MALYSHKA

Chapter One

~the meeting~

LEONID'S   P.O.V

I had just woken up when my mom walked into my room, informing me that we had a meeting with the Novikov's. She had a smile on her face, clearly aware of the reason behind it.

"I have a lot of things to take care of, so you should go with dad," I grumbled, my voice still filled with sleepiness.

"No, we can't do that. You need to be there. I promised my friend that you would attend," my mom explained.

Letting out a sigh, I despised the idea but reluctantly agreed to get ready in ten minutes. My parents were definitely up to something. I got out of bed and headed to the bathroom to take a shower. As I turned on the water, I couldn't help but think about the unpleasant encounter I was about to have with that person. I couldn't stand her after what she had done.

Once I finished my shower, I turned off the water and moved to the sink to brush my teeth. After completing my morning routine, I walked over to my closet and put on my suit. I then grabbed my handgun holster and secured it in place.

With my suit on and my holster in place, I made my way downstairs to join my parents. They were waiting for me in the living room, both dressed in their own formal attire. My mom's smile had faded slightly, replaced by a look of concern. It was clear that she understood the gravity of the situation, even if I didn't fully comprehend it yet.

As we headed to the car, my dad briefed me on the meeting details, and I was taken aback. I turned to my mom and declared, "I will never marry her."

"You will, we've already arranged it. It's not like you have a choice," mom snapped.

"I don't care. Even if you say so, I doubt that woman will be on board with the idea," I said, crossing my arms in anger.

"Don't call Anastasia that. What's gotten into you? It was years ago when she made that mistake. She didn't mean it. Besides, she's the one who chose you, not her mom," mom explained.

What? Did that woman really suggest that? I couldn't help but chuckle in frustration. I'll make her regret choosing me as her husband. Mom instructed dad to drive us to Anastasia's office since she's now a CEO.

I couldn't shake off the anger. This is my life, and I should have a say in who I marry, not have a marriage arranged for me and then be told I'm marrying someone I despise.

Upon arrival, we made our way to the building and to her office. When we opened the door, we witnessed Anastasia's mom arguing with her.

"What do you mean you don't accept it?" her mother shouted.

"I will never marry him," Anastasia retorted.

Their argument ceased when they noticed us. Both of them bowed, acknowledging my dad's position as the head of the Russian mafia. So, she detests the idea of marrying me. I smirked, knowing exactly what to do. I'll agree to this marriage just to see her squirm.

As the tension filled the room, I took a step forward, my eyes locked with Anastasia's. I could see the fire in her gaze, the defiance that matched my own. But beneath it all, there was a flicker of vulnerability, a hint of fear.  I knew then that she was not the heartless woman I had believed her to be. 

 "Anastasia," I said, my voice calm yet firm. "I understand your reservations, but let's not forget that this arrangement was made for the sake of our families. We may not have chosen this path, but we can make the best of it." 

 Anastasia's mother scoffed, clearly unimpressed by my attempt at diplomacy. "You think you can just waltz in here and convince my daughter to marry you? You're nothing but a spoiled brat." 

 I clenched my fists, feeling the anger rise within me. But I refused to let it consume me. Instead, I took a deep breath and spoke with a newfound determination. 

"I may have been against this marriage at first, but I've come to realize that it's not just about me. It's about our families, our legacies. And if we can find a way to make this work, perhaps we can find happiness too." 

 Anastasia's mother scoffed again, clearly unconvinced. But Anastasia herself seemed to be considering my words. Her gaze softened, and for a moment, I saw a glimmer of understanding in her eyes.

 "You're right," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "This isn't just about us. It's about our families, our responsibilities. But that doesn't mean we have to sacrifice our own happiness." 

 I nodded, relieved that she was willing to listen. "Exactly. We can find a way to make this marriage work, to build a life together that we both want." 

 Anastasia's mother looked between us, her expression a mix of disbelief and resignation. "Fine," she finally said, her voice laced with defeat. "If you two are willing to put in the effort, then I won't stand in your way."

"Hey, could you guys give us some privacy? I really need to have a chat with Leonid," Anastasia said, forcing a smile.

 I watched as they all nodded and left the room. With a smirk, I took a seat and asked, "So, what's on your mind?" I could see the anger in her eyes.

"I can tell you're not happy about the arranged marriage. Why did you agree to it?" she questioned.

"I don't know, I just had a feeling," I replied, getting up and facing her with a smile. She angrily pushed me away, but I knew exactly how to rile her up even more. I pulled her close and kissed her passionately. She tried to break free, but I held her tightly. Just as she was about to slap me, I stopped her and continued kissing her.

Anastasia's initial anger melted away as she found herself caught up in the intensity of the moment. The kiss was making her weak, filled with a mix of frustration. As we finally pulled away, she looked at me with a mixture of confusion and longing.

"Why did you do that?" she whispered, her voice barely audible.

I smirked, "I like seeing you angry, that's all." 

-End of chapter one

how was it?

Chapter one has come to an end, and I am eager to hear your thoughts on it. Did it captivate your attention? Did it leave you wanting more? I poured my heart and soul into crafting this chapter, hoping to create a compelling introduction to the story that would draw you in from the very beginning.

I love you all and appreciate you more than words can express. Thank you for believing in me and my work ♡♡♡♡♡♡