"Hello, good afternoon. Who are you looking for, My Lady?"
Viktor was surprised when he opened his in-laws' hotel room door. He saw the figure of a woman standing with her back to him. Viktor managed to control himself, and then he smiled.
Viktor took a few steps forward. The woman turned her body. How surprised Viktor was when the woman took off her sunglasses.
"Viktor, what took you so long? Did you know that I'm exhausted of waiting for you?"
Viktor smiled as he took the hand of the woman who turned out to be Xandrova. He stared at her from head to toe.
"You are absolutely perfect, Zoya!"
Viktor exclaimed with his eyes sparkling. Xandrova never expected this sweet treatment from her husband. It made her blush.
"Viktor, who's coming? Please invite our guest to come in, and don't let him be disappointed!"
Galana's voice boomed from inside the hotel room. Viktor laughed a little at that.
'Who did mom think came to visit them?' Viktor wondered in his mind.
"Did you hear Mom scream, Zoya?"
Viktor asked softly. Yes, Viktor always behaved like that towards his wife because he didn't want to lose Gennadius's trust.
"Yes, I heard that, Viktor."
Xandrova put her glasses back on and nodded. She looked at Viktor, who didn't stop smiling.
"Let's come in!"
Xandrova invited Viktor in. The man followed behind her.
"Huh?!"
How surprised Galana and Davidoff were when they saw their daughter step towards the sofa where her parents were sitting.
"Yーyou ...."
Galana couldn't hide her surprised face in front of Viktor and Xandrova.
"Mom, Dad, let's enjoy the summer sun on the banks of the Neva River!"
Xandrova invited her mother to go with her. Viktor watched his wife's movements from the doorway.
"Hey, Viktor!"
Davidoff called his son-in-law, surprising Xandrova.
"Yes, Dad?"
Viktor walked over to Davidoff. He saw Xandrova frowning.
"Why are you just standing there?! Hurry up and get us ready to bask in the sun!"
'Isn't it just sunbathing? What should I prepare? What did he want me to get ready for? I don't understand,' thought Viktor.
"Dad, please! Can't we go without any troublesome-trivial-unnecessary things? Let's go now, Viktor!"
Xandrova ignored Davidoff's orders. She grabbed Viktor's hand and walked away from his parents.
"Zoya! Zoya, wait for Mom!"
Galana shouted to stop Xandrova and Viktor. She got up and immediately rushed after them.
"David! No, chego zhe ty zhdesh?" It means, "So, what are you waiting for?"
Hearing Galana's scream, Viktor smiled without Xandrova knowing.
'Thank you, Zoya! You always saved me many times in front of your parents,' said Viktor inside his mind.
***
Viktor and Xandrova had just passed the lobby of the Four Seasons Hotel near the Neva River in St Petersburg, Russia. Neither Viktor nor Xandrova were aware that someone was waiting for them.
Bam!
A man suddenly bumped into Xandrova. It made Viktor Gusev Konstantin's wife lose her balance and almost fall.
"Aaarghhh!"
Xandrova was shocked and hysterical. Viktor deftly caught Xandrova's body, then took her into his arms.
"Are you okay, Zoya?"
Viktor looked worried about Xandrova. He helped Xandrova stand up and found out who had hit his wife.
"Oh, sーsorry! IーI didn't ...."
Viktor and Konstantin's family were shocked when they heard a familiar voice.
Viktor was surprised when he found out who was the figure of the man in front of him with his eyes wide open.
"ZoーZoya! You're Zoya, right?"
Of course, hearing her name mentioned made Xandrova turn her gaze towards the man who hit her earlier.
"MaーMaksim?"
As if she couldn't believe her eyes, Xandrova blinked many times while covering her mouth with both hands.
'God damn it! Why would this bastard be here?' Viktor asked, cursing in his mind.
Viktor immediately grabbed Xandrova's hand to make Maksim realize that the woman he had hit already had a husband who was now standing beside her.
"Oh my! Look, David! Who is currently standing in front of our daughter?"
Galana called out from a distance. She jogged over to Viktor, who was with Xandrova and Maksim.
"Maksim, what are you doing in this hotel?"
Galana pushed Viktor to get him away from Xandrova. Receiving unpleasant treatment, Viktor immediately stood right behind Xandrova and Galana.
'I have to keep with Zoya no matter what,' thought Viktor as he watched Maksim's suspicious movements.
"I'll go enjoy the beauty of summer on the banks of the Neva River, Mrs. Galana."
Maksim answered without hesitation. He looked at Galana for a moment before finally looking back at Xandrova.
"You're just getting prettier, Zoya!"
Maksim grabbed Xandrova's left hand and then brought it to his lips.
"Even after marrying a poor man like Viktor, who comes from a rundown orphanage on the edge of town, you still look like a diamond. But sadly, the brightest diamond was contaminated with trash because she married a filthy pest like this beggar!"
Viktor's face turned red after listening to the words of his wife's ex-fiancee.
"Oh, what's it, Viktor? Am I saying something wrong?"
Maksim immediately lowered his tone when Viktor glanced at him sharply.
"Excuse me, Mr. Maksim Smirnov Romanov. If you know that Zoya is married already, shouldn't you screw off from other men's wives?!"
With one breath, Viktor replied to Maksim's words while removing Xandrova's hand from Maksim. He glanced at Xandrova for a moment, then smiled.
"Let's go, my dear wife!"
Viktor and Xandrova were about to step forward, but Davidoff buried their intentions.
"Wait a second!"
Davidoff tried to prevent Viktor from taking Xandrova away from Maksim.
"Aren't you gonna accompany me to a reflexology massage at this hotel, Viktor?"
'What?! Reflexology?! Are you kidding me, Dad?! Is it their tricks? Is it their intention to bring Zoya and Maksim closer from the start?'
Various questions emerged in Viktor's mind. He quickly responded to Davidoff without losing respect for his father-in-law.
"I'm sorry, Dad! Perhaps it would be better if you went with Mom. Isn't that right, Mom? After all, Mom was the one who created the idea before."
Viktor asked Galana a question that made the woman hesitate to answer.
"Wait, Zoya!"
Maksim looked annoyed and tried everything to get Xandrova to stay with him.
"Can I join you guysーViktor and Xandrova?"
'You damn annoying brat! What the hell's he thinking?!' Viktor was furious. He screamed without a sound.
For the umpteenth time, Xandrova was silent. It seemed like she couldn't do anything in front of Maksim.
'Oh, come on, Zoya! Say something so this brat can stop messing around!'
Viktor cried in his heart. He was hoping his wife would be firm and reject Maksim's wishes.
"Do I look like I'm disturbing your little family?"
Maksim asked while looking at Viktor and Xandrova alternately. Xandrova's beautiful eyes always managed to hypnotize Maksim's heart.
"Mr. Maksim, I can't take it anymore!"
What Viktor said this time didn't just make Galana and Davidoff speechless. The fact was, it also succeeded in making Maksim stunned.
"What you mean is ...."
Maksim looked at Viktor questioningly. He waited for Viktor to explain the meaning of the sentence that had offended him."Tell me!"With a slight yell, Maksim ordered Viktor to quickly answer his question. However Maksim's bluster and sharp eyes didn't make Viktor's guts shrink. Instead, the man stared at Maksim as he pulls one corner of his lips up."For a man like you, shouldn't you be intelligent enough to understand my words, the honorable Mr. Maksim?!"Viktor grinned as he lightly tapped Maksim's left shoulder. He turned to Xandrova and found her looking at him. Viktor nodded to his wife."Come on, Zoya!"'Damn! How dare he mention my full name in an insulting tone! And, how dare he return my gaze,' Maksim is furious with Viktor's behavior. That poor guy shouldn't be able to move when I look at him, he continued inwardly.Viktor leaves with Xandrova, leaving behind his wife's family and Maksim, who is always trying to take Xandrova away from him. The man without a job held Xandr
Maksim's deep voice ended Xandrova's photo op with fans. They all looked at Maksim, who had just arrived. Aware of Maksim's presence, Viktor rushed to return the smartphone belonging to one of the teenagers and pulled Xandrova's hand to stand by his side."Aーaren't you ....""Yes, I'm Maksim Smirnov Romanov. The ex-fiancé of this pretty lady that you all praise!"Maksim interrupted one of the girls' words while pointing at Xandrova with his chin. Maksim's arrogant attitude just now, of course, made Viktor angry."Can't you show some manners in public, Mr. Maksim? You won't abandon a basic manner just because you are rich, will you?"It didn't matter if it was a question or a condescending sentence from Viktor's mouth. Because to be honest, Viktor intended to humiliate Maksim at every opportunity."So, why did you fail to get married, Mr. Maksim?" Again, the blonde girl asked a striking question."Mr. Maksim. Now is a great opportunity to humiliate Mr. Viktor, and you can't just miss i
This summer was different for Viktor. He was no longer alone. He had married Xandrova cause of the great master of the Konstantin familyーGennadius Zigfrids Konstantin, who matched his only granddaughter with Viktor. Viktor was extremely happy, although he couldn't fully say he was happy as long as poverty lingered.Viktor and Xandrova walked along the Neva river. Neither of them had spoken since leaving Maksim earlier. They were busy with their own thoughts. Their presence attracted the attention of everyone who was there.Viktor tries to contain his anger in front of Xandrova. He didn't want to scare his wife or make her feel uncomfortable when he was with her. And, Xandrova realized that. "Viktor, I ...."Viktor stopped his steps when he realized that Xandrova wanted to say something. Viktor grasped both of Xandrova's hands. "What's wrong? Just tell me, Zoya!"Xandrova looked up to see Viktor's handsome faceーeven more handsome than her ex-fiancé. "'I'm...I'm...."Two pairs of bea
For anyone who lives in Russia, it's not unusual for the days to be long during the summer months. By dinnertime, the sky was as clear as day. Viktor and Xandrova arrive at the restaurant where their parents are waiting for them.Viktor follows Xandrova's steps, which suddenly stop. Viktor followed Xandrova's gaze and understood why his wife had stopped.'Oh, wait! Who is the man sitting next to Davidoff?' Viktor asked as he looked at Xandrova who was glancing at him."Should we just leave, Viktor?"The tremor in Xandrova's voice let Viktor know that his wife was uncomfortable with the mysterious man's presence."What's wrong, Zoya? Do you think the man sitting next to Papa David is your ex-fiancé?"Xandrova snorted, then gave a small nod."Who else could he be?"Viktor chuckled. He took Xandrova's left hand and grasped it."You can't always run away from him, Zoya. You have to face the reality in front of you no matter how bitter it is!"'Do you understand what I'm saying, Zoya? I on
Davidoff asked as he put down his cutlery. He looked at Galana as he raised one eyebrow. "What do you think, Galana? Isn't that just a flower?"'Huh?! What?! Just a flower?! But did you know that every flower has its own meaning?!'Viktor looked at the red rose in Feliks' hand. Do you know the meaning of a red rose? That's right! Red roses symbolize love and affection. Unlike the other colors of roses. "Take that bouquet away from here!"Viktor had made a decision that surprised many. Feliks looked at his master to await further instructions. Not long after, Feliks nodded after Maksim snapped his fingers."Viktor, don't be stubborn!"Again, Davidoff reprimanded Viktor harshly. Likewise, Galana was just as upset as her husband. "How many times do I have to tell you, Viktor! It's just a bouquet of flowers.""Sorry, Ma. I stand my ground."True to his nature, Viktor was stubborn. And, he always stood his ground."Oh, it's okay, Pa, Ma. Every flower has its own meaning. But you don't h
Xandrova: Viktor, hurry up and come back! My parents and Maksim have set you up.Viktor read Xandrova's text message quickly. The message said that his parents-in-law and Maksim had framed Viktor.After learning what his in-laws had done, Viktor didn't stay silent. He ran to the door to leave his in-laws' room.Viktor's footsteps echoed through the corridors of the 7th floor of the Four Seasons Hotel. His only goal was to get Xandrova away from Maksim.***Too late! The table where he and Konstantin's family had dined last night was empty."Am I late? Where are you, Zoya?"Viktor regretted himself. He stopped a waitress who passed in front of him."Excuse me, miss. Did you see where the family eating dinner at the table went?"The waitress shook her head."I'm sorry, Sir. The family left ten minutes ago.""What about the lady in the family? Did you see her?"This time, the waitress nodded."The Young Lady you're referring to left with a man first."Viktor rubbed his face roughly. He k
"Yeah? What's wrong, Viktor? Have you finally changed your mind and let me see Beliye Nochi ?"Xandrova asked with full enthusiasm. He grabbed both of Viktor's hands.'Good grief! Who can resist Zoya's adorable face? He... he was like a white kitten teasing him to play.'Viktor said to himself while smiling. He didn't know and didn't understand why his heart always melted with Xandrova's adorable behavior."Okay... okay. However, promise to stay with me, Zoya!"A wide smile spread involuntarily on Xandrova's pink lips.Xandrova's blue eyes said thank you to Viktor without making a sound. Not thanking him for allowing her to see Beliye Nochi, but thanking him for being the most understanding and caring husband to her."Viktor, you're very handsome."Xandrova brought her husband's hands which she had been holding earlier to her lips. Then unexpectedly, Xandrova kissed him briefly."Humm?!"Viktor was fooled by Xandrova's words and behavior. His laughter suddenly broke out."Ha! Ha! Ha!
"Good evening, Miss."Viktor finally greeted the woman who was staring at him. He was uncomfortable and couldn't control himself if he got that kind of stare. Yes, like someone who needed a bedmate."Who's on your back?"The woman whose name Viktor didn't know asked without thinking about cause and effect. Occasionally the woman stood unbalanced. Her legs seemed unable to support her seductive body."My wife. That's right, she is my adorable wife.""Oh, IーI thought... I thought you were a single man bringing a woman into your room."'What a jerk this woman is!' Viktor cursed the nameless woman inwardly. He was annoyed by the woman's words."I apologize if I'm being rude. Let me introduce you, I'm Viona Zakharchenko. I'm a Russian-English mulatto. And, what is your name?"The woman named Viona extended her hand to Viktor, but Viktor couldn't welcome her.'Who would ask for her name? And, who wanted to get acquainted with this strange woman?'Viktor inwardly complained by asking the two
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