D I A N E
I suddenly felt dizzy and lightheaded, my head spinning. I couldn't focus on anything, and my stomach was churning. I tried to steady myself, but everything was starting to spin. I found myself sitting on my couch, hoping that it would help me feel better, but it didn't. I felt my heart racing and my palms started to sweat. I didn't know what was happening to me.
Suddenly, the nausea was too much to bear, and I felt myself running to the bathroom, retching into the toilet. I gasped for air, trying to catch my breath. I wondered what could have caused this, trying to recall what I had eaten that day. All I could remember was the tea Luka had given me.
Was it something in the tea that was making me feel this way? I slowly rose to my feet and went to the sink to wash my face and hands.
I tried to shake off the strange feeling and carry on with my day. After a while, I started to feel better and was able to focus on my work. I spent the afternoon on my laptop, making calls to the various agencies involved in Yulia's wedding. I was making sure the cake was exactly the way she wanted it, and that the venue was ready for the big day. It was all coming together, despite my earlier discomfort.
It was hard to believe that I was in this position - planning someone else's wedding while my own heart was still aching from the betrayal I had experienced.
I tried to focus on the task at hand, telling myself to calm down and focus on the job. "All in due time," I whispered to myself, knowing that one day I would get the chance to confront the person who had broken my heart. But for now, I had to focus on the task at hand.
A text message pinged on my phone, and I saw that it was from Claudia. I opened the message and read it, surprised to see that she wanted me to come over. I didn't question her, even though we hadn't spoken since this morning.
I felt much better now and agreed to her request. I gathered my things and made my way to her house.
As I walked to Claudia's house, I couldn't help but feel a sense of dread. I hoped that Isaak wouldn't be there, but I knew that was a long shot. I was practically asking for trouble by going to Claudia's house, but I felt like I had no choice. I wanted to be there for her, no matter what. I just hoped that I wouldn't have to see him.
As I approached the house, I found myself frozen in place. I had been here so many times before, but this time felt different. It was like a weight was on my shoulders, making it difficult to take another step.
The security guard at the gate nodded at me, and I wondered if he could tell how nervous I was. Then I saw him - the last person I wanted to see. Isaak was coming out of the house, and I couldn't help but feel a rush of anger and sadness.
He was wearing a white shirt that was unbuttoned, revealing his toned chest. He had a black suit jacket draped over his arm and his sleeves were rolled up to his elbows. His face was serious, his expression unreadable. I felt my stomach twist as I took in his appearance. I hated how good he looked, how he always seemed to have an air of confidence and mystery about him. I bit my lip, trying to shake the thoughts from my head.
His grey eyes met mine, and I could see the surprise in them. He had not expected to see me here, clearly. But then he said, "Let her in." His voice was deep and rich, sending a shiver down my spine. I couldn't help but feel a strange sense of longing as I heard his words. He always had a way of making me feel things I didn't want to feel.
He remained silent, my words seemingly falling on deaf ears. I glanced up at him, taking in his appearance. He looked completely out of it, his serious expression never changing.
I wondered what was on his mind, what could be so important that he would ignore me like that. Or was he just ignoring me on purpose? I hated the way he could make me feel so insignificant.
Just as I was about to ask what was wrong, I saw a figure approaching Isaak. The guy was about the same height as him, his brown hair dark and unruly. I noticed his hand was clenched into a fist, and when he came closer, I could see that he was holding a knife. My heart started to pound in my chest, and a cold sweat broke out on my forehead. "Boss," the guy said, "The underboss is ready. We can leave now."
And then it hit me. What was Isaak doing with a knife? Where was he going? I felt my heart skip a beat as I tried to piece everything together. I rarely ever saw Isaak in his 'role' as a mafia don. When we were younger, he was still training to be one.
Even then, he was very knowledgeable about the world of organized crime, having grown up with a father who was a don. But I never saw him in action. And now, standing there with that knife in his hand, I was scared to find out what he was up to.
"Good. Get the car ready. Make sure all your guns are loaded," he said, never once glancing in my direction.
I had never seen Isaak before he was about to go on a mafia mission. I was frozen in place, unable to move. Then, without thinking, I found myself running after him. "Isaak, wait!" I called out, and he stopped in his tracks, turning around to face me.
I looked up at him, our eyes locking for a brief moment. I slowly let go of his wrist, my hand trembling. "Please, come back home, alive." I said, my voice quivering. I didn't know what I would do if something happened to him no matter how much he hurt me.
□□□
I rang the doorbell to Viktor's house, and a familiar face greeted me. The same maid from my last visit opened the door, a warm smile on her face. "Good evening, ma'am," she said, taking my black fur coat and hanging it up in the coat closet. I stepped inside, feeling a sense of anticipation wash over me.
My hair was pulled back into a neat bun, and I wore a simple yet elegant baby blue dress that hugged my curves. The maid, Teresa, led me through the house, and I took a deep breath. I hoped this would be a quick visit, that Viktor would listen to reason. I just wanted to get this over with.
I heard the door open and close behind me, and I knew that meant Teresa had left. Viktor gestured for me to come in. "You may leave," he said, dismissing her with a wave of his hand. She disappeared without a trace, and I was left alone with Viktor. The air felt thick with tension, and I swallowed hard. This was it.
"Alright, let's make this quick," he said, a smirk playing on his lips. "I have an offer to make you. One that you can't refuse," he continued, his voice smooth and confident.
Ha, watch me.
I raised an eyebrow, unimpressed.
I bit back a laugh, finding the situation almost comical.
Everyone was so worried about Isaak finding out the truth as if it would somehow ruin everything. Did he not realize that Isaak already knew the truth? That he already knew who shot him? Or were they afraid of what he would do if he found out? I had a feeling that Viktor was just as afraid of Isaak as everyone else. "And why should I agree to such a deal?" I asked, playing along with his game.
"Because I'll call off the wedding," he said as if it were a perfectly reasonable request. I froze, my mind reeling. Was he serious? Was this some sort of sick joke? But there was no laughter, no sign of amusement on his face. He was dead serious. I couldn't believe what I was hearing.
"Why would you cancel it?" I asked, my head spinning. "Isn't it your daughter's dream?" I pressed, knowing how much this wedding meant to Yulia. Viktor sighed, his expression softening for a moment. "Yes, but he doesn't love her," he said, knowing it was the truth. My heart raced.
I wanted this.
I smiled, reaching over to shake Viktor's hand.