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A delivery person steps inside carrying a large white box tied with a satin ribbon, and a smaller velvet jewelry box on top.
“Delivery for Mrs. Rosie Popov,” he says with a polite smile.
I blink, then can’t help the smile that spreads across my face. “Thank you.”
He places everything on my desk and leaves. I stare at the gifts for a moment, warmth blooming in my chest.
It’s my birthday, and Andrei had been spoiling me shamelessly all day.
When I woke up this morning, there were fresh roses on my bedside table along with a handwritten card. Then came the diamond tennis bracelet he’d left alongside the roses, followed by a new designer handbag delivered to the house right before I left for work.
And now this. I pick up my phone and dial Andrei’s number. He answers on the third ring, his voice rough and exhausted.
“Hey, baby.”
“Hi,” I say softly. “I just got more gifts delivered to my office. You’re spoiling me rotten today.”
A tired chuckle comes through the line. “Do you like them?”
“I haven’t opened them yet, but I’m sure I will,” I admit. “Thank you.”
There is a short pause. I can hear the weariness in his silence. These past few weeks had been brutal. Andrei had been working nonstop, trying to end whatever war that’s brewing in his world.
He never gave me the details, he always says the less I know, the safer I am. But I can see how much it’s weighing on him. We barely see each other anymore. Most nights I fall asleep long before he gets home, and he is gone again before I wake up.
This morning was the first time in over two weeks that I’d actually seen him in daylight, and even then it was only for a few rushed minutes.
“Are we still on for lunch?”
He groans. “I’m sorry, baby. I can’t. I still haven’t finished what I’m dealing with over here.”
I try not to let the disappointment show in my voice. “I take that as a no?”
“Yeah,” he sounds genuinely regretful. “I’m sorry.”
“How’s it going?”
Another groan. “Still trying to get the whole mess sorted out.”
That’s all he says. When it comes to his legitimate businesses, Andrei is open with me. But the other side he keeps locked away.
He clears his throat. “I made VIP reservations for you and your friends at Sluggers tonight. Go have fun. Celebrate.”
“That’s really nice of you. Thank you.”
“I promise I’ll take you out to celebrate another time.”
“It’s okay. I understand.”
We say our goodbyes, and I hang up, staring at the beautiful gifts on my desk. I pick up the velvet box, and open it. Inside is a delicate rose-gold necklace with a single diamond pendant shaped like a tiny flame. I love it.
By the end of the day, I’m completely exhausted. Being the CFO is no joke, endless reports, strategy meetings, and the constant pressure of knowing every decision I make can affect hundreds of people. My brain feels like it’s been put through a blender.
I’m so glad Andrei made that reservation at Sluggers tonight. All I want to do is let loose, dance, and drink something strong.
After feeding Anya and putting her to bed, I quickly get dressed, a black dress that hugs my curves, red heels, and a touch more makeup than usual. My driver drops me off right in front of the club.
The moment I step inside, the bass vibrates through my chest. I spot my friends at our VIP table and they immediately throw their arms in the air.
