90

“Father, Valentina, I’d like you to meet my girlfriend and fiancée, Anya!”

I saw surprise flash across everyone’s faces, and only then did the meaning of Nazar’s words finally sink in. I looked at him, about to open my mouth, but he cut me off.

“Anya, this is my father, Oleg Yartsev, and his wife Valentina.”

The last thing I expected was for this woman to rush at me with a hug. I was honestly thrown off, because her husband was so… so… absolutely nothing like her!

“Honey, look what a beauty this rascal managed to snatch for himself!” the woman addressed her husband warmly. “Finally someone’s going to put this idiot in line! He’s not forcing you into this, is he? Because I know men like that!” Suddenly she looked sternly at her husband and Kirill, brows furrowing.

And I had plenty I could’ve told her. Including the fact that up until this very minute, I had no idea I was supposedly a fiancée. But logically speaking, we were already planning to take in two children, so apparently Nazar had just forgotten to mention one tiny detail to me.

“No, I’m with Nazar of my own free will,” I smiled, and the woman let out a relieved breath.

“Oh Val, come on, don’t start,” Nazar mumbled. “I’m not like these two,” my man laughed, nodding toward his father and Kirill, earning knowing smiles from Vicky and Valentina.

After that, the men went off to greet other guests, while I stayed with the women of the family. Valentina turned out to be an incredibly kind person, just like Vicky, honestly. They told me a lot of interesting stories about the Yartsev family and their own lives.

I was shocked! Turns out there’s a third brother too, but he’s abroad with his family right now, where he opened a new branch of his company.

“There’s going to be a little auction tonight, and you HAVE TO participate!” Vicky started babbling excitedly, suddenly energized.

“What auction?” I frowned. “I didn’t even bring money with me…”

“You don’t need any!” Vicky laughed. “It’s an auction for dances with the women. And you’re going to be one of the lots!”

“And you?” My eyes nearly popped out. Things here were way more interesting than I expected.

“Not me,” Valentina waved it off, laughing. “That’s for younger people. Where would I fit in?”

“Oh yes you would!” Vicky argued instantly. “It’s a charity auction, and the money goes to children’s rehabilitation centers. And who can donate more for his wife than Yartsev Senior himself?! You HAVE TO participate too!” the blonde declared without appeal. “And I’m doing it too. And Anya as well! Nazar never joins the bidding, so it’s about time we squeezed some money out of him!”

The girl’s wicked laughter infected all of us. Well… this was going to be fun.

The bidding started. Women and girls walked onto the stage, and the money war began. My eyes nearly bulged out watching the amounts some men were willing to pay just for one dance.

Then it was Valentina’s turn, and some brave souls actually tried to compete against Yartsev Senior himself. The man clearly didn’t like the situation, shooting jealous looks at his wife before naturally winning.

With Vicky, everything went much faster and easier, which seriously annoyed and angered the girl. The second bidding for her began, Kirill immediately named such a ridiculous sum that the whole hall whistled, not daring to join the auction because the amount was impossible.

Then it was my turn, and I stood on stage, nervous and embarrassed out of my mind.