I nod, unable to trust my voice.
A burst of laughter from the main dining room draws our attention. Katya’s voice, which is bright and confident, rings out above the crowd. Yarik stands beside her, his expression unreadable from this distance. Someone clinks a glass for a toast.
I turn away before I can see whether he smiles when he lifts his glass.
Behind me, the sounds of celebration continue. Champagne flutes chime, music swells, and Katya’s laughter sharpens like glass under pressure. I press a hand to my stomach, anchoring myself, and think to myself while addressing the baby.“I don’t know what’s coming, but we’re getting through it.”
I straighten my spine and turn back toward the crowd, where the woman who might already know my secret, and the man I might be about to lose forever are standing together. It’s inevitable they’ll make their announcement, and that’s the death knell for my fling with Yarik. It has to be. I’m ready for that, I tell myself, and for a second, I almost believe it.
12
Yarik
The engagement announcement begins with all the pomp Leonid Nikitin demands. I stand beside Katya on the small platform, her hand resting on my arm while her father delivers a speech about tradition, alliance, and the joining of two great houses.
Every word grates against my nerves.
The ring sits heavy in my jacket pocket. It’s a three-carat diamond I selected because it’s so cold and ugly to me but meets the price requirements for such a transaction as our union. I’ve been dreading this moment since the party began, but now that it’s here, I search the crowd for the one person who shouldn’t matter.
Sarah stands at the back of the room, partially hidden behind a marble column. She’s pale, composed, professional, and everything she’s supposed to be. I know her well enough to catch the tension in her shoulders and see it in the way she stands, as though bracing for a crushing blow.
Leonid concludes his speech and gestures for me to step forward. The crowd quiets expectantly. I reach into my pocket and withdraw the ring, holding it up for everyone to see. “Katya Nikitina has agreed to become my wife.” My voice carries across the room. “This union will strengthen both our families for generations to come.”
The words make me grimace, but I quickly force my face to become neutral again. I can’t fake warmth or enthusiasm. I take Katya’s hand, and she extends her fingers. The diamond slides onto her ring finger, a perfect fit, and the assembled guests burst into applause. Photographers snap pictures, capturing the moment for posterity.
I should be looking at my fiancée, but instead, I search the crowd again. Sarah’s expression is neutral, but for just a moment, and half a second too long, our gazes meet across the room. Something passes between us. It feels like recognition and maybe regret on her part. It’s definitely a silent goodbye.
Then Katya nudges me subtly with her elbow, and I force myself to look away. The moment breaks, and Sarah turns her attention back to her work, but the damage is done. I’ve revealed too much in front of too many people.
Katya’s smile never falters, but I catch her analyzing look. She noticed. Of course she did.
Leonid raises his champagne glass, and the rest of the guests follow suit. “To Yarik and Katya. May their union bring prosperity and peace to both our houses.”
I lift my glass and drink, but the champagne tastes bitter. I might as well be drinking vinegar rather than the fine vintage. Around me, people offer congratulations and well-wishes, but theirvoices sound distant and muffled. I go through the motions, shaking hands and accepting kisses on both cheeks from Katya’s aunts, but my mind is elsewhere.
The party continues, and finally, around eleven, the last of the guests leave. Sarah disappears into the kitchen, and I hope she’s finally heading home. This has been an ordeal for her, and me, though I have no right to complain.
The contract signing is supposed to happen now, but I check my watch and shake my head when Leonid asks if we should adjourn to my home office. “It’s getting late. We should handle the formalities tomorrow when we can give them proper attention.” I make a show of looking around.
“I believe my attorney has already left with his wife anyway.” Around nine, I had discreetly asked Randolph to slip out before the end of the party to buy an extra night before I sign that millstone that will hang around my neck and probably drag me down to the depths.
Jesus, too much time with Katya inspires dark, ridiculous thoughts of woe. That doesn’t mean they aren’t valid, if melodramatic.
Leonid’s mouth tightens slightly, but he nods. “Of course. Such important documents deserve our full focus, and you must have your attorney present, though you’ve had months to review every detail.” His voice tightens with anger toward the end, taking a passive-aggressive shot at my continued delays.
Katya’s grip on my arm becomes more possessive. “Tomorrow then. We’ll make everything official.”
They leave a few minutes later, and I retreat to my office while the catering staff cleans up. The silence is a relief after hoursof forced conversation and fake smiles. I pour myself a glass of vodka and sit behind my desk, staring at nothing while wishing for everything I can’t have.
The morning sunhits me in the eyes as I finish reviewing the overnight reports. I haven’t slept. The engagement party feels like a fever dream, something that happened to someone else, but the ring on Katya’s finger made it real enough.
Valentin knocks and enters without waiting for permission. “Ready for the warehouse run?”
I nod and gather my jacket. The drive will give us time to discuss business without the risk of surveillance in the house. We climb into the armored SUV, and I settle into the passenger seat while Valentin takes the wheel. There’s no Luco today, so he must want to speak to me alone.
The silence stretches between us for several minutes before he gets around to it though. “Last night was careless.”
I don’t have to ask to what he refers. “I know.”