Chapter 16 - Anoushka
As the days go by without Nikolai, the work at the clubs takes up my time. In lieu of his absence, Dima, Fedor, and Sofia are also working morning to night to ensure nothing is out of place.
Though things between us aren’t exactly all sunshine and rainbows, their help is indispensable.
"Anoushka, I need your input on the new drink menu," Sofia says one day, gesturing toward her laptop.
"Of course," I reply, pulling up a chair next to her and giving her a smile. She doesn’t smile back, her focus immediately on the screen as we discuss flavors, presentation and pricing.
Fedor and Dima handle the security aspects of the clubs impeccably, ensuring that our patrons can enjoy themselves without worry. They also share their knowledge with me, helping me understand every aspect of the business.
"Remember to always keep an eye on the exits, Anoushka," Fedor advises as we walk through Pass Code one afternoon. "And make sure the staff is trained to handle any situation. As and when one arises that’s not in the rule book, it must be reiterated that they have to come find one of us."
"Got it," I say, etching his advice to memory.
In the evenings, I sometimes call Nikolai to update him on our progress and share stories about our days. His voice becomes my solace, soothing away any lingering stress.
He tells me what must be done, how to go about a firing process and what areas might need improvements.
As the days pass, I find myself thinking of him at random times, often over dinner, which I now eat alone. The clubs continue to thrive, and my relationship with his siblings, though not stronger, grows less hostile.
***
The rhythmic thump of the bass from La Fantasia pulses through me as I step into my office, and I can't help but feel pride over how smoothly everything is running tonight. The staff works in harmonious synchronicity, and there's an electric energy in the air that I know our patrons are feeding off.
"Anoushka, I took care of that delivery issue we had earlier," Fedor announces, entering my office with a grin. "No more delays on the liquor shipments."
“What did you do?” I ask out of genuine curiosity.
“I’d advise you not to ask,” says Dima, following in right behind Fedor. He drops a file on my desk. “The new HR rulebook to be distributed globally. We’ll need translations for some locations.”
"Thank you, Dima. You're a lifesaver," I reply, genuinely grateful for his assistance. We've come a long way since we first met, and his recent willingness to support me has not gone unnoticed.
"We're a team now, after all," he says with a small smile before he and Fedor depart, leaving me to take a moment to collect my thoughts.
It's not easy managing hundreds of global clubs simultaneously, but working alongside Nikolai's siblings—Fedor, Dima, and Sofia—has made it much more manageable. Over time, we've developed a rapport, and they seem to be warming up to me.
"Anoushka, a word?" Sofia asks, knocking softly on the doorframe from the adjoining office room.
"Of course, come in," I say, motioning for her to sit down.
Before Sofia can utter a single word, the main door to my office door bursts open, and Boris, Damien, and Lev storm inside, their faces etched with anger and concern.
"Anoushka, what the hell is going on here?" Boris demands, his arms crossed tightly across his chest.
"Brothers, please, calm down. What's gotten into you?" I ask, trying to diffuse the tension.
"Word reaches us that you're running these clubs by yourself, Anoushka. We won't stand for this," Damien interjects, his jaw clenched.
"Are you blaming me for doing my job?" I ask incredulously. "Nikolai entrusted me with these clubs, and I'm making sure they thrive."
Lev slams his fist on the desk in anger. "We made sure Nikolai got those business ventures abroad so we could spend time with you, not so you could work yourself to death," he reveals, his eyes flashing with frustration. “We haven’t seen you in almost a month!”
His words hit me like a slap. Is it true? Did my brothers orchestrate Nikolai's long absences just to keep us apart?
"Wait… you were behind him leaving?" I ask, a mixture of surprise and indignation bubbling within me.
"Of course we were," Boris admits, looking slightly ashamed. "We just wanted you to be happy. And here, we find that he’s been working you like a slave?"
Rage wells up inside me. How dare they meddle in my marriage, in my life?
"Let me make one thing clear," I say, standing up and asserting myself. "I appreciate your concern, but I am more than capable of handling these responsibilities. This is my choice, and I enjoy it. I asked to learn more about his business, and he did as his wife asked. Now, this is my family club, and we’re in the middle of a work night. And you are disturbing my flow , " I say rather furiously toward the end.
My brothers exchange uneasy glances before finally relenting. "Look, Anoushka. We just don’t want you to take on a burden that’s not yours to bear,” says Damien rather cautiously.
I stare at each one in his eyes. “It’s not a burden if I enjoy myself. And guess what? I love it here. I love working with Nikolai and his brothers. Next time, please don’t demean me by insinuating I don’t know what’s best for me.”
“We… we didn’t mean to,” Boris says at last, while Lev almost gapes at me.
“We just wanted to say hello,” says Damien rather sheepishly, which is quite rare for him.
Together, the three file out in a singular touch.
As I watch my brothers leave, their shoulders hunched in defeat, a whirlwind of emotions stirs within me. Relief washes over me for standing my ground, but I can't help feeling a tinge of guilt for the harshness in my voice. Torn between gratitude and anger, I sigh and lean back against my desk, letting my fingers trace the wood's intricate carvings.
“Anoushka?” I hear the door creak open from the adjoining office. Damn it. I’d completely forgotten Sofia was trying to ask something just before.
"I overheard your conversation with your brothers," she admits, her eyes searching mine for any sign of resentment. When I don't interject, she continues, "I was wrong about you. I’m glad Nikolai has you.”
From Sofia, this is as close to an I love you.
Her words touch my heart, and I feel a warmth spread through my chest as I give her a smile. For the first time, she returns it brightly. "Thank you, Sofia," I say softly, offering her a genuine smile. "Nikolai is an important part of my life now, and I would never do anything to harm him or any of you."
"Good." Sofia crosses the room and places a comforting hand on my shoulder. "I hope we can become allies now, Anoushka. I haven’t been fair to you always. We're sisters now, after all."
"Allies," I reply with a chuckle, trying to lighten the mood. "Yes. It's better to work together than against each other."
Sofia nods, a smile blooming on her face as we share a newfound understanding. After a brief discussion on the event line-up for the following week, she leaves me alone with my thoughts.
***
Back home at the end of the night, my stomach churns with a mixture of emotions, and I realize that the confrontation with my brothers has taken its toll on me. Unable to sleep, I sink deeper into my mattress, rubbing my temples as the weight of their disapproval lingers.
I glance at the clock. It's late, but Nikolai always says he's available when I need him. Biting my lip, I pick up my phone and dial his number.
"Anoushka," Nikolai's rich baritone caresses my name. "To what do I owe the pleasure?"
"No reason," I say breezily, though we both know I never call without good cause. "How is Paris?"
"Cold. Missing a certain firecracker to warm me up." His teasing tone brings a reluctant smile to my face.
“Well, I hope you find her soon,” I tease.
“Don’t tell me you’re not missing a certain someone,” he jokes back.
“Nope, never,” I say in a straight voice, refusing to admit I miss him.
Even though I do. So, so much.
“Ouch,” he gasps into the phone.
I smile but don’t giggle, still lost in my thoughts as the day comes rushing back to me. I fought with Boris, Damien, and Lev.
"Anoushka?" His voice is warm and deep, instantly soothing me. "Is everything all right?"
How the hell does he know when I’m feeling low?
"Everything's fine," I lie, cradling the phone against my ear. "I just… needed to hear your voice."
"Are you sure? You sound… off." Nikolai's concern cuts straight through my bravado.
"Really, I'm okay," I insist, but I can't keep the tremor out of my words. "I don't miss you or anything like that. I just had a long day."
"Ah, want to talk about it?" Nikolai asks gently, and I can almost see the smirk playing on his lips as he realizes I miss him.
"I’d rather talk about yours," I retort, feeling a warmth spread through my chest at the thought of his smile.
"Busy, as usual," he replies, sharing the details of a business deal he's been working on. As he speaks, I close my eyes and let myself get lost in the rhythm of his voice. It's like an anchor, grounding me when everything else feels unsteady.
"Your turn," he prompts when he finishes. "Tell me what happened today."
I hesitate, unsure if I should burden him with my family drama. But as Nikolai patiently waits for my response, I find myself spilling everything that transpired between my brothers and me.
"Anoushka," he says softly when I finish, "I'm so proud of you. You stood up for yourself and showed them that you're more than their sister who needs to be protected."
"True," I whisper, my voice wavering. "But I wish I hadn’t been so harsh with them. What if they’re mad at me?”
"They’re your brothers," he says, firmer this time. "You are strong. You are capable. And they know that. Chances are, they’re proud of you.”
“Oh yeah?” I ask, gently closing my eyes and snuggling up with the phone against the pillow as I begin to feel drowsy. “How would you know that?”
“Because I have sisters, too,” Nikolai whispers. “You think Sofia and Natalia haven’t stood up to me? In fact, I cherish the moments when they do. That’s when I know they’re discovering themselves, exerting their boundaries, are preparing for the world.”
"Thank you, Nikolai," I murmur, tears prickling at the corners of my eyes from how sweetly he speaks of his sisters. "I needed to hear that."
"I’m glad it helped," he replies tenderly. "Now, why don't we sleep? It sounds like you could use some rest."
"Sleep? On the phone?" I ask, a small smile playing on my lips.
"Of course," he chuckles. "Stay with me until we fall asleep. It's the closest thing to having you here with me."
"Fine," I agree, stifling a yawn. "But only because it's late."
"Goodnight, Anoushka," he whispers, his voice soft and soothing.
"Goodnight, Nikolai," I reply, already feeling the pull of sleep.
As our breathing slows and synchronizes, we find solace in each other's presence, even from miles away. The distance between us fades, and for a few precious hours, we're together, wrapped up in the comforting embrace of each other's voices.