Cruel love

Chapter 37 Barbara

I am getting used to my new life and so does Lily and Liam. We leave around same time for our school and college.
I am not staying at the campus though, I want to be with them as much as possible.

Arkadi is also nice with us. He lets us be the way we want to be. Also he doesn't spend much time with us, only breakfast and dinner. In that time he preferred to stay quiet mostly. I don't know if he is this quiet usually or giving us the space.
Not that I expect him to be a goofball, he is Pakhan of Russian mafia after all. He is as brutal as Enzo of not more.

Enzo. It's been a week since I left him standing in the hospital. There hasn't been a day when I don't think about him, miss him, wonder how is he dealing with all of it. Sometimes I wish I had met him under different circumstances and we were not from this mafia world.
A simple woman and man, who fell for eachother. But it's a waste of time to think about ifs because it will never come true.

I walked in my economics class and searched for Susie. Susan is my first and only friend till now in college. We met first day and talked for a big, I connected to her instantly. She was this cute happy girl. She is so optimistic and I want more of her vibes considering how my life is going lately.
There found her sitting on corner of third row. I smiled at herand she smiled back at me. I walked towards her and took the empty chair beside her.

I showed her pictures that I had taken yesterday with Lily and Liam. She smiled and laughed at some.

"Oh I really wish to meet them soon barb, they are so cute".
"They are, why don't we plan something for weekend?" I asked, I could have invited her to the palace but I don't want to freak her out and think that I am some Russian princess. Also I can't tell her about Arkadi's profession it will be more weird than being Russian princess.
"Yes we should".

The professor enters and starts the lecture. We pulled out our notebooks and started making notes.

After my classes, I headed for home, my new home, the palace.
I asked Arkadi for letting me take public transport but he refused and said I have to take the car and driver, it's crutial for my safety.
He said Enzo is mad and he is out for blood. I told him he didn't have to worry about me in that regard Enzo would never hurt me. He might be mad at me but he could never hurt me.

But I asked my driver to park in farthest spot in the parking, he did. I make sure to rush their just after the last lecture ends. I am out for campus way before anyone leaves the class. I can't let anyone see me coming and leaving the college in rolls royce. I might not come from normal world but I want to have a normal college experience.

After I reached home. I met Lily and Liam. They come home way before me. I spend my evenings playing with them talking to them about their school and helping them doing their homework.

Today I have to go with Arkadi in some silent auction and dinner. He asked me to accompany him. He wants to introduce me as his daughter infront of the world. I agreed to accompany him.

I chose a simple deep green off shoulder, gown with thigh high slit. I paired it with black heels and an emerald choker which Arkadi gave me as a welcome gift when I moved to his house. I kept my hair open. After checking my makeup and dress for last time in mirror I headed downstairs and found Arkadi waiting for me.

I wrap my hand around his arm and walked with him to his limousine. After getting settled in it, he motioned driver to start the car.
During drive Arkadi told me it's not mafia event, most of the attendees would be some of the richest and successful business man from New York.
I was excited for it. I am studying to be like them one day. I guess my night might not be as boring as I assume it to be.

When we reached the event everything was beautiful, art pieces were placed in some distance with tags on it. There was live band playing soothing music. Lage mirror chandeliers hang from the ceiling lighting up whole hall in golden lights.

Arkadi introduced me as his daughter in front of his important buisness partners. I met them and talked about buisness. Some of them told me that I am smart and they look forward to do buisness with me in future. I gave them a grateful smile.

I was talking to a another Arkadi's hotels business partner thn I sense him entering the hall. The hair on my neck raise with sudden change in the air, my body gets a couple of degree hotter.
I don't have to turn around to look at him. I know he was in the hall, I can sense it. It is crazy how my body reacts to his mere presence without even looking at him.

I didn't looked at his way but I can feel his eyes burning a hole in my back. I simply tried to carry on the conversation with people in front of me, although my half attention was on the person in my back.

When I saw Arkadi he was looking at his way, his professional smile turning into a distasteful snarl. I held his arm to divert his mind to the conversation.
After our small talk, we headed to other guests. I needed to use restroom so I excuse myself. Arkadi gave me concerning look, I gave him a assuring smile to show him I will be okay. Enzo wouldn't do anything in front of these people. Arkadi didn't wanted to show any weakness in front of his partners so he nodded at me and turned to his conversation.

I headed for the restroom after freshing up, I was touching up my make up.
Suddenly bathroom door opened. There comes Enzo Russo. I didn't turned around to look at him. Our gazes met in th mirror, his green eyes lack the certain warmth he always had when he looked at me. They were cold like it is for everyone.

"It's ladies room, mens is the next door".
I told him with my back still turned on to him, I won't show him my weakness, I won't show him I care and give him some false hope. The truth is we don't have a future and it won't change.
"You look amazing sweetheart" he said with his cold eyes still meating mine.

I turned around to leave. He locked the bathroom door without turning around and started walking towards me in slow and calculated steps. "I will scream, leave me alone", I said but he didn't stop. His lips turning into a smirk eyes still cold. Fear starts building up in my body. Beads of sweat forming on my spine. Maybe I was wrong to think that Enzo won't hurt me.