Her response came quickly. [Okay, I'll be waiting!]
That evening, my father summoned me to the main house for dinner with him, Natasha, and her parents. An unavoidable pre-engagement dinner. I had no choice but to lie about an emergency meeting and text Elena to go home after work.
The long dining table was laden with elegant dishes, but nobody's attention was on the food. These dinners were never about eating.
"Igor, once we join forces with the Ivanov family, our East Coast drug distribution channels will be completely locked down." My father looked at me, eyes deep and sharp. "This is what your grandfather always wanted to accomplish but never could."
I cut into the steak on my plate, nodding with a steady, calm voice. "I understand the importance of this marriage alliance."
"It's going to happen soon." Natasha's mother spoke up. "But besides business, young people's personal lives matter too, don't they?"
Her gaze turned to me. "Igor, have you and Natasha discussed where you'll live after the engagement? I know the Vorontsov Estate is your home, but if you're willing, I could have my Long Island villa redecorated for you both."
I glanced at Natasha. She was smiling at me, her eyes holding a pointed reminder. I knew what she was waiting for.
"We'll live at the Vorontsov Estate," I said calmly. "It's thefamily foundation—our future home."
Natasha's smile deepened. "I already have some ideas for redecorating the master bedroom, but I'll get Igor's input first."
She kept her eyes on me as she spoke.
"I trust your taste." I played along naturally, like a real fiancé would.
"How wonderful!" Natasha's mother clapped her hands, face breaking into a satisfied smile. "Maybe you'll need a nursery too, right?"
"Absolutely!" Alexander immediately chimed in. "I have some excellent designer contacts."
My father nodded as well, speaking with the tone of finalizing a deal. "These things need to be prioritized."
"Though we can take our time with that," I spoke up, voice unhurried. "Security for the engagement banquet is more important. Can't let our guard down with Salvatore's movements."
"You're absolutely right." Father nodded approvingly.
Alexander agreed. "Perfect opportunity to show everyone the power of our families united. Anyone who dares challenge us will pay the price."
"I have complete faith in Igor's abilities." Natasha chimed in perfectly, her hand lightly covering my arm. "With him here, I feel completely safe."
I nodded, shoving a piece of steak in my mouth.
"My Natasha has been raised from childhood to be a proper wife." Natasha's mother said proudly. "She understands responsibility, knows how to support a powerful man."
"Natasha is indeed exceptional." I looked up at Natasha's mother with a diplomatic smile.
This made everyone at the table beam with satisfaction, including Natasha. Only I knew how heavy my chest felt saying those words.
Dinner stretched until late night. Each exquisite dish was served, then cleared away largely untouched. Natasha and her parents left, but my father kept me back. Said he wanted to discuss final details for tomorrow's engagement banquet. But I knew better—father was anold fox. Maybe he sensed something, wanted to keep me tied down here.
I was right. After keeping me back, father didn't say anything, just went to his study and didn't emerge until dawn.
I showered and returned to my room, lying on that massive bed, pulling out my phone. Several missed calls from Elena, plus dozens of unread messages.
[Is your meeting still going?]
[Igor, I'm worried about you, can you call me back?]
[Are you not coming home tonight?]
I could picture the anxious, hurt expression on her face when she sent these.
