“We’ve had breakfast already,” Kolya said. “Sorry, I didn’t wake you. But I thought you’d like a bit more sleep. Let me get you something.”
Before I could protest, he had risen and disappeared through the side door. Clara smiled at me and was about to say something when the doors opened, and Kolya burst back in, followed by the maids.
“Breakfast and tea,” he said before taking a seat again.
“Thank you,” I replied, nodding at the maids.
“So,” Clara said. “Tell me more about yourself.”
I eyed her for a moment. I wasn’t sure what she expected me to say. Or how much she knew about what had happened or was happening. Did she know how I became Kolya’s wife? Was she in on this? Could I trust her? My mind swam with questions.
“Well,” I started saying, then took a sip of my tea. “I work as an intern at a law firm.” Looking at Kolya, I wondered how much information I could share. “I’ve worked my way up topersonal assistant to the owner.” Glancing down, I rubbed my cup as I continued. “I’ve also completed my studies to become a lawyer, but have not received my certification.”
“That’s crazy, but amazing,” Clara replied. She had a peaceful disposition about her that I liked. She also sounded overly happy, which wasn’t something I expected. “You progressed so quickly and worked yourself up. It’s nice to have a lawyer in the family.”
“You know,” Kolya interrupted. “Clara’s my baby sister. It’s only me and her in our family. And of course, our cousins.” The two of them laughed as if he had told a joke.
Taking a bite of my croissant, I smiled and nodded. I was unsure if he wanted me to reply. Not that I knew what to say.
“Well, then,” he added as he got up. “I need to be heading out. I’ve got some business to take care of.” He walked to Clara and kissed her on the forehead. “I’ll leave you two to it. See you later, baby sis,” he added as he came around the table. Leaning in, he kissed my cheek before leaving.
His lips lit my cheek on fire. It felt like my face was about to erupt as the heat spread. His lips were soft but warm. Lifting my hand, I touched my cheek where he had kissed. Turning, I watched him in silence as he left us.
I almost forgot that Clara was there. If she didn’t speak, I would still have been in my head. “You and my brother look good together.”
I was stunned at her words. I stared blankly at her. How could she say something like that?
“Sorry,” Clara added. She leaned over the table, taking my hand and squeezing softly. “I didn’t mean to offend you or saysomething out of place. It’s just, looking at the two of you, you make the perfect….”
I couldn’t allow her to carry one. There was no stopping the words as they flowed out of my mouth and interrupted her. “I do not believe that! It can’t be true, as I was forced into this marriage. Do you understand that? I had no say in the matter!”
Clara sat staring at me. Her eyes were filled with care and compassion. Suddenly, she got up and came around the table. Clara pulled out Kolya’s chair, placed it before me, and sat down.
She took my hands as she spoke. “You know you can tell me anything. So please, elaborate on the marriage wasn’t by choice?”
What have I done, I thought, sighing. “I do not think it is my place to tell you what happened. If your brother didn’t inform you, I should keep quiet. He might get mad and end up punishing me,” I said.
Clara burst out laughing. I wasn’t sure what I had said that was so funny. I felt agitated at her. “Why are you laughing?” I demanded.
Catching her breath, she spoke between breaths. “My brother punishing a woman? He is one of the sweetest men I have ever met. There is no way he would ever hurt a woman, not me, and surely not you.”
I was utterly confused. Did she even know her brother? Has she spent time with him recently? Before I could formulate a question, she stood up and made a call. “Hi there, can you send a team out to Kolya’s residence?”
I sat wondering what was happening. Should I be worried? What was she planning? I watched her as she listenedfor a moment and then responded. “Thank you, we’ll be waiting.”
My head was spinning with all kinds of ideas about what was coming. I felt awkward and slightly scared, so I didn’t ask when she hung up. I just sat there staring as she left the room. When she came back, she was carrying a bottle of wine and two glasses.
Standing in the doorway, she smiled at me. “Come on then,” she said. Turning, she headed out. I followed her to the small lounge. As I entered, she motioned for me to sit down. Clara opened the bottle and filled the two glasses.
Handing me one, she spoke. “I have a little treat for us. We are going to spend the day together relaxing and chatting. I think we’ll get along superbly. What do you say?”
I had no words. My mind was empty. I took a big sip of the wine and nodded. Not sure what she wanted me to say. She had barely sat down when one of the maids came in.
“Miss Clara,” she said. “The people have arrived. Would you like them in the sunroom like before?”
“Yes, thank you,” Clara replied. She stood and held out her hand to me. The smile on her face made me think of a happy schoolgirl. It looked like she had just won student of the year, and she was thrilled to share. “Come on, sis, let’s get spoiled.”
It all felt very weird, and even more so after she called me 'sister'. I realized I was married to her brother. But we have never met before today. It was a bit insane. Yet, I rose and followed her to the sunroom. I had not been in this part of the house yet. But I was eager to see it.
