All Chapters of Married Off To The Merciless Mafia King : Chapter 51 - Chapter 60

DMITRIThe door to my office swings open, and I can’t help but chuckle mirthlessly at the sight of my unexpected visitor. Nikolai Petrov, in the flesh. How quaint.“I never would’ve expected Nikolai Petrov to grace my humble abode,” I drawl, sarcasm dripping from every word. “What brings you to my office?”He approaches my desk with the caution of a man who knows he’s walking into the lion’s den. “May I sit?”“Sure.” I shrug, feigning nonchalance. “You came all this way. It would be rude for me not to offer you a seat.”As he settles in, I fold my arms, giving him rope to hang himself with. I have a hunch this has something to do with Ana and their so-called reconciliation, but I trust Nikolai about as far as I can throw him. Once a traitor, always a traitor.“I came to apologize,” he finally says.A scoff escapes me before I can stop it. “For what? Stealing from my father? Threatening to usurp me from a position that was rightfully mine? How about for neglecting your daughter? Pick o

But I can see that Papa’s rage has blinded him. It’s doubtful Dmitri will fall for his ruse, whether I play a part or not. If Papa tries to kill him, Dmitri won’t spare his life. And if there’s even a small chance Papa succeeds, I could lose the man I love. I’ll lose Papa too because Dmitri’s people will come after him.Either way, I’m caught in the middle of a war I never wanted to fight. A war that will never end.Some days, I really wish I’d just become a librarian or something. At least then, the only thing I’d have to worry about is late fees.I take a deep breath, trying to appeal to whatever shred of fatherly love might be left in him. “I’m happy,” I plead, feeling like I’m talking to a brick wall. “Can’t you see that I’m happy withhow things have turned out? Why can’t you just let sleeping dogs lie?”But the look in his eyes is pure venom. If hatred could be bottled, his would be top shelf. “I was insulted,” he spits. “My dignity and self-esteem were stripped from me. I’m not

ANAI clear my throat, trying to get Viktor and Yelena’s attention over the clinking of cutlery in the museum’s restaurant. I’ve dragged them here under false pretenses because, let’s face it, if I’d told them the truth, at least one of them would’ve run for the hills faster than you can say “family drama.”This is it. My last hurrah with the two people who matter most to me, besides Dmitri. God, just thinking about him makes my heart do a little tap dance of misery.“I’ll cut to the chase,” I say, taking a sip of liquid courage. “Viktor, you like Yelena, don’t you?”My brother’s poker face is about as convincing as a kid with chocolate all over their fingers swearing they didn’t touch the cake.“You’re a meddler if there ever was one,” he grumbles.I shrug, aiming for nonchalance. “What can I say? I’m just trying to spread a little happiness before—” I catch myself. “I mean, you two deserve it.”I hold up my hands, trying to look innocent. “Look, I’m not trying to play Cupid here. I’

ANAThe sharp knock on the door nearly gives me a heart attack. I drop the spoon I’m holding, and it clatters to the floor like a mini cymbal crash.Real smooth, Ana.Who could that be? I’ve been holed up in this suburban Dmitri protection program for two weeks now, where the neighbors are about as social as hermit crabs. The only visitor I’ve had was dear old Dad, and I made it crystal clear he wasn’t welcome for a repeat performance.“Maybe it’s just a really persistent Girl Scout?” I mutter, trying to calm my racing heart. But let’s be real, I’m on edge because I’m waiting for the other shoe to drop. For Dmitri to show up and demand answers I’m not sure I’m ready to give.The knocking gets louder, more insistent. Guess Girl Scouts are really upping their cookie game. I creep to the door, feeling like I’m in some low-budget horror movie. Peering through the peephole, I gasp.“Ana?” Viktor’s voice carries through the door, strong and reassuring. “I know you’re in there. Please open u

The drive is a blur of adrenaline and fury. I race down the highway, weaving through traffic, my knuckles white on the steering wheel. Every second feels like an eternity, but finally, I screech to a halt outside Nikolai’s building.As I stride toward the entrance, I spot a cop, his gun visible in his waistband. He doesn’t approach.Smart man.“Cocky bastard,” I mutter. If Nikolai thinks being in a public place will save him, he’s sorely mistaken. My influence reaches far beyond his petty attempts at protection.I burstinto the outer office, making his secretary jump. “H-hi,” she stutters.“Leave,” I bark. She doesn’t need to be told twice.Without hesitation, I kick open Nikolai’s door. He looks up, a false calm on his face. “Dmitri.” He nods, as if we were meeting for afternoon tea.I refuse to return the courtesy. “You bastard,” I snarl, advancing on his desk. “You knew where she was all along. You sent me on a wild goose chase.”Nikolai leans back, unfazed. “I merely reclaimed wha