All Chapters of I Am Mustafin: Chapter 61 - Chapter 70

The library window trembles against the approaching storm, a faint vibration I feel through the cushioned window seat. I curl my legs closer to my chest, one arm wrapped around them while my other hand absently traces the intricate patterns on the velvet upholstery. My eyes are fixed on the darkening sky beyond the glass, watching angry clouds gather on the horizon.There’s a storm coming. A big one.A cool draft seeps through the window frame, raising goosebumps on my arms. I shiver, pulling the sleeves of my sweater down over my hands. The air feels heavy, making the hairs on the back of my neck stand. In the distance, a flash of lightning illuminates the sky, followed seconds later by a low, ominous rumble of thunder.God, I hate storms.On days like this, I’d usually run to Efrem, seeking simply to be in his presence. Even if it meant curling up on the sofa in his office while he worked. It’s the feeling of being around him that I crave, a balm to my anxiety.But he’s been gone fo

The sky melds together in blue and green as I lay on my back, the damp earth seeping coldness into my clothes. Each blade of grass presses against my skin, leaving imprints I can feel but can’t see.I blink, trying to focus on the clouds drifting overhead. They move in slow motion, or maybe it’s my brain that’s lagging behind. My thoughts are as scattered as dandelion seeds in the wind, fleeting and impossible to grasp. I try to remember how I got here, but the memories slip away like water through cupped hands.There’s a distant ringing in my ears, a high-pitched whine that seems to drown out all other sounds. I attempt to move my fingers, to feel if everything’s still attached, but my body feels disconnected, as if I’m floating just above it rather than inhabiting it.Suddenly, faces appear above me, blocking out the sky.Tavin and Isaak.Their expressions are carefully controlled, but I can see the cracks in their professional masks—terror flashing in Tavin’s eyes, concern etched i

The gentle hum of the SUV’s engine vibrates through the leather seat as Alek drives us down the winding road ahead. I’m nestled in the back beside Efrem, Tavin maintaining his vigilant watch from the passenger seat.My eyes are drawn to the window, mesmerized by the approaching sunset. The sky is a canvas of deep oranges and soft pinks that blend seamlessly into the approaching twilight. It’s beautiful, yet melancholic—a fitting backdrop given the circumstances.We’re on our way to Dimitri’s home, to a party of some sort that Efrem didn’t bother to give me details over—as per usual. The thought of the evening ahead weighs heavy, pressing down on me in a mix of anticipation and anxiety that makes my heart flutter frantically in my chest.I inhale deeply, trying to calm my nerves, the air carrying the scent of Efrem’s cologne. The new dress he bought me for tonight hugs my curves in ways I’m not used to, the fabric soft against my skin. It’s a deep burgundy, the color of rich wine, and

The soft thud of the car door closing behind me feels both final and ominous, like the closing of a trap. I settle into the plush leather seat, the material cool against my bare arms. Efrem slides in beside me, his presence both comforting and intimidating. The scent of his cologne, usually so reassuring, now seems to carry an edge of danger.Tavin takes his place in the passenger seat, and Alek starts the engine. As we pull away from Dimitri’s estate, the silence in the car is heavy, the tension so thick it could be cut with a knife. I chance a glance at Efrem, immediately noticing the tightness in his jaw, the hard set of his eyes. He’s upset—that much is clear—but about what exactly, I can’t be sure.Is it the dance with Dimitri? The way other men looked at me? …Or has he somehow figured out I’m harboring a secret?I want to ask him what’s wrong, but I can’t. Not here, not with Tavin and Alek present. Even though I’m sure they know Efrem’s not in a particularly good mood—it’s the

I stand before Efrem’s office door, my hand poised to knock. The polished wood seems to mock me, a physical representation of the woman I’ve become and the one I used to be.When did I start second-guessing every move, every word?I’m acutely aware of Tavin’s presence behind me, and though his silent watch should be comforting, I can’t help the anxiety bubbling inside me. To my right, Konstantin stands guard outside Efrem’s door, his posture rigid and attentive. Their presence only seems to add an extra layer of pressure to this moment.Should I be the one to approach him first?I’m not entirely lost from an objective perspective here. My mistake was genuine, born out of misunderstanding rather than malice. Efrem, on the other hand… His frustration had gotten the better of him. Where he should’ve been patient and guiding, he was cruel and unkind.I sigh, the sound seeming to echo in the hallway. Before I can talk myself out of it, I rap my knuckles against the door, the sound feeble e