As a young woman already the wife of a poor man like Viktor, it wasn't easy. Viktor never made any demands of Xandrova. But when she found out that another woman had openly said she would take Viktor away from her, Xandrova began to think of ways to keep Viktor by her side. "You're truly beautiful, Zoya. No wonder so many men are captivated when they see your charms!" Viktor praised his wife sincerely. For him, having Xandrova was the most beautiful thing in his life. "It's a blessing for me to have you, Zoya." "Don't tease me, Viktor!" Xandrova pursed her lips. She looked the other way to avoid eye contact with Viktor. "I realized that I'm not beautiful and I don't have body goals like that woman!" Again, Xandrova pursed her lips for the second time. 'Oh my! She's still thinking about Viona,' Viktor thought as he shook his head. "I'm just trying to tell you the truth, Zoya. I love you for who you are. Just trust me!" Viktor looked back at Xandrova's smiling face. "Really?"
"I know her, Viktor. If you're curious about her, I can introduce you to her." 'Judging by the look on her face, Zoya wasn't angry with me at all. Was she not jealous of the prima ballerina? However, I didn't know what was in her heart.' Several perceptions arose in Viktor's mind. He looked at Xandrova who was focusing on the ballet dancers. "Where do you know her, Zoya?" "Oh, Olesya Zakharova was my best friend when we were at school." Xandrova answered Viktor's question without turning around. "Zoya, how many acts does Giselle's performance consist of?" Viktor asked Xandrova, who was enjoying the ballet performance in front of her eyes. "Two acts, Viktor." The first act had begun. All eyes in the Mariinsky Theater looked up at the stage. Viktor took Xandrova's hand. Viktor watched scene after scene on the stage until the scene where the main character ended his life. The music changed. Finally, there was a roar of applause from the audience. "Aargghhh! The first act set i
Viktor widened his eyes, as did Xandrova. He saw his wife staring at Maksim. "What does that mean, Maksim?" Viktor was taken aback that Xandrova wasn't behaving as usual. "Ha! Ha! Ha! Since when do you have no manners for me, Miss Zoya?" Maksim sassily teased Xandrova. He touched Xandrova's pointed chin in front of Viktor. Oh, it certainly made Viktor's blood boil to see it. "How dare you flirt with someone else's wife, Mr. Maksim!" Viktor stepped closer to Maksim to get Xandrova away from the shameless man. "Caleb, take Miss Zoya away from here!" Caleb bowed and replied, "Yes, Mr. Viktor. Caleb turned to Xandrova. " Come on, Miss!" "But, Viktor ...." Viktor stared at Xandrova for a moment, then nodded for his little wife to follow his wishes. "Go with Caleb! I'll catch up with you, Zoya." Xandrova finally left with Caleb. Time like this was, of course, put to good use by Viktor. "Listen to me carefully, Mr. Maksim!" Viktor grabbed the coat lapel Maksim. "Oh, take it ea
Viktor closed the hotel room door with his foot. He leaves the cardlock in place to keep the light on.Viktor steps into the bedroom. He laid Xandrova down gently."You look exhausted, Zoya."Viktor placed his wife's handbag on the nightstand. Then, he removes the boots Xandrova is still wearing.***The summer vacation is over. Viktor and his wife had returned to the Konstantin family mansion in the Leningrad district."Where's Grandpa? Why is he nowhere to be seen?"Xandrova asked the maid who had faithfully cared for her since she was a toddler."The Great Master is waiting for you in the dining room for breakfast.""The dining room?!"Viktor saw Galana's eyes nearly jump out of their sockets. However, Viktor remained as calm as ever."Yes, ma'am."Viktor followed his mother-in-law and wife's footsteps to the dining room. For some reason, his instincts told him things were about to get out of hand."Hello, Papa-in-law."Galana greeted Gennadius first. The 50-year-old woman pressed
Viktor and Xandrova were stunned to hear Davidoff utter such inappropriate vitriol.'What the hell is Papa David?! Has Papa never once respected Grandpa?! And, Mama... as a wife, did she never advise him?!'Viktor ran through the questions in his mind. He noticed that Gennadius' face was flushed with a tightened jaw."Pa, it's not nice to talk to Grandpa like that!"Viktor spontaneously rebuked Davidoff in a slightly high tone. He also threw a glare at Davidoff."Ha! Ha! Ha!"Davidoff laughed at Viktor's behavior. And, Viktor was even more furious to see Davidoff acting like someone who had lost his mind."So funny, isn't it?! You can say that because Grandpa Gennadius has given you so many facilities, Viktor! As for me?!"Davidoff looked at Viktor who was opening his eyes wide and aiming at him."Oh, so that's why Papa had the nerve to say that to Grandpa?" Xandrova spoke up. She nodded as she looked at her father. "And, Mama ...." Now, Xandrova turned her face to Galana. "Why are yo
And once again, Xandrova reassured her husband. However, it was clear from her gaze that Viktor couldn't believe her.A summer breeze entered the Konstantin family's dining room through the wide-open windows. The warm rays of the morning sun greeted Viktor's snow-white skin just like Xandrova's beautiful, well-groomed skin. The couple lived under the same roof in the Konstantin family's luxurious mansion. It's a classically designed mansion that showcases the decorative side of the past."Get on with it, Viktor, and don't beat around the bush like this!" Davidoff exclaimed to his son-in-law who was never considered."I'm sorry if you all waited so long for my decision. Because to be honest... this is really difficult for me."'If I make the wrong decision, Papa and Mama will blame me for what happened to their daughter, right?' Viktor thought hard about this. Viktor was confident in his assumption just now."Because I don't want you and Mama Galana to blame me for what will happen to
Viktor was sitting across from his wife. He openly talks about his concerns over Xandrova's decision to return to education. The couple were silent as well as staring at each other. "All right, Viktor. I understand and agree to all the terms you said earlier." Viktor smiled and was relieved to hear Xandrova say so. "Okay, Zoya. I'll have Andriy take care of all your college preparations." Xandrova nodded in agreement. "Yes, Viktor. I'll be waiting for good news from you." Viktor rubbed the top of Xandrova's head, then walked to the balcony of her room. He walks while playing with his smartphone. Viktor: Andriy, take care of Zoya's paperwork and make sure she's treated well at college! That's Viktor. Just sending a short one-sentence message without any further ado. *** Today is Viktor's first day of work at the Konstantin family company located in the Moskovsky district of St Petersburg, Russia. He went to the office with Gennadius as well as three other men, one of whom was
Viktor stood in the corner of the office on the 7th floor. Yes, the same floor as Gennadius. He gazed at the beautiful view visible from his room. In the man's hand, there was a document that Gennadius had given him earlier. And, he wasn't alone."Mr. Viktor, is there anything you don't understand about the document in your hand?Viktor let out a long breath. It wasn't long before he turned around."Andriy, there are so many things I don't understand."Viktor walks over to the desk. He sits down across from Andriy."Do you know someone who can track?"Andriy tries to understand Viktor's question. However, in the end he asked to avoid misunderstanding his master."Tracking?"Viktor nodded decisively at the assistant. "Yes. I want someone trustworthy and an expert in tracking."Viktor watched Andriy fall silent. Deep down, he would love to have tracking skills."Is it like a detective?"Viktor shakes his head. "It doesn't have to be like a detective. The criteria I need is someone who h
The following days, Xandrova went to college with Fang because Viktor was busy in his office. Xandrova understood that, but not her heart. Viktor felt guilty, but he couldn't leave his work. "Zoya, I feel you. I'll pick you up. What time will you be home?" Now, Viktor is in his room with Andriy. He calls his wife, who has been sulking for the past few days. The significant age gap has always exercised Viktor's patience in dealing with his wife. "No need. I'll go home with Fang, as usual." With a slightly irritated tone, Xandrova answered Viktor's question. "Zoya, I know you're mad at me because I've failed to keep my promises several times. However, this Friday night I'll take you to visit a café where I'll ask your opinion about it." Viktor was always gentle with Xandrova. Yes, he didn't want the image he had built up to crumble over such a trivial matter. "Café?" Xandrova asked in disbelief. "Yes. The new café on Nevsky Prospekt. Would you like to go there wi
'Why would Grandpa suspect Papa David? Even though Papa is his son.'Viktor thought hard. He never thought that he and Gennadius had the same thoughts about Davidoff."Because I always suspected that he had hidden cooperation with Maksim."Gennadius raised his face as he expressed what was in his head just now."Why would Grandpa suspect that? Do you have some evidence?"Gennadius shook his head."Because I once caught the two of them discussing shares in Konstantin's family company.""Stocks?!"Viktor remembered when Zoya once said that she had 10% shares in the Konstantin family."Yes, Viktor. Therefore, you must control this family company and let David go on business trips to other cities!"'I know that for sure. Because Grandpa has given you the task of controlling the Konstantin Co company from the start.' Viktor monologued to himself."Surely you still remember, don't you, why I wanted you involved?"Viktor nodded as he agreed."Of course, Grandpa.""When I first saw the potent
"Andriy, take this woman out right now! Don't let her come into my office again. If she needs anything, you serve her!" Viktor exclaimed without looking at either Andriy or Evelina."If you ask me why, I'll answer that I'm sick of her face and disgusted by her behavior! I'm a married man. I'll always keep my good name and my wife's good name!"Andriy let out a long breath, then immediately responded to Viktor's words. "I get it, Mr. Viktor."Andriy closed his eyes for a moment. Then, he turned to look at Evelina."Miss Evelina, my Master always maintains an attitude towards any woman. Besides, my master loves cleanliness. My master doesn't like to come into contact with anything or anyone, other than his wife."Evelina rounded her eyes. Evelina was offended because she felt that she was the only beautiful woman in Konstantin's companyーat least that was the rumor spread throughout Konstantin Co."Hmm, okay. I get it, Mr. Andriy. I did touch Mr. Viktor's tie, but I did it to justify it
Viktor finally arrived at Konstantin's family company. He walked through the corridor to his office. However, something interrupted his vision. Viktor stopped his steps. He looked at the faces of his employees one by one. "Good morning, Mr. Viktor." An employee sitting right in front of Viktor greeted him. However, Viktor didn't pay any attention to him. "Hey, you!" Viktor pointed at a man wearing glasses sitting on a chair in the corner of the room. The man was hiding behind a cubicle. "Me?" Finally, the man stood up and looked at Viktor. "Yes, you. Come here!" Everyone who was there looked at the man. The man with glasses immediately walked hesitantly towards Viktor while adjusting his glasses. "W-what's wrong, Mr. Viktor?" The man made a mistake. He adjusted the collar of the clothes that were still neat. "I'm going to give you an assignment." Andriy frowned at the master's words. "Assignment? What task, Mr. Viktor?" Viktor smiled as he looked at the man's face. Then
"Ha! Ha! Ha!"The sound of Gennadius' laughter filled the entire living room where he, Yuri, and Andriy were. Viktor and Xandrova turned to the source of the sound.'Oh, no! They must have seen me flirting with Zoya!'Viktor said to himself. He didn't know and didn't expect everyone to see his silly behavior with Xandrova."Grandpa ...."Xandrova smiled awkwardly when she saw Gennadius laughing at her and Viktor."We'll be leaving soon, Grandpa."Viktor was no less awkward than Xandrova. He took his wife's hand and led her away."I'm so glad to see you guys getting along. Keep it up like that! I believe that one day when trouble comes, you'll be ready to talk about it heart-to-heart."'Yes, that's right. That's why I'm trying to win Zoya's heart and make her comfortable with me, Grandpa.'Viktor realized that he and Gennadius had the same train of thought. Viktor smiled."Hopefully we won't disappoint you, Grandpa."Viktor bowed followed by Xandrova."We're leaving now, Grandpa."Just
Today is the first day of Xandrova's studies at St Petersburg State University. The campus is located on Vasilievsky Island. During the Soviet Union, the largest and oldest university in Russia was called Leningrad State University."Zoya, I'll take you to campus before I go to work."Xandrova stopped eating and turned to Viktor."Aren't you gonna be late for work? Because considering the distance between my campus and your office is not close, Viktor.""Zoya has a driver. So, let the driver take her."Davidoff gave a terse opinion. He didn't stop eating at all while speaking."It's not because you're the son-in-law of this family that you can just come to the office. There is no privilege for the family though."Davidoff was still speaking curtly. Gennadius also glanced at him from the corner of his eye."Can't you shut up, David? You're making my appetite disappear."Xandrova felt guilty for causing such an early morning commotion."Everyone has spent the summer vacation. Today is Z
There's nothing more fun than being with family, right? At least that's what Gennadius thought when he saw Viktor and Xandrova."Ha! Ha! Ha! You guys make Grandpa jealous! Where can Grandpa buy a time machine to go back in time with your Grandma? Ha ha ha!"This old man who liked to laugh leaned his head while continuing to stare at the couple Viktor and Xandrova."Grandpa, do you love Grandma with all your heart?” Xandrova suddenly sat in front of Gennadius with a sweet smile."Oh, come on, Zoya! Don't tease me!"Viktor took Xandrova's hand and asked her to stand up. "Stand up! Let's go back to my office room!"Like it or not, Xandrova followed her husband's orders so that she could gain the title of an obedient wife in Viktor's eyes."Okay." Xandrova stood up with Viktor's help. She turned to Gennadius. "Grandpa, we're leaving. Don't work too hard!" Xandrova smiled again at Gennadius."Go away!"Gennadius let Viktor and Xandrova leave his room."See you at lunch, Grandpa!"Xandrova
"Of course, Mr. Viktor.""Of course, Mr. Viktor."The two women nodded their heads while answering Viktor's question."Good."Now, Viktor looked at Andriy."I'm done, Andriy. You can take over now!""Yes, Sir."Andrei nodded. He walked over to give several pieces of paper to the two women. Meanwhile, Viktor walked out of the HRD room."Please fill in the data we need! Then after that, we will conduct several tests after lunch."Viktor has handed over the next task to Andriy. He would go to Gennadius' office room to see Xandrova.***Viktor knocked on the door of Gennadius' office."Come in!"As usual, Gennadius shouted from inside. Viktor heard Gennadius' hoarse voice."Hello, Grandpa."Viktor greeted him as he opened the door. He saw Zoya sitting opposite Gennadius at the old man's desk."Did Zoya trouble Grandpa? I'm deeply sorry about that."Viktor felt bad for Gennadius. But Gennadius laughed at his question."Ha! Ha! Ha! How could my granddaughter do that?""Viktor, you always sa
Viktor walked with Andriy to his office room. In front of them, Xandrova took the hand of Gennadius who was limping along. Xandrova looked back and smiled."Viktor, good!"Xandrova looks cheerful. Viktor was happy to see her. Gennadius also turned around. However, the man nodded to signal that Xandrova would be safe with him."Thank you, Zoya."Viktor responded to Xandrova's words happily. Viktor didn't immediately enter his office room before seeing the two of his favorite people turning right towards Gennadius' office room."Miss Zoya has turned the corner, Sir. Let's go into your office room!"Andriy invited Viktor to come in. Viktor agreed. After attaching the cardlock to the sensor, Viktor entered with long strides."You know, Andriy, the photo of Papa David that you sent me last night?" Viktor walked to the work desk and sat there anxiously."What's with those photos, Sir?"Viktor took a moment to breathe. He sat there looking at Andriy."Papa knows about the contents of the coo