Page 21 of Ruthless Lullaby

I can't believe what I'm hearing.

"Are you fucking kidding me?" I manage to sputter. "You're really going to walk away from the opportunity of a lifetime? Who the fuck does that?"

He nods, his jaw set stubbornly. "Opportunity of a lifetime, huh? Fuck you and your opportunity! I’ve had enough of you treating me like a loser."

Seriously?

I can feel my patience wearing thin. I take a deep breath, trying to find a way to diffuse this situation. I really don’t want to let him down, but he’s not exactly helping. I almost consider throwing him out, but then, an idea strikes me.

"You want to try Tramoxine?" I ask, forcing softness into my tone. "It could help calm your nerves down,bratok. It's not just a painkiller, you know. It could help with... all this." I gesture vaguely at him, hoping he'll understand I'm trying to help.

Maurice's eyes widen in disbelief, then narrow in disgust. "Are you serious right now? You want to drug me for telling you the truth? That's your solution?" He lets out a bitter laugh. "I don't need your pity, your handouts, or your fucking pills, Maron. You don't need to save me from myself."

He walks to the door, his footsteps thudding. From the door, he turns back and says," I won't be your errand boy. I'll handle this on my own." With that, he storms out of the office, slamming the door behind him so hard the windows rattle. I'm left standing there, wondering what the hell just happened and how did a job offer that could have turned his life around, turned into World War III.

Jesus Christ, what a fucking moron.

I lean back in my chair and let out a sigh, shaking my head with my eyes closed. I take another deep breath and exhale loudly. My conscience is clear - I did everything I could for Maurice. I went above and beyond what anyone else would have done for him. I offered him a fully functioning business with a paycheck most people can only dream of, and he couldn't even see the potential it held for his screwed-up life.

But that's fine with me. I did what I could. I can't allow myself to be bothered with my hopeless brother's shit anymore.

I pour myself a final shot of vodka and allow Mindy's images to flood my mind again. Ever since I saw her photos and that video, she has consumed my thoughts. And now, after my conversation with Maurice, any lingering sense of guilt is completely gone.

I crave another glimpse of her gorgeous body, so I open up my laptop. But instead, another email catches my eye.

‘Farewell’,the subject line says. Frowning, I click it open.

“Dear Maron,

I hope you're doing well.

I have something difficult to say, and I hope you can understand. I can't marry you. I've found someone else. I have chosen to follow my heart and build a life with him. I know this may come as a shock to you, and if it does, I am truly sorry.

Please don't try to find me. On all three occasions we met, I saw you're a good person, and I truly hope you will find someone who makes you happy.

Take care,

Elena”

I read the email twice, then a third time. A mix of emotions washes over me - surprise, anger, and oddly, a sense of relief. I should be furious. This isn't just a personal slight; it's a potential disaster for the Bratva alliance I've been cultivating. But instead of anger- or at the very least, concern-, I feel a weight being lifted off my shoulders. No more pretending, no more forcing myself to feel something that isn't there.

Still, the implications are massive. The Kubikov family won't take this lightly. There will be consequences, possibly violent ones. And yet, as I pour another shot of vodka, I can't help but smirk. In the midst of all the chaos - the lost shipment, Maurice's bullshit, and now this - life has thrown me an unexpected curveball in the form of nudes gone astray. And for the first time in a long while, I feel a spark of excitement.

My mind drifts back to Mindy Williams. With Elena Kubikova out of the picture, the possibilities suddenly seemendless. I down the vodka, my brain already spinning with new plans.

Despite the fuckery with Maurice, this day just got a whole lot more interesting.

Chapter Ten

Mindy

For the last thirty minutes, I've been sitting in my car in the parking lot of Global Media.

I struggle to find the motivation to put the key in the ignition and start my car. Instead, I lean back and allow the tears to flow, letting out the emotions that have been weighing down on me. Breathe in, breathe out. And again. Inhale, exhale. But despite my best efforts to calm my nerves, I can feel the stress building in me, like a ticking time bomb ready to explode.

You can’t lose it now, Mindy.

You can fix this.

---