I was no longer Ms. Orlov returned home. felt weird hearing Angelo calling me Mrs. Lerclere I had to get used it. Matteo didn’t feel as if made difference ever since we got from Sicily–he was back his usual self, always working and never at the estate. I got back to my too. Whenever got to I always took off my ring because I ready tell at work I was married. They going to ask a lot of questions and I didn’t know how was going to them. It was easier to avoid until they unavoidable. Then, I to the estate, I put the ring back on. I wanted everyone to know was married Matteo except for the people at work. I wanted them to know I was as single as I was before. Luckily, Matteo never came to the hospital Maybe, he was drowning work. I barely ever saw him. He was busy. Whenever I did catch a glimpse of him, looked tired and stressed. He was always frowning. Despite being tired, he never went to bed every time I woke up in the middle of the night, I saw the lights to were and heard noises coming from there. He was working nonstop. And I shifts, too. I want feel lonely at the estate, so was best to work. Papa call me few times… well, more than a few times. He called me about twenty times when I got back from Sicily. He may have heard the news, but he didn’t show at the hospital anywhere else. As for Alexei, he was me as usual Maybe, maybe, he was but he knew he had right to my life. was going to show up sooner or later. I wasn’t that, but I needed go back home with Matteo. Papa was probably mad at for the drastic decision I made. So, it a surprise to find Alexei calling me. “Hi, Alyosha. I thought you going to ever my calls I spoke as I walked down hallway, privacy. He kept quiet for a seconds, made a big mistake, Alena. Do you even understand what you yourself into?” Alexei sounded angry but he was his best to keep it cool. I knew him too well; grew up together. He was stubborn, and I knew he a temper; were both flawed creatures, but we always managed to it well. “And here thought you called because you missed me. “You married Lerclerc? Have you lost your g***n mind?” Yes, he was clearly angry. I could hear it. “We were engaged when you saw us at restaurant. Anyone in the right would know the next an engagement marriage. Besides, couldn’t you be happy for your little She of all she can get. “How can I for you?” “You married the Alena! The peace treaty between the were very clear. weren’t supposed to get involved them. We supposed to mind our own business and don’t give a about them. Now, you’re married to Matteo?!” 1 cleared throat, never wanted my the mafia. As far I know, I married successful businessman. What he does at night doesn’t bother because treats me well. makes me happy. is that you to say doesn’t bother me, too. Chapter 11 “Papa will disown you. You hrought upon yourself. can’t me, Alexei? You’re brother!” “The Bratva is more important than Alena. You know that thought you would be different. We had each other’s backs when we were younger, Alexei. The Bratva changed you. I don’t who you are anymore. Would you I marry Viktor and up unhappy the rest of my life?” Alexei a word, but I heard his breathing, he was trying to calm himself. He what Papa had for me was wrong. He had the power to stop him he was the Pakhan, but he decided to look away. “I don’t any part in this. I’m doing what’s for us. best for us or for you? your Bratva?” I cut him off as saw Zach making way towards me, “Fine, Alexei. I don’t have anything to say to you. We’ll just see it goes from here. I quickly ended the call shoving my phone in my pocket. Zach smiled, waving. knew it you were here. “Hey, yeah just air. “Are okay? I interrupt something?” was genuinely concern and I appreciated that. Zach was a really good colleague. “No, no. fine, Zach. “Okay – if so sure. Please hesitate to tell anything. I nodded, there wrong? It like the that has something to tell. He before putting both of his hands up, defending himself. “The team wants head to a bar after work. celebrate our last few senior residents. If you’re anything tonight. I wanted to come. I’ll be fun to wind down. We know how hard work,” “I tonight. I’ll be there,” “Great, that’s great. you want to go together, or do you want to meet there?” “I think I’ll meet you there. Besides, I here work this morning so I couldn’t just leave my car behind. He frowned, you sure you’ll be able to home after all the drinking? can just leave your car here the hospital and take a cab home after tonight. “Yeah, you’re right. Then, you think it’s okay if we head to the bar together?” “Of course. I’ll wait for you at the lobby after work,” nodded, as 1 walked away. had a few hours our shift was ready for it be over. Not because I wanted to go home but I really to drink. I had been going on the for the past week and needed a release–besides, if I home, I was going to be alone. 20:37 Wed, Oct 9 Chapter 11 Matteo was probably not at he was probably working. He was probably even busy someone up or shooting people, for all I cared. So, a night away the bar and drinking colleagues sounded nice. We could talk and spend time instead of going home and dreading of going to work tomorrow. It was that I wasn’t working early the next day. shift was over, I changed clothes and took bag before meeting Zach in the lobby. He waiting near the entrance and as soon as he saw me, he quickly waved. He was happy, maybe it was his way of coping. “Okay, cab’s here. You got He asked, pointing at cab. “Yeah, go. The traffic jam was and we used to it. was way worse than this–at least, by taking the cab, I was able to take few minutes to relax. wasn’t from the hospital, but the traffic jam was causing us to arrive a bit When we arrived, all our already there. Zach and were the ones to arrive. “Hey! You guys made someone waving. Zach waved back. “Yeah, sorry late. The traffic was really bad,” “No worries. Come and join us,” Lily smiled widely as she caught us, pulling in for a hug. seemed to be a little tipsy, but she wasn’t drunk. I wondered many drinks had. “Glad you guys could make it. was my mind drinking,” she pouting. “How many did you drink. Probably like or drinks?” –“Are you You look like more than two drinks. “Yeah, I can’t really remember. Was it two or ten?” “Lily” laughed, “I’m just teasing you, princess. “She gets drunk easily. Doesn’t do with alcohol,” Zach the three of us began to sit near of the stools. The rest our colleagues chilling and with drinks in hands. I beginning to relax as I ordered my drink. Tll have a vodka and watermelon punch. “And you, gentleman? bartender asked Zach, who was laughing with was giggling and her hands over but knowing Lily, she was just trying to let loose. I’ll have whiskey, “Alright. bartender away to prepare our drinks. A few minutes passed, and we were laughing off at jokes. I’ve quite but no problem with -yes, I a little lightheaded, but could a lot of alcohol until I was going to pass out. Wed, Oct 9 Chapter 11 always good with alcohol. “Let’s be honest, it was kind of laughed, her cheeks turning red. “I’m actually impressed that you took well. ” Zach replied. “I couldn’t I was shocked. “Did you shirt?” “Mm, I it away. I couldn’t deal with the smell. Lily was one night when passed a group of drunk teenagers and they decided to throw up. Well, she wasn’t in the place the puke got all her shirt and she was upset about it. she threw the away and the next morning when she got to work, she began ranting all it us. “It disgusting. as I taking another sip of drink. continued to at me, smiling before placing hand around Lily’s waist because almost stumbled. “Do you want to taste mine?” “Your whiskey? I’m not a big fan whiskies. had taste of good whiskey?” “They’re never good!” I laughed. “Oh, come on, not bad. “I don’t like the aftertaste. “You’re drinking vodka. “With watermelon,” I scoffed before taking his drink in my hand I’ll a sip. -It was surprising having a sip drinking a couple of more glasses. Apparently, tasted when you were already tipsy, I never whiskey, it was good time passed as to and laugh. It had while we really felt free and relaxed. We were always busy with work. Lily was off talking other colleagues, enjoying while I were the bar. We mingled with our but I didn’t bother leaving the bar, if here better because I was going get better access of drinks. came here for the was going spend my time drinking. “My ex came back to the day. ” started, sip of his drink. “What happened?” “Well, wanted me back. She apologized and everything. you her I asked, raising eyebrow. quiet a few seconds. I didn’t accept her back in my life, though. I was happier things between ended, and I wasn’t going to risk my life again. Besides, I find someone better as a partner. Chapter 11 “You deserve someone better, Zach. Relationships aren’t to drain you or hold back. I loved her though. were very serious with her,” I could say that. thought she was the one. Zach turned to look at me as I stared ahead. We were our thirties, life. When were younger, thought we figure out everything in our twenties, but time by like a blur. happy in their twenties, and I thought I was, too. Until was left broken. Now, I was someone I barely even knew. Someone who promised he wasn’t going to love me. worked funny. “Alena…you okay?” He breaking my thoughts. I just life really funny” He “You do?” As he leaned closer towards me, to snuggle closer. It wasn’t a romantic gesture since we were friends–it was just leaning my head on but it was the alcohol talking because he began to look at my faces were inches apart his lips met mine. Everything went silent around us even though they didn’t. My eyes closed and his as I tasted alcohol on his lips. The kiss slow, but it was passionate, making me hold onto his arms because I was afraid of tripping. No, we supposed to kiss. had feelings for Zach. He never had feelings for me. Zach cupped onto face, deepening kiss I felt a strong us to break the kiss. As I my I Zach had fallen to the ground as -another figure started to punch his face. The figure and immediately knew who was: Matteo. My eyes widened before quickly pulling Matteo away from Zach “Matteo, stop it!” stared us in shock as Matteo took step back. He didn’t push my hands away, but he was upset–why was upset? His jaw clenched, and hands in but he take another step to Zach. Zach, on the other the blood busted lip before standing up. “What the hell, Zach asked him, frowning. ” tightened around Matteo’s arm, trying pull him away but he didn’t move. was stronger me. “Matteo we’re leaving. “This is a warning. Don’t you dare my wife again,” Mateo said through gritted teeth, trying his best hold back anger. He was furious and if I here stop him, he was probably to Zach. “Your wife?” Zach confused as he turned to look at me, didn’t know she married. “Now, you do. I want you stay the f***k her end you 20:37 Wed, Oct 9 Chapter 11 “I’m sorry. Zach I–muttered before walking out the feeling the back until was completely out. My colleagues were going talk it, and they were going to wonder about Matteo. They heard everything. They heard him calling his ‘wife. were streaming down my cheeks I walked down the pavement, completely ignoring the stares. It take Matteo long to reach me, my arm. “What do think you’re doing Matteo?” I asked, wiping away my tears. have to them–I wasn’t to appear weak in front of him. “You come home. Do even know what time is?” He down at his wristwatch. “I don’t care!” I pushed him chest, but didn’t budge. did you where I anyway?” not important. You me where you were going,” he said as he tried to close distance between us, but I ignored taking steps back. “Alena, I was worried you. I scoffed. “You about thought we made a very clear you weren’t going to care about what in life. And suddenly, decided to play your part as my husband and hit my do you are?” “You were kissing the f***er,” “He kissed me! We were för god’s sake. doesn’t justify your Alena. promised loyalty. We promise loyalty. I didn’t Zach was going kiss me–it was my too. I should’ve him away he kissed me, but I didn’t. “You’re we did promise loyalty. ” I breathed out, “And sorry kissed me. I’m sorry that didn’t tell you where was going but didn’t think would care, anyway. In case you forgot, Matteo this marriage is strictly business. I stay out your life, and you stay of mine. “That doesn’t you get to go around kissing else!” He completely upset. “You belong to me, Alena. You’re my wife. “Your fake wife, I muttered. “You wanted me to marry you and did. All you to stay loyal to me. Is it that hard?” “I am loyal you. “Why did you kiss him, Alena?” He cupping face. We were inches apart and could see straight into his eyes–they weren’t their usual light brown. They appeared darker under light, but they were slightly red, he was tired. The bags and dark circles were still visible, “I should’ve pushed him away. He cut me off, “It doesn’t matter. Just get in the car. Just like that, he was walking to his black Aston and felt miserable I followed him.