At Alia's response, Anna Petrov's pride was deeply wounded. She stood up from her chair and spoke to Viktor in a very bitter tone:
Anna Petrov: "Do you see this, Viktor? Bringing this girl into our home was the biggest mistake of my life. I should never have allowed your marriage to Alia. She doesn't know how to respect her elders."
Viktor's father, Stepanovich, who had been quiet until now, suddenly grew very serious. He placed his glasses on the table and looked at Anna Petrov with a cold gaze.
Stepanovich: "Stop, Anna! Don't forget the past. This marriage wasn't a common occurrence; it was a major Contract. And before you belittle Alia, remember her lineage."
An eerie silence fell over the room. Stepanovich laid out Alia's heritage one by one, which even silenced Anna Petrov:
Alia's Lineage: She isn't just anyone; she carries the blood of a Zamindar-descended Russian Royal Family. Her nobility is as ancient and powerful as the Petrovs'.
The Father: Alia's father was a highly influential Bangladeshi businessman, but that was just a facade. Secretly, he was a Doppelgänger, involved in high-level covert operations and international influence behind the scenes of world politics.
The Mother: Her mother was a mysterious woman from a former KGB lineage. Her bloodline is steeped in the shadows of the Cold War, politics, and countless secrets.
Stepanovich: "In Alia's blood, there is the fire of Russian Royalty on one side, and the shrewd intelligence of the KGB on the other. Her father's involvement in high-level covert missions helped sustain this empire. So, insulting her is an insult to our contract and that very bloodline."
At his father's words, Viktor looked at Alia with a proud gaze. Alia remained calm, a different kind of regality reflecting on her face. She realized why she was given such importance in this family—she wasn't just Viktor's wife; she was the heir to a vast and formidable history.
Viktor's mother couldn't utter another word. She realized that Alia's 'youthful fire' was actually a trait of her bloodline. She was no ordinary girl who would back down at a scolding. Alia's fierce expression softened instantly. She realized that regardless of lineage or status, Anna Petrov was ultimately her mother-in-law and Viktor's mother. Moreover, the exhaustion from last night's unbearable pain still lingered in her body.
Alia slowly stood up from her chair. The fire in her eyes was gone, replaced by a sense of humility. She took a few steps toward Anna Petrov.
Alia: (In a very low and weary voice) "Mother... please forgive me. It was not right of me to speak to you so harshly. Honestly, I don't even know why I lost my temper."
She placed a hand on her stomach and sighed. Seeing her pale face, Anna Petrov's anger began to fade slightly.
Alia: "Truth be told, Mother, I haven't been feeling well since last night. The pain is so unbearable that I can't think straight. It was probably because of my illness and stress. Please, do not hold it against me."
Seeing this humble side of Alia, Viktor's mother was momentarily stunned. She realized Alia wasn't being disrespectful, but was reacting to the circumstances. She looked at Alia and let out a long breath.
Anna Petrov: "It's alright, Alia. I understand. People lose their cool when they aren't feeling well. Go, get some rest. Health comes first, everything else later."
Viktor had been watching everything. The way Alia handled the situation increased his respect for her even more. He quickly went to her side and put an arm around her shoulder for support.
Viktor: "Come, Alia, I'll take you to the room. Mother, Father please finish your breakfast."
As Alia leaned on Viktor and headed toward the room, she glanced back at Stepanovich. Her father-in-law was still watching calmly, as if he knew that his daughter-in-law knew not only how to fight but also how to win hearts with respect. Three days later, Alia feels much more refreshed. That unbearable stomach pain is gone, and her face has regained its usual glow. She was sitting by the window, watching the snowfall. Viktor was busy with some urgent work on his laptop, but his eyes kept drifting toward her.
Alia suddenly got up and stood behind Viktor. There was a hint of mischief and affection in her eyes. Placing her hands on his shoulders, she whispered
Alia: "Viktor... listen. I've spent three days cooped up inside. Today, maybe a little..."
Before she could finish her sentence, Viktor closed his laptop and turned around. He pulled her close, his hands resting on her waist, a mysterious smile playing in his blue eyes.
Viktor: "Today a little what? A little outing? Or do you have something else in mind today?"
Feeling a bit shy, Alia began fiddling with the buttons of his shirt and said—
Alia: "Could you take me out somewhere today? Maybe far from the city, where the pine trees are covered in snow? I'm tired of these four walls. Besides, I'm perfectly fine now."
Viktor gently tilted her chin up. His voice held that familiar mix of authority and love.
Viktor: "The doctor advised a few more days of rest. But looking at those bright eyes of yours, it's hard to say no. Fine, on one condition you must keep your heavy fur coat on and stay in the car until I say otherwise. Deal?"
Alia hugged him joyfully.
Alia: "Deal! A hundred times deal! Whatever you say."
Viktor signaled the guards to get the car ready. Today, he wasn't the grave high-ranking officer; today, he just wanted to be Alia's lover and get lost with her in the silent, snow-covered streets of Moscow.
Alia hurried to the dressing table to get ready. She knew that no matter how stern Viktor acted, her every wish was more important to him than any law. As they stepped out, Alia saw a few girls playing tennis on a court nestled amidst the snow-covered lawn. Watching their rhythm and the vibrant energy of the court, the athlete within Alia woke up. She stood watching them for a few moments, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
Before Viktor could realize what was happening, Alia shrugged off her heavy fur coat and handed it to him. Underneath, she was already wearing a sporty outfit.
Alia: "Viktor, I haven't played in so long. Let me play a bit today?"
Viktor wanted to protest, but he gave in to her plea. When Alia stepped onto the court, shedding her overcoat to reveal her tennis attire, everyone's gaze was fixed on her.
The Attire: Alia wore a pristine white tennis skirt and a sleeveless top. The outfit fit her perfectly, accentuating her elegance and fitness.
Appearance: Her honey-brown hair was tied in a high ponytail. A light pink flush appeared on her cheeks from the excitement of the game. In that white outfit, she looked like a fairy of the snowlands, ready for battle with a tennis racket in hand.
The moment she stepped onto the court with the racket, her confidence shifted. As she made the first serve, even Viktor was stunned by her agility. Every bit of exhaustion from her illness seemed to vanish with every shot.
Viktor stood by the court, watching her play with a faint smile on his lips. He thought to himself this girl is a Queen in royal robes, but on the court, she is an unparalleled warrior. As the wind caught her beautiful tennis dress, it felt as though all the beauty of the field was centered around her.
Alia hit a brilliant shot and winked at Viktor, signaling that she wasn't just recovered—she was back in her element. As the game ended and Alia was wiping away sweat, the girl she was playing against stared at Alia's wrist in awe. The watch Alia was wearing shimmered like stars in the sunlight.
Full of wonder and admiration, the girl asked, "Wow! This diamond watch of yours is amazing! How much did it cost, or what could its value be?"
Alia glanced at the watch. It wasn't an ordinary timepiece; it was a special gift from Viktor, a symbol of the Petrov family's prestige. The entire watch was encrusted with tiny, premium diamonds that lit up the surroundings with every movement.
Alia gave a subtle smile, maintaining her regal composure as she replied
Alia: "To be honest, I don't exactly know the price. It's a gift from my husband. But the diamonds in it are a part of our family heritage."
The girl was mesmerized by the craftsmanship. Alia's white tennis dress combined with that priceless diamond watch made her look like both an athlete and the Queen of a wealthy empire.
Viktor watched the scene from a distance. He stepped forward and draped the fur coat back over Alia's shoulders. He knew that the price of this watch could buy a small town, but compared to Alia's smile, the value of these diamonds meant nothing to him.
Viktor: (Looking at the girl in a grave tone) "This watch isn't just for telling time; it's a legacy. And its price is known only to the Petrovs."
As Alia held Viktor's hand to leave the court, she bid the girl a sweet goodbye. The others on the field were still whispering about Alia's grace and her undeniable elegance. The girl, Sara Olga, was persistent. She stepped close to Alia, and mesmerized by her sweet face and elegance, gave her a kiss on the cheek.
Sara Olga: "Oh, please tell me! You look so cute. Are you 17? You look so brilliant and successful for such a young age. Is your name Alia?"
Alia laughed at Sara's liveliness. She was charmed by the girl's innocence.
Alia: "Yes, I am Alia. And as for whether I'm 17 or not, let's keep that a mystery for now." (She gave a playful smile, fueling Sara's curiosity)
But Sara was adamant about the watch's price. She grabbed Alia's hand and started shaking it.
Sara Olga: "I get all that, but now tell me the price of the watch! Please, please! I just need an idea of how much it could be?"
Alia glanced at Viktor. He was still standing there with a grave expression, but his eyes held nothing but indulgence for Alia. Alia leaned in and whispered the price into Sara's ear.
Alia: "Since you're insisting so much... this watch is worth about 5 Million Dollars. It's a custom-made piece, so there are no duplicates."
Hearing "5 Million Dollars," Sara's eyes nearly popped out! She stood frozen for a few seconds. It was hard for her to even imagine that a wristwatch could cost that much.
Sara Olga: "5 Million! Oh my god! I knew it was expensive, but this expensive! You really are a true Queen, Alia."
Alia gave Sara a gentle hug and said goodbye. Viktor took Alia's hand and led her toward the car. Sara Olga stood there watching the mysterious beauty depart, left with a story of grace and royalty that she would remember forever.Seeing Sara Olga's vibrant smile and liveliness, a strange sense of liking grew within Alia. She saw reflections of her own youth and courage in Sara. As she walked toward the car holding Viktor's hand, she turned back once more to look at Sara.
Suddenly, a brilliant thought struck Alia. She lightly squeezed Viktor's arm and whispered her wish.
Alia: "Viktor, did you see how spirited and brave that girl is? That's exactly the kind of girl our youngest son needs. I've decided when they grow up, I will marry our youngest son to this Sara."
Viktor paused, slightly surprised by Alia's words. He glanced at Sara Olga, then looked at Alia with a faint smile.
Viktor: "Thinking so far ahead already? Our son hasn't even grown up yet! and you know how particular the tastes of Petrov men can be."
Alia: "So what if he hasn't grown up? I've chosen this diamond for him right now. The fire this girl possesses will perfectly match our family's legacy. She will be the ideal partner for our youngest."
Alia mentally began planning to look into Sara's family background. Choosing a royal bride in advance for her youngest son, who was still in his childhood this was something only a visionary Queen like Alia could do.
Viktor helped Alia into the car and said with a peaceful glint in his blue eyes, "Fine, my Queen. Your choice is my command. From now on, Sara Olga will be under our watch."
As the car started moving, Alia watched Sara through the window. She smiled to herself; today she hadn't just played tennis or shared the price of a watch, she had unknowingly planted the seed for a new relationship for the next generation.