Page 1 of Plus-Size Bratva Bride

Chapter 1 - Pippa

I entered the casino and, like every time, was immediately taken in by the sounds, sights, and colors. A buzz of laughter wafted in from the right, a whoop from the craps table. Women bustled around in glittering clothes, kissing chips for the men they had accompanied. They were all clearly dressed for the night, but outside this well-lit, alive cavern, the sun had already risen.

I couldn’t blame them for not knowing.

In here, there was no sense of time. Most people didn’t say this openly, but the reason there weren’t any clocks on the walls was to ensure that once a person entered, they lost track of time. Once they did that, the money rolled right in for the casino.

The music played soft and repetitive, giving the illusion that it was still the same song. The drinks had always been free for the high-rollers and cheap for the rest. Once you entered, the world outside faded away.

That place was meant to be a sanctuary, an escape. For some addicted, it became a nightmare. But for me, it had always remained a safe haven. It was the only place where I trulybelonged.

The opulent space buzzed with activity--the chiming of slot machines, the excited chatter of patrons, the clinking of glasses. But it was more than just another day at work for me.

I made my way through the main floor, nodding and smiling at the staff I passed. They were more than just colleagues; after six years here, they were my extended family.

"Morning, Pippa!" called out Jack, one of the dealers. "Looking sharp as always."

I grinned and waved. "Thanks, Jack. Catch you later for our weekly poker game?"

"You know it! Prepared to lose again?" He winked.

"In your dreams," I shot back with a laugh. Our banter was a comforting routine.

My smile remained as I continued on. This was my domain. Here, I wasn't just plus-sized Pippa who could have been so pretty if she only lost some weight—my aunt’s words, not mine. Here, I was Ms. Burrows, the assistant manager who commanded respect. I kept this place running like a well-oiled machine.

Sure, I still had moments of doubt when I caught my reflection and wished I could shed a few pounds, my relatives' constant taunts coming back to bite me when I least expected it. But I never let it diminish my confidence or work ethic. I was made to feel valuable here, in every way that truly mattered. This place healed me in ways I never thought possible.

With a determined squaring of my shoulders, I headed for my office, ready to tackle the day.

As I approached the entrance, I spotted Mariana leaving the office, her elegant figure wrapped in a tailored coat. Her face lit up when she saw me, and she greeted me with a warm smile and a kiss on each cheek.

"Pippa, Darling! I'm so glad I caught you before leaving," she said. "I left some homemade cookies in your office. I know how much you love them."

My heart swelled with affection. "Thank you, Mariana. You know I can never resist your baking."

She laughed a melodic sound that always made me feel at ease. "Well, it's the least I can do for our hardest worker. You're like a sister to us, Pippa. Never forget that."

As she bid me farewell and walked away, I felt a lump forming in my throat. The Vadims' kindness never ceased to amaze me, especially considering my past.

My thoughts drifted back to my childhood after my parents had passed away. My aunt and uncle had taken me in, but they had never made me feel loved or wanted. They treated me like a burden, constantly reminding me of how much I owed them for their "generosity."

I could still hear my aunt's harsh voice echoing in my mind. "You're lucky we took you in, Pippa. No one else would want a chubby, orphaned brat like you."

Those words had stung, leaving invisible scars that I carried with me my whole life. I had grown up feeling neglected and unworthy, always striving to prove my value through hard work and dedication.

But with the Vadims, everything was different. They appreciated me for who I was, never making me feel like I had to earn their love or respect. They treated me like family, and I was fiercely loyal to them in return. Vlad was the stern but fair boss, trusting me with major responsibilities. And Mariana, his wife, showed me the familial affection I'd missed for so long.

I blinked back the tears that threatened to fall, not wanting to ruin my carefully applied makeup. I pushed open the door and entered my office, the scent of Mariana's cookies filling the air.

***

I savored the taste of Mariana's homemade cookie, the sweet vanilla and chocolate chips melting on my tongue. As I settled into my chair, I couldn't help but dream about my future. I had been saving every penny I could, determined to buy my own home someday. Vlad and Mariana knew of my dream, and every year, the Christmas bonus they gave me was more than generous.

A knock at the door interrupted my thoughts. "Come in," I called out, straightening my pencil skirt and adjusting my blouse.

Vlad entered, his usual confident smile replaced by a more serious expression. "Pippa, do you have a moment? There's something important I need to discuss with you."

"Of course, Vlad. Is everything alright?" I asked, concern etched on my face.

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