Page 23 of Forced to Marry the Bratva

As we chat, I don’t reveal the full details of what happened with Damien, but talking to Gael helps me feel a little less alone in my vulnerability. His jokes and lighthearted banter provide a welcome reprieve from the crushing weight of my insecurity.

“Remember, Genevieve,” Gael says softly before we hang up, “You’re strong and amazing but also a little bit of a pain in the ass. Try not to scare Damien too much, okay? He has my deepest sympathies.”

I burst out into laughter. “You’re unbelievable, Gael.”

“Have you ever met yourself?” he jokes back.

Our lighthearted banter puts my heart at ease, and after a few more jibes at each other, we call it a night.

“Thank you, Gael. I love you,” I murmur, a small smile tugging at my lips.

“Love you too, Sis. Goodnight.”

“Goodnight,” I reply, disconnecting the call. As I stare at the ceiling, feeling better now, I still can’t help but wonder what’s going on through Damien’s head at this moment.

***

Over the next few nights, I notice a disconcerting pattern—Damien disappearing without warning or explanation. Each time he vanishes, I’m left pacing our apartment and grappling with my own confusion and concern. Despite our rocky start to this arranged marriage, I can’t deny that his sudden absences leave me feeling inexplicably empty.

Days go by, and I’m left feeling more and more isolated. I want to talk to Damien and clear the air. I don’t want to be alone.

Once again, he’s gone before I wake up and returns after I sleep. I checked at his office once or twice, and they said he wasn’t in.

“Where could he be going?” I mutter to myself, staring at the closed front door as if it might reveal the secret behind Damien’s whereabouts.

It’s been five days since our last argument and our awkward encounter in the bedroom; we’ve barely spoken since. The unease between us lingers, but my growing frustration and need for answers are pushing me to act.

“Maybe... maybe Lev knows something,” I whisper hesitantly, contemplating reaching out to Damien’s younger brother. After all, they’re family—surely, he’d have some insight into what’s happening.

I pull out my phone and take a deep breath before dialing Lev’s number. It rings several times before someone picks up.

“Hello?” a female voice answers, catching me off guard.

“Uh, hi. I was looking for Lev,” I stammer, trying to hide my surprise.

“Lev’s not here right now—can I help you with anything?” she offers cheerfully, her curiosity palpable. I realize then that I’m speaking with Anoushka from the cheer and tilt in her voice.

“Anoushka... hi.” I pause, uncertain how much I should share with Damien’s sister. “I was just wondering... If Lev’s around.”

“Lev’s a wretched fool. He’s gone off for the night with some friends and left his phone at home. What’s up?”

“Umm. I… I’m not sure.”

“I can call his friends and try to get him to call you,” she offers.

I sigh. “That sounds like far too much trouble.”

“Come on, Genevieve,” she insists sweetly. “Let it out. I’m sure I can help.”

We stay on the phone in silence for a few seconds. I swallow hard, holding back tears. I don’t want to worry Anoushka, but if I get Lev’s friends involved and Lev starts a search or something for it to be nothing, Damien might get mad.

It might just be better to just let it out with Anoushka.

“I wanted to know… well,” I try to find the right words. “Have you noticed anything strange about Damien lately? He’s been... disappearing.”

“Disappearing?” Anoushka echoes, concern creeping into her tone. “That’s not like him at all. Are you two alright?”

“Things have been... complicated,” I admit reluctantly. “But I’m really worried about him. He’s been gone for hours at a time, and he won’t tell me where he’s been. He’s been gone every night this week, and I called his office once or twice, but they said he hasn’t been in since the evening.”

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