LOGINA sly smile plays across his face. He looks straight at me, as if deep in thought. I feel my face heat up under that gaze and try to act indifferent. Damn attraction!“The future husband… who wants to relax properly,” he says to Gustav, but keeps his eyes exclusively on me. Nervously, I bite my lip, and the brunette notices. Damn you!—Looks like he’s planning his own little boys’ night.“Then what happens in the city stays in the city. And the rest of the family doesn’t need to know,” Gustav gives in with a smile. I’m not thrilled about it, but there’s no arguing.We get into Robert’s car, and Alex joins us as well. Apparently, the groom invited him too. Well, it is a boys’ night, after all. Strange that Robert is driving—what kind of boys’ night is that without alcohol? Though maybe Alex will cover that.On the way, we decide to skip the museum and look for something more fun. We settle on an amusement park. Strange that the guys agreed to accompany us on such childish activities, co
Honestly, I didn’t expect my parents to let me go to the city at all. But I have to give Gustav credit — he’s an absolute master of persuasion. Using his natural charm and gift of speech, he somehow managed to convince our parents to give their blessing for our “little outing.” Well… we didn’t exactly tell them it was going to be that kind of outing.Gustav spun them a story that during the day we’d visit a museum and an art gallery, and later attend an unusual youth performance that could only take place at night — something about special lighting effects and a play of shadows against the night sky, ending with a fireworks show. He made sure to emphasize that he was dedicating the entire day to my “cultural enrichment” and that we’d be back very late.He also highlighted that the event was exclusive — only the elite youth were allowed in, no random crowd. And of course, everything would be under his strict supervision; he wouldn’t let me out of his sight for even a second. That last
Camilla is beautiful, well-mannered, just as she should be, more than worthy of him, and he certainly won’t be ashamed of her. But what can anyone expect from me? I’m impulsive and unpredictable, which greatly frustrates my mother. In her view, I should be like Camilla — diligent, obedient, courteous, and submissive.Wandering between the trees, I decide to call Dana and complain about my life. I’m so lucky to have her. At least there’s one normal girl nearby I can trust and talk to like a real friend. Sometimes I envy her a little — her parents will never force a husband or social circle on her.When I hear her voice, I start crying even harder and I tell her about the last few days.“Dan, I met my mate here,” I sob, sniffling.“Eli, that’s wonderful! So why are you crying?” my friend doesn’t understand.“It’s Robert. My sister’s fiancé!” Silence on the line — understandable.“You’re serious?!” there’s shock in her voice. “And what’s he like?”“What do you mean, what’s he like? Nothi
The awakening was abrupt. The blaring alarm jolted me upright in bed, and I immediately regretted it. My head was splitting, forcing me to clutch it. I don’t remember setting the alarm myself — it was probably my dear mother.Memories of the previous night hit me suddenly. I had dreamed of Robert — I was certain it was him; his scent is unmistakable. Such a vivid dream… or was it even a dream? I leapt from the bed, dashed to the bathroom, and began examining myself in the mirror. Everything was as it should be, no traces left, even my pajamas and underwear were intact. My hair was a messy nest, but that was hardly surprising. My eyes sparkled, and my lips were slightly swollen, probably chapped from yesterday when I had been freely drinking champagne outside with Gustav.Seeing nothing out of the ordinary, I exhaled in relief and headed for the shower. The cool water eased my headache slightly, but not completely. Dressed in a light sundress, I braided my hair and went down for breakf
Then I noticed Gustav discreetly waving to me from near the exit, flashing a mischievous grin and subtly showing a bottle of champagne from under his jacket. I understood my partner-in-crime without a word and headed straight to him.Once we stepped outside, I finally felt like I could breathe again. The moon hung bright and full in the night sky, bathing the grand Grautz estate in silvery light.“Come on,” Gustav said softly. “There’s a nice spot in the garden not far from here. We can sit there.”I nodded and followed him without a word. The rest of the evening passed quietly — just the two of us talking about everything and nothing, sipping champagne, laughing. Gustav was a good guy — a little impulsive at times, but kind at heart. I truly hoped he’d find a good wife someday.We laughed a lot as he told me stories about his escapades, his studies, and his friends. I envied him a little — not in a bad way, just that light, wistful kind of envy. Because I didn’t have what he had… and
“You’re telling me!” Marta replies with a wistful smile. “I miss mine too. I wonder how he’s doing there. Can you believe it? Almost five years now — our first little anniversary. I’ve always liked that he was older,” she adds with a playful laugh.Ever since their husbands passed away, these ladies have become a bit… peculiar. Farina's husband died in a car accident twelve years ago, and Marta's passed of old age five years ago — at the age of one hundred and seven. He’d been much older than his wife.“Oh, you little courtesan!” Faina laughs. “But all jokes aside… I can already feel that my child is in the womb. So it’s almost time,” she says, gazing sadly at her friend.“What? Already?” Tears well up in Marta's eyes. “Everyone keeps leaving me. But I’m happy for you. I hope your next life turns out beautifully.”The women embrace tenderly.Watching this little scene, Gustav discreetly twirls his finger near his temple, and we quietly move away with our drinks. But we don’t make it f







