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The day of our wedding comes too soon, and my anxiety is through the roof the entire morning.
He asked me who I wanted to invite, and I said no one. I don’t want to advertise this crazy choice. Besides, who do I have in my life who I really want to share this with? I don’t want to lie to the people I love and pretend I’m happy with the arrangement.
I stand at the massive church doors, looking down at the gorgeous bunch of blue and pink flowers in my hands. I want to cry. But I can’t. I can’t let the fear get the better of me.
This is just a temporary, scary thing—and it’s going to set me free.
The music starts playing from inside the church and the doorman pushes the doors wide open. I stare down the long aisle towards where I can see Yefim standing, waiting for me.
The smile on his face when he sees me seems so genuine.
It pulls at my heart and makes me wish I knew what real love felt like.
I take a deep breath and step into the church, a nervous smile on my face that people will easily mistake for happiness.
I walk with my eyes focused ahead of me, on Yefim, because even though I know his smile isn’t genuine either, it helps me pretend that everything is going to be ok.
I’ll get through this.
Like I get through everything.
Chapter 8 - Yefim
All morning my brothers and cousins have been hounding me.
Today is my wedding, and I should not have to be worried about their opinions.
I want to enjoy this moment.
They met Tia at our reception dinner last night and she played her role of doting fiancée perfectly. So perfectly that it left my family in shock. Everyone, that is, except Oleg.
In the hotel room, my brothers and sister and sitting with me as I get ready for my wedding. My little sister, Anya, is draped over the daybed, sipping the last of the champagne from the bottle that was sitting on ice.
“I still can’t believe you convinced such a beautiful girl to marry you,” Alexei, my fiery, spontaneous brother says. He’s usually the one to make jokes and tease people, so I’ve been waiting for his snarky remarks. I raise my brows towards him.
“What?” he asks.
“I’m waiting for your stupid comment.”
He chuckles. “I have no idea what you’re talking about. I was being dead serious. She’s far too good for you.”
“Hmph.” I snort out a breath.
“Also, why are you corrupting the company's employees?” Anya, my baby sister chuckles.
“Good point,” Alexei nods. “You turned an innocent girl to the underworld.”
“Oh shut up, both of you. We love each other—isn’t that all that matters?”
Oleg has been watching our conversation closely, leaning against the bar of the hotel room where I am getting ready.
I pull the collar of my black suit straight and Oleg pushes off the counter and walks over to me.
“You two, give us a moment,” he says, nodding towards my brother and sister.
“Whatever.” Anya rolls her eyes. “I want champagne anyway.”
She grabs Alexei’s arm and pulls him out with her.
