Trapped With No Way Out

The elegant Ivanov mansion was decorated with festive lights. It was Anya's grandfather Vladimir's 70th birthday and the whole family had gathered to celebrate.

Anya stood in front of the mirror, admiring her elegant dress. She had chosen a beautiful red design that highlighted her curves. That night was special for two reasons: celebrating her grandfather's birthday, and because she hoped that during the party, Misha, her boyfriend, would finally propose to her, after years of dating.

"You look beautiful, dear. Misha is a lucky man." Her aunt said, approaching her.

"Thank you, aunt. I feel like tonight will be magical." Anya smiled radiantly.

Soon after, they went down to the hall where the party was being held. Family and friends were laughing, dancing and toasting Grandpa. Anya looked for Misha in the crowd. She was anxious to be by his side.

"Hey, have you seen Misha?" "Because I haven't seen him, you took too long to come down, dear, maybe he got tired of waiting for you and went to find more interesting company." Her cousin Katya's best friend approached her, dripping with venom.

Anya glared at her, Katya and her friends had always been jealous of her relationship with Misha.

"Shut your mouth, you damn viper, Misha loves me."

The girl let out a mocking giggle, and walked away waddling, Anya felt uneasy, where was Misha? Determined to find him she headed towards the stairs, making her way through the guests.

She went up to the second floor and walked down the hall, checking each room, then she heard suspicious noises coming from the main bathroom, with her heart racing she slammed the door open.

What she saw left her paralyzed, Misha and Katya her cousin were having a wild sex against the sink, Katya moaned and panted without shame.

"Damn bastards!" She screamed as her eyes filled with tears, rage and pain from the betrayal.

Hearing her, Misha and Katya quickly separated, trying to cover themselves with the towels.

"Anya, my love, I can explain." Misha stammered.

But Anya didn't listen to him, shock turned to fury, she approached Misha and slapped him several times.

"Son of a bitch! How could you do this to me, and with my own cousin! You are a bastard."

Katya smiled satisfied, she hated her cousin.

"Accept it, dear cousin, you were never enough to satisfy Misha, he always came to look for in me what you didn't want to give him, you see, that's what happens to you for being so saintly.

Anya lunged at Katya, grabbing her by the hair and clawing at her face.

"You bloody treacherous bitch! I always knew you were a poisonous viper!"

Misha tried to separate them, but Anya kneed him in the crotch, causing him to double over in pain.

"To hell with you both! I hope you both rot in the deepest depths of hell!"

After saying those words, Anya ran out of the bathroom, her face stained by smeared makeup, and down the stairs before the curious gaze of the guests.

Without looking at anyone, Anya left the mansion, without giving an explanation of what had happened; the guests had not heard the screams due to the loud music, and they were all speculating about the reason why she had left.

Anya got into her car while crying, her fairy tale had turned into a nightmare, she urgently needed to drown her sorrows in alcohol.

She went to a bar on the other side of the city, she didn't want to meet anyone she knew, the atmosphere of the bar was dark, full of smoke, it seemed perfect to get lost and forget, she sat down in front of the bar, and made a sign to the bartender.

"A double vodka, and bring me another as soon as it's gone."

The bartender, who was a somewhat older man, stared at her.

"Wow, it looks like someone had a bad night." Anya let out a bitter laugh.

"You have no idea."

"Well, here's your medicine, the first one's on the house, it seems you need it." The bartender poured her the glass of vodka.

"Thank you." Anya took that glass and drank it until it was empty, feeling the alcohol burn her throat.

"Wow, that's really knowing how to drink." A deep male voice came from behind her, drawing her attention.

Anya turned around and found herself staring into a pair of green eyes staring at her intensely. The man was tall, with dark hair and perfect features. He was wearing a tailored suit that accentuated his muscles. He had an imposing personality and great magnetism, which made Anya shudder.

"Are you spying on a lady in distress?" Anya asked, raising an eyebrow.

The man smiled sideways, a mischievous and seductive gesture.

"Well, I couldn't help but notice a beautiful woman drinking as if she wanted to forget even her name."

"Maybe that's exactly what I want, to forget everything." Anya shrugged.

He sat down next to her, motioning to the bartender.

"Bring another round for the lady, and a whiskey for me. And what is that terrible thing that you want to forget, if I may ask?" He asked turning to Anya.

Anya watched him for a moment, normally she wouldn't talk to strangers, but there was something about that man that attracted her like a magnet, maybe because he was attractive, or the alcohol, or simply his desire for revenge and the need to feel something other than pain.

"Well let's just say that I just found out that my boyfriend and my cousin are the worst unfaithful scumbags." She said bitterly.

"Ouch! That must hurt." The man grimaced.

"Like hell, but you know what? Fuck them, tonight I just want to have fun and send everything to hell."

The man smiled seductively again and a mischievous glint appeared in his eyes.

"That's the attitude, I know I'm a stranger, but if you want to vent or just have a good time, I'm available."

Anya considered it, part of her knew it was crazy, but another part of her, the hurt and furious part, longed for some comfort, and excitement in her life.

"Okay, mysterious sir, I accept your offer, but on one condition, no names, tonight we are two strangers in a bar."

He shook her hand, and Anya felt a tremendous electric shock at his touch.

"Deal, beautiful stranger."

The next few hours were spent between drinks, laughter and a conversation increasingly loaded with innuendo.

Anya felt captivated by the personality, wit and charisma of that stranger, he made her feel wanted, excited, alive.

Somewhere between the vodka and the subtle touches, their mouths melted in a passionate kiss, they devoured each other without caring that they were in a public place.

"Let's go to my hotel, I want to make you forget even your name." He whispered against her ear.

Anya nodded, unable to resist the man's attractiveness.

They got into a taxi, still kissing and caressing each other, they arrived at the luxurious hotel, and between laughs and kisses, they headed towards the elevator, as soon as the doors closed, pushing her against the wall, trapping her wrists above her head.

"You are beautiful, a dream come true, I can't wait to have you in my bed." He growled as he nibbled on her neck.

Anya moaned, grinding herself against him.

"Then don't make me wait, handsome stranger."

They arrived at the room, as soon as they entered they began to take off their clothes, they fell on the bed, their naked bodies intertwined, giving free rein to pleasure and desire.

"Oh God!" Anya gasped as he sank into her, a lacerating pain invaded her for a moment, after that she felt invaded by intense sensations.

He began to move at a frenetic pace, Anya lost herself in the sensations, being taken by this attractive mysterious man made her feel alive.

They gave themselves to each other with passion, lost in a world where only the two of them existed, momentarily forgetting everything, reaching ecstasy together.

Afterwards, exhausted and satiated, they fell asleep, one in the other's arms, without even knowing their names.

In the morning, Anya woke up startled, the memories of the previous night made her feel guilty and ashamed, what had she done? She had given herself to a perfect stranger, and all in a fit of spite and madness.

She stealthily got out of bed, picked up her clothes that had been scattered on the floor of the room, and dressed quickly, while watching the man who was sleeping peacefully, hoping that he would not wake up.

The man was quite attractive, a part of her wanted to stay, but the shame she felt for her behavior was stronger, that had been a mistake, a night of weakness that she had to forget, so she left the room without looking back.

When Alexei woke up a few hours later, he found an empty place next to him, the scent of the beautiful woman was still impregnated in the sheets, he searched the room, the bathroom, without finding her, she had not left a farewell note, nothing.

He went to take a shower, but while he was showering he remembered the grimace of pain on the girl's face during their passionate encounter, he left quickly wrapping himself in a towel to check the bed. He found what he expected, the sheets were stained.

"She was a virgin." Alexei murmured, feeling confused, bewildered.

In the evening, at the Ivanov family mansion, the family gathered for dinner still celebrating Grandpa, Anya sat next to Vladimir, trying to smile politely, even though Misha and Katya's betrayal caused a deep pain in her chest.

Suddenly the doors to the dining room opened, and two people entered, it was Misha and Katya, who were smiling shamelessly.

"We're sorry we're late, we had a little mishap." Misha apologized hypocritically.

Katya let out an annoyed giggle, her eyes shining with malice as she looked at Anya.

"Yes, that's it, a mishap."

Anya clenched her fists under the table, trying to control the urge she felt to jump on Katya, and tear her eyes out so that her stupid smile would be erased, how dare they show up as if nothing had happened?

But she couldn't make a scene, not with her grandfather and the whole family present, so she forced a smile, and stood up to greet them.

"Katya, dear cousin, what a surprise to see you." She said with false sweetness, greeting her with two air kisses, pretending to kiss her cheeks.

Katya returned the gesture, her lips brushing Anya's skin in a mocking gesture.

.

"Surprise? But we are family, Anya. Where else could I be? If not here, celebrating Grandpa."

The double meaning of her words did not go unnoticed by Anya, she gritted her teeth, but kept her smile, managing to contain herself.

"Misha, welcome." she greeted coldly, avoiding looking into his eyes.

Misha took her hand and kissed it, his thumb caressing her skin in an intimate gesture, his contact causing repulsion in Anya.

"Anya, my love, you look as beautiful as ever, wonderful." The shameless man said gallantly.

Anya abruptly withdrew her hand, it was as if his touch burned, she felt dirty, contaminated by his presence, but before she could answer him, her grandfather spoke.

"Misha, boy! Come, sit next to me, we have a lot to talk about regarding your future in the company." The grandfather had no idea about what Misha had done to his granddaughter, and he believed that they were still boyfriend and girlfriend.

Misha gave Anya a triumphant smile before obeying, Katya, for her part, sat in front of Anya, staring at her, smiling mockingly, feeling that she was better than her.

Throughout the dinner, Anya had to endure the knowing glances between Misha and Katya, their secret giggles, it was torture, a constant reminder of her betrayal, the worst thing is that they seemed to enjoy it.

But the worst was when Katya leaned over the table, causing her cleavage to reveal more than was appropriate, then she whispered in an overly saccharine tone.

"Anya, honey, you really have to try this dessert, delicious, although of course, not as divine as other desserts I've tried recently." She said and then bit her lip.

Anya felt nauseous at the insinuation, she knew exactly what "dessert" Katya was referring to, the image of her and Misha together, their naked bodies, haunted her like a ghost.

But she couldn't break down, she wouldn't give them that satisfaction, so she tried hard to fake a smile and answered.

"Thanks Katya, but I think I'll pass, I've lost my appetite." Katya's smile widened, and her eyes sparkled with cruel satisfaction.

"Really? What a pity, dear cousin, but well, more for me then, I never tire of the sweet pleasures of life.

Anya squeezed her glass so hard that she feared it would break, she felt furious, and humiliated.

How could Katya be so cruel? And how could Misha sit there, smiling and chatting with her grandfather, as if he hadn't broken her heart? The behavior of those two brought her to her limit, so she decided at once to do something to stop them.

After dinner, Anya asked to speak to her grandfather Vladimir in private, once inside the study, away from prying ears, Anya finally spoke about what was happening.

"Grandpa, I have to tell you something, it's about Mysha and Katya." She said while her voice trembled.

Vladimir frowned, worried about his granddaughter's condition, he had noticed her strange.

"What's wrong, Anya? What have those two done?"

Between sobs, Anya told him everything, how they had betrayed her, how she had found them together in the bathroom, when she finished telling him, her body trembled, she could not help it, she felt invaded by pain and rage.

Vladimir's face changed immediately, he turned red with anger, he stood up abruptly, hitting his desk with a fist.

"How dare they? Damn ingrates!" roared the grandfather, truly upset by what he had heard.

Anya cringed at her grandfather's fury, she had never seen him so angry.

"I will throw them out on the street, they will not set foot in this house again, nor come near you, I swear on my life." He hissed, but Anya shook her head.

"No, grandfather, I do not want any more scandals, I have had enough of humiliation."

"Oh, my girl, you do not deserve this, you deserve to be happy." Vladimir looked at her sadly.

Anya smiled, it was a sad smile, as she fought back the tears that threatened to betray her.

"Thank you, Grandpa, but right now, I just want to forget, to move on with my life."

Vladimir sighed, running a hand through his greying beard, suddenly, his eyes lit up as if he had remembered something.

"Anya, do you remember my old friend Anatoly Petrova?"

Anya nodded, she remembered him clearly, he was an oil tycoon, as rich and powerful as her own grandfather.

"Well, it turns out his grandson, Alexei, is of marriageable age, Anatoly and I have always dreamed of uniting our families." Vladimir continued, Anya blinked, confused.

"What are you suggesting, Grandpa?"

"I'm saying that maybe it's time for you to meet Alexei, I know it's sudden, but think about it, a marriage with the Petrovs would give us even more power and influence, and Alexei is a good man, Anya, he's strong, smart and determined, I know he would treat you like the queen you are." Vladimir took his granddaughter's hands in his.

Anya bit her lip. Marrying a stranger? It sounded crazy.

"Alexei has been living abroad for years, so they don't know each other, but I'm sure they'll get along, and if not, well, they could get divorced, but at least they'll have tried." Vladimir added as if he could read her thoughts.

Anya took a deep breath, this was crazy, complete and utter madness, but maybe it could be a chance to start over, to rebuild herself away from the shadow of Misha and Katya.

"Grandpa, I don't think marrying someone I don't know is a good idea."

"Don't answer me now, daughter, think about it calmly, then tell me what your answer is."

Anya left there confused, feeling that there were too many events to process in such a short time, as soon as she walked away, Vladimir picked up the phone to call his friend.

Days later, at the Petrov mansion, the powerful tycoon Anatoly Petrov faced his rebellious grandson Alexei.

"How dare you disobey my orders? Your duty is to marry the granddaughter of my friend and partner to ensure the future of our empire." Anatoly roared, his face red with anger.

Alexei let out a sarcastic laugh.

"My duty? I'm sorry grandpa, but I'm not going to be a pawn in your chess game, I'm not going to marry a woman I don't know just to satisfy your ambitions." He said determinedly.

But then something happened that he would never think of, Anatoly raised his hand and slapped him hard, Alexei brought his hand to his cheek, while his green eyes burned with fury.

"Watch your tongue, insolent boy, you will do what I order, or face the consequences. Do you want your cousin Nicolai to keep everything?" Anatoly hissed.

Alexei clenched his fists, the mention of his hated cousin was a low blow, Nicolai had always coveted his position as heir and would do anything to get him out of the way, and he had dared to do something that he could never forgive him for.

"Don't bring that bastard into this." Alexei growled.

"Then be a man and do your duty, the wedding is in a month, and you better put on your best smile and behave like the gentleman you are supposed to be." Anatoly poured himself a glass of vodka and downed it in one gulp.

.

Alexei clenched his jaw, he knew he had no choice, but that didn't mean he was going to make it easy for his mysterious girlfriend.

"Fine, I'll marry her, but I have my conditions, I want a prenuptial agreement in my favor, and I reserve the right to add whatever clauses I deem necessary."

"What are you up to, Alexei?" Anatoly narrowed his eyes.

"None of your business, grandpa, let's just say that woman will wish she had never agreed to this marriage." Alexei said the latter to himself, while smiling wickedly.

Meanwhile, in her apartment, Anya looked at herself in the mirror as she cried.

"How could they do this to me?" She whispered, raising her hand to touch her reflection.

The doorbell startled her, she walked to the door, looking through the peephole, she threw it open, feeling furious.

"What the hell are you doing here, Misha?" She screamed,

Her ex-boyfriend stood in front of her with a bouquet of roses in his hand, he gave her a pleading smile.

"Anya, my love, please let me explain."

"Don't call me that! You lost the right to call me that when you decided to screw my cousin whenever you felt like it." Anya took the flowers from him and threw them on the floor.

"It was a mistake, a stupid moment, but the one I love is you, it's always been you." Misha paled at her fury.

"Save the lies, it's over between us, I never want to see you again." Anya crossed her arms, restraining herself from slapping him.

"Anya please." Misha tried to grab her arm, but she jerked away.

"I said get out! Before I call security." She threatened, Misha pressed her lips together, a vein throbbing on her forehead.

"This won't stay like this, Anya, you belong to me, and sooner or later you will come back to me, even if I have to force you."

After uttering that threat, Misha turned around and walked away, leaving Anya shaking with rage.

Anya didn't have much time to process what had happened, because at that moment her cell phone started ringing, it was her grandfather.

"Anya, dear, I have excellent news. Alexei Petrov has agreed to marry you! The wedding will be in a month." Vladimir's voice sounded cheerful.

Anya slumped down on the couch, feeling stunned. At what point had she accepted this absurd proposal? And with a man she didn't even know.

"Grandpa, are you sure about this? I haven't decided yet."

"I know it's sudden, but it's the best for everyone, Alexei is a good man, Anya, I know he'll take good care of you, and our families will unite becoming a great empire." Vladimir softened his tone.

Anya closed her eyes, feeling defeated, she knew she had no choice, her grandfather wouldn't leave her alone, Vladimir had already decided.

"Okay grandpa, let your will be done." She whispered, on the verge of tears.

The wedding day arrived, Anya looked at herself in the mirror, barely recognizing the image of the bride dressed in white that looked back at her.

"You look beautiful, darling, like a real princess." Her aunt whispered, with tears in her eyes, her parents had not been able, or rather had not wanted to cancel their trip to be with her.

Anya forced herself to force a smile, but inside she felt empty, that should have been the happiest day of her life, but instead, she felt as if she were sealing her fate.

"It's time, the groom is already waiting in the church.." Her grandfather announced, entering the room.

With a lump in her throat, Anya took her grandfather's arm and let herself be guided towards the luxurious limousine that would take her to the cathedral.

When she arrived, she felt overwhelmed, there were hundreds of guests, huge flower arrangements decorated, even a live orchestra, everything was luxury, but for Anya, all of that was like golden chains that tied her to an unwanted destiny.

When the doors of the church opened and the wedding march began to be heard, Anya raised her chin and began to walk towards the altar, her hands trembling as she held the bouquet.

And then she saw him, tall, handsome and elegant in his black tuxedo, Alexei Petrov waiting for her with an indecipherable expression, his green eyes stared into hers, and for a moment, time seemed to stop.

It was then that Anya recognized him, those eyes, that mouth, it was him, the man from that night of unbridled passion, her mysterious lover.

Alexei had also recognized her, his gaze hardened at the moment, feeling surprised.

When Anya reached his side, Alexei took her hand tightly, almost hurting her.

"You, I should have known, you planned everything perfectly" He hissed through clenched teeth, Anya paled at his tone.

"I didn't know who you were." He whispered.

"Of course, but I do know who you are, the spoiled little girl who plays with men and then throws them away, well, now you're stuck with me, and I swear you'll pay for what you did to me." Alexei let out a discreet bitter laugh.

Anya shuddered at his threat. What mess had she gotten herself into? But she didn't have time to respond, because the priest began the ceremony.

As they recited their vows, Anya felt Alexei's gaze piercing through her, when it was time to kiss her, he grabbed her by the nape of the neck and slammed his lips against hers in a hard kiss, marking her as his property in front of everyone.

The guests applauded, oblivious to the silent war that had just broken out, but Anya and Alexei knew the truth of what was happening between them, this was not a marriage, it was a sentence, a curse, Alexei was determined to make Anya's life a living hell.

As they left the church, Anya saw Misha among the guests, glaring at her, Katya smiling triumphantly at his side.

Anya swallowed, a shiver ran down her spine, she felt like she had entered a nest of vipers, and that she was now tied to the most dangerous of all.

The hall of the Petrov mansion was decorated in opulence, the elegantly dressed guests sipping champagne and exchanging gossip about the newlywed couple and their hasty marriage.

Anya and Alexei opened the dance with the traditional waltz, but what should have been a magical moment was not, Alexei held Anya tightly against his body, his fingers digging into her waist.

"Smile, moya zhena, let everyone see how happy we are," he hissed through clenched teeth very close to her ear.

Anya forced a smile, although inside she wanted to scream, the farce of her marriage was suffocating her. As they twirled around the dance floor, snippets of conversations from the guests reached her ears.

"Isn't she the same girl who was going to marry Misha Sokolov?" an older woman asked.

"Yes, but apparently she changed her boyfriend as well as her dress." another answered maliciously while laughing.

"And to think that she swore to love him madly, how quickly that passed."

"Well, with a match like Alexei Petrov, I would even send my love to hell."

The cruel laughter stuck in Anya like needles, hurting her, she wanted to defend herself, to shout that she was not like that, that circumstances had forced her, but who would believe her?

Alexei also listened to the comments, his jaw tensing with each word. What kind of woman had he married? One who changed her love like the change of season? Or a gold digger who went after his money and position?

Anger and distrust poisoned his thoughts, he tightened his grip on Anya, making her gasp in pain.

"You're hurting me." She whispered.

"You better get used to it, this is just the beginning." He growled.

Suddenly, a commotion broke out in the room, the guests murmured in scandal.

Misha, clearly intoxicated, pushed his way onto the dance floor, falling to his knees before Anya, crying.

"Anya, my love, forgive me, I was stupid, but I love you, I've always loved you, don't leave me, don't marry him." He stammered, clinging to her dress.

Anya stood frozen in shock, her heart racing.

"Misha, please don't do this, there's nothing between us anymore." She pleaded, trying to break free.

"No! I won't give up, I'll fight for you, against him, against the whole world if I have to, you're mine, Anya. Mine!" Misha clung to her tighter, as he let out a heart-wrenching sob.

Alexei, who had watched the scene trying to stay calm, decided he'd had enough.

He leaned down and grabbed Misha by the lapels of his suit, lifting him off the ground like a rag doll.

"Listen to me, you piece of scum, Anya is my wife now, she's mine, and I don't share what's mine, so you better disappear from our lives, or I swear I'll sink you so deep that not even the worms will find your corpse. Have I made myself clear?" He hissed, bringing his face inches from Misha's

Misha, eyes wide with terror, nodded frantically, he was drunk, but he was no fool.

Alexei let him go with contempt, letting him fall to the ground, then took Anya by the arm and dragged her off the dance floor, away from prying eyes, taking her to a secluded spot, once alone, he cornered her against the wall, pressing her body against his in a possessive and threatening gesture at the same time.

"You and I have a lot to talk about, moya zhena, starting with your long list of loves and your questionable loyalty." He growled, Anya felt his breath against her neck.

Anya shivered, Alexei's closeness, despite his cruel words, awakened a dangerous desire in her.

"There is nothing to talk about, my past is my business, as for loyalty, you are the last person to demand it, lyubov moya." He replied, raising his chin in a defiant gesture.

Alexei's eyes darkened, and for a moment Anya thought he was going to kiss her, to devour her whole until there was nothing left.

But instead, he jerked away, as if Anya's touch burned him.

"You're right, I have no right to demand your loyalty, but rest assured, I will earn your obedience, one way or another." He said with a dangerous smile.

And with that threat, Alexei turned and walked away, leaving Anya trembling against the wall, her heart racing and her skin burning where he had touched her.

The party continued around them, guests speculating about the bride and groom's future, but Anya barely noticed them, her mind and body consumed by Alexei, by his intensity, and by his undeniable attraction, and although a part of her feared the hell that awaited her, another part, the secret one, couldn't wait to burn in his flames.