Page 15 of Forced to Marry the Bratva

I clench my fists, feeling the anger rising within me. How dare he dictate what I should or shouldn’t do in my marriage? But I suppress the urge to lash out at him; instead, I force myself to speak calmly.

“Father, I understand the importance of supporting Damien in his work, but I can’t force him to share things with me if he doesn’t want to,” I say, trying to reason with him.

There’s a pause on the other end of the line before my father responds, his voice tight with control. “I’m afraid you don’t have a choice, my dear. His prosperity is intricately linked with our family’s standing in the business world. I suggest you not only begin demanding updates on his career successes and failings but also convince him to allow you to make visits with him on his business trips. You’ve got a good head when it comes to these things, and you can shape those decisions by your hand.”

“A… accompany him on his business trips?” I repeat his demand, all confused now. Why would Father ask such a thing?

Just then, memories flood back from the night of our wedding. My heart begins to race, and my hands feel clammy as I remember what Damien and Lev had said: This wedding is just a business deal—nothing more. It can never be more.

I start feeling like a puppet being manipulated by unseen strings. The weight of his expectations presses down on me, suffocating any lingering hope of a genuine connection with Damien.

Swallowing hard, I ask. “Father, I need to know, once and for all, why did this marriage take place?”

“It’s time you knew now, Sweetheart,” he sighs. “Our economic standing is deeply linked to Damien’s brother, Boris, and his decisions. In exchange for our mutual benefit, they forced your hand in marriage and threatened to cut all ties unless I complied. I’m so sorry,” his voice drops here in deep disappointment. “I didn’t see another way forward for us.”

My mind reels with the weight of my father’s confession. Forced into marriage for business ties? The realization hits me like a ton of bricks, shattering any illusions I had about unifying two families. I knew that the business had something to do with it, but to now learn that Damien and his family used me as a bargaining chip to force my father’s hand leaves me feeling hollow, like a pawn in a game I never wanted to play.

“Father,” I whisper out, my voice hoarse. “No… you’re not saying…”

“I wish I had better news, Sweetheart,” he says without skipping a beat. “And if you don’t integrate yourself into their operations and find out what Boris and Damien plan next, I’m afraid we could lose out on what was promised to us. You’re the only one who can protect us now.”

Tears prickle at the corners of my eyes as I absorb the harsh reality of my situation. Betrayed by my husband and his brother, thrown into a marriage borne of blackmailing my father, this news strips away any remaining fragments of naivety that clung to the hope of love blossoming from this arrangement.

I’m filled with hot, fiery rage. “Father,” I say, my voice as cold as Damien’s presence in my life. “Don’t worry. I will do what’s needed.”

“Good,” he says, crisply yet with underlying warmth. I know I’ve made him proud. I can hear it in his voice. “Make sure they never find out we spoke of this.”

“They’ll never know,” I promise.

***

Half an hour later, I’m still grappling with my new reality when the doorbell rings. I look up from the couch where I sit, stunned by the interruption. And then, I remember. Damien’s sister, sister-in-law, and younger brother are visiting.

I stand and walk slowly toward the door, smoothing my dress and hair. Before I open, I put on a bright, fake smile. No matter what happens, no one can know I’m plotting to learn more about the Zolotov business. I must play the part of a doting, loyal wife until I ensure my father’s interests are being met.

I swing open the door, beaming from cheek to cheek.

“Genevieve!” Anoushka exclaims, enveloping me in a tight hug. Robin follows suit. Their hugs are warm and surprisingly comforting. I wonder if they know what’s going on behind our marriage.

“Nice to see you both,” I smile and then turn to Lev. He’s got that winning smile that could charm anyone. He, too, envelopes me in a hug and lifts me off the ground for a brief second before putting me back down.

“Come in, come in,” I giggle, letting them pass through.

To my surprise, they immediately make themselves at home. Anoushka kicks off her heels and sits on the recliner, her feet propped up on the table in front of her. “Lev,” she says. “Go get the wine glasses.”

“You do it,” Lev scoffs, the bottle of wine in his hand, as he winks at me.

“I’ll do it, guys,” Robin rolls her eyes and begins walking toward the kitchen.

“No, wait,” I squeak, feeling awkward. “Let me, please.”

“You, dear Sister,” Lev says, wrapping an arm around me and leading me to the couch. “Are not to move. We’re going to handle things around here.”

“Besides,” Anoushka giggles. “You married our brother, and for that, we would eternally have to show you our gratitude.”

“Consider us your personal slaves for helping us be rid of him,” Lev jokes.

I look at both of them, absolutely mortified, and they both burst into big, wide laughter that fills the home with joy.

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