Chapter 1

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Vladimir's pov
3 years ago

I sat on the couch, watching my wife Anastasia chase after our three rambunctious sons. Our oldest, Nikolai, was trying to "help" by holding onto Anastasia's apron strings, while the other two rascals, Ivan and Luca, were running around in circles, shrieking with laughter. And then there was Valentino, our youngest, who was currently sitting in his high chair, banging a spoon against the tray and making a mess. He just turned two a couple of days ago.

I couldn't help but chuckle at the chaos unfolding before me. After playing around Anastasia finally collapsed onto the couch beside me out of breath and laughing.

"I don't know how much more of this I can take," she joked, snuggling into my side.

I wrapped my arms around her, holding her close. "You're the best mother in the world, Anastasia," I whispered into her ear, my voice low and husky. "I don't know what I'd do without you." It was a sentiment I meant deeply, because Anastasia was more than just my wife and the mother of my children ,she was my anchor, my conscience and my guiding light. Without her, I'd be lost, adrift in a world of chaos and violence. I wasn't even joking when I said I didn't know what I'd do without her. I'm a mad man, ruthless, stubborn, and just plain difficult. But Anastasia... she softened me up, made me see the world in a different light. She is the one person who can tame the beast within me.

Anastasia smiled, her eyes shining with happiness. "You'll never have to find out," she replied, turning to kiss me.

Baby Valentino, began to chant "Mama! Papa!".

" These boys know how to ruin a good moment. Can't we just put them up for adoption or something because I need my wife to myself," I say with a sly grin.

" Don't even joke like that , my sons are not going anywhere. In fact I've just decided I will accompany Oksana to Italy and I won't take the boys, I don't think the boys want to go with me to the fashion show in Milan. It's gonna be a little girl's thing." She says as she raises her head to look at me.

" A fashion show, No, Oksana's things take a whole week. You know I can't stay away from you for that long. I can't even come there because Roman wants us to deal with some Roaches and we have to go to the UK for like two days. Don't go please, I thought we would go to the UK together. My sister needs to get other friends or a boyfriend, why do you have to accompany her?" I complain while sulking.

" Don't be dramatic, my love it's just a week and I'll be back. Plus you can figure out your stuff with the mafia and I'm sure you will be more productive without me around," she continues. Well maybe she is right, I'd probably have a better chance of finding our mole without my wife here, I can put my full attention into this matter.

As Anastasia's lips brushed against my forehead, I couldn't help but smile, despite the tension etched on my face. But Anastasia's thumbs were tracing the curves of my mouth as she whispered, "Stop sulking Mr Novikov." She said with her voice gentle . My hands framed her face, her fingers weaving into my hair as I pulled her closer, her lips whispering against mine,

"It'll be fine, my love."

" Papa don't eat Mama's face. That's not nice." Nikolai says while standing at the far corner with his arms crossed on his chest. He looked like he meant business. I had even forgotten that these little Rascals were still here.

Oksana's pov

Ana's eyes sparkled as she stepped off the plane in Milan. She had always dreamed of attending the prestigious fashion week, and now, thanks to me she was finally here. Anastasia smiled warmly as she wrapped an arm around my shoulders.

"I still can't believe my brother let you come here and stay the whole week. That little control freak is getting soft, must be fatherhood. Anyways enough about him, we are in freakin Italy so let us enjoy the beauty of this place and the fashion" I say, my eyes shining with excitement

The next few days were a whirlwind of fashion shows, designer meet-and-greets, and luxurious parties. Anastasia and I were inseparable, laughing and joking together as we sipped champagne and admired the stunning outfits on display.

As we were in a particularly crowded show, Anastasia and I found ourselves surrounded by a group of rough-looking men. They were all around the area in the corners. Something was definetly not right here. Vladimir certainly arranged security for us but not this many. I don't recognise any of these men and they look dodgy.

" Anastasia please don't panic but we need to get out of here. There are really strange men everywhere here and I don't think it's my brother's doing. I think this might be a....,"

But before Anastasia could react further and I could finish my sentence the men opened fire, shooting wildly into the air. Vladimir's gaurds also took out their guns and bullets were flying all over. The sound of gunfire and screams filled the air, causing chaos and panic. I could hear Anastasia's screams, I hope she hasn't been shot or anything like that

By the time the shooting stopped, I frantically scanned the area, but Anastasia was nowhere to be seen. Bodies covered in bullet wounds and blood were all over the place. A chill ran down my spine as I realized that Anastasia had been taken. In the midst of the mayhem, someone must have grabbed Anastasia .

With shaking hands, I pulled out my phone and dialed Vladimir's number. When he answered, I burst into tears. Vladimir would never forgive me for this, I'm dead.
Phone convo

"Vlad, they took her , Anastasia, they took her," I manage to say in between my sons.

" Little sister you are not making any sense.
Where the fuck is my wife?"

" I was distracted by the shooting, and I didn't even see them take her! She's gone, Vlad! Anastasia is gone!"

" I am coming there right now. I will kill everything in sight if I do not get my wife back. Nobody messes with me, especially Anastasia. Someone's going to pay"

Phone convo ended.

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