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Vanya, the ever-gracious hostess, welcomed her warmly, feigning surprise at seeing Audrey. She seemed genuinely pleased to meet Audrey.
“Wow, Audrey! You're more beautiful than what I heard. Honestly, Ivan never does you justice when he talks about you," she clasped Audrey's hands, "And you're all he ever talks about." She winked at me and mouthed "You're welcome."
Audrey smiled widely and thanked her shyly. Eventually, Vanya was pulled away by one of her guests, a senator.
Vlad, on the other hand, said nothing but looked at Audrey curiously before disappearing. With a small smile, I mustered the courage to make the announcement that was sure to shock everyone present.
“Ladies and gentlemen,” I said, my voice steady but my heart pounding, “I have an important announcement to make. This evening, I am delighted to introduce you all to the woman who has captured my heart—Audrey Sanders.”
A stunned silence filled the room as all eyes turned to Audrey, whose smile radiated like the morning sun. It was then that I added, “And not only that, but I am also thrilled to announce that Audrey and I are engaged to be married by the end of next month.”
A loud applause filled the room. The reactions were instantaneous and varied. The room buzzed with whispers and hushed discussions as they attempted to process the news. Yet, amid the sea of reactions, I could only focus on Audrey.
Her eyes sparkled with happiness, and my grip on her hand tightened as if to reassure her that we were in this together.
When I was done, numerous people surrounded us, congratulating us on our engagement. Audrey kept her interaction with them to a minimum and I hoped it stayed that way. I am sure she has her own assumptions by now, but I couldn't have my position in the Bratva revealed to her. Not yet.
"They’re still staring at us,” she began, her face innocent and shy in the presence of the criminal world. I was certain everyone else could sense it.
Unfortunately, Anton’s call tore me away from her for a moment. I excused myself from the room, leaving Audrey alone amidst the sea of strangers. As I stepped onto the porch, Anton explained that he had managed to capture some members of the Bianchis. That was a beautiful progress. I had invited Anton to the party but he humbly declined, opting instead to work.
But when I returned to the room, I was met with an unexpected sight that sent a jolt of jealousy coursing through me. Vlad was flirting shamelessly with Audrey. The sight of his charming smile and her giggles subtly fueled my anger.
"And what are we talking about?" I said to both of them. Vlad cleared his throat and replied, "Nothing much. Just getting to know my future sister-in-law."
Right.Vlad, ever since he was very young, had one fundamental flaw that, apparently, was impossible to fix. He was always envious of the things I owned. It didn't matter if his were objectively better than mine, the mere fact that the object belonged to me made it glitter irresistibly in his eyes. Anton had revealed that at one point, Vlad had gone on a hunt, sleeping with every girl I had ever slept with in clubs. Moreover, he had also tried 'getting to know' Josephine too.
"What are you doing, Vlad?" I assumed my cold demeanor.
"N-Nothing, I swear," he started to back away. Audrey looked back and forth, the tension cutting through us. I chuckled suddenly and pulled Vlad for an embrace, stating that I was just kidding.
"Don't come close or talk to her, understand?" I whispered in his ear. He nodded and excused himself. Audrey smiled, oblivious to Vlad's true intentions.
"Wow, this is quite the party. Most of these people are those I see on the news," she looked around curiously.
"I thought I told you not to talk to anyone," I said sternly.
"What?"
"When I give an order, you're to obey. It's that simple," I barked quietly.
The transformation in her hazelnut eyes was fascinating to me. They morphed from innocence to confusion, and finally to defiance.
"What Is wrong with you? You left me all alone here in a room full of powerful people you said I can't trust. Everyone's eyes were fixed on me and every stranger that passed congratulated me, so I thought that having some company would prevent excessive contact with the others," she whispered aggressively, "Besides, isn't he your brother?"
There's a good girl indeed.She was learning and learning fast. I was just a jealous prick. What she needed was a way to be independent, to make calculated decisions even when I was not there. I just wished the company was anyone but Vlad.
"Calm down, Audrey. I apologize for my tone," I said hesitantly, "It's just that Vlad and I have a complicated relationship."
"I see... What happened there?" She appeared genuinely interested. However, we were interrupted by two men who came to us. One of them was old, wearing a large grey suit and a wrinkled face that was permanently set into a frown. The other was a young man in a black velvet suit. Both of them greeted and congratulated us on our engagement. The young man darted from Audrey to me, before settling on her. There was something familiar about him. I turned to find Audrey trembling at the sight of the man.
"Jeremy," she muttered, her words coming in fragmented pieces, "What are you doing here?"
Of course. Jeremy Smith, her former fiancé. So that means the man behind him must be Hamilton Smith, judging by the resemblance.I grabbed Audrey's hand to calm her down.
"We are associates of Mr. Zolotov’s organization," the father gave a sinister grin. I didn't recall being affiliated with them.
"Yes, how is business these days, Mr. Zolotov?" Jeremy turned to me.
