Sophia’s POV:
THURSDAY EVENING:
“This one’s a bit odd,” I mumbled, looking at my reflection in the large mirror. The navy blue dress hugged me perfectly, showing off my curves but it didn’t look good enough for me.
“How so? Looks fine to me,” Daisy said.
Nick made a sound in his throat.
“What?” Daisy snapped.
He smirked at her. “I’m sorry, darling. But everything looks fine to you. Sophia is right, this dress does look odd, she’s attending a wedding, not a funeral.”
I crossed my arms, giving them a stern look. “You don’t have to fight you two, help me out here. Please.”
These two never stop arguing. Well, it’s on me, I’d asked them to come with me to help pick a dress since I hardly own any dress especially not a dress for such a grand wedding.
“Nicky started it anyway,” Daisy muttered.
“You bloody wanker!” Nick shouted.
And Daisy smiled sweetly. Nick hated to be called Nicky. It’s a long story, but that’s his number one rule.
Nick shot her a playful glare. “Take that back you little bitch!”
I chuckled despite my frustration, they really do act like children sometimes.
Daisy rolled her eyes. “I’ll do that when you finally show me respect, I’m older than you are and all you do is run your mouth.”
He looked at her like she was crazy. “We are only eight months apart. And what are you, six? Why are we talking about age differences?”
She shrugged. “Because I want to, you’re the baby of the group. You should always have that in mind.” She moved to pat him on the head but he slapped her hand away.
“I’m a grown man,” he said with a huff.
“Guys! You’re not helping,” I groaned. “Help me out or go home. For real this time.”
Daisy chuckled. “Alright, but it’s so fun to tease Nick.”
“Leave him alone, Daisy,” I pleaded. As much as I enjoyed watching them fight all day, I wanted to leave the store and just go home to my bed.
They decided to go back to helping me choose an outfit for the wedding-which actually took hours. In the end, we all agreed on a red glimmering off-shoulder dress. It was an ankle-length gown and a perfect fit for me.
Finally home, my phone chimed. I took it out to see who texted. I knew who it was even though the number wasn’t saved. He texted me days back telling me he’d arrived in Moscow. Like how was that any of my business?
Now this?
+44 XXXX: Would you mind if I picked you up for the wedding?
THE WEDDING
I didn’t take Ivan’s offer. Of course, I didn’t.
This wasn’t a date after all. We were here on business.
I showed the guard my invitation and was granted access.
“Thank you,” I said to the guard as he helped pick up my purse.
The ballroom they chose for this wedding was a stunning sight to behold, its vast stairway had grand architectural features, making its entrance look grand and majestic.
It could almost pass for the ballrooms used for royalties. I stood near the entrance, scanning the room for a familiar face but there was none in sight.
Maybe I should have let Ivan pick me up. One of the dozens of waiters came up to me and showed me to my seat at a table clothed in gold and grace with fine china. I guess we each had our designated spots.
Across from me, the second lord of the treasury and his wife fretted over the wine list. Next to them was a man I didn’t know, he looked bored to death, swirling a whiskey in his glass as he ignored the woman by his side. When she tried to lean in and speak to him, he turned the other way and checked his phone, before completely losing interest in all things combined and staring at the wall behind me.
Not my business, I thought to myself as I looked away.
“Sophia?” A familiar voice called and it turned towards the direction it came from, my eyes widened in surprise.
“Oh my God, Jonathan?” I squealed in surprise, standing up to meet his height.
He chuckled, holding out his arms for an embrace and I jumped in. “It’s been almost ten years,” he remarked.
I pulled back, taking his look in. He’s grown so much. No longer the teenager I had a massive crush on back in school.
His brown hair looked darker than I remembered and he looked every bit of a man now.
His green eyes inspected me in the same way I did. “You look ridiculously beautiful, Sophia.”
I flashed him a bright smile. “Trust me, you don’t look so bad yourself. You’re quite dashing” I gestured vaguely around us. “What are you doing here?” I asked.
He pointed towards the podium where the newlyweds were seated. “My cousin is the groom, what about you?” He asked.
“Wow, it’s the saying goes; it’s a small world after all. I’m here on business. You know, CEO duties,” I forced a smile.
He frowned. “Actually, I saw the news. Sorry about your dad.”
“Thanks. We should catch up sometime,” I suggested.
“Sure. Well, I have to get back to my table, I saw you and decided to come over.”
“No problem, it was really nice talking to you after so many years.”
He nodded and I watched him walk back to his table before I sat back at mine.
The event was yet to kick off, and Ivan wasn’t here yet. I was bored and couldn’t wait to get this over with. I got myself a glass of champagne and sipped from it. Enjoying my alone time in such a crowded place until I spotted him.
My infuriatingly attractive nightmare, standing from across the room. His tailored suit favoured his broad shoulders, and those icy blue eyes scanned the room. I ignored the flutter in my chest as I practically undressed him with my eyes. Ivan could easily be the most handsome man in the room.
By his side were his followers. Yes, followers, those two seem to follow him everywhere and by ‘followers’ I’m talking about Sidorov and Sasha, who looked incredibly good in her stunning black dress.
I tore my eyes away from the trio, turning my attention to my phone, and watching videos while sipping my champagne.
I was enjoying the bubble I’d created, being in my own world until a familiar voice dissolved it.
“Sophia, darling.”
I looked up from my phone in time to see Sasha walking up to me with a big smile on her face. I couldn’t help but return it.
“Hey,” I waved at her as I got up from my seat.
She took me in her arms for a hug and pulled back. “Damn, you could definitely apply for Miss World.”
I chuckled, rolling my eyes. “You’re exaggerating.”
She scoffed. “Me? Never. It’s the truth. Everyone-men and women- is drooling over you. Ivan, especially.” She nudged my shoulder and winked.
I shook my head. “Sasha, it’s not-”
“Are you saying you’re not attracted to each other?” She cuts me off. “Oh, honey, did you think everyone else was oblivious to the fact that you have feelings for Ivan and vice versa?”
I huffed. “I don’t have feelings for your brother.” I pinned her with a stern look. “If you were kidnapped and you got your birthright stolen from you by the same man, would you have feelings for him?” I bit out.
She shrugged. “No, I wouldn’t. And maybe I don’t know if I would actually, I’ve never been in your position,” She pointed out. “But you would, you already do,” She says with a big grin plastered on her face.
“You’re annoying, Sasha,” I deadpan.
“Yes, but only because I like you.”
I scoffed at her response, she’s a bit of a psycho and constantly reminds me of her brother.
“Seems like that young man is coming over here,” She whispered.
My lips spread into a big smile as Jonathan approached us.
Sasha raised an eyebrow at my reaction.
“I know him, he’s an old friend,” I said to her.
“There she is.” His face lit up when he got to where I was standing beside Sasha.
“Hey, this Sasha.” I pointed to Sasha. “And Sasha, this is Jonathan.”
They exchanged pleasantries before Jonathan turned to me.
“It’s dancing time. May I have this dance?” He asked, extending his hand to me.
“Of course.” I offered him my hand and he took it in his. And we moved to the dance floor but not before I overheard Sasha chuckling as she said, “Ivan, is not going to like this.”
Who cares what Ivan likes?