16. Chapter Sixteen #3
It doesn’t help that Nikolai hosts another charity event during the week. A different charity. This one for children without food in poorer countries. We both know it’s just another way for him to launder money.
My body is aching for his touch as we attend the event. He didn’t let me wear underwear tonight. My pink gown swishes against my body with every step I take, making my pussy more wet. Only Nikolai can make this ache go away.
My parents and sisters are at the event.
We haven’t spoken since the last one. My last show for Swan Lake will happen in just a week.
Ballet shows never go on for long at our theater, making them more high demand.
I know my family will be there that night.
I’ll have to be even more perfect than I’ve already been.
Unable to avoid the inevitable, Nikolai and I approach my family.
The charity event is held inside the same ballroom of the same five star hotel.
Nikolai told me on the way over that he owns shares in the company.
Of course he does. I’ve learned more and more about my husband’s true power every day since we’ve been wed.
“Gregory,” Nikolai says in a tight tone. “Masha. Elena. Adriana.”
Everyone gives him a nod.
“I’ve heard your performance has been going well,” Mother tells me. “I’m glad to hear it. I’m looking forward to seeing you in the lead role.”
Father sniffs. “I’m glad you’re not embarrassing us.”
I hold myself still. Nikolai has his hand on my low back, keeping me steady. “That’s all you can say to me?”
“Lana has shown how good of a dancer she is,” Nikolai cuts in. “You should all be proud.”
“I’m happy to hear it,” Mother says, offering me a smile. It’s not much but it’s something at least.
I turn to Elena. “How have you been?” She looks even more dejected than the last time I saw her. More drawn inward. More pale.
“Your sister has been fine,” Father cuts in. “Both of them have been. You don’t need to worry. It’s excessive.”
“Adriana?” I ask, ignoring my father.
She huffs and turns away from me, crossing her arms.
“Are you still angry with me?” I ask. “I don’t even know what for.”
Adriana doesn’t offer me an answer.
Nikolai clears his throat. “I have to give a speech. Why don’t you go take your seats?” He leads me away from my family and I resist the urge to cry. “You don’t need them in your life anymore, Lana.”
“But my sisters –,”
“Will be fine. Don’t let your family worry you.
It will only drag you down.” He plants a kiss to my temple.
“Now, let me give my speech.” He leaves me alone as he takes his spot at the podium, welcoming all the guests and thanking everyone for coming tonight.
He begins talking about children in need.
I can’t help but snort. Nikolai does not truly care for children in need of food. He only cares about me.
“Hello, Lana.” Svetlana’s voice is right by my ear.
I tense. “What are you doing here?”
“I’m allowed to come to these events, you know. I am a mafia wife after all.”
“I thought your husband died years ago.”
She shrugs. “Still doesn’t change who I am.
” She nods at Nikolai on stage. “So powerful. So handsome. Every woman in this room wants him.” She chuckles, sounding vindictive.
“I think even your mother wants him.” She points at my mother across the room who watches Nikolai with an intensity I’ve never seen before.
“Don’t talk about my mother,” I snap.
“Fine. Why don’t we talk about something else then?”
“Like what?”
Svetlana smiles like the cat who ate the canary. “I saw you, you know. You and Nikolai.”
I frown. “What are you talking about?”
“On the stage where you dance. Fucking.”
My eyes snap to hers. “What?”
“Are you deaf or just plain stupid? Do I need to spell it out for you? I saw you two a few nights ago. I can’t believe you’d let Nikolai fuck you where anyone could see. It’s embarrassing, honestly.”
I shrug. “Who cares if you saw? You can’t hurt me or my husband.”
“I would think again.” She points at the stage where Nikolai is still giving his speech. Behind him is a screen. Currently, it’s just a white, blank screen but right before my very eyes, a video begins playing. A grainy, dark video of a theater and a stage.
And two people on that stage. Having sex.
It’s unmistakable that it’s me and Nikolai. The sounds of moaning echo through the room. Nikolai stops his speech and turns around. The pure anger on his face when he realizes what he’s watching is palpable.
The guests begin to murmur. Some are outraged. Some laugh. Some look turned on.
My eyes flick to my parents. Father looks like he might explode at any second as he storms over to me. The rest of my family follows.
“Are you trying to make a fool out of us?” he snaps.
“I…”
Svetlana’s laugh is pure ice. “Have fun, Lana.” She waggles her fingers and strolls away, her high heels clacking with every step she takes.
“Lana,” Father snaps at me.
“I didn’t…”
“Turn this off,” Nikolai snaps into the microphone. The video shuts down and the whole room goes quiet before everyone begins talking. Nikolai rushes to my side. “Lana?”
“What were you doing to my daughter?” Father snarls. “Is this some sick, twisted joke of yours? A way to embarrass my family? We had a deal, Nikolai.”
“And we still do, Gregory. I didn’t do this. I don’t know who but I will find out.”
“Svetlana,” I say. “She’s behind this. She practically told me.”
Nikolai nods. “I’ll handle her.”
“Handle her?” Father scoffs. “Everyone in this room just saw you and my daughter…” He sneers.
“You two doing something no one should be doing in a public place. You will pay for this, Nikolai.” He grabs my mother’s hand and storms off.
After a beat, Elena follows but she does give me a sympathetic look in the process.
“I can’t believe what I just saw,” Adriana says. “How could you let him touch you like that? After all the bad things he’s done? Father has made it clear Nikolai is a terrible person. Lana, what is wrong with you?”
My baby sister’s judgment smacks me in the face but before I can say anything, she follows my parents out of the ballroom.
Nikolai places his hand on my back to steady me but I’m not sure how much it can help. After the highs I experienced from my performance this week, I’m now experiencing the lows that can happen.
I have to stay strong when all I want is to break again.