Chapter 12 - Anoushka
The sunlight streams through the curtains, casting soft golden patterns on the floor as I stretch beneath the warmth of my sheets. It's a Sunday, and I have the day off. Considering that Nikolai informed me he would be heading out early for some meetings, I think I’ll spend the day catching up on my reading.
I head downstairs, the smell of freshly brewed coffee greeting me. I pour myself a cup and take a seat in the kitchen, sipping slowly as I read the paper. But, I find myself unable to concentrate. My thoughts drift toward Nikolai. Then, to that day, in his office. I blush as the memory floods back at how gentle he was, how considerate. I can't quite put my finger on it, but he's different from what I expected. A part of me wonders why I’m fighting this attraction all the time, why I’m so afraid to bid my carefully laid plans goodbye.
Have I fallen so in love with my preconceived notions that I’d deny myself a marriage that might bring me joy?
"Surprise!" The sudden shriek startles me, causing me to spill my coffee. I look up, heart pounding, only to see Sofia and Natalia standing in the doorway. Natalia grins widely, her full cheeks squishing her eyes together so cutely, while Sofia tries to give me what I think she believes is a smile, but it comes across as a pained expression.
Natalia walks over and gives me a hug from over my shoulders, leaning over the chair. "We thought we'd come by and spend some time together. You know, sisterly bonding."
I hesitate, suspicion prickling at the back of my mind. Why are they here? What do they want from me? But then I remember Nikolai's words, how he wants me to try fulfilling marital duties, and getting along with his family is one of them, isn’t it? This is something I can try to do, to test the waters without his knowing. Maybe this is an opportunity to build bridges with Sofia or at least find out more about her feelings toward me.
"Sure," I reply cautiously, wiping up the spilled coffee with a napkin. "What did you two have in mind?"
Natalia claps her hands excitedly. "Oh, we have so much planned for today! You're going to love it!" Her enthusiasm is infectious, but I can't help feeling a little unnerved by Sofia's watchful gaze.
"Alright," I concede, trying to sound upbeat. "I'm game."
"Great!" Natalia beams, her eyes bright with excitement. "Let's get going then. Time's a-wasting!"
***
As we climb into Sofia’s sleek black car, I can feel my skepticism gradually giving way to curiosity when Natalia orders the driver to put on some pop songs. She begins to sing along, and I can’t help but join in. Maybe this day won't be as bad as I initially thought. After all, from what I've seen so far, Natalia seems genuinely enthusiastic about spending time with me.
"Where are we going first?" I ask, trying to keep my voice light and casual.
"Shopping!" Natalia exclaims, her eyes twinkling. "We know you've been cooped up in that house for a while now, so we figured you could use some retail therapy."
Sofia nods in agreement, adding softly, "There's an amazing boutique not too far from here that carries the latest designer brands. Natalia thought you'd love it."
The fact that she said Natalia thought I’d love it isn’t lost on me. She could have said we.
I'm not much of a fashion enthusiast, but the prospect of getting out of the house and doing something normal for a change is undeniably appealing.
"Alright," I say, stepping out of the car when we pull up at the boutique. "Let's see what this place has to offer."
The store is a wonderland of luxurious fabrics and vibrant colors, its shelves lined with everything from elegant dresses to chic accessories. Natalia takes the lead, guiding me through the maze of clothing racks with infectious enthusiasm.
"Look at this dress, Anoushka!" she squeals, holding up a stunning red number that practically screams 'Bratva princess,' if that is a thing. It’s silk, thin straps, cowl neck, plunging at the top a little too deep and so damn figure hugging. "It would look amazing on you!"
I can't help but laugh at her excitement. "Really? You think so?"
"Absolutely!" She insists, thrusting the garment into my arms. "Try it on! I'll find more stuff for you to wear."
As I slip into the fitting room, I can't deny that there's something thrilling about being pampered like this. For the first time since marrying Nikolai, I feel like a regular young woman, the girl I used to be before we got married.
The afternoon passes in a blur of laughter and shared opinions as Natalia and I try on more outfits than I can count. Sofia barely involves herself, except for when she points at a necklace and tells me it would go well with the dress I’m buying.
While the vibes with Sofia are colder than the winds of Antarctica, I find myself genuinely enjoying Natalia’s company. She's warm, funny, and surprisingly easy to get along with. She reminds me of Pippa, in a way.
"Anoushka, you have to see this!" Natalia calls out from the other side of the store, waving a pair of stiletto heels that seem impossibly high. "These would look killer on you!"
"Only if I don't break my neck trying to walk in them," I tease, grinning as I join her.
"Trust me, you'll get used to it," she assures me, nudging me playfully. "Besides, it's all worth it for the power walk."
I chuckle at her enthusiasm but decide to give the shoes a try. Natalia insists she’s going to buy them for me.
***
After a successful round of trying on shoes, the three of us decide to take a break and grab a bite to eat at a nearby café. The place is cozy and inviting, with soft jazz music playing in the background. We find a table by the window and sit down, our shopping bags piled high around us.
"Isn't this just the perfect spot?" Natalia gushes as she picks up a menu. "They make the best pastries here."
"Sounds delicious," I agree, feeling my stomach rumble in anticipation.
As we wait for our orders, we chat more about our lives, discovering that we both share a love for art and literature. It's refreshing to find someone who shares my interests.
"Have you ever tried painting?" Natalia asks me, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "I find it so relaxing and therapeutic."
"Actually, I have," I reply, surprised that she mentioned one of my favorite hobbies. "Back at home, I used to paint landscapes and still-lifes. I haven't had much time to pick up a brush since I moved here."
"Maybe we can paint together sometime," she suggests, and I can't help but smile at the thought. "I'd love that," I say sincerely.
"Great! It's a date!" she exclaims, clapping her hands together.
Throughout our conversation, I notice Sofia sitting on the other side of the table, quietly sipping her coffee and observing our interactions. She doesn't seem as enthusiastic as Natalia, and I can't help but wonder why she's holding back.
"Did you find anything you liked today, Sofia?" I ask, trying to include her in the conversation.
"Uh, yes. A few things," she replies, offering a tight-lipped smile. "I didn't need much."
"Isn't it so nice to have a girls' day out?" Natalia gushes, turning to Sofia. "We should do this more often."
"Sure," Sofia agrees, her tone polite but distant. "It's been… interesting." I can't help but notice the way she carefully chooses her words.
As we continue talking, I sense that Sofia truly doesn’t like me. On the other hand, I wonder if she's just naturally reserved. There’s no way she can dislike me this much for just being a Zolotov, can she?
I mean, I couldn’t choose which family I was born into.
But finding myself at risk of entering the zone of ruminating, I push those thoughts aside and focus on enjoying the moment, grateful to have found at least one genuine friend in Natalia. And maybe, with time, Sofia and I will grow closer, too.
***
The sun is beginning to set as we pull up to the mansion, casting a warm orange glow on the ornate exterior. I glance over at Sofia and Natalia to bid them goodbye. In the backseat, shopping bags filled with our purchases are piled high.
I step out of the car while the chauffeur exits to hand my bags to one of Nikolai’s guards waiting nearby. "Thank you both so much for today," I say sincerely, looking from one sister-in-law to the other. "I really enjoyed spending time with you."
"Of course!" Natalia exclaims, her eyes sparkling. "We should definitely do this more often. Maybe next time, we can try that new spa everyone's been raving about. What do you say?"
"Sounds lovely," I reply, my excitement genuine.
"Thanks again," I say, turning my attention to Sofia. She gives me a polite smile, her eyes briefly meeting mine.
"Anytime, Anoushka," she says, her voice warm yet distant. "Take care."
Climbing out of the car, I wave goodbye as they drive off, and then I turn to face the house. Stepping inside, I head toward the living room to wave them goodbye through the window, just one last time, when something catches my attention through the glass—a flicker of movement near the side entrance.
I pause, curiosity piqued, and squint to see better. There, in the dimming light, I spot Nikolai and Dima sneaking into the house like two mischievous teenagers. They look around themselves and walk in slower than usual, almost as though they’re trying not to get caught. My heart races as I watch them, wondering what they could possibly be up to.