My House My Rules

Vladivostok

Annika and I are childhood friends, we grew up together and acted just like siblings our parents had a close relationship with each other, they were best friends and also business partners. Annika's father is Russian while her mom is English they were powerful and well known in the Uk and Russia as well, they were notorious members of the Mafia, they ran various Casinos and had numerous cartels Annika was their only child and the heir to their empire. It's been two weeks since Annika started to stay in the mansion and she and Maggie got along well that one Magaret

Vladiv chuckled when he saw the look on my face, I was so stupid to think that he did not know about Zeus. 

"You and your boyfriend are so foolish to have thought that someone could intrude the mansion and get past my security. They only let him in" He snorted, I could feel the mockery that came with his voice. 

"You know Zeus," I managed to ask. I knew he did, but I found myself asking that, I wanted to find out what more he knew about him. 

"Yes, isn't he the Son of Oliver? And he is your boyfriend, right? The man you are having an affair with even though you are married, but I don't care. You can do as you please." He mouthed. 

I gazed downward, biting my lower lip. I was having an affair! I was relieved to hear that he wasn't going to kill me. But I was surprised, I couldn't fathom the kind of man he was. I had expected him to put a gun to my head and pull the trigger.

"You mean I'm free to see Zeus," I mumbled and he curled his lips. 

"Yes, he would get to be alive as long as he doesn't cross my paths else who knows, I might just change my mind." He smirked evilly, and I swallowed hard, people weren't a bit wrong to have nicknamed him the devil's incarnate. 

Later that day

I spent the rest of that morning in my room, I was doing my best to avoid Vladiv after the conversation I had with him. Other than the coffee I had taken that morning, I didn't have anything else and it wasn't because I wasn't hungry but because my mind was clouded by thoughts, thoughts that superseded the hunger I was feeling. My stomach growled loudly, I needed to eat something, I peeked at my phone and it was already 1:00 pm. Getting off the bed I headed downstairs, when I got to the living room Vladiv was there making a phone call. He brought up his head to look at me when he was done. 

"Finally, you are out of your room. I thought you were going to be there all day." He uttered his face holding no expression. I wanted to reply to him but decided against it. 

The door to the living room opened, and a lady stepped in she was holding a little girl by the hand. 

"Kon," she called walking to Vladiv, he moved towards her, they hugged when they met and Vladiv kissed her cheek. When they broke the hug, he then shifted his gaze to the little girl who had a smile on her face, and her hair was packed in two ponytails. 

He crouched in front of her, "I've missed you, Mia," he smiled embracing her and she did the same. He kissed her hair, she beamed, her small hand cupped his face and she kissed his cheeks which made him smile. I watch with keen interest, he seemed to have a good relationship with the lady and her daughter.

The lady came in front of me, "you must be Margaret. Hi, I'm Lexi Kon's elder sister and that is Mia, my daughter." She muttered pointing to the little girl. She was Vladiv's elder sister, she looked nothing like it, she was really petite and young.

"Nice to meet you," I mumbled returning the smile and stretching my hand for a handshake, she stared at my hand not taking it, and she hugged me.

"Sorry, if you aren't comfortable with that. I'm a hugger." She laughed, and and I smiled. She had a welcoming personality, nothing like her brother's.

Mia sauntered to us, she smiled as our eyes met. "Hello Mia," I mumbled smiling back at her. 

"Hi, nice to meet you." She said. 

I noticed Lexi's attention on my left hand, she looked at me when she realises that I saw her. She held my left hand turning the back of my palm to face her, she glanced at her brother. 

"Kon, I noticed your wife has no ring on and neither do you." She mumbled.

The word wife sounded weird to my ears, didn't she know that this wasn't a happy, marriage. It was just a deal.

He raised an eyebrow at her statement," I don't see a need for that, the deal is all that matters." He stated. 

She arched her brows as he was done speaking," the deal is all that matters." She mimicked his voice and I had to stop myself from bursting into laughter.

Vladiv frowned staring at her and she chuckled. 

"That's how you sound," she added and Mia burst out laughing, and so did I. 

Vlad pursed his lips as his gaze was fixed on Lexi, it shifted to me and I stopped laughing, then it went to Mia who was still laughing hard. He swerved around to walk away when Mia called him. 

"Uncle, are you upset?* she asked walking toward him. 

" come on, don't be a baby," she chuckled and he smiled. 

He squatted in front of her and whispered something into her ear which made her burst out laughing. 

"Are you two gossiping about me?" Lexi asked staring at both of them and they chortled. 

"No, why would you think that?" Vladiv asked with a mocking smile, and Lexi huffed. 

"Come on let's go get some candies," Vladiv said to the little girl who jumped in excitement. 

"Hold on first uncle," she mumbled walking to us and facing me. 

"I got you this," she smiled taking 

a chocolate bar which was in its packet out of her pinafore pockets and handed it over to me. 

"Thank you," I grinned accepting it.

"You are welcome," she gleamed walking back to her uncle.

"We will be right back Lexi," Vladiv got up turning to her and she nodded. 

He held Mia's hand, and they left leaving only me and Lexi. 

"We should sit," she smiled settling on one of the couches, and I did the same.

 "You did a great job raising Mia, she is a good kid." I praised. I meant every word I said, some kids her age would be so full of tantrums but the little girl was well behaved. 

"Thank you, Mia is a great kid, but she has her mischievous side which you are yet to see, and if you do it would leave you to wonder if she is the same person or a doppelganger." She chuckled.

"Most kids have a mischievous side, and I bet even we adults do," I smiled.

"You are right, Enough about that," she smiled. "I got you a gift," she mumbled grabbing a little box from her purse and placing it in my hand. 

"Come on, open it." She bubbled. 

I opened it, and there was a diamond necklace in it, it was beautiful. 

I turned to her, she had a smile on her face. "I'm sorry but I can't accept it." 

Her smile faded, she cocked her head, and her eyebrows lowered.

"Why? It's just a welcome gift. Even though I'm fully aware that you do not want this marriage, I just felt like giving it to you. I'll be glad if you accept it." She needled.

"Fine, thank you for the necklace it's beautiful and I know it must have cost you a lot," I mumbled.

"That doesn't matter, I'm glad you like it." She grinned.

Leila walked in alongside Kim who was holding a tray of juice. Lexi got up on seeing them, " Girls it's been a while." She smiled hugging them. 

"Yes, we miss having you around," Kim muttered smiling, a smile that reach her eyes. I was surprised that she could be this nice and friendly. 

"I know right, I missed you girls too. I've been so busy that why I couldn't visit earlier." Lexi smiled. 

"Well, it's good that you are here now." Leila grinned. 

We had lunch together when Vladiv and Lexi came back, Lexi and her daughter Mia spent the rest of the afternoon with us, though Mia wanted them to pass the night, her mom reminded her that she had to go to school the next day. Lexi had a good relationship with the workers, I noticed seeing the way they exchanged pleasantries. She was a sweet and humble lady, and so was her daughter Mia.

They left about an hour ago, and Vladiv went lit shortly after that and he was yet to return. 

My phone rang, I looked to see who the caller was, I had mixed feelings as I saw the name, it was Lynn. 

I answered it," Hello, how are you?" I asked.

"I'm fine," she answered. I was surprised as her calmly she was speaking to me.

"How are mom and dad?" I inquired. Even though they didn't care about me or my feelings, I couldn't bring myself to hate them, I still loved and cared about their well-being. They were my family, I should hate them, but I can't since they are the only ones I've got.

"Margaret, how are you doing?" She asked. I knew she wasn't really concerned about me, she just wanted to know if I was in misery so she could rejoice, but I answered her any way, I needed someone to talk to. 

"I don't know Lynn," I started to say but I stopped when I heard her burst out laughing. I knew it, she didn't care, all she wanted to do was mock me.

"That's just the beginning, I hope that your life is ruined and you have nothing to be happy about. Everything has always been about you, everyone loves you, but I just have to live in your shadows." She spat. Was she joking or what now? She was talking about herself not me, she was my parents' golden child and I was the wood they didn't care about. Everything Lynn had ever wanted, she got, even if that thing was mine. 

"Lynn, you know that isn't true. You are the better one, and I am the thrashy older sister that has to be at the receiving end." I muttered. I felt upset, and my jaw clenched. I remembered all those times that I had to be the sacrificial lamb and even until now I still was, when we were still kids a friend of mom had visited and she got gifts for me and Lynn which she gave to us, she had given me a bracelet because that was what I chose, while Lynn chose hairpins but after the woman left mom took away the bracelets and gave it to Lynn after she had told my mom she wanted it. My dad also treated me in the same way or should I say even worst? He didn't care about my existence and I never for once complained about it, I've always been the obedient child that did as they wanted even if it meant hurting and going against myself. 

"I hate you, and I look forward to the best news of my life which would be you dying." She let out and I could imagine the look on her face as she said that, how her eyes would be filled with hatred how her mouth would curl with dislike. 

"Oh well, It only means that you'll never get the best news of your life because I don't plan to die any time soon." I retorted before hanging up. Talking to her was a great waste of my time. 

The door opened revealing Vladiv and he was holding the hand of a lady who had blue eyes just like his, she was a beauty, her long red hair fell on her shoulders, she was wearing a black leather jacket, black pants and black heeled boots which gave bad girl vibes. 

They walked in, and a man followed them with a suitcase. 

Vlad glanced at me," She will be leaving here henceforth." He let out. 

Who was she?

The lady had her eyes on me before turning to Vladiv, "Kon, Is she your wife?" She asked with a British accent and he nodded. 

She strode toward me stretching her hand for a handshake. "It'sssssss a pleasure to meet you, I'm Annika," she introduces herself with a smile. 

It appears Annika had a close relationship with Vladiv since he had addressed him as Kon just like Lexi does.

 think they had known each other for a long time. 

"Kon, why do you keep treating Margaret like this?" Annika asked her brows furrowed In a frown. 

I raised my eyebrows confused at the question, "What do you mean? " I asked and she glared at me. 

"Don't act like that with me, Kon? I'm not intimidated by your scary persona or whatever." She chuckled. 

Most people feared me but Annika wasn't one of them, she knew me so well and was one of the people who understood me. 

"I see," I muttered tapping my nose and I could see her roll her eyes at me, she was upset. 

 "Why did you marry her if you are just going to act like she doesn't exist?" She muttered her lips curling up. 

"Well, I don't think that should be your cup of tea," I told her and her nostrils flared and her eyes narrowed. 

"Or is there something I'm missing out on? I'm guessing you have a women's support group going on right now. Women supporting women?" I chuckled and she scowled at me. 

"I hate you," she mouthed her lips pressed together in a firm line. 

I smiled," No you don't, you love me." I mumbled and she rolled her eyes bursting into laughter. 

"You wish!" She scoffed looking away. I trailed her eyes to see what she was looking at, it was Maggie who was coming down the stairs. She was wearing a black coloured gown and had applied makeup to her face, her hair was styled In a messy bun, and her heels clicked as she walked. She stopped when she got to us, she smiled at Annika as their eyes met and when she turned to me, her smile faded. 

"I want to go out," she mumbled looking at me and then she swivelled to walk away when I called her. 

"Hey, how many times do I have to tell you that you do not leave the house alone," I muttered with a straight face and she arched her brows at me. 

"I'm not a child and I can take care of myself," she uttered her skin stretching into a snarl. 

I stared at her intensely, it was so stupid of her to think I said that cause I cared about her. 

"I do not care if you can take care of yourself or not, this is my house and I make the rules," I yelled slamming my hand on the table and she flinched. 

I picked up my phone and put a call to Matt and Damon, the best men on my security team, and in no time they rushed in. 

"Don, you called for us." They said bowing their heads.

"Yes, you two go along with Maggie wherever she wants to go and keep a close eye on her," I ordered and they nodded. 

 Her lips curled up with dislike as she turned to face me," Why do you keep treating me like a criminal or a slave? I thought you had said I could do what I want." She barked her eyes welling up with tears. 

"You can decide to go with them or better still go back into your room, the choice is yours to make," I mumbled. 

"Kon, you shouldn't do this," Annika started to say but I interrupted her. 

"Don't interfere," I warned and she went silent. 

Margaret gawked at the two hefty men who were standing in front of her," Fine, I'll go with them." She said. 

I chuckled, "not like you have a choice," I muttered and she opened her mouth to say something but she kept quiet. She made the right decision. 

"Bye Nikka," she smiled at Annika before sauntering away accompanied by Matt and Damon. 

"That's not fair," Annika mumbled when they were gone. 

"I don't fucking care, don't you get that!" I snickered and she frowned. 

"I feel for the poor girl, you are an asshole. I can't seem to understand the reason you married her." Annika yelped, she pursed her lips and glanced at me. 

"Life isn't fair Annika, you of all people should know that," I told her and she went silent. 

"Since I came back I haven't seen luke around, where is he? Did you send him on a mission?" She inquired. 

"Luke is dead, He went against me and I killed him," I answered and she gazed at me with her mouth agape. 

Luke worked for our parents, he was one of the trusted workers we had, we knew him since we were teenagers and it must have come as a surprise to her that I could actually kill him but he had to die because there was no chance for forgiveness in my life, death was always the penalty for mistakes and betrayals. 

She shook her head exhaling noisily through pursed lips," You killed Luke, damn you. How could you? After everything, couldn't you just forgive him?" She cursed. 

"You've become too soft Annika, just two years away and you've become this, it leaves me to wonder if you would be able to take over from your parents or end up running from responsibilities just like Lexi." I hissed. 

Annika should know better than using emotions to run the business, in this kind of business emotions were better kept aside and rules put in place. 

She sprang up to her feet, her eyes crinkled with a half-hearted smile plastered on her face," that's your problem Kon, you think killing people shows your strength, but they only show how much of a weakling you are, and don't you dare talk about Lexi that way, everything she did, she did for you. " she raged before storming out of the living room.

No matter what people think or say, no one knew the reasons why I do what I do.

A few Hours Later, 

I left the house as I has things to attend to at the Casino and when I got back,

 Margaret was yet to return and so was Annika, the door creaked open, I stood up to my feet expecting to see Annika but it was Margaret who walked in, she was mad at me and I needed to fix things. Well she was one of the people I cared about. 

Margaret's face was puffy and the corners of her mouth drawn down, she stared at the ground, I could tell that whatever she had gone to do didn't go as planned.

I cackled as I peeked at her," Did your date not go well?" I asked. She stared at me with an intense, fevered glare and her jaw clenched.