The Mercedes-Maybach pulled up to the mansion. The well-manicured lawn stretched out to a graceful fountain that exuded elegance and luxury.
The house lights were on and the mansion looked heavenly. The warm glow of the evening lights added more beauty to the flowers that lined the entrance.
Nika was agitated. It had been five years since she left Russia. Everything looked different. The trees, the flowers, and even the workers.
She couldn't wait to see her parents. "Welcome, Ms. Vertrova." One of the workers extended a hand as he took her bag from her.
He had a buzz cut and wore a red tie that seemed too small for his large build. He was definitely new here.
She offered him a small smile and walked into the house. She was met with utter silence. Only the low voices of the chefs in the kitchen could be heard.
The living room was empty. No sign of her mother or father. They usually had dinner by this time. Even the maids were absent. 'Did they dismiss all the workers?' She wondered.
"Madam, you're back!" A voice beamed with excitement. Nika spun on her heels to face Ana, her personal maid. "Shh...keep it down." She hushed.
"Where are they?" Nika asked as she strolled to the water dispenser to grab a cup of water. "Master is in his study. He has a guest."
She gulped the water in one go and wiped her mouth with the back of her hand. "And mama?"
"She's retired for the night." Nika's eyes widened. "So early? Has she been taking her meds?"
"Yes. She just feels a bit down tonight." Ana replied. "Should I help you prepare a warm bath? You must be really tired from your flight."
Nika watched her reflection in one of the huge mirrors in the living room. Her eyes were a bit droopy and her mascara was slightly smudged, but nevertheless, she looked perfect.
"Yes, please. Have dinner prepared too." She said. Ana left the room immediately to carry out her duty. Nika slumped onto one of the couches, tired.
"Aah..." She sighed out of relief. She bent over and took off her heels to get comfortable.
She stared at the ceiling for a while, lost in her own thoughts. She was back to Russia now and her life had just officially begun. She planned on working at the company now but would tell her parents first.
Papa would be so proud. He had always told her he wanted her to take after him and run the company. She would be just like him. She got up and made her way to the stairs.
As she climbed the stairs, she remembered how it felt playing around this big lonely mansion with Ana. She had always been like that—lonely and reserved.
Maybe that's why she couldn't get over him easily. He was the first person to make her feel noticed. He was actually the first person that she met in college.
She would never forget how comfortable he made her feel those years. She owed it all to him.
Nika sighed as she reached her room door. She slowly opened the door and took in a deep breath before turning the doorknob.
The room smelt slightly dusty. The sheets had been changed to her favourite colour, beige. The windows were open to let in fresh air.
"I can't believe it's been five years." She said to herself as she took in her surroundings. She took off her jacket and pulled off her skirt, leaving her in her white blouse and black underwear only.
She opened her walk-in closet to find a nightwear she could change into. Then she stopped at the mirror to watch her own reflection.
She slowly lifted her shirt up to reveal a small scar below her chest. The scar she got from her last fight with Leon. She subconsciously traced her fingers over the scar in a circular motion.
Her room door was flung open. Instinctively, she pulled down the shirt. "Who's that?" She asked, alert.
No one answered.
She came out from the closet and saw her mother sitting on the bed with a huge smile on her face.
"Shit! You scared me mom!" She sighed with relief. "Were you expecting someone else?" Yolanda asked with an interrogating look. Nika shook her head in denial.
"You look thinner, have you been eating?" She observed. "I've just been stressed out lately. That's all." Nika lied.
Yolanda tapped the space beside her. "Sit. Let's talk." Nika paused. Did her mother know about Leon already? Had she seen the scar already? Will she press charges?
"Come on sweetie, it's serious." She pulled her right arm. Nika complied and sat beside her. "What is it, Mom?"
Yolanda took in a deep breath. "I don't know what it is sweetheart, but I need you to be very careful. Your father has been making some arrangements and it would be best if you agree with him." She squeezed her right hand softly.
"What do you mean mum?" Nika asked, highly alert. Her mother was acting strange. She looked troubled. It was written all over her face.
"I'm just saying, whatever he tells you to do, do it. Do not object. Do this for me, okay." She placed a small kiss on her forehead and stood up.
"God, I've missed you!"
"Me too, Mom."
She gave her an assuring smile before she left the room.
Nika was left confused. What did she mean? Was something bad going to happen?
"I need to see dad."
With that in mind, she quickly changed into one of her sleepwear sets and left the room. She walked through the hallway and stopped at the entrance of his study.
The door was left slightly open. That was very unlike him. She leaned forward and could hear him talking to someone. They were talking in hushed tones.
She wanted to turn and head back to her room, but her curiosity got the better of her. She stayed behind, pressed to the wall as she eavesdropped on their conversation.
"When are you going to tell her?" The voice said.
"When the time is right, she'll know." Her father replied smoothly.
"Tsk... Coward! You're stalling aren't you?" The voice said, his words laced with arrogance. Nobody had ever spoken to her father that way.
Nika stretched her head to take a quick peek. The voice in particular seemed young. She couldn't see much but she could see his back.
He was clad in an expensive black tuxedo. His right hand was tattooed, with rings on each finger. He looked mean, scary. He leaned back on his seat, his legs spread wide.
"I'll tell her it's an alliance, a business proposal. We'll arrange a meeting for the press too." Aleksei concluded.
At this point, Nika registered they were talking about her. Her interest piqued and she lowered herself to get a clearer view.
"I don't care about the press. She needs to know about the engagement. The engagement party has already been set. I'm not accepting excuses. " Nico said with finality.
Nika's eyes went wide. What engagement party? Was she getting engaged to this man?
She quickly stood up and ran to her room. She felt enraged. How could her parents do this to her? How could they sell her off?