Page 24 of Bound to the Bratva
I carefully button up my tailored suit, making sure every crease and fold is perfect. I know better than to show up without ensuring everything is in the right places. If even a stray hair is out of place, I'd be spoken to by my father. Excellence is the only thing that's accepted by him.
I make my way downstairs and exit the hotel through the lobby. My car is waiting outside in front of the hotel.
My driver, Andrei, awaits me and the moment he sees me, he comes outside and opens the door. I told him before the event I wanted to go get a couple of drinks, so that's where we're off to.
I slide into the back seat and scroll my phone. Andrei returns to his seat behind the wheel, ready to take me deeper into the city toward a nearby bar.
He drives for about ten minutes when he pulls up to a cigar and bar combination. "I think this place would be nice. What do you think, sir?"
I take one glance at the exterior of the bar, easily seeing through the oversized glass windows. It seems decent enough, so he parks the SUV.
The sounds of chatter and glasses clinking fill the air as I enter the dimly lit establishment. I head up to the bar and order a drink, taking in the rich flavors and aromas before I'm forced to head to the grand ballroom where my engagement party will take place.
Andrei takes a seat beside me. "You seem like you're starting to come around, about this whole thing."
I take a swallow of my vodka, "I am. There are two options. I can either put up a fight and have a horrible experience, or I can accept my future will be with Aria and make it a little easier on myself."
Andrei chuckles lightly, "I'm glad you're not being your typical stubborn self." He sips on the lemon water that's just been placed in front of him.
I snicker, "Believe me, I wanted to. Aria is a bit different. She's as stubborn as I am, maybe even a little more."
Andrei cocks a brow, "I think you're telling me you've met your match."
I meet my eyes with his and give him a knowing look, "I wouldn't go that far."
The woman behind the bar offers us a couple of cigar options, and I choose the most expensive one for the two of us. After all, today is a day I should be overindulging in the things I like, should it not?
I take another sip of my drink, swirling the clear liquid around in my glass before taking a long pull. The burn of the alcohol works its way down my throat, settling in my chest like a ton of bricks. I've always used alcohol to help me calm down, to collect my thoughts and figure out what I'm going to do in the most dire of situations.
Andrei knows me well—he's been with me for years now, and we've shared countless late-night conversations and jokes while he navigated numerous cities winding streets. He's seen me at my lowest and my highest, and has even given me some good advice along the way.
As we sit here in the dimly lit bar, the hazy glow of the cigars and the muted chatter of customers, I realize that maybe this isn't so bad after all.
I need to stop looking at things like I'm trapped with her. Aria is an asset, even if she doesn't believe she is. Even if she doesn't want to be in this so-called life. She was born into it, and unfortunately she doesn't get a choice.
With a nod to Andrei, I finish my drink and set the glass down with a dull thud. There's no use denying it any longer: I'm in this for the long haul, and I might as well make the best of it.
Upon exiting the bar, I'm greeted by the sound of laughter and joyous chatter. Andrei and I make our way back to his SUV, and as soon as he's buckled up he begins driving us to the hotel.
It takes about ten minutes, but we finally arrive. From the outside, it oozes money and power. Aria's father rented out the hotel for not only the party, but secured all of the hotel rooms for guests flying in too.
Andrei parks the car and we both head inside. I enter the grand hotel, the luxurious décor and opulent chandeliers bleed money. The scent of exotic flowers and freshly baked pastries fills the air.
Andrei leans over to me a tad and whispers, "The hotel staff has outdone themselves with the arrangements. Her father must really want to make sure this thing goes off without a hitch."
I look around in surprise as we make our way into the ballroom. With one quick glance, I can see guests from all around the world are in attendance, dressed in elegant gowns and suits, their eyes sparkling with excitement.
The room is adorned with floral centerpieces and twinkling candles, casting a soft glow over the elaborate tables holding delectable dishes and wine glasses.
The band begins to play a lively tune, and there's already a few couples on the dance floor. I spot my father, his eyes twinkling with a mixture of pride and promise, surrounded by familiar faces and old friends.
He knows what this engagement means for our family, and I'm certain he believes arranging a marriage between Aria and me will appease some of the lower level generals. Aria is nowhere to be seen, but I know she'll pop up eventually.
As I take a moment to survey the scene, I realize the magnitude of this event. This isn't just my engagement party, but the coming together of two influential families, each with its own vibrant history and traditions. Aria and I, despite our differences and initial hatred, are the bridge that will connect these two worlds.
With a deep breath, I step further into the room. A few people look right at me and this is the moment I know that I'm wearing a show-stopping piece. I can only hope Aria is wearing something just as grand.
Almost like I summoned her Aria comes from around a corner wearing a sparkling black ballgown with a high slit up her left leg. I smile devilishly at her, but my view of her is suddenly obstructed by her father.
