Chapter 4 Over the two days of the seminar

assignments given by the lecturer. However, even though college activities gave new colors to her life, Raisa could not avoid the shadow of Adrian's control that was always lurking. Every time she felt a little relieved and free, there was a feeling that Adrian was always watching, even from afar.

One afternoon, after class, Raisa decided to stop by the library to look for some references for her assignment. While she was busy choosing books on the shelf, her cellphone rang. Adrian's name appeared on the screen. Raisa felt her heartbeat increase slightly, and she quickly answered the call.

"Hello, Adrian," she greeted, trying to sound casual.

"Where are you now?" Adrian's voice sounded direct without any pleasantries.

"I'm in the campus library, looking for some books for an assignment," Raisa answered, feeling a little nervous even though she had done nothing wrong.

There was a pause on the other end of the phone, as if Adrian was thinking about something. "How much longer will you be there?"

"Not long. Maybe in about 30 minutes I'll finish and go home," Raisa said while looking at the books on the shelf.

"Okay. I'll send a driver to pick you up. Don't take too long," Adrian said before hanging up without waiting for a response.

Raisa took a deep breath, realizing that her every move was indeed being closely watched. Although she understood that Adrian was doing it for security reasons, Raisa couldn't shake the feeling that she was slowly losing control of her life. However, she was determined not to give in to this feeling.

After spending some time in the library, Raisa gathered the books she needed and headed off campus, where Adrian's driver was waiting. On the way home, Raisa tried to think of a way to talk to Adrian again about her desire for more freedom, even though she knew it would be a difficult conversation.

When they arrived home, Adrian was sitting in the living room, looking relaxed but with a look that showed that he had been waiting. Raisa approached him and tried to smile.

"How was class?" Adrian asked, his tone calm but full of concern.

"Okay, I found some good books for an assignment," Raisa replied as she sat down next to him.

Adrian nodded slowly, but his gaze remained focused on Raisa. "You have to remember, Raisa, I'm doing this for your own good. The world out there isn't as safe as you think."

Raisa felt the possessiveness in Adrian's words, and it made her a little uneasy. However, she tried not to show her worry. "I know, Adrian. I appreciate your concern, but I wish you could trust me a little more."

Adrian reached out his hand, touching Raisa's hand gently. "I trust you, Raisa. But as your husband, it's my duty to protect you from all danger."

Raisa looked at Adrian with mixed feelings. On one hand, she felt affection from her husband, but on the other hand, she felt constrained by this overprotectiveness.

"Adrian," she said softly, "I need space to be myself. I need your trust, not just protection."

Adrian looked at Raisa deeply, as if he was considering the words he had just said. After a moment, he sighed and said, "I'll try, Raisa. But you have to understand that I'm doing this because I love you. And I can't let anything happen to you."

Raisa nodded, even though she knew that this change wouldn't come easily. But at least, she felt like she had conveyed her wishes. Maybe, over time, Adrian would understand more and give her a little of the freedom she needed.

***

The days went by with the same routine. Raisa became busier with her studies, and Adrian continued to monitor her every move. However, Raisa didn't want to give up so easily. She began to look for ways to balance living as the wife of a possessive mafia and pursuing her dreams.

One day, on campus, their lecturer announced that there would be a seminar that all students had to attend. The seminar would be held out of town and would last two days. Hearing that, Raisa immediately felt anxious. She knew that Adrian wouldn't easily give permission for something like this.

When she got home, Raisa felt uneasy. She knew she had to talk to Adrian about this, but she also knew that it would be a difficult conversation. When Adrian came home that night, Raisa had prepared herself.

"Adrian, I need to talk to you about something," Raisa said as they sat together at the dining table.

Adrian raised his eyebrows, looking at Raisa with a concerned gaze. "What is it?"

"On campus, there will be a seminar that all students must attend. This seminar will be out of town for two days," Raisa tried to explain carefully.

Adrian was silent for a moment, his expression showing nothing. However, Raisa knew that he was analyzing every word she said.

"And you want to join this seminar?" Adrian finally asked, his voice flat.

Raisa nodded slowly. "Yes, this is important for graduation. And all students are required to join."

Adrian stared at Raisa with a sharp gaze, as if he could see right through her mind. "I don't like this idea, Raisa. You know that."

"I understand, Adrian. But this is important for my education. I promise I will be careful and not do anything that will worry you," Raisa tried to convince him.

Adrian took a deep breath, then stood up from his chair and walked over to the window, staring out. Raisa could feel the tension in him. After a few moments that felt like forever, Adrian finally turned around and looked at Raisa.

"You can join the seminar, Raisa. But I will make sure someone is watching over you and making sure you are safe," he said in a firm tone.

Raisa felt relieved, though she felt a little constrained. She knew that Adrian wouldn't let her go without supervision. But at least she had permission to go.

"Thank you, Adrian. I appreciate that," Raisa said sincerely.

Adrian just nodded, but his gaze remained firm. "Remember, Raisa. Your safety is the most important thing."

Raisa nodded, though deep down, she felt that this trip would be a big test in her marriage. She had to be able to show Adrian that she could be trusted, that she could live a balanced life between being a mafia wife and pursuing her dreams.

***

The long-awaited day arrived. Raisa was getting ready to go to the seminar. Adrian, as promised, had arranged for an escort to ensure Raisa's safety while out of town. Although Raisa felt a little uncomfortable with this supervision, she knew that this was the price she had to pay for a little freedom.

On campus, Raisa met her classmates who would also be attending the seminar. They all seemed excited, but Raisa felt a little different. She felt like she was carrying a burden that she couldn't share with anyone.

When they arrived at the seminar location, Raisa tried to focus on the material being presented, even though she knew that Adrian's bodyguards were always nearby, making sure that she didn't leave their sight. However, Raisa tried to enjoy this opportunity to learn and interact with others.

Over the two days of the seminar, Raisa found that she really enjoyed the experience. She met many new people, learned new things, and felt a little more free than usual. However, she never forgot that she was always being watched, and that kept her on her toes.

On the last night of the seminar, after all the sessions were over, there was a social gathering held by the organizers. All participants were invited to attend, and Raisa didn't want to miss out. However, she knew that Adrian's bodyguards probably wouldn't approve of the idea.

"Are you going to the social gathering tonight?" asked one of her classmates as they were getting ready in their hotel room.

Raisa thought for a moment before answering. "I'm not sure yet. I'll probably just rest in my room."

Her friend nodded, albeit a little disappointed. "Too bad. It looks like it will be fun. But if you change your mind, just come."

After her friend left, Raisa decided