Page 201 of Maddening Fixation

I had been here countless times with Egor back when we were simply friends.

Back before everything had become so complicated.

It was one of the city’s most exclusive establishments, catering almost entirely to wealthy businessmen, politicians, and billionaires.

Security was notoriously strict, and anyone who caused trouble was escorted out almost immediately.

That knowledge offered me the smallest measure of comfort despite the dress I was wearing.

I walked inside.

The guards recognized me immediately.

“Good evening, Miss Sokolov.”

Neither of them questioned my appearance as they stepped aside to let me pass.

Inside, the atmosphere was unexpectedly subdued.

The club wasn’t particularly crowded tonight.

Soft, melancholic music drifted through the room while couples swayed beneath warm amber lights. Some danced with their wives.

Others with women who clearly weren’t.

Crystal glasses caught the dim lighting, sending shimmering reflections across polished marble floors.

I slowly scanned the room, searching for Egor.

“Looking for me?”

The familiar voice came from beside me.

I turned.

A quiet sigh escaped me.

Egor.

The memory of our last encounter flashed through my mind—his desperate confession, his marriage proposal, and the ugly threat he’d made after I rejected him.

My expression hardened.

“I’m really sorry about what happened last time,” he said, nervously pushing a hand through his hair.

“I loved you so much that... I didn’t know how to handle being rejected.”

I said nothing.

The silence between us stretched uncomfortably.

Seeing the anger still written across my face, he forced an awkward smile.

“Come on.”

He gestured toward the back of the club.

“I already reserved a private booth for us.”