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I hadn’t even finished removing my makeup when a sudden knock disrupted the quiet of my hotel suite. In that lavish five-star room, the atmosphere instantly turned icy and suffocating. Without making eye contact, he slipped a bundle of bills into my hand—ten $100 notes—and murmured, “If you want to survive, leave now. Tonight.” Frozen … Read more
Are you out of your mind?!” Elena Pavlovna slammed the kitchen cabinet door open. “Shampoo worth eight hundred rubles?! What is this, treasure soap? Do you even realize how much that costs? If you desire such luxury, buy it using your own earnings!” Without turning from the sink, where she was rinsing dishes after dinner—a … Read more
Chapter 1: A Fateful Meeting Their encounter could easily be described as destined, unfolding unexpectedly at a scientific symposium. Alexander, one of the twin brothers, was delivering a presentation while his brother Benedict managed the event’s organization. The twin sisters, Maria and Anna, both interior designers, arrived to offer their decorating services for the conference. … Read more
“Imagine this—I’ve booked a hotel in Sochi for us! It’s three stars, located right on the beachfront, and just five minutes on foot to the sea!” Marina eagerly showed her husband pictures on her laptop. “Look at the balcony view! And here, the beach—clean and sandy! Plus, breakfast is included!” Dima barely nodded, distracted by … Read more
The radiant morning sun flooded the lobby of the Imperial Hotel. Majestic marble pillars and glistening crystal chandeliers basked in this gentle light, filtered through expansive bay windows. The soft clinking of fine porcelain mingled with whispered conversations and the steady murmur of indoor fountains. Guests from high society leisurely indulged in breakfast, seemingly suspended … Read more
Kirilo, ensure your wife conducts herself properly,” Tamara Igorevna’s voice was laced with disdain as she deliberately inspected her gloves. “We are guests of esteemed people, not your dive bar.” I hid the trembling of my hands behind my back, seeking to mask my unease. Kirilo, standing beside me, nervously cleared his throat and adjusted … Read more
“Hi, Mom…” Svetlana tried to maintain a steady tone, yet her voice betrayed an unmistakable tremor of anxiety. “Oh, Svetochka! Why the surprise visit? I wasn’t expecting you today,” Nina Petrovna replied without looking away from the jars of pickles she was busy sealing. Svetlana froze at those words. “Not expecting me” cut deep, stabbing … Read more
“Anya, have you checked the bank statement?” Mikhail asked as he entered the kitchen, holding a bank printout in his hand. “What statement?” Anna looked up from her phone, where she had been reading news. “It’s the statement for our joint account. There seems to be a mistake. It shows that three million two hundred … Read more
“You’ve created problems out of nowhere again, Ler. Mom just needs a week or two to rest, no big deal. The house is empty anyway,” Pavel replied lazily, eyes glued to his phone. “Pash, are you serious right now? This is my grandmother’s house. Mine. I poured a whole year into it. Alone. By myself. … Read more
On the tranquil outskirts of Voronezh, where life was meant to be peaceful and orderly, Daniil Landyshev, a widower and proprietor of a modest logistics firm, resided with his daughter. He was a respected figure in the community, always proud of his twelve-year-old daughter, Sonya. Sonya attended secondary school No. 14. Usually lively and bright-eyed, … Read more