Chapter 5

"Siblings, children of the same parents, each of whom is perfectly normal until they get together."

-Sam Levenson-

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Ana had just arrived back from one of her intern work when she suddenly heard Alexander calling out to her name. It had been nearly two weeks since the party with Anton and she had been so busy with her newly built career that she had not been able to spend much time at home and when she did, she mostly just ate dinner, took shower and sleep with barely any time for long interactions with her family.

For some it might be a torture but for her, she had had some pretty quiet and peaceful two weeks without any news whatsoever from Anton, nor was her father spoke of the matters anymore. She did not exactly know what was going on but she just hoped they would magically cancel her engagement to the man because at the time she really had no desire to be with him.

However, she should have known that wish would only last for so long, Alexander approached with a scoffing expression.

“What’s wrong, Alex?”

“It’s your two brothers, they asked me earlier where you were, I told them you were working, then they told me as soon as you get back they want to talk to you. I think they’re going to discuss matters about Anton.” It was just Alexander’s mere assumption, but the brothers had not had a private talk with Ana if it was nothing important, it was how he knew that it had to be something about Anton.

“Okay, let them know I will come and talk to them after shower. Right now I need to clean myself, I feel sweaty.” He nodded his head as she disappeared to her room.

Alexander didn’t know why but for whatever reason he was not very fond of the idea of her being with her brothers alone. Of course, the brothers would never harm her, and Mikhail, well, he was okay, but Ivan, the married man was so much like her father, but more stern than the old man. He was afraid he might push some terrible ideas to her head about the marriage. Whatever it was, Alex had to make sure that he was nearby.

Ana took shower and cleansed her entire body. She played with the bubble swarming around her naked body. The warmth of the water was incredibly relaxing. She felt all her muscles relaxed. She truly enjoyed the moment, though as she closed her eyes, flashes of different possibilities and reality of her life returned. Ana felt a shudder as she buried her body under the water and pushed herself out of it. It was when she decided she had enough bath.

She walked out and put on some silk night gown, carefully, she brush her hair and dried it, then she applied some moisturizing cream, some lip balm and she was done. Walking out of the room she saw Alexander waiting on the corner for her. She approached him and asked him if he could accompany her to her brothers. Of course, it was part of his duty, he happily obliged and delivered her there.

Not a single word was exchanged between them as they walked over there. Ana was preparing herself. It was not as if she felt inferior or intimidate by her brothers, after all they were still family members, but let’s just say it had been a while since she spent time with them and she wondered what it was about.

The arrived in front of the library and Alexander told her they had been waiting for her there since her arrival home. She nodded and asked him to wait outside. He nodded and opened the door for her. From where she was standing she could see Ivan and Mikhail in the room sitting across each other. Ivan was seen busy with his coffee while Mikhail was reading a book with his legs crossed.

Once Ana made her steps, Alex closed the door, however, not entirely, he left a small almost unnoticeable gap in the room to allow himself to hear what they were saying.

“What do you two want to talk about?”

“Ah, Ana, come over here, we have some things we need to ask you about.” The young woman came over to their side and took a seat right in the center. The brothers dropped what they were doing and focused their attention on her.

“You see, we have been wanting to ask you since the dinner with the Chernikov that night, but we have been so busy ourselves we barely have the time to gather like this. Now, our dear sister, you have met the man, what do you think of him so far?”

“I cannot speak of it for now because I have only met him once. I don’t think it’s wise to judge someone you barely know, no?” They saw that she did have her point, but at the same time, how she felt toward him was important too.

“I would advise one thing for you dear sister, try to tolerate the man, so you can be with him, but do not fall in love with him. You have to marry him for our family’s sake, but always have your guard up. I am telling you this as your older brother. That man cannot be trusted no matter what father says.” Ivan appeared so serious it nearly sent shiver down her spine. His eeyes gazed sharply at her, she did not understand why the tension in the room suddenly increased, but she did not like the direction which things were turning to,

“What do you mean by that, Vanya, if I was to marry a man, shouldn’t I be in love with him? If I don’t, it will be a miserable marriage.”

“Ana, you are young my dear sister, you don’t understand how this dirty world works. Your marriage is nothing more than a contract. You will be much safer if you do not develop feelings for him. I don’t wish my only sister to be hurt.”

Ana turns her gaze at Mikhail who shot her a sympathetic gaze. The second son was far more quiet than his eldest, calm in demeanor and rarely shows much of an emotional outburst, he was kind and somewhat of a listener, though once he opened his mouth, he would say something worthy, in this case, he said absolutely nothing, which meant he probably agreed with what Ivan was saying.

“Is that all you call me for, to discuss this?”

“Yes, because I know you. We cannot afford you falling for the wrong man. This is no love drama, my dear. We need to keep a careful eye on him. Then when he reaches a weak point, we get rid of him.”

“What do you mean by get rid of him?” Ivan stared deeply to her eyes.

“No, sorry, I don’t want to talk about this anymore. Do not involve me in any of your dirty business, brother.” She stood up from her seat and turned away. Before she could go, she could hear her brother speak once more.

“He has asked you out this Sunday, he plans on bringing you out for dinner at a private lounge at the heart of the city. We’ll have a driver drive you there. Make sure that you bring Alexander with you, just in case, but keep the dog out of sight.”

She was not very fond of her brother calling Alexander a dog, after all he was her bodyguard and not a slave. Yet she held her tongue back to prevent any further ruckus. Once she reached the door, she found Alexander standing there.

“Were you eavesdropping?” Ana asked him.

“No Anya, you know I would not dare to do that.” Ana stared at him for a bit then walked away from there, Alexander followed behind her. Once again, none of them exchanged any words during their way back to her room. Ana was feeling a little bit anxious. The thought of going on a date with Anton made her feel so uncomfortable. She had no idea why, if she was to marry the man, then shouldn’t she at least make herself comfortable with the man?

Alexander noticed her uneasiness and asked her if she had something she wanted to share with him. She shook her head as they arrived before her room. She froze where she was standing, Alexander took the initiative and opened the door for her.

Once she was in, Alexander did not know what came over him that night, but from his lips suddenly escaped a words his right mind would never think of speaking.

“Would you like me to accompany you tonight?” She was slightly surprised when she heard it, the look in her eyes expressed how she felt inside and he quickly noticed what he had just said.

“I’m sorry, that was rude of me. Goodnight Anya, have a sweet dream.” Anya nodded her head and closed the door. Alexander thought he was such a fool for saying such a thing out loud in front of her. What he had not realized was behind closed door, Ana was dropping to her knees with her hand placed on the center left of her chest. Her face was flushed as her heart raced faster.

God, please don’t reawaken this feeling.