Chapter 21 - Nikolai
I enter Boris's office building with a lingering tension on my neck, which creeps down my shoulders. This sensation is one unfamiliar, but it stems from the helplessness I feel at knowing that I’ve truly tried everything I can with the Zolotov brothers to win them over.
This is our first meeting since I’ve been back from Paris. If the hostility still remains, there’s literally close to nothing I can do.
I’ve tried everything possible under the sun. Worked extra hard, made an effort outside of the office at family events, and proven to them that their sister is in good hands.
Outside the conference room, I put my game face on, maintaining a neutral expression as I enter the room. Boris, Damien, and Lev are seated in the leather chairs across from Boris's massive oak desk. Their eyes follow me as I stride across the room and take my usual seat at the opposing end of the table.
Damien nods at me, and to my surprise, Lev gives me a grin.
Am I… imagining things?
Boris clears his throat. "Gentlemen, let's begin. As you know, we have an important opportunity in front of us—the casino resort venture in Macau."
I nod. "If we play our cards right with the local triads, this could be a highly lucrative investment."
"Nikolai has done excellent work so far securing the necessary permissions for the French Riviera resort and casino," Boris says. The Zolotov brothers murmur in agreement.
"Once the papers are signed, we'll be in prime position to draw high rollers from across Europe." I allow myself a small smile. Perhaps this deal will finally earn me some respect from Anoushka's family.
Boris claps his hands together. "Well, gentlemen, given Nikolai’s past success, I believe he should handle Macau as well. Let's discuss logistics… "
The conversation continues, but inside, I worry. For the Macau project, I’ll have to spend months courting the Chinese gangs, greasing the right palms. No one can even imagine how many threats I’ll have to endure behind closed doors.
Yet, I feel the first sparks of hope. If we pull this off, even the Zolotovs can't deny that I'm worthy of their sister. From the way this meeting is going, I can tell that they’re already impressed by how the French Riviera project is coming along.
If I get Macau done, I’d damn well be ushered right into the family. Of course, that would entail a lot of travel and more time than I’d like being away from Anoushka.
The thought of being away from her already puts me on edge, and I’m already thinking of ways to make the travel lighter on my schedule.
Who knows? Maybe she could come with me sometime? To Macau? Do a little shopping? Get a little vacation?
The discussion of the Macau casino winds down, and Boris steers the conversation in a new direction.
"Now, regarding our projects here… " He looks pointedly at his brothers.
“Yes,” Lev sighs. “With so many overseas projects, we would need more hands on deck.”
I know where this is going before they even need to say it. I tense, gripping the arms of my chair. More hands could mean only one thing: More family. The last thing I want is more Zolotovs with a penchant for disliking my family and me.
Boris seems to sense my hesitation. "Our cousins from Russia—they're young, ambitious. I think we can bring them on board, if handled delicately. Besides, once you have the basic claws set in Macau, the older ones, Abram or Vladimir, could travel at your behest."
I take a slow breath, considering. It’s clear that Boris isn’t threatening me with their presence, but rather, truly believes they could bring value to us.
I won Boris and his brothers over. Who says I can’t do the same with Abram’s clan? Perhaps winning over the cousins would be easier than it had been with Anoushka’s direct family. "Very well. Please extend the invitation. I’ll make sure to welcome them should they arrive."
The brothers exchange glances, clearly relieved how smoothly this news was digested on my end, then nod.
"Excellent," Boris says, smiling with satisfaction. The deal is struck.
Inside, I wonder if I've just made a dangerous gamble. But again, I won Boris and the lot over. The cousins from Russia should be child’s play.
***
I leave the meeting feeling uneasy about the promises made. Bringing in the cousins could destabilize the delicate balance of power.
But I push aside my doubts as I return home. Anoushka's car is in the drive, though she said she'd be out today visiting her sisters-in-law. Strange.
I find her in the bedroom, curled under the covers. She barely stirs when I enter.
"Anoushka? What's wrong?"
She murmurs something indistinct, not meeting my eyes. I sit on the edge of the bed, resting my palm on her forehead. She's clammy but not feverish.
"Talk to me. Are you ill?"
"I'm fine," she says weakly. "Just tired."
My worry deepens. She's been listless and withdrawn for almost four days now. I thought it was just in my head, but now…
As her husband, it’s my job to ensure she’s not unwell. Have I not been giving her the attention she deserves? Has she been seriously ill, and I’ve taken it lightly as general fatigue?
"I'm taking you to the doctor. This isn't right."
She pulls away from my touch. "I said I'm fine. Leave me alone."
Frustration wells up in me. She's so stubborn, refusing help even when she clearly needs it. "Don't be foolish. I won't have you jeopardizing your health."
"Please, Nikolai," she snaps, sitting up. Color rises in her pale face. "I'll handle myself."
"You're my wife," I retort. "Your well-being is my concern whether you like it or not."
We glare at each other at an impasse. Why must she fight me at every turn? I only want to protect her.
Finally, she sags, the brief spark of defiance leaving her. "Just… let me rest. Please."
I gently stroke her hair. "You can rest all you like after seeing a doctor." My tone leaves no room for argument.
Anoushka's temper flares again. "I told you, I'm not sick!"
My own frustration boils over. "Then what is it? Are you upset with me about something? Did I do something wrong?"
"Of course not!" She looks away, blinking rapidly. "I just… I don’t know how to tell you this."
A nervous flutter begins to form in my heart. "Tell me what?"
When she meets my gaze again, her eyes glisten. "I'm pregnant, Nikolai."
The words hit me like a boulder. Pregnant? Impossible. We've only been married for a short time. I stare at her, stunned.
"Say something," she whispers.
"I… " For once, words fail me completely. A child. Our child. The reality of it steals my breath away. And the truth is, I don’t know how I feel about it.
We never spoke about children.
Anoushka wraps her arms around herself, vulnerable. "What are you thinking?"
I gentle my tone. "That you should have told me sooner. I would have been more careful with you." I cup her cheek. "You will still see the doctor."
“I really don’t think there’s any need for that,” she insists. “It’s only been a few months, and doctors prefer not to scan for three months in at least.”
“I won’t have it,” I shake my head. “You’d need vitamins, supplements. We need to make sure the… “I pause here, unable to say ‘baby’, afraid to say ‘fetus’. “…That everything is all right with you. Maybe there’s a reason why you’re this tired, and we can fix it.”
Relief flickers in her eyes as she watches me take control. She nods slowly. "All right."