Immigrant girl

Chapter 28. Anya.

Everyone in the room maintained a funereal silence, gazing at each other. Alex was the first to speak.

"Mom, Anna and I will head back to LA; it's getting late, and I don't want to linger too much." He confidently took my hand, and a grateful warmth spread through my body.

"Alex, you'll stay. Our driver can take your colleague; I'll arrange everything." Boris's voice echoed through the hall. "We have family matters to discuss, and outsiders aren't needed." Alex's grip on my hand tightened, and I involuntarily recoiled from the slight pain.

"Alex, really, I can go with the driver. It's not a problem," I tried to speak as quietly as possible, so as not to attract unnecessary attention. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Alex's mother glaring angrily at her husband; her shoulders trembled with too frequent breaths. But she didn't dare speak against him.

"This is a problem, princess. We came here together as a couple, and we'll leave together. We've already discussed all the important matters, father." I could almost feel waves of irritation and anger emanating from Alex. "We've got family matters beyond work," Boris persisted. It was clear that this person was accustomed to getting what he wanted. But Alex wasn't backing down; apparently, he inherited that trait from his father.

"I'll ask Konstantin to prepare the car," Boris reached for his pocket to retrieve his phone. Alex took a step towards the exit, pulling me along, but then he stopped and turned to his father.

"You seem not to have understood me, father," Alex's tone made the dining room feel like it dropped to -10 degrees. "I won't tolerate your condescending tone, your disrespectful remarks, or your angry looks anymore." I could see how tightly Boris clenched his jaw. His eyes widened in surprise, clearly unaccustomed to being addressed in such a manner by Alex. "You'll have to learn to respect me, my decisions, and my choices. Anna, my girlfriend, I won't allow you or anyone else," he shot a quick glance at Sam, "to show disrespect to her. As I recall, you stepped back from business and relinquished all authority. Perhaps you're the head of this house, but I am the Head of this Family." I wanted to disappear, to dissolve, not be in this room. "That's it." Alex turned his back to him, pulled me closer, kissed the top of my head, and led me towards the exit. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Sam twitch at the sight of Alex kissing me.

"Alex!" Sam's shrill voice hit my ears. Alex turned his head towards her.

"Your friend can stay; I think she'd be interested to know about our upcoming engagement." I froze, a billion icy volts running down my spine. It felt like a lightning strike. Sam smiled, watching my bewildered face.

"What nonsense are you spouting again, Sam? We've already discussed this. There can be nothing between us except friendship. Although, even friendship is out of the question now, after all your antics." Alex held me close, but at that moment, I wanted to move as far away from him as possible. I felt my heart constricting as if in steel vice.

"Alex, listen." Sam's previously silent father spoke up. "That's exactly what we wanted to discuss over dinner. I think your friend shouldn't be present for this conversation. We, with your father and you, want to discuss your engagement and wedding with Sam." He smiled and tilted his head slightly. But there was no pleasant feeling from that smile; it was terrifying.

"Are you kidding? Is this a prank? Where's the camera? Where's the punchline?" Unlike Alex, I understood that this was no joke.

"Stop being sarcastic. You just declared yourself the Head of the Family, but your behavior suggests you're nothing more than a sniveling teenager. Okay, I'll explain. Edward and I have come to the conclusion that your marriage to Sam is necessary. We have many enemies, Alex, you know that. The influence of other families is growing; many are claiming our territory and coveting what we own, and that's no secret to you. By marrying Sam, you'll strengthen our position, protect our vulnerabilities. The safety and prosperity of the Family are your responsibility." Boris took a breath to unleash another tirade. "Edward and I are long-time friends and partners; your marriage to Sam will only benefit us. Edward's influence in many spheres will help us boost our authority. Your marriage is advantageous for everyone. Besides, Sam is a beauty, intelligent, and well-bred. You know her well, and she knows you, and I'm sure you love each other." He finally fell silent.