Novels by Mawalilan

MIRON“Is this part of the plan, or are you truly in love?” Igor exhaled sharply as we relaxed on the rooftop of my office.Irina had become more sensitive after dinner with my family. I noticed she had a funny habit: when she was stressed about something, she would wake up, walk to the kitchen, and open the refrigerator.She would stand in front of the refrigerator for 10 minutes, as if having trouble deciding what to take, though she would eventually grab a box of mint ice cream, always mint. I was even at the point where I was secretly watching her.“What do you think?” I replied, my voice calm, and I knew Igor wasn’t so calm. I know who is not happy with Irina around me, but some of them choose to remain silent, not to make a sound, because it makes more sense than for them to dare to oppose me."Depends, if you've forgotten Serena that quickly," Igor quipped at me"I never forgot her, she is still in my thoughts""Then? What about Irina. I can't believe you fell in love at first

IRINA"It's not in the contract!" I'd been holding back these words. Ever since I'd been at a loss for words when Miron's family brought up marriage, and me? I was supposed to have a child with Miron within a year.All the way home, I held my voice. I remained silent, wondering what the hell I'd done? I'd let myself be drenched by heavy rain in the middle of a storm, when I should have taken shelter.Miron had just entered the house when I blocked his path. It wasn't because I was being brave, showing off against him. But this was about our partnership, which felt like it had gone off the rails."You've read the contract, right?""Yes, sir," I replied confidently. I was sure there was nothing about lovers getting married."If you've forgotten, read it again!" He walked to his workspace, with me following behind him. He took the contract out of his safe, and even though I peeked, I couldn't see the password."Read it again!" he ordered. "The rules that must be followed by each other, n

IRINA“Irina,” my heart fluttered when Tanya called my name. Her way of saying my name sounded different, and suddenly the aura around me seemed to be drawn toward her. And now, all eyes were on her. She did it on purpose, to steal the spotlight she deserved.“Yes, sorry, Papa,” Tanya smiled sweetly, as if she were truly part of this family, even though she was a widow in this house. It was as if she wanted to show me who would be respected in this place. Me or her?“I didn’t mean to interrupt your conversation, Papa,” her tone was calm, gentle, and mature. “Don’t I have a right to speak up too?” she added.“Tanya is right, she has a right to speak up.” Mrs. Pavlov supported me, as did the others. They nodded their heads. Only Miron and I didn’t nod our heads.You know what? When the minority is in the majority, any voice or opinion I express will just sound like trash. I'm just a parasite clinging to an orchid as graceful as Tanya.So, those who have cared for Tanya with love will su

IRINAI learned that Miron was the leader of the Russian pillar in Brooklyn. He was relatively young, as the files I was studying included a section filled with men the same age as Miron’s father.“We’re here,” I muttered, taking a deep breath as the car pulled into Miron’s house. This was my second time visiting this large house, and the atmosphere remained the same: eerie.No matter how grand the building, no matter how luxurious and classic the furnishings, entering this house felt like entering a haunted house. The monsters inside were more than just ghosts, waiting for me, perhaps even preparing to eat me.“Are you afraid?” Miron asked before we even got out of the car.“No! I’m just worried. Because I’m not Serena, I might make a mistake.”“You’re my Serena, mine, my woman. That’s the role you have to play.”“Your family knows I’m not Serena.” I rolled my eyes lazily, crossing my arms over my chest. I only expressed my emotions for a second, nothing more.I’d spent my time study

IRINAThe excitement I felt this time was different from the one I felt when Miron first brought me to his family’s house. The house they called the big house. It was because Miron’s words about marriage were still ringing in my head.“He can’t be serious, can he? Damn it, it can’t be, can it?” I grumbled this morning. Last night, let’s just say I liked the food at that Italian restaurant, but that really didn’t change anything.While I was packing for work, Ella took care of me, as usual. She brought me a breakfast sandwich and a glass of orange juice to my room, since I usually wouldn’t have time to enjoy my breakfast at the dining table."Don't think too much about it," Ella said again.“I can’t just relax like that, Ella. I mean, this bastard just suddenly said he was going to marry me,” my tone was anxious, doubtful, and annoyed.But strangely, why didn’t I feel scared? This feeling should have been stronger. It was the same feeling I’d felt since I first met Miron. It was that f

IRINA“Hmm, I think your first choice makes your skin look brighter. Is it because of the color?” Velery commented. “Alright, we still need to hear Sir Miron’s opinion.” She guided me toward the curtain.I stood on the round podium, breathing slightly heavily as my chest was pounding for no reason.I had deliberately chosen this dress because its shape wasn’t too revealing. Although it exposed my collarbone, it covered my arms and breasts, and it was also calf-length.The curtain slowly opened. Although I wanted to avert my gaze, I instinctively chased Miron’s eyes, checking to see if he was looking at me.Yes, he was looking at me!Not just staring, his eyes moved from my head to my feet. “A-line dress,” he said.My hand reflexively touched the collar of my dress at my collarbone. I tried to understand his tone. Maybe he didn’t like this collar? Or was he just referring to the type of dress?“Change!” he ordered.I remained frozen in my seat, not immediately moving to obey his comman