After our small reunion, my parents had to leave because my father was not feeling well. Nikolai offered my parents to stay in the mansion, thankfully my father declined, saying that they have already settled in the hotel. Staying in the mansion is not a good idea because I do not want them to witness how miserable I am right now.
Devon arrived only to fetch my parents. He and my husbands are not necessarily in good terms so I understand his refusal to stay longer in the mansion. The moment he saw me, he instantly knew that something was going on. I told him it wasn’t the right time to talk. He said they will be staying in New York for quite a while because my father has to see a cardiologist.
Nikolai and Alexei however insisted on taking my parents back to the hotel. I did not even care or think about it because my mind is already set on the decision I have to make tonight.
Before I went back inside the mansion, Andrey came up to me and handed me an envelope wrapped in gold ribbon.
“Madame, I am sorry but I forgot to give this to you last night. My brother left this for you before he left. It went over my head, I’m really sorry.” He said with his thick Russian accent sounding sincerely apologetic.
“It’s fine Andrey. Thank you. Is Yuri okay?”
“He’s okay. Pardon my cursing but my brother is a tough motherfucker.”
“Do you get to see him?” I asked while I open the envelope.
“Sure. He’s just around, being an ass to his brother.” Andrey replied playfully.
The envelope has a piece of cream-colored stationery inside with words written in calligraphy. It looks like a hall pass but way cooler.
Unlimited access to beard. No brushing of the birthday girl’s hair required.
His message instantly put a smile on my face — my first ever genuine smile for the day. I remember that time I asked to brush his beard and in return he wanted me to brush my hair first. It was embarrassing, to say the least but it was one of our most memorable moments.
Turn to the other side.
When I flipped the paper over I saw the wire transfer receipt to St. Mary’s School for abandoned special children in the amount of $100, 000. 00 from Yuri’s personal account.
Oh my goodness. This is honestly one of the best gifts I have ever received. This amount of money will go a very long way for the care and education of our kids at St. Mary’s.
I asked Andrey if I can talk to his brother. He thought of it for several seconds before the man gave in.
“Hello. Yuri?”
It took him a while but when he finally answered I felt like I wanted to burst out crying. Perhaps deep in my heart I know I was the reason why he is not in the Mafia anymore.
“Belle.” He said, his voice feels like he’s just behind me, gently calling my name.
“Thank you for this Yuri! You really know your way to my heart.” I myself was taken aback by the words that rolled out of my mouth. I just bit my lower lip as I did not know what to say next.
“I must admit, I wasn’t sure if you’re going to like the beard access.” He replied lightheartedly, stirring clear of the awkwardness that was about to happen.
“I do. Your beard is quite phenomenal.” I heard him soft chuckle the moment I said the last word. Even Andrey who is listening had a smirk on his face.
“I hope you’re okay and you’re safe Yuri.”
“I am from the Volkov Mafia. I should be fine.” He paused for a few moments before speaking again, “Belle, about what happened in the boathouse- ”
“No. You can say whatever you want to say to me in person. I want to see you before I – ”
“Before you-what?”
Before I go back home to Palawi, is what I want say. I just do not trust him enough to keep this to himself if I tell him about it. I know that no matter what, his loyalty will remain with the Russian Mafia, and Nikolai and Alexei are the Russian Mafia.
“Before I completely not forgive you.” I continued.
“Belle-”
I ended the call and handed the phone back to Andrey so as not to give him the chance to deny my request.
–
Andrey: (Turns around while looking at a silhouette by the window in the mansion.) Please tell me you’re not going to see her?
–
Nikolai on the phone with Dimitri. They are in the SUV tailing the car where Belle’s parents are riding.
Nikolai: Da’.
Dimitri: You are right Boss, Madame’s belongings are already packed. She’s prepared to leave.
Nikolai: (Clenches his jaw) Take her things and keep them where she cannot find them. Tell everyone not to let her leave. If you see the Albanian come to the mansion, shoot at sight. Whatever you do, do not take your eyes off of her until I get home. Alexei and I just need to fix something with the General.
–
Belle’s POV
I was informed that Nikolai and Alexei are on their way back home. He texted me that the three of us will talk things over when they arrive. They thought I did not know that my luggage has suddenly vanished from our closet. At this point, I literally could care less.
I feel like I am looking at the ghost of Yelena as I see myself in the mirror after putting on Yelena’s clothes, the exact same dress she’s wearing in the picture used in the church service. I wore her make-up and made sure I applied it right to mimic her face. I pinned her hair clip on my hair exactly how she styled it in the picture. All I have to do now is to spray on her perfume to look and feel as close to her as I can.
All this time, it was you Yelena. It was never about me or for me. Nikolai notice me that day because he saw you in me. Alexei fell in love with me because he believes that heaven-sent him someone who resembles you. Matushka accepted me with all her heart because she sees her princess in me. Artan and Aria want me to be in their lives because I will complete their family once again. Every single person in the mansion was so protective of me because in their minds, I am the Yelena to their Bosses, the Yelana in their lives. Axel wants to protect me because I resemble Yelena, his lost love.
I spray on Yelena’s perfume before comfortably sitting on the chair directly facing the door. I dialed Nikolai and Alexei’s numbers and when they answered I played the video where Yelena was telling Nikolai that she loves him, on repeat in full volume. I did not speak a single word so that the only voice they hear is that of Yelena.
That should do it. I just have to wait for them to come to the room.
I glanced at Yelena’s picture on the table as I count the few remaining moments of my life here in the mansion, in the Russian Mafia, as Nikolai Vyacheslav Volkov and Alexei Viktor Volkov’s wife.
I thought I could somehow make things work but then I realized that no matter how hard I try, no matter how strong I hold on, I will always stand behind Yelena’s shadow. That kind of life is not for me. I am in love but I am no martyr. I am done taking one hit after another.
As expected Nikolai and Alexei came barging in the room like it’s a matter of life or death. They halted the moment they saw me stare blankly at them. I then slowly walked towards them, offered my hands and told them to come by the bed.
I looked them in the eyes as I guide both their hands to hold my face. I kissed Nikolai on his cheek to make him smell Yelena’s perfume on me and then did the same to Alexei.
The look of longingness in their eyes makes me want to break down and cry. Alexei held my face with both of his hands and kissed me on my lips while Nikolai’s arm intertwined around my waist as he stood behind my back. I can feel his breath behind my ear as he slowly kisses the back of my neck down to my shoulder.
I had to catch my breath because I feel like I’m suffocating. This is the confirmation that I needed to see with my own two eyes. This gave me the closure to finally decide to leave.
“I am not your Malyshka.” I whispered.
The moment they both heard the last word, they froze and then let go of me like they just got out of a spell. At this point, my eyes welled with tears. I wasn’t able to hold it in anymore. My knees are trembling; tears came pouring down knowing fully well that it is indeed over between the three of us.
“Baby, no no no. Listen to me, okay? We need to talk.” Nikolai said as he steps forward to hold me.
“Princess, please! I am sorry. Let’s talk please?” Said Alexei offering his hand to hold me.
“Stay away from me! Both of you! I don’t want to be with you anymore. I don’t want to be here anymore!”
“Baby, just calm down. I know this is hard for you but please listen to us first. I love you so much please don’t do this.”
Nikolai grabbed me around my waist so I pushed him away, “No! You never loved me! You see Yelena in me that’s why you noticed me in the first place! You had a relationship with Yelena Nikolai! With your own sister! You sick bastard! And you Alexei, it was always Yelena for you! You just used me! Both of you used me!”
I felt terrified when I noticed Nikolai and Alexei appear stunned while looking at my legs. When I looked down, I realized that there is a thin stream of blood flowing down my legs.