Chapter 3 2

The brothers had done their grieving yesterday, the moment they learned the news. There was nothing to be done - their grandfather was already quite old and had lived a long, full life. Still, it was painful to watch now as that once confident man, who had loved life so fiercely, was carried along the path in a coffin, soon to be lowered into the depths from which there was no return.

The Darvins observed the ceremony in silence, leaving all organizational matters to their uncle. Their attention was drawn to a young woman standing on the opposite side of the grave. Vlad clung to the hope until the very last second that it wasn't Nadya - but all his hopes evaporated the moment Katerina appeared and wrapped her arms tightly around her daughter.

He had thought that with the years the girl might have changed, become prettier. But apparently, no miracle had happened. Hideous leggings of some shapeless cut and an oversized black T-shirt. The glasses he could still tolerate, but what on earth was on her head? A grandmother's headscarf?

"Damn, Alenka!" Stas exclaimed beside him, letting out a quiet laugh.

"What Alenka? What are you talking about?" Vlad snapped irritably.

"Don't you remember that chocolate bar from when we were kids? With the girl in a headscarf on the wrapper?" Stas smirked. "Well, there she is. Look at her..."

Vlad nearly boiled over and shot his brother a murderous look. Not because Stas had just insulted his fiancée - but because he was infuriatingly right. This was not the kind of woman Vlad wanted to see by his side, let alone for the rest of his life.

"Well done, Grandpa," he muttered darkly, then noticed the girl was about to leave. Where did she think she was going? The audacity. His grandfather had loved her more than his own grandsons, and this girl couldn't even wait until the end of the ceremony? He wouldn't allow her to tarnish the old man's name.

"Vlad," his brother called, pulling him back to reality. "Your bride is making a run for it."

"Yes, I see," he replied and headed after her.

She glanced around nervously and, noticing that Vlad was following her, quickened her pace.

"What kind of childish game of tag is this, Alenka? And at a cemetery of all places," Vlad scoffed, cutting onto another path in hopes of intercepting her.

Just as he expected, he caught up with her in a few long strides. She bumped straight into him without even noticing him in her way. Her frightened eyes lifted to his, and she froze, holding her breath.

On closer inspection, things weren't entirely hopeless. Her face was well cared for, no obvious blemishes, full lips, a nicely shaped nose. Not a lost cause. He could mold this girl into something that fit his standards - and who knew, maybe one day he'd even want her.

"Where do you think you're going?" Vlad growled, grabbing her wrist when she tried to step back. "Do you think this is appropriate, considering how our grandfather treated you?"

"I just felt unwell, that's all..." she started, trying to pull free.

"You don't look unwell to me. We're going back before people start gossiping."

He tugged her after him, not bothering to consider whether it hurt or made her uncomfortable. Girls like her should be grateful he even paid them any attention.

"Let go," she snapped, finally wrenching her hand free. "What right do you have to grab me like that? You're his grandson - you're the one who shouldn't have left."

Nadya's gaze changed, becoming steadier, more confident. She rubbed her wrist where Vlad's fingers had just been.

What right did he have? As her future husband - every right. But it was far too early for her to know that.

"Go back and wait calmly until it's over. After that, you're free to do whatever you want."

Annoying little thing, he thought bitterly. She smiled faintly, scoffed, then turned sharply and almost ran toward the exit.

"Looks like I'll have to work on your behavior as well as your appearance," Vlad muttered to himself as he headed back. He had no time to chase after his bride now. In one thing, she was right - he was Makar's grandson, and his place was there.

The ceremony was nearing its end, and the final farewell began. The brothers stepped forward first to say goodbye to their grandfather, followed by their uncle, who looked the most devastated of all the relatives that day.

When all that remained was to fill the grave with earth, people slowly began making their way toward the exit.

A woman stepped in front of the Darvins and offered her condolences - words they'd heard so many times that day they'd lost count. But these, spoken by Katerina, carried far more weight. After all, she was their future mother-in-law.

"Mrs. Katerina, thank you for coming to say goodbye to our grandfather," Stas said politely, though a smile tugged at his lips as he struggled to keep the demon inside him - the one that lived to needle his brother - at bay.

"Boys, I can't even imagine how great your loss is," the woman continued. "That man was a father to you."

"Yes, you're right. It will be difficult for us without his support," Vlad said, adopting the mournful expression befitting a man who had just suffered a loss. "But despite the circumstances, I hope our meeting is still on?"

"Of course. I'm very much looking forward to seeing you both this evening."

"Oh no, I won't be there," Stas said, lifting his hands and stepping aside. "I already have other plans. All the best."

The younger Darvin strolled down the path, leaving Vlad alone with the woman.

"I'll come alone, if you don't mind," Vlad said. "There's something very important I need to discuss with you, and I can't postpone it any longer. May I hope that Nadya will be joining us for dinner?"

"Of course," she replied with a wide smile. "Nadya is very much looking forward to this evening."

"Then I'll see you tonight, Mrs. Katerina."