Her expression darkened. “His family demanded another bride since you haven’t given them an heir. Papa sent me. Maybe because he trusts me more. Maybe because he doesn’t think I’ll fail the way you did.”
I let out a bitter laugh. “Have you been fucking Father?”
Maria’s whole body jerked back. “Excuse me?”
“Or should I say, has Father been fucking you?” My voice dropped, thick with disgust. “I saw the video, Maria. Him. In your bed.”
Her face drained of color. “The fuck?!” she spat. “I haven’t even let my own boyfriend touch me. I’m still a virgin.”
“Liar.”
“Where did you see that?”
“Gleb showed me.”
“Then he must still have it, right?” she snapped. “Let’s go ask him.”
I hesitated, glancing at my novel on the table. Did I even want to know the truth? But Maria was already marching toward the dining room. With a sigh, I followed.
At the table, Gleb sat at the head, exuding authority. Maria and I sat across from each other.
“Gleb,” I said. “Do you still have the video of my father with her?”
Gleb’s eyes narrowed, his face setting into an unreadable mask. “Why?”
Maria turned to Gleb, a fire in her eyes, “Show me the damn video.”
Gleb smirks coldly, “I don’t need to.” He said, leaning back in his chair. “Because it was never you in that bed, was it?”
Maria’s expression morphed into one of confusion. “What the hell are you talking about?”
My heart pounded, “Gleb, stop playing games. If it wasn’t her, then who?”
A long silence stretched between us. Gleb finally met my gaze, his expression unreadable. “The video was doctored,” he said flatly. “It wasn’t your sister.”
The air left my lungs.
No.
That can’t be right.
I turned to Maria, expecting her to look smug, but her face was just as stunned as mine.
Maria’s lips curled in satisfaction. “Told you.”
I felt sick.
Gleb’s fingers drummed against the table, his gaze cold. “So. You’re here to take my wife’s place.”
Maria stiffened. “I...”
“Did you think I’d welcome you with open arms?” His voice was a low growl. “That I’d bow to my family’s demands like a trained dog?”
She straightened. “I know it’s complicated, considering you’re married to my sister.
“No,” he cut in sharply. “It’s not complicated. It’s absurd. And insulting.”
His voice was firm. “I brought you here so we could settle this properly, with my wife present.”
