𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐞𝐞 || A Mafia Love Story

xxix

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Roman had invited Marlee's family to the party as a surprise, and when the day finally arrived, it became one of Marlee's most cherished memories. The day unfolded like a dream, a whirlwind of pink hues, sweet icing, and wrapped presents. Marlee relished the company of friends and family, though a shadow lingered in her heart: Viktor was still missing. Roman had disappeared, searching for him in vain.

As the moment approached for Marlee to make a wish and blow out the candles on her cake, marking her transition into adulthood, her emotions swirled. She closed her eyes tightly and thought to herself, I wish for Viktor to wish me a happy birthday. It was a simple wish, perhaps even childish, but the yearning to see him filled her heart, even through her frustration with him.

Meanwhile, Viktor was trapped in a storm of anxiety. He had been watching the celebration from his bedroom window, his gift for Marlee weighing heavily on his mind. He had purchased it while away, but now he feared it might seem juvenile, a misstep that might make her feel he saw her as a child. The nagging worry consumed him, so he decided to escape his self-doubt by seeking a glass of water in the kitchen to soothe his dry mouth.

There, Marlee stood alone, savoring a slice of her pink cake. Viktor's gaze lingered on her as she leaned against the counter, sighing and poking at her dessert. A small, hopeful smile touched his lips as he crossed the threshold into the kitchen.

Marlee looked up, her eyes lighting up with surprise. She almost threw herself into his arms, but then remembered her unresolved anger. Viktor had kissed her and vanished without a trace, leaving her heart bruised.

"Happy Birthday," Viktor said, his voice tinged with shyness as he moved closer.

Marlee's response was sharp and unexpected. "You too. What are you, 35 now?" Her tone stung with irritation, and Viktor was taken aback. He had never heard her speak so curtly, and it unsettled him deeply. He had never seen this side of her before.

Viktor managed a soft chuckle, trying to defuse the tension. "Close, I'll be 25 in two weeks." His hand fidgeted nervously in his pocket, toying with the velvet box containing her gift.

"What have you been up to?" Marlee asked, setting her fork aside. The festive mood seemed to have dissipated, leaving her with a diminished appetite.

"I had some work come up out of town," Viktor explained, stepping closer. "I asked Roman to let you know—"

"You should have told me yourself," she interjected, her voice rising with frustration.

Viktor sighed, the frustration directed at Roman. He had explicitly asked Roman to convey his apologies and his intention to return as soon as possible. He had even written it down to avoid any confusion.

"You just... disappeared," Marlee said, her voice breaking as she spoke. The sorrow in her tone pierced Viktor's heart, leaving him feeling helpless.

"Malyshka, I—" Viktor began, but Marlee cut him off.

"No, Viktor. That hurt me. You made me feel..." She faltered, searching for the right words. "You made me feel used." Her lower lip quivered, tears welling in her eyes, though she fought to keep them at bay.

Outside the kitchen, Roman watched with a pained expression. He had orchestrated the argument, not out of cruelty, but from a place of jealousy and hurt. He had "forgotten" to tell Marlee what Viktor had wanted him to. Seeing Viktor's attention grow for Marlee had been too much for him. Now, witnessing Marlee's distress, he questioned the wisdom of his actions and walked away, guilt gnawing at him.