Illegally His!!??

XXXVIII

Meera's POV:

Wow, it's hard to believe it's been almost five months since I left India and my studies. I haven't even called my parents once because I'm worried about how they'll react. I've been chatting with Kris a lot, so he might have filled them in, but I'm just not ready to talk to them directly yet.

I've also realized I still need to graduate from college. Since I've missed so much, maybe it's time to use Xavier's connections to get into a decent college here in Russia. 

I know, I know—no judgment! I was seriously studying for college entrance exams until this guy swooped in and turned my life upside down.

Speaking of Kris, he told me he's coming back to India soon and wishes I could be there too. Ever since he graduated, he's been working as one of the top cardiothoracic surgeons in the U.S., and he's always been my inspiration. Taking a gap year was partly to follow in his footsteps.

Anyway, I should definitely talk to Xavier about medical school here. Without him, this huge mansion can get pretty lonely anyway. 

The staff isn't exactly warm, but Lucian, Marco, and Viktor have been nice to me. Marco even mentioned that I remind him of his daughter, which is sweet.

Viktor has been great too—he was impressed by how I stood up for myself at that party Xavier threw. He treats me like a sister, and talking to him often reminds me of Kris.

So, in a way, I'm building a little family here. 

As I prepare to welcome a new day, I'm hopeful about discussing college with Xavier. 

Fingers crossed things go well!

Lucian's POV:

"CAN'T YOU GUYS GET ONE THING RIGHT? THOSE ARTIFACTS WERE RARE AND EXPENSIVE!" Xavier yelled, his anger echoing in the room.

Ever since he found out that the artifacts hadn't been checked five times before shipping to the Dupuis family, he'd been on a rampage.

I mean, who could make him understand that we'd checked four times already? We just didn't have enough time for that fifth check. 

But of course, no one has the guts to say anything. We all just listened in silence.

Since he and Meera got together, he's been a bit of a lovesick fool—at least when she's around. Outside of that, though, he's still the same cold, ruthless bastard we all know. 

But today felt different. He was really on edge, punishing everyone harshly for even the smallest mistakes.

"Isn't the boss being a bit too harsh over something this minor?" Viktor whispered, nudging me.

I nodded in agreement, keeping my voice low. "Indeed."

As we stood there, heads down, the huge doors to his study swung open. Meera appeared, smiling and wearing one of Xavier's T-shirts and shorts, her hair in a messy bun. She rushed toward Xavier, completely oblivious to the tension in the room.

Shit, the kid is doomed. She shouldn't be here, especially not right now.

As Xavier's gaze shifted to Meera, his anger evaporated like mist in the sun. A smile spread across his face as he pulled her onto his lap, his tone instantly warm. "What happened, princess? Do you need anything? I'm in the middle of something important right now."

We all noticed his patience wearing thin, but somehow he managed to rein in his anger.

"I'm sorry to disturb you, but it's important—at least for me," she said, wrapping her arms around his neck. "I was wondering if you could help me get into a decent med school here in Russia. I still have to graduate and fulfill my dreams."

Seeing this interaction left everyone in the study stunned. None of us had ever witnessed Xavier speaking so gently, especially after his earlier outburst. 

It was like the devil had transformed into an angel, if only for a moment.

"Of course, princess. I'll do my best to help you get into the top medical college in Russia," he replied, holding her close for a few moments before letting her down.

As Meera rushed out of the study, Xavier reverted to his ruthless self, barking orders in Russian to ensure this mistake was never repeated.

Once the last of the men had left, he turned to Viktor and me, his voice cold and commanding. "And you two, enroll Meera in one of the top medical colleges in Russia. I want the best for my girl."

We nodded, ready to leave, when he called us back. "And get me a bouquet of 520 fresh red roses."

We exchanged confused glances at his odd request but nodded and headed out to fulfill our tasks.

"What's with the 520 flowers?" Viktor whispered as we made our way to the exit of the mansion.

"God knows. Let me check on Google," I replied, pulling out my phone.

"520 is homophonic with 'I love you' in Chinese!" the search revealed.

Wow, I never knew the devil had this romantic side. 

As we shared a laugh over the explanation, we settled into the car, realizing that even he could be in love.

The devil was indeed in love.