For the first time in days, Zoya woke up feeling... normal.
The bed was warm, sheets softer than she remembered. The usual tension on her shoulder had eased, and for once, there was no chaos waiting for her the moment she opened her eyes.
Maybe exhaustion had finally caught up to her. Or maybe, despite everything, she had found peace in this unfamiliar place.
She exhaled slowly, blinking away the last traces of sleep. Then reality kicked in.
She wasn't in U.S. She wasn't running her business. She was in Russia, Married to Kalix Volkov.
Zoya glanced at the other side of the bed, Empty.
Not that it mattered. She wasn't expecting him to be there anyway.
Pushing the covers aside, she grabbed her clothes and headed toward the bathroom. Just as reached for the handle-
The door swung open.
And Kalix walked out, steam curling around him, a towel hanging dangerously low on his hips.
Zoya froze.
Her brain short-circuited.
For a split second, all she could process was the sharp cut of his jawline, droplets of water sliding down his skin, and-
Damn it.
She stepped back too quickly, nearly losing her balance.
But before she could hit the floor, a firm arm wrapped around her waist.
A beat of silence.
Then, in a voice far too relaxed for the situation, Kalix asked,
"Did you sleep well?"
Zoya's breath caught. Of all the things- why was he asking that now?
Still caught up in the warmth of his arm around her, she blurted out a nervous and awkward, "Y-yeah." Kalix tilted his head slightly, amused. "Hmm."
His lips curled into that signature smirk.
"Seems like you're enjoying this, Mrs. Volkov."
Zoya snapped out of it. Her face burned as she shoved at his chest. "Let go."
Still flustered, she shot him a glare. "You need to remember this room isn't yours anymore. We share it. So keep your nudity in check."
Kalix chuckled. "That's bit unfair. You get to wear those little night wears, but I can't have a towel?" Her mouth opened – then closed.
Damn it. She really walked into that one.
She angrily, grabbed her clothes and stormed into the bathroom, slamming the door shut behind her.
Through the thick wood she could still hear his low, amused laughter.
Zoya groaned softly, burying her face in her hands for a second. What a way to start the morning.
Shaking of the awkwardness, she stepped into the shower. The warm water eased the lingering tension, washing away the remnants of sleep.
She threw on a fitted turtleneck and tailored trouser, ran brush through her damp hair, and checked herself in the mirror.
No unnecessary thought. No distractions.
Just focus.
She grabbed her watch, fastened it around her wrist and headed out.
Zoya stepped out of the room, adjusting the sleeves, looking for Kalix.
Her eyes flickered around, brows slightly furrowing. Where did he disappear to so early?
Spotting a house staff nearby, she approached. "Do you know where Kalix is?"
The staff gave a polite nod. "He might be in the study, ma'am. Shall I take you there?"
She hesitated for half a second before nodding. "Lead the way."
As they walked through the estate's grand hallways, she took in her surroundings-high ceilings, old paintings, the faint scent of expensive wood. Everything about this place screamed power, but it didn't feel like home. Not yet.
They stopped in front of an oak door. The staff stepped aside.
She walked in.
Low voices filled in the room.
Kalix sat behind a sleek desk, flipping through a tablet.
"Swastik Textiles' mysterious heir makes a surprise return... Russia's most powerful businessman finally off the market... The Volkov couple steals the spotlight in London." Viktor read out loud, his lips quirking into a smirk. "Damn you two are everywhere."
Zoya stilled.
She hadn't checked the news yet, but Viktor's word gave her idea what they were talking about.
Finally Kalix glanced at her, his sharp gaze settling at her like he had been expecting her.
Zoya folded her arms, that's ridiculous.
Viktor followed his gaze, Morning madam Volkov, look you are everywhere. People are curious to know you, I can bet once they'll see your beauty, they'll left mesmerized.
Zoya sighed, Done?
Kalix with his casual and curious expressions. "You need something?"
Zoya straightened. "I want to work, I wanna join swastik textiles."
That got their attention.
"You want to what?" Kalix asked, tilting his head slightly.
Zoya held her gaze. "I'm your you heard me, correctly"
Kalix with confusion, hn?
Zoya said again, I want to join Swastik textiles. That's why I was called back from US. Instead. I got thrown into this marriage.
Viktor let out a low whistle, I thought you didn't wanted a business marriage. But in reality you didn't even knew you were marrying. "So you really didn't know that you were marrying my brother?"
Her voice was steady. "If had known, I wouldn't have left my business, my life-everything-for this."
Viktor hummed. "Damn. Your family did you dirty." Then casually, "Well, don't worry. You've got us now.
Kalix leaned back in his chair, watching her carefully, watching her carefully. Then-
"Fine you can work."
She narrowed her eyes. That was too easy.
She waited.
And there it was
"One one condition."
Of course.
"Viktor will assist you with everything."
Zoya glanced at Viktor, who smirked. Lucky you."
Kalix continued, "The launch is in week. If you're serious, you start today."
Zoya didn't hesitate. This was a win.
Kalix got up from his chair. Started walking towards zoya.
She nodded, Alright. I'll get ready.
As Zoya was about to leave, he suddenly closed the distance between them.
She barely had time to react before his voice dropped, low and certain.
"What your family did to you wasn't right." His gaze held hers, steady, unreadable. "But I can promise you one thing-here, you'll be treated like a queen."
Zoya blinked caught off guard.
For a second- just-a second her heart sluttered.
Then, just as quickly , he stepped back. As if he hadn't just said something thet made her chest tighten.
His smirk returned, teasing but unreadable.
Get to work, Mrs. Volkov. Don't be late on your first day.
And just like that he past her, leaving her standing there.
Arrival at the Volkov Group.
The black car pulled up in the front of Volkov Group's headquarters. Viktor stepped out first, glancing at Zoya.
"Ready?" he asked.
Zoya smirked. "Always."
With that, she stepped out, fixing her coat as she looked at the towering building. No hesitation. No second- guessing.
Kalix went for a meeting elsewhere, so it was just her and viktor.
As they entered, employees glanced at her, whispering amongst themselves.
"She's the new director, right?"
"Overseeing Swastik's launch?"
"She is young... but looks sharp."
Zoya ignored them, walking with quiet confidence.
Viktor leaned over, his tone teasing. They have no idea you're actually Mrs.Volkov."
Zoya smirked. "Let's keep it that way for now."
Viktor led zoya through the hallway, stopping in front of a glass door. With a smirk he pushed it open. "This will be your cabin."
Zoya stepped inside, taking in the space. The dark wooden desk, high-backed chair, and panoramic window overlooking the window overlooking the city gave it powerful yet minimalist feel.
She traced her fingers along the polished desk, nodding slightly.
Viktor tapped the empty spot beside the door. "Your name plate will be up by tomorrow. Your arrival was bit... sudden.
Zoya turned to him, her expression firm. "Make sure it only says Zoya. No Volkov attached to it.
Viktor raised a brow, amusement flickering in his gaze. Before he could say anything a knock interrupted them.
A senior executive stepped inside. "Miss. Zoya, Welcome. We've been expecting you."
Before zoya could acknowledge him, Viktor's voice cut through.
"Mrs. Zoya."
The executive hesitated, glancing between them, quickly correcting himself. "My apologies, Mrs. Zoya."
The executive welcomed her, then quickly brief her on the upcoming launch. After the meeting she got busy with work, reviewing plans and getting familiar with everything, while viktor assisted her when needed.
Lunch Break
Later that afternoon, over lunch, Viktor and Zoya chatted casually. Zoya placed her spoon down and casually said, "I need to buy a few things, Any recommendations?"
Viktor barely looked up from his phone. "Just say the word, and it'll be delivered to you."
Zoya exhaled sharply, shaking her head. I'd rather pick myself things out myself.
Now he, glanced at her, smirking. "Mrs. Volkov, shopping is beneath you. You don't stroll through malls like ordinary person. You say what you want, and it appears before you."
She gave him a pointed look. "And that's exactly why I want to go. I don't need someone choosing things for me." She leaned back, crossing her arms. "Besides, I want to see the city."
Viktor studied her for a moment, then let out a dramatic sigh. "Fine. Novaya Mall. I'll take you there after work."
A satisfied smile ghosted Zoya's lips as she picked up her phone, quickly typing a message.
"Meet me at Novaya Mall. 8:00 pm.
After a long day at office, Viktor and Zoya stepped into the crisp Russian evening. The city lights cast a soft glow on the streets as their car pulled up Novaya Mall.
As they neared the entrance, Viktor glanced at her.
"You should wear a mask."
Zoya raised a brow. "Why?"
Viktor handing over mask, You're Volkov now. And it's you who is still not ready to reveal her identity.
She sighed but complied, pulling over her face as they walked inside. Despite the disguise, Viktor still drew attention-he seemed popular in woman. He seemed used to it, his expressions unreadable.
Stopping in front of an elite fashion house, Viktor gestured towards the entrance.
"This place should have what you need. I'll wait outside wait outside."
Zoya hesitated. "Are you sure?"
I've already told staff to assist you in English, he said .
With that, She stepped inside.
Zoya entered the upscale store, the scent of expensive perfume and leather filling the air. The soft lighting reflected off crystal chandeliers, casting a golden hue over the designer collections.
A staff member greeted them with a polished smile. "Welcome Miss. Mr. Viktor informed us to assist you personally. Would you like to see our latest arrivals?"
"Umm. Yeah, But at first show me some night wears.
The assistant led her to private section, where she selected few night wears, and few suits.
As she scanned the door, a familiar figure caught her attention-a man, stepping inside with a women.
Her brows furrowed, but before she could process, her eyes landed on a striking black dress. "I'll try this one," she told the staff.
Inside the fitting room, as she set her purse down, a brown envelope slid under the door.
Her heart skipped.
Zoya picked it up, unfolded it-personal documents. Someone's identity. Before she could fully scan thm, her phone vibrated.
A message flashed on screen: keep it safe.
Her grip tightened around papers.
A knock snapped her out of it. "Ma'am, do you need any help?" "No, I'm good," She responded, slipping the envelope into her purse.
She changed into the dress, adjusting the fit.
Taking a deep breath, she stepped out.
A voice greeted her instantly.
"Took you long enough."
She turned.
Kalix.
And just like that, the night took another unexpected turn.