M For Moscow

07 | shopping for gold

The next day, Karina ordered her driver and personal assistant to take me shopping in her limousine. And of course, I had no idea about it until they knocked on Luka's door and dragged me out in my pyjamas.

I was never the shopper. Mostly because my mother didn't have enough money to feed me, never mind cloth me, so I really didn't know what was true or not. But at the same time, I didn't understand the purpose of it. For me, clothes was always going to be a mandatory thing, so what was the point of buying more when you only needed enough to cover you up?

But of course, I couldn't say no for the life of me.

In the car, my mind kept drifting back and forth from last night with Luka to early morning with Luka.

Now, I know what you're thinking but it wasn't like that. We just...talked, all night long.

Because of last night, I knew facts about him the public barely knew. For example, he was the youngest of three, fact they probably knew, but his oldest brother died from a car crash while speeding away from paparazzi—fact they didn't know. The police officers found booze in the backseat of his car and labelled it 'drunk driving' before shoving his case back on the pile with the words 'Celebs Gone Wild' scrawled on it. Luka's parents were multi-millionaires who invested their money in small businesses that turned big. Just as they hit fifty million and one, they bought over a few hotels and named it after their surname in celebration of their God-given success.

His father wanted to pass on his business to his only son, Luka Gold, however, Luka wished to become a writer instead. Therefore, they made a pact that he would leave to America for a year but if he does not make it, he'll have to come back and take over Rosen Gold.

"So, that's why you have the calendar?" I asked, looking at him through the dim light of the candle.

He nodded his head, making his hair bounce. "Yeah, eighteen days now." he said, glancing at the clock above the television.

I tried to hide my sadness, but Luka caught it before I got the chance to.

"Hey, it's okay. You can still stay here even if I'm gone. My parents won't suspect a thing."

Because that was obviously what I was upset about.

Don't get me wrong, I was not in love with Luka. It was just nice to have a friend in a big city like Moscow. I doubt Karina would even consider herself my friend.

Speaking of which. "Hey, where's Karina?" I asked the people in the front seats.

Sophia turned her head slightly to see me. "She's on vacation."

"Vacation?"

"She does this thing where she goes on an unplanned holiday every time the stress kicks in." Sophia explained before mumbling something under her breath. "Like she ever does anything."

"Must be nice to be rich and famous." I mumbled back, making both of them laugh.

They took me to a department store with all the top brands and luxuries. This was probably the fanciest department store I've ever been to my entire life. From top to floor, there were shelves with designer handbags, sparkling shoes and multi-coloured purses. Next to it were clothing racks with different styles from beach-day bums to evening gowns.

Sophia appeared by my side after I was finished gaping at everything. She swiped her sunglasses from her face and beamed at me.

"Only A-listers are allowed here." she stated, glowing with pride. "Karina made an exception for you."