Chapter 2 1

A soft knock at the door instantly wiped every thought from my mind. The notebook in front of me lost its sharp outline, and I pushed it aside. I'd have to come back to it later.

"Come in, Mom," I said, completely certain about who was standing outside my bedroom.

The woman stepped forward unhurriedly and stopped in the doorway, staring at me in surprise. Her gaze slid from top to bottom, occasionally widening as it caught on some clearly unacceptable detail of my appearance today.

I had returned only last night after a not-so-successful exam session, and I had already managed to irritate one of my parents.

"Is something wrong?" I asked first, noticing the way Mom wrinkled her shiny little nose. I still couldn't understand why she had dressed up and put on makeup like that when we were going to a funeral, not a runway show.

"Why the glasses? Where are your lenses?" she asked, already rummaging through my wardrobe in hopes of finding something more suitable.

I had recently gone through my old clothes, and what I was wearing now was the best option I had. The things I'd brought with me were definitely not appropriate for today-bright, bold outfits had always been my preference.

"I lost my last pair of lenses, so I'll have to make do with glasses. When I get a free moment, I'll go to the salon and order a few new pairs."

"Damn it! Is there really nothing better?" she exclaimed, spinning sharply toward me. She looked at me, then at herself, back and forth several times.

"Oh no, Mom. Don't even think about it," I said firmly as I stood up. "Your clothes won't fit me. I'm a whole head taller than you."

"That's only because of the heels," she snorted and headed for the door. "Take that horror off. I'll bring you my pantsuit-I bought it not long ago."

I'd gladly trade the awful black T-shirt and leggings for something more feminine, but there was nothing to be done. There was no time to stop by a store.

She returned a few minutes later with a stunning suit, but it wasn't even worth trying on. I could tell immediately-it wouldn't fit. My waist was much slimmer than hers, while my hips were wider. That jacket would burst at the chest, not to mention the white top underneath.

But the eco-leather headscarf was quite pretty. I'd seen something similar in a recent fashion collection. Snatching the soft triangle from her hands, I tied it over my head, deliberately knotting it under my chin so no one would recognize me.

"This is a nightmare. Take it off immediately! Nadya, I understand it's a funeral, but all our acquaintances will be there. We're going to the store-now!"

"There's no time," I said, grabbing my purse from the table. "Let's go. I can survive one day like this."

"It's unbelievable. Both Darvins will be there, and you look like-"

At the mention of those two, my face twisted. Two arrogant peacocks who had poisoned my life since childhood. I hated them. As soon as the funeral and the wake were over, I'd leave immediately. My studies were finished, exams passed, but I still had an unresolved issue with my economics professor, who had refused to give me an excellent grade despite correct answers. It was a matter of principle now-I would prove that I deserved it.

"Mom, please, don't start that song again about those two. You know Dad is on my side, and if I tell him-"

"Alright, I get it. Let's go," she said irritably and nudged me toward the door.

The driver was pacing on the porch and hurried forward when he saw us. Opening the rear door, he politely offered his hand to each of us, helping us into the car. He was new-I didn't know his name. I'd been away too long; familiar routines and faces now felt strange and foreign.

"What are you planning to do today?" Mom asked as the car pulled away.

"I want to meet Nina. We haven't seen each other in ages, so we decided not to put it off."

"You can invite her to dinner. We'll have guests, so be home by eight."

"Who?" I asked quietly, then louder. "Who's coming?"

"It's a secret," she smiled mysteriously. "By the way, your father called this morning."

Of course. A change of subject. Which meant the guests wouldn't be pleasant. Just please-not my deranged cousin and his hysterical mother. I really didn't want to see them today.

"When will Dad be back from his trip?"

"He said early next week. He misses you a lot. You're hardly ever home..."

"I'm studying," I replied irritably. "Two more years, and then I'll come back and help him with the company."

"That's actually what I wanted to talk to you about, Nadya," she hesitated, fidgeting with her purse. She was clearly nervous, trying to say something important but unable to bring herself to do it.

"If this is about me continuing a modeling career-no," I said firmly. "I only do it because I don't want to live off you, and it pays well."

"That's not it, but... never mind. We'll talk at home."

She fell silent as the car turned into the parking lot of the city cemetery and came to a stop.

An enormous crowd had gathered to say goodbye to Makar Darvin. As long as I could remember, I had always liked him. He reminded me of my grandfather-just as cheerful and kind. He'd built a massive fortune yet remained human. Business ruins people, but it hadn't broken him. He was my proof that success didn't have to cost your soul-and the reason I now supported myself completely, without relying on my parents.

But his grandsons? I had nothing good to say about them. Two spoiled, arrogant heirs who believed themselves superior to everyone else on this planet.

I stepped out of the car and followed my mother, who headed toward familiar faces. I stayed back, lingering on the edge. The funeral procession moved slowly along the path, and I walked near the end. When it stopped and the crowd formed a semicircle around the grave where Makar would soon be lowered, I still hadn't fully grasped what was happening.

But when I reached the front row, I couldn't hold back the tears. Mom arrived just in time, placing her hands on my shoulders, trying to comfort me while crying herself.

Then it hit me-like a two-hundred-and-twenty-volt shock. My entire body jolted as I scanned the space, searching for the source.

There they were. The Darwin brothers.

One looked at me like he wanted to kill me. The other openly mocked me, raking me with his gaze. Of all times. Their grandfather was being buried, and they were staring at me like that... I couldn't even find the right word for it.

"Mom, I'm not feeling well. I'm going to step aside," I said, pushing my way backward through the crowd, desperate to escape their sight.

"Are you alright? Do you want help?" she asked, gripping my hand.

"I'll wait by the car. It's too much for me here."

"Alright, sweetheart. But if you feel worse, ask Victor to take you to the hospital."

I nodded and headed toward the exit.

Turning around at that moment was a terrible mistake.

The older brother was following me.

"What am I, paranoid now?" I muttered under my breath. Maybe he felt unwell too and had decided to leave.

I tried to convince myself of that-but still quickened my pace, weaving between rows of gravestones. At one point he disappeared from sight when I glanced back again.

A sigh of relief had barely escaped my lips when I ran straight into an obstacle that hadn't been there just seconds ago.

"Where do you think you're going?"