Chapter Forty-One
Monday came far too quickly. Aliannah paced in her dressing room in her underwear; she had already cast aside ten outfit choices. She wanted to give off the right impression. What says smart-casual but not a gold digger or snooty? What says confident but not egotistical? What says elegant but not above others? It was such a hard call to make. Ivan appeared at the door, whistling his appreciation for the sight before him. He wore a black suit with a white shirt, the top couple of buttons left undone to signify business casual. He looked effortlessly perfect. Aliannah hated how easy men had it when it came to putting looks together.
“Wear that one,” Ivan said, pointing to the pale blue dress hanging by the mirror. It was mid-shin length, and the top was fitted, but the skirt was loose.
“You sure? I want to get this right!” Aliannah was so anxious. Aliannah turned to look at the dress and took it off the hanger to put it on. Ivan stepped up behind her and helped with the zip.
“Perfect” He kissed her shoulder.
Aliannah took another look in the mirror. It was a beautiful dress. She completed the outfit with blue heels that matched the dress. After one final look at herself, she let out a breath.
“Right, let’s do this!” She walked out with as much confidence as she could muster. Her stomach felt like a sinking lead balloon. She was so not ready for this. In the back of the SUV, her knees were bouncing with nerves. Ivan reached across and held her hand, reassuringly rubbing his thumb across the back.
“Breathe, darling, this won’t be so bad” He smiled at her.
The paparazzi were waiting outside the Empire State Building when they pulled up. Lorenzo opened the door for Ivan; Ivan winked at Aliannah before stepping out. He turned and held his hand for her; Aliannah took his hand and exited the SUV as gracefully as she could. Security escorted them up the steps away from the paparazzi, and their cameras flashed like crazy for the photo op. Ivan stopped at the top of the steps and turned to wave to the cameras. He looked to Aliannah.
“Trust me,” he whispered. Before she could react, he swooped her into a dramatic dip kiss, much to the paparazzi's delight. Aliannah blushed at such a public stunt. She waved to the crowd, too, before Ivan guided her inside. She spent the entire elevator ride adjusting and fidgeting with her dress.
“Stop, darling, you are fine.” Ivan held both her hands and kissed them, and then he kissed her.
*DING*
“Here we go….” Aliannah said nervously as the doors opened. Oliver walked ahead of them, with Mateo bringing up the rear. Mateo had been Ivan’s personal guard since they returned from Croatia. Aliannah did not see him much, as he was always in Ivan’s office. He was a very mean-looking guy, but she was certain underneath that exterior lay a teddy bear, just like the rest of the men.
“Fantastic of you to join us today. My name is Cynthia, and I am with New York Times Magazine. We are honoured to have you for this exclusive interview, Mr Kozlov.” The red-haired woman held out a perfectly manicured hand and batted her lashes at Ivan. Ivan looked at her hand but did not take it. Cynthia hesitated for a moment.
“And you, oh, what a beauty you are! I cannot wait to hear all about how you won over Mr Kozlov, Miss..?” Cynthia held out her hand again.
“Stackton… Aliannah Stackton.” Aliannah shook Cynthia’s hand. Cynthia smiled. Something about the way she smiled made Aliannah feel uneasy. She looked at Ivan, and Ivan squeezed her hand.
“Lovely. Well, let’s head over here. I have it all set up for film, and we will, of course, be printing it in this week’s magazine issue. My editor is itching to get this out quickly.” Cynthia led the way over to the terrace. It was a glorious June day, perfect for a rooftop interview. Cynthia sat in the solo chair.
“Mr Kozlov, why don’t you sit here near me?” she fluttered her lashes again and gestured towards the nearest of the two remaining seats.
Ivan ignored her and stepped back, allowing Aliannah to take the primary seat. This blatant flattery was beginning to bother Aliannah. She watched Cynthia closely. The interview started with Cynthia introducing them to the camera and giving a bit of background about Ivan, the Russian Oil billionaire who had been swept up by the blonde American beauty. She turned to Aliannah and began her scope. Aliannah took a deep breath and tried to remember all the coaching Ivan had given her the past few days.
Cynthia: “So Aliannah, or can I call you Ali? What do you do for work?”
Aliannah: “It’s Aliannah; I am an art curator for New York’s elite.”
Cynthia: “So, is that how you came to know the elusive Mr Kozlov then?”
Aliannah: “No, we actually met last summer in Europe; Ivan’s chief of staff hired me to work on one of Ivan’s boats. I met Ivan a few weeks later, and well… it was a summer to remember.”
Aliannah looked at Ivan and smiled. Ivan smiled back at her and nodded.
Cynthia: “Oh look, young love! Rodger, make sure you have that camera angle. So Aliannah, do you not find his billionaire status intimidating? Does dating someone with that much money ever make you feel like another possession for his shelf?”
Ivan glared at Cynthia through lowered eyes. Aliannah straightened up in her chair.
Aliannah: “No, never. Our relationship is based on love and respect. The money never comes into the equation; I have no interest in it at all.”
Cynthia looked over her glasses to Aliannah in disbelief. Ivan shifted in his seat.
Cynthia: “And what of his power and influence? Do you ever consider he might be manipulating you or taking advantage of you?”
Aliannah raised a brow.
Aliannah: “No, I trust him completely. Ivan has only ever shown me kindness and respect. Despite what you and the media may think, Cynthia, Ivan is a good and honourable man.”
Ivan smirked with pride. Cynthia adjusted her position. Aliannah could see Cynthia was gearing up for her big finish.
Cynthia: “One final question then, how do you feel about the rumours of Mr Kozlov sleeping with the help? He did it with you; he did it before you, so why not another? According to my sources, he has slept with a number of women that he has hired in the past.”
Aliannah put on her best smile. She could feel the anger permeating from Ivan beside her. His knuckles turned white as his grip on the arms of the chair tightened. She let a breath out before speaking.
Aliannah: “That is pure tabloid gossip. It may be how we met, but I can assure you completely that is not the type of man that Ivan is. I do not appreciate the tone of this interview. I would have thought an outlet as esteemed as The New York Times Magazine would be above such sub-standard methods.”
Cynthia was startled at Aliannah’s stern tone. She flustered in her seat.
Cynthia: “Well, I suppose time will tell. Thank you both for taking the time to sit down with New York Times Magazine.”
“Rodger cut the cameras,” Cynthia shouted.
Aliannah looked at Ivan. He was still dangerously angry. Aliannah rubbed her hand across his, squeezing gently.
“I do hope you will consider us for your post-nuptial interview exclusive.” Cynthia smiled at both of them.
“If you are the one asking the questions, absolutely not. No one disrespects my fiancée like that. You are lucky I don’t have you fired for that line of questioning.” Ivan stood and held his hand for Aliannah.
“Mr Kozlov, Aliannah…” Cynthia tried to speak, but Ivan held his hand to stop her.
“You will refer to her as Mrs Kozlov; this woman is my future wife. Don’t make me remind you a second time about respect.” Ivan stared down angrily at Cynthia.
“Of…of course… I apologise, Mr Kozlov, Mrs Kozlov.” Cynthia tried to cower behind her clipboard.
“I want that tape now and all copies right this minute. You will send your piece to me before you print. If you print it before I approve it, I will sue you personally for defamation. You got it?!” Ivan’s tone even made Aliannah afraid.
“Yes, Mr Kozlov, Rodger, bring over everything quickly.”
An assistant fumbled his way over with three camera chips and handed them to Ivan.
“If I find out you kept a copy of today or I see this video anywhere, you, your job, and the entire outlet will be finished for good.” Ivan closed his fist around the chips, crushing them instantly. Cynthia swallowed audibly.
They took the back exit out of the building to avoid the media circus. When they got back into the SUV, Ivan pulled out his phone and called his IT team.
“Make sure that tape doesn’t get out. I don’t trust that she handed over everything,” he said, hanging up the phone and turning to Aliannah.
“I am sorry that was such a shit show, darling, but my god, I am so proud of the way you handled yourself and that bitch.” He leaned across and kissed her.
“It’s going to be a bad post, isn’t it?” Aliannah’s shoulders sank.
“I will kill it if it is.” He lifted her chin up, “Don’t worry, darling. I got you.”
Later that afternoon, they were sitting out on the roof terrace of their penthouse, enjoying the sun, when Oliver appeared in the doorway. Ivan looked up from his phone.
“What’s up, Ollie?” he asked.
“Nothing, sir. I am just carrying out my hourly sweep of the premises,” Oliver scanned the area before disappearing back inside.
*PING
Ivan’s phone sounded off for an email arriving in his PR email account.
‘Dear Mr Kozlov,
Please find a copy of the editorial piece attached. I hope it is to your liking.
Regards,
Cynthia
Media Correspondent
New York Times Magazine
“I was extremely lucky to be joined today by the elusive Mr Kozlov and his future wife, Miss Stackton. A young couple happily in love, true love indeed if the looks they exchanged between each other are anything to go by. So refreshing to see! Mr Kozlov, the oil billionaire, met Miss Stackton last summer in Europe and was instantly head over heels for her beauty. Although they met while she was working on one of his boats, they instantly had an undeniable connection. Two beautiful, intelligent, strong-minded people are coming together, and they are set to take over as this year’s power couple. Who doesn’t love a good love story? They are due to marry later this year, but when and where are being kept top secret. We can only begin to imagine what their wedding will look like, and we are so excited to see the photos afterwards. We wish the happy couple our best and look forward to seeing what their future holds.”
Ivan read the piece out loud. Aliannah held her breath the entire length of the piece.
“That doesn’t sound too bad?” She questioned.
“No, it is actually okay. It’s good considering what really happened.” Ivan knocked back his drink before replying to the email to give the go-ahead. The article would be printed in tomorrow’s edition of the magazine.
Ivan’s phone rang. He spoke in Russian the entire length of the call, pacing and running his hand through his hair several times. He did not look pleased at all. He cursed as the call ended. Aliannah raised a brow.
“We are having dinner with my parents tomorrow night. Be warned, my father is not an easy man to please…” Ivan looked frustrated. Aliannah knew his father must have said something more, but Ivan didn’t share what that was.