didn't have the answers to. I'll be receiving instru
Last Updated : 2023-12-27The 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
Last Updated : 2023-12-28The 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
Last Updated : 2023-12-29
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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
