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“I didn’t mean to.”
“How long have you known me?”
“Since I was three.”
“You’re twenty-five now, so that’s twenty-two years. That’s such a long time, don’t you think?”
“Yes.”
“It’d be a pity to end them with your head chopped the fuck off.” I grab him by the nape, peering into his eyes. “Kolya and I brought you up and made a man out of you. Don’t make me regret it.”
“But, Boss—”
“Shut the fuck up, Yan,” Kolya grits out from beside me, and that manages to silence the younger guard.
I release Yan, and Kolya grabs his nape and forces him to nod in apology.
Ignoring his sullen presence, I concentrate on work. I spend the next two hours or so opening emails and combing through the information my various hackers have sent my way. Some are insignificant, but others are saved until I can ensure their integrity.
The entire time, my focus is scattered by what Kirill said. Though the first part—thatPakhansuspects me—should get my attention, it’s the latter half that’s on my mind.
The motherfucking rumors.
I’ll eradicate each and every one of them until the truth is mixed with lies. I’m good enough at exercising that tactic to the point that even those closest to me are fooled.
Like Yan.
A movement in front of me makes me lift my head.
“She’s ready, sir.” The manager smiles with utter pride, as if she’s made a swan out of an ugly duckling.
But that’s not the case. She was always a swan, only hidden.
Winter steps from behind the manager to stand in front of me.
As I requested, her hair is dark brown. It’s tied in a bun and her face is radiant, though a bit thin.
A simple beige dress reaches her knees, molding against the curve of her breasts and hips. Black heels cover her feet. She’s wearing the same makeup from the wedding picture I showed her earlier.
The only difference is that she’s not smiling.
Almost like she’s already stepping into my wife’s shoes.
As she should.
Winter is no longer Winter. She’s Lia.
She took my wife’s life, and her punishment is spending the rest of her existence being Lia’s replacement.
I’ll bring my Lia out of this woman, even if it’s the last thing I do.
7
Winter
Iremain as still as a corpse under the stranger’s scrutiny.
Adrian. The stranger’s name is Adrian Volkov and I’m supposed to be his wife now.
