All Chapters of A Bride For A Truce: Chapter 11 - Chapter 20

SERAFINA Irina appeared in the doorway, her gaze fixed on me, a concerning look in her eyes “Are you okay?” she questioned softly “I heard about what happened in the hospital”. My fingers instinctively went to my neck, tracing the tender marks left behind by the intruder's hands. Irina’s eyes widened, and she gasped as she moved closer to inspect the bruises “Oh my God” she muttered, her voice filled with shock. “That bastard hurt you” Her lips pressed into a tight line, annoyance evident in her face. “Come on”.She said with a sigh, motioning for me to follow her. “Dinner’s ready” I trailed after her into the kitchen, where the table had already been set with plates of steaming pasta. She gestured for me to sit as she settled in across from me. “Nadia made dinner before she left, let’s eat” she said simply as she dug into her food. I picked up my spoon but found myself twirling it aimlessly between my fingers. My mind was still in a fog of emotions. I stole a glance at

BELYE NOCHI-2 HOURS LATER The atmosphere in the club was electric as I stepped into the private lounge of my club. The familiar scent of whiskey, drugs, and women greeted me. Sergei was already there, lounging with a drink in hand, the lazy smirk on his face grating on my nerves before he even spoke. “Took your time” he mused as he took a sip from the amber liquid. His sharp gaze on me, taking in my tense stance. “Trouble at home?” I shrugged off my jacket and tossed it onto the booth before sinking into the chair across from him. Reaching for the whiskey bottle, I poured myself a generous amount, watching the liquid catch the low light. “Something like that” I muttered. The confrontation with Serafina plagued me. I had spent the ride here replaying it. The way her breath hitched when I caged her against the wall. The smell of lilies and strawberries had followed me, impossible to shake. The jealousy she tried to bury beneath indifference. She was infuriating. I t

ADRIKO Nothing could have prepared me for the sights and sounds that welcomed me the moment I stepped into the theater. I knew Serafina was a performer. I’d heard the gossip and glimpsed occasional videos of her when my men ran a background check before the wedding. But i never paid much attention nor did i care until now. I stayed in the shadows, hands shoved deep in my pants as i leaned against the doorframe, watching her sing. The lights in the theater were dimmed with the only source of light coming from the stage so i knew she hadn't noticed my entrance. She stood at the center of the stage, the overhead lights casting a warm glow on her skin, her Auburn mane cascading down her back as it flashed hints of gold. She was stunning. When her voice caught on a note, i felt my chest tighten with an unfamiliar feeling. I told myself that i only came here to make sure that she had arrived safely. But i knew that was not true. Even after Sergei had texted me that she had,

SERAFINA I sighed exasperated as Adriko shut down yet another dress with a clipped ‘No.’ Seriously? I glared at the screen, resisting the urge to throw my phone at the nearest wall. Why did he even insist on approving my dress if he was going to reject every single one? It wasn't like I was showing up in rags. But no, the Almighty Pakhan had to have a say in everything. Staring at the message thread, my fingers hovered over the keyboard. A part of me wanted to send him something atrocious. Maybe a neon pink dress with feathers, just to ruffle his controlling feathers. Actually… That's not a bad idea I thought as a smirk pulled at the corner of my mouth. ”So, how are you enjoying married life?” Diana asked, pulling me from my thoughts. I had texted her last night to accompany me Shopping. Luckily for me, she didn't have a shift today. Dima and Mikhali trailed a few paces behind us as we moved around the aisle. I groaned dramatically “Oh, it's magical” I deadpanned

SERAFINA The penthouse was suffocatingly quiet. I paced the living room, panic clawing at my chest. It had been two hours since Mikhail delivered me home and I was yet to hear a word from Adriko. No calls.No text. Mikhail and Dima had returned a while ago but Adriko wasn't with them. They said nothing except “He’s handling it”. As if that was supposed to stop me from worrying. I had tried calling him but my calls kept going to voicemail. Thirty minutes ago, I attempted to leave the penthouse but was sent back by guards who were stationed downstairs. The thought of something terrible happening to him flashed through my mind and my chest tightened painfully. These emotions were foreign to me. When did I start caring about his safety? “Oh, Dear. You need to change out of that dress.” Nadia commented from the doorway, staring at me in concern. This was the fourth time in two hours that she had tried to get me to move and relax but I couldn't find it in me to leave my