***
Days blur together after that night. I settle into my old life and even invite some old friends over for coffee. In the evenings, I sometimes help a frazzled Anoushka by taking the kids off her hands. The nanny can only do so much, and Anoushka and Nikolai enjoy being hands-on parents, even when their plates are full.
One morning, Sofia drags me shopping to “civilize my wardrobe,” as she puts it. Another night, Natalia invites me to her charity committee meetings. Fedor and Artyom take me tolunch at our old favorite deli for burgers and shakes, where the owner greets me like a long-lost daughter.
But then, the restlessness begins to gnaw at me, especially since I’ve noticed that no one directly asks about my future plans. It’s as though they’re afraid of scaring me off again, thinking I’d insist on another world tour if asked to contribute the bare minimum for our family.
But I'm tired of waiting for them to offer me a role. I’m here for good, and it’s time for me to do what everyone else here has done for each other—to take responsibility. The two years of traveling have truly changed me, I realize. It’s cultivated an independence that makes me want to take ownership.
After two weeks of being back, I decide to approach Nikolai directly. Typically, I would have gone to my brother Lion or Benedikt, but since they are not here, Nikolai is my best option. He’s the head of our organization and has always respected initiative.
One morning, I practice my speech in the bathroom mirror, rehearsing points about my business degree, language skills, fresh perspective, and adaptability. I want something meaningful, not just a symbolic position to occupy. I want to earn my place.
After enjoying a quick breakfast and coffee in my room while reviewing some final notes, I make my way to Nikolai's home office when I notice that the door is ajar and voices are filtering out into the hall.
I slow my steps, not wanting to interrupt what sounds like a heated discussion. I’m about to turn around for my room to let them have this discussion in private when I hear my name.
“This is unacceptable,” Nikolai roars. “Beth's barely been back two weeks.”
I stop in my tracks and inch my way to the door with a hammering heart. He’s talking about me in that tone, and he sounds upset. What happened? Did I do something wrong?
“The timing is immaterial,” someone says. His voice is familiar, deep, and cold, with the faintest accent. “The alliance benefits both our families, and my terms are reasonable.”
“Reasonable?” I hear Fedor. “Our cousin is not up for barter!”
Up for barter? Are they talking about… marrying me off? I strain my ear harder, trying not to miss what’s happening, even though my hands begin to feel clammy with anxiety.
“Perhaps, Orlov. But after what you did, you should think twice. The only way this alliance works is if I have Lilibeth’s hand in marriage.”
My breath catches at that line. That’s when I recognize his voice—Lilibeth. The way he says my name, breaking it into two words with the slightest pause in between.
How could I forget? It was a voice I could usually place across a crowded room.
Letvin. Agafon Letvin.
Chapter 2 - Agafon
I watch the cautious faces around the room harden the minute I make my demand.
No surprise there.I expect nothing less than this reaction. I know how much they’ve all sheltered Lilibeth since she was a baby, making concessions for her that haven’t been made for others in the family. Travelling the world for two years? I didn’t see Sofia or Natalia do that.
The voices rise in uproar, but I snap back instant replies.
The Orlov brothers look like they’re going to literally leap over and tear me apart with their bare hands at the audacity of my request.
As an older brother to Tatiana and Katya, I get where they’re coming from. But I’m doing what I am only to protect my own.
My eyes snap over to Mark Zolotov, the man who put a bullet in my uncle's head in the middle of the street for daring to attack his now wife Quinn.
He holds my gaze and tries to maintain a neutral expression, but he holds it too hard, giving him away.
Nobody expected this demand from me today, I know that much. I know how insane it is, but after pondering every option possible to believe I can trust in our alliance with the Orlovs and Zolotovs, I realized there is no other way than the one I now suggest.
The truth is, I can’t trust them. Not after what they’ve done and the history we share. Unless we have vested interests that go beyond business and territory.
Nobody expected me to ask for Lilibeth Orlov's hand in marriage. But then again, nobody in this room understands what I'm really after.
“You've lost your fucking mind,” Nikolai slams his fist on the desk. “Lilibeth is not for sale.”
