Chapter 3

Nadia moved as fast as she could manage by limping fast. She couldn't run with her prosthesis, but each time she pushed harder than her normal pace, her old and worn-out prosthetic leg began to hurt her limb. But still, she didn't stop. She didn't want that man whom she had stumbled upon his privacy to find her and probably scold her or even worse, tell her uncle and aunt about it.

“Ouch... Aah.” She hissed and when she could no longer take it, she found a garden and hid herself by sitting on a tall gravel stone. She bit her lip as she pulled up her heavy oversized gown up to her thighs. Slowly, she took off her prosthetic leg and a low painful moan left her lips.

Nadia examined the small scratches and wounds on her right lower limb. She knew it was time to get new ones but she couldn't let her uncle know about it just yet. Not until she had convinced him and allowed her to travel abroad for her university studies. She knew if her uncle found out about her wounds, he won't let her go abroad.

For some time, Nadia had been applying ointment to her limb but she knew soon the ointment wouldn't do much. She sighed and threw her head up into the night sky with the full moon shining brightly.

She then heard little rustles and footsteps. First came the smell of cigarettes into the air and then the footsteps grew louder before Nikolai appeared from the other side of the garden. Apparently, he wanted some alone time for a smoke.

He caught her and Nadia quickly pulled down her gown to cover her half leg. To her cousin, the sight of it was disgusting and maybe Nikolai might find it revolting as well. Her whole face flamly heated up.

“Nadia? What are you doing here? Shouldn't you be enjoying the party?” Nikolai asked as he walked up to her. His eyes caught the prosthetic leg which Nadia was trying to hide from him but failed.

“I... Actually...” Nadia didn't know what to say. She knew she possibly couldn't tell him how she had walked in on a naked man and caught a glimpse of his buttocks. She shook her head not wanting to remember her innocent eyes had ever saw that.

Nikolai smiled as he blew smoke into the air.

“It's fine if you don't tell me. But it looks like you are in pain.” He observed Nadia's tight expression while clutching her right thigh.

Nadia blinked, embarrassed. “Nope... I'm fine.”

Nikolai looked at her and then said nothing. Instead, he lowered himself down on one knee, carefully raised up her dress up only to the point where her right limb was visible.

Nadia swallowed hard and her face was like she was stuck in a hot oven. She closed her eyes, dreaded his reaction and expected to see disgust in his eyes.

“Does it hurt?” She heard him asking and she quickly opened her eyes.

Instead of disgust, she saw care in his gray eyes, and it wasn't the type that showed pity. But more of a concern.

“It... It hurts a little.” Nadia didn't want to exaggerate.

Nikolai looked at her for a moment before he stood up and turned to walk away.

“Don't move. I'll be right back.”

Nadia obeyed and didn't move from where she was. Five minutes later, Nikolai returned with a tube cream. He knelt down and opened the cap and Nadia stopped him.

“You don't have to do it, Nikolai. I... I can do it by myself.”

Nikolai didn't pay attention to her and gently squeezed out some of the cream on his index finger pad. Then slowly he started to rub the cream on her scratches and wounds. Nadia bit her lip as not to let out a hiss. It was painful but she was strong, or rather wanted to appear strong in front of Nikolai.

Nadia couldn't stop staring at him. His midnight hair sparkled and rhymed with the night. His tall posture and physique was just another addition to his charming charisma.

If only I had been perfect - Nadia thought to herself. Then she could snag a chance with Nikolai. But that could only happen in her dreams but even Nadia wasn't a dreamer when it came to boys. She remained a realist in those sort of thing.

“Do you feel better now?” Nikolai asked, this time looking at her. And Nadia nodded.

“Thank you, Nikolai.” Her voice was barely audible.

“It's fine. You know, you are a strong and capable young lady, Nadia. And I admire you for that.” Nikolai stated as he stood up completely.

His words made Nadia feel like she was on his level. She smiled shyly and hid her face from his line of sight.

Just then they heard clappings and shouts coming from the lawn where all of the guests were.

“Looks like my brother has finally made his entrance.” Nikolai said, bringing the end of the cigarette between his lips.

Nadia waited for a moment, to let the ointment do it's job and it proved to be more effective than the cream she uses back at home. She carefully wore back her prosthetic leg and pulled her dress down again.

“Can you walk properly?” Nikolai asked, turning to her.

Nadia smiled and tried to walk normally but she limped a few times. “I am used to it. Don't worry about it.”

Nikolai nodded. “Great. Now let's head back to the party. I can't miss my elder brother's engagement.”

Nadia only knew Nikolai's brother's name was Anatoly and she had never even seen him before, not even a photo of him. So she was walking back to the lawn completely clueless about her cousin's fiance.

She and Nikolai arrived back to the lawn where all of the guests' attention were fixed on the small altar next to the poolside.

Nadia was able to spot Ivanova standing on the left side and her hand was stretched forward. The guests were blocking her fiance and she craned her neck to see.

“Why are you standing so far away? It's your cousin's engagement. You should be with your family.” Nikolai told her but Nadia was hesitant to go further than where she stood.

Nikolai didn't need an answer from her. He simply grabbed hold of her arm and made her walk with him forward. Nadia tried to protest but realized Nikolai wasn't even listening to her. The way he held her arm did something to Jodie and maybe he would never hold her like that ever again.

They reached the front of the podium. Nikolai smiled at Nadia, then left her to go and stand with his family. Nadia smiled at him but the moment she turned her attention to the podium, her eyes widened slightly and her smile began to shrink.

It's him! - That was the first thing that came to her mind when her eyes settled on the tall man standing next to Ivanova and was currently putting the ring on her finger.

Nadia could easily recognize him because of the tattoo on his neck. He was wearing a black leather jacket. No doubt. He was the man whom she had seen behind the window. Completely naked without a care in the world.

So he is Ivanova's future husband. Anatoly Kiseleva - Nadia thought again and gulped hard. He definitely looked intimidating. He wasn't even smiling at his own engagement and his tall brooding structure made Nadia feel like she was shrinking little by little. To Nadia, he was the complete opposite of Nikolai. The man at the altar looked scary to her.

After Ivanova put the ring on Anatoly's finger, the guests cheered and a round of applause filled the whole lawn and beyond. Seconds later, fireworks were sent up into the night sky.

“It is decided then.” Don Maxim spoke to Vincent and they both shook hands. “This alliance is officially sealed tonight. And according to our family's traditions, my son will get married to your daughter in three days.”

Nadia heard them and looked at Ivanova. She smiled and looked very happy and Nadia smiled as well before clapping her hands together.

The afterparty had already been set up and will be held at a fancy hotel a couple of drives away from the Kiseleva estate.

Ivanova walked up to where Jodie was. She placed her arm over Nadia's and smiled widely.

“You should come with us, Nadia.” Ivanova said.

“Absolutely not.” Vincent quickly denied.

Ivanova rolled her eyes. “Papa, Nadia isn't a little girl anymore. She's an adult.”

Vincent refused to budge. “Nadia isn't going with you and your friends to the so-called afterparty. What will she even do there.”

“Your father is right, Iva.” Leonora joined in. “It's better if Nadia comes home with us.”

Ivanova then whispered to Nadia.

“Why don't we let Jodie decide then. Look, Nadia. This is your chance to prove to my parents that you can take care of yourself just fine. I know how much you want to go abroad to study medicine and my dad won't let you go. But if you prove that you can survive a midnight party all by yourself, then my dad will give you permission.”

Nadia liked the idea and agreed to go almost immediately. She turned to Vincent and Leonora.

“Uncle, I want to go to the afterparty with Ivanova.”

Vincent still was doubtful. “Are you sure, princess?”

Nadia nodded confidently. “I am. But listen to me please, uncle. If I go to this party and I return home just fine and perfectly sober, then you will admit that I can take care of myself and you will finally give me permission to study in New York. Deal?”

Vincent blinked and smiled. “What are you saying? Are you striking a deal with me now?”

Nadia smiled. “Yes, uncle. And you are familiar with deals. They are sworn oaths in our family. So you will have to accept this deal.”

Vincent looked at Leonora and when she urged him to agree, he accepted Nadia's condition.

“Perfect!” Ivanova beamed. “Let's go now. We have to hurry or we will miss the fun.”

Nadia was happy that Ivanova wanted her to accompany her to the party. They got into one of the cars and headed to the hotel.

The hotel had been fully booked for the party and Nikolai was the host. He called it an early bachelor and Bachelorette's night. When Nadia arrived with Ivanova, the party had already started in full swing. Nikolai welcomed the both of them and Nadia smiled at Nikolai who winked at her.

...............

“An afterparty?” Anatoly didn't seem interested. He had other things to do with his time and sent Vladimir away.

“Don't be such a downgrader, Anatoly. You have to come. Nik has organized the party and they are a lot of hot and sexy girls to fuck over there. Think of this as the last time you'll ever be single and be able to fuck any random pussy.” Vladimir tried to convince him and when Anatoly didn't budge from where he was seated, he added with a smirk. “Your fiancee will also be there.”

And indeed that got Anatoly's attention.

“Think about it, bro. You can find out tonight if your future bride is still a tight ass virgin. You do know it is a fucking taboo in our family to marry a woman who isn't a virgin or wasn't disvirgined by us. So you must test the pussy first.” Vladimir licked his lips.

Anatoly thought of it. It was true that he knew absolutely nothing about Ivanova. Who knows if she was actually still a virgin or not. He could definitely find out tonight by talking to her or demanding she not lie to him. He had his ways of finding out the truth.

“Fine then. Let's go to this afterparty.” He said.

“Bingo!” Vladimir whistled out.

Vladimir was the one in the driver seat while Anatoly sat in the passenger seat. His brother had arranged for a party in his honor so it would be rude of him not to show up. And maybe he'll have a long night talk with his fianceé. He had to admit that her body and personality intrigued him since the moment he stepped into the lawn and saw her from afar. In the flesh.

The car reached the hotel and Vladimir brought Anatoly straight to the bar for a drink. Nikolai walked up to his brother and the three men had their first drink together before a couple of girls in bikinis came up to them.

One of the girls came to whisper in Anatoly's ear.

“Ms. Ivanova is waiting for you in the presidential suite, Mr Anatoly.”

The tension in Anatoly's pants increased and he tapped the bar table for another drink. The bartender quickly passed him another shot and he gulped it in one go before standing up.

“Where are you going, brother?” Nikolai asked while seated in the middle of three girls, and Vladimir was with two girls, kissing one of the them while groping the other girl's asscheeks.

“Get off my back.” Anatoly replied, a little tipsy and he wondered why when he only had two shots. Nonetheless he walked toward the elevator and got in.

.............

“Can I really wear this?” Nadia hesitated to step out of the bathroom. Ivanova had made her wear a sexy long thin sleeveless dress.

“Just come out already.” Ivanova called out from the bedroom. They were both currently in one of the top suites of the hotel.

Nadia gulped and finally came out of the bathroom. The cold air from the AC pierced her bare skin. She had never worn such a revealing dress before and she was very nervous and shy.

Ivanova looked at her and smiled. “You look gorgeous.”

“I don't know, Ivanova...” Nadia mumbled but then Ivanova already came closer and sprayed her with her perfume.

“You are just nervous, Nadia. Now...” Ivanova walked toward the table where a glass of untouched orange juice was placed. She took the glass and walked back to Jodie. “Here, have it. It will calm down your nerves.”

Nadia took the glass and gulped it down in one go. The orange juice tasted funny but Jodie didn't think much of it.

“Very good, Nadia. You see, we are slowly bonding as sisters.” Ivanova continued to smile and put a mask on Nadia's face which covered the upper part of her face, excluding her mouth.

“Did I forget to mention that it is a masked afterparty.” Ivanova pointed out. “Now just relax on the bed. I'll be right back to take you downstairs, okay. Just wait for me.”

Nadia nodded, got into the bed and laid her back on it. She inhaled a little and Ivanova walked out of the room.

Just five minutes later, Nadia felt a strange tingling sensation in her hands and leg. It felt cold and shivering all of a sudden and soon she felt her body growing heavy. When Nadia tried to move, she realized that she couldn't. She couldn't lift up her arm nor even move her left leg.

Her eyes felt a little dazed but she was still conscious. She just couldn't move her body.

Her eyes quickly widened in alarm. She couldn't move at all. She tried to speak but her voice felt trapped in her throat. Only a cracked exhale left her mouth.

What is wrong with me? Why can't I move? - She thought to herself and was shivering.

Her eyes welled up and for a moment she was very scared, wondering when she could gain control of her limbs. And the hard question she was asking herself. Was this a temporary seizure or was it permanent?

Her ears picked up the opening of the door and Nadia's fast beating heart relaxed a little, thinking that Ivanova had returned. She heard footsteps approaching and suddenly, the whole room went completely dark.