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"Absolutely not," Damien says firmly, crossing his arms over his chest. "I won't let you shift your problems onto us, Boris. This is your mess to clean up."
"Besides," Lev chimes in, smirking. "No woman would ever want to marry me. I'd be doing her a disservice."
"Listen to me," I plead, my voice strained with desperation. "I know it's a lot to ask, but I'm trying to find a way to keep everyone safe. If we can appease Russo by offering an alternative, we might be able to escape this with our lives intact."
"Or," Damien counters cautiously, "Russo could see it as a slap in the face and retaliate against us all. You've already broken the deal once, Boris. We can't afford to take any more risks."
"Dammit, I know!" I snap, my frustration getting the better of me. "But we have to try something. Can't you see that?"
They exchange wary glances before relenting, albeit grudgingly.
"Fine," Lev concedes, running a hand through his hair. "We'll consider it. But only if there are no other options left on the table. Besides,” Lev defends me in a rare show of solidarity. “Thing is Damien, it’s not like Boris is marrying because he wants to either. He’s rising to his responsibilities.
"Agreed," Damien concurs, his voice solemn. "But you need to think long and hard about the consequences of your actions, Boris. We're willing to entertain this idea for the sake of our family, but it doesn't mean we're happy about it."
I nod, understanding their concerns but finding solace in their tentative agreement. It's not a perfect solution, but it's a start—a glimmer of hope in an otherwise dark and uncertain future.
"Thank you," I say quietly, my gratitude evident in my voice. "I promise I'll do everything in my power to make this right—for all of us. For now, I will propose the deal to Russo without naming who will give their hand in marriage. This is a decision you and Anoushka will make amongst yourselves. So, I will buy you time."
"Damn right you will," Lev mutters under his breath. But despite his grumbling, I see the loyalty and love in his eyes—the unbreakable bond between us that has carried us through countless battles and hardships.
***
My heart pounds in my chest as I put the phone on speaker and dial Gerald Russo's number. I know he won't take the news of me breaking our marriage deal well, but it's a conversation I can't avoid any longer. As the phone rings, I glance over at Damien and Lev, both wearing expressions of worry and doubt.
"Zolotov," Gerald's gruff voice answers, making me tense up.
"Russo," I respond, trying to keep my voice steady. "I have something important to discuss with you."
"Get on with it then," he snaps impatiently.
"About the marriage deal between your daughter Genevieve and me... I can no longer go through with it," I blurt out, bracing myself for the impact of my words.
There's a moment of stunned silence before Gerald roars, "What the hell are you talking about, Zolotov? You think you can just back out of this like it's nothing? This is my daughter we’re talking about, and I will not allow you to dishonor her like that!"
"Listen, Russo," I say firmly, my jaw clenched. "There's been... an unforeseen complication. A woman I had a one-night stand with is pregnant with my child."
"I would advise you to think again, Boris," he warns, his tone low and dangerous. "Breaking a deal with me has consequences. You better hope your child doesn't pay the price for your foolish decision."
"Of course, I understand the consequences," I counter, doing my best to placate him. "But I have to prioritize the well-being of my unborn child, the same way you do so for your own children.”
"Are you out of your mind?" Gerald seethes. "You’re going to throw away your entire project for some woman you knocked up? Marry my daughter, you fool. You can still support that woman and child monetarily if you must.”
“I wish I could, Russo, but I won’t be able to look at myself in the mirror if I abandon them. Your daughter is bright, beautiful, and young. There’s no reason why she, or our deal, should be abandoned and I might just have a counterproposal to your liking."
"Go on,” he commands, abruptly.
"Instead of marrying your daughter, my siblings—Damien, Lev, or Anoushka—are willing to enter the marriage deal with one of your children. This way, we still maintain our alliance, but it allows me to focus on supporting my woman and our unborn child."
There's a moment of tense silence before Gerald explodes. "You think you can just change the terms of our agreement on a whim? What makes you think I'd even consider such a ridiculous proposal?"
"Because," I say carefully, "it's in both our best interests. Our joint project is too important to jeopardize. With me focusing on my family and our business operations, my siblings can step in and keep the alliance strong."
"Your word means nothing to me now, Boris," Gerald snarls. "You back out of our original arrangement and expect me to trust you again?"
My heart races, but I know I must stay calm. "I understand your anger, Mr. Russo. But let's be practical here. Neither of us benefits if our joint project goes south because of personal issues. However, if we're successful, we both gain power and influence. Isn't that what we both want?”
“Whose hand will you give in marriage?” Russo spits out, at last.
