Chapter-3: A Fateful Encounter

A Grand Wedding & A Hidden Plan

The wedding was set for the end of the week, the entire Swastik Mansion was buzzed with preparations. Politicians, businessmen, celebrities and high profile figures were expected to attend. Lavish decorations adorned the hall, expensive gifts flooded in, and the media was already speculating about grand union between Swastik and Volkov families.

Unlike the chaos in Zoya's home, Kalix's family preparation were far more discreet. Viktor and his stepmother is kalix's only family. His stepmother {Ellen}, was handling everything at Volkov Mansion in Russia, eager to welcome his daughter-in-law. His stepbrother, Viktor, had arrived in London two days earlier to oversee arrangements.

Kalix himself was still in Russia, finalizing the launch of Swastik Textiles. He planned to arrive just a day before wedding.

Meanwhile, Zoya played the role of perfect daughter. She attended fittings, smiled through endless ceremonies, and let her family believe she had accepted her fate.

But in reality, she was waiting.

Calulating.

On the afternoon before the wedding, she saw a chance.

Zoya's Escape

The mansion was a storm of activity.

Florists rushed in with bouquets, decorators extravagant displays, and staff scrambled to fulfill last minute requests. Her mother was busy supervising, her father was busy with calls and security was focused on guests.

Zoya had never had a better opportunity.

Dressed in a simple outfit, she slipped out through back garden, where staff moved in and out without paying her much attention. She walked out of the estate's side gate and vanished into the city.

She made her way to the public telephone booth.

At telephone booth, she dialed a number only she knew.

The line connected. No greetings.

"It's me, she said."

"What happened?" the voice on the other end asked.

"They tricked me," Zoya said in hushed but firmed voice. "They used the me in the name of business, they've arranged my marriage. It's happening tomorrow."

"This isn't what we planned," she took a deep breath. I never expected this.

But__ I escaped. I've decided, I won't go as a bride or businesswoman- I'll complete this mission own my owm.

Silence. Then, a response.

"Come to London Bridge."

No name. No hesitation. The call ended.

Kalix arrival in th UK

Kalix landed in London that afternoon. His arrival was meant to be low-key, unlike Viktor's grand entrance two days earlier.

The moment he stepped out of the airport, he took a slow breath of the crisp London air. For once he had time. No meetings, no family obligations- just few hours to wander before heading to Vikram's farmhouse, where victor was waiting.

He had done his research on Zoya. He knew who she was. What he didn't know was how unpredictable she could be.

His phone buzzed.

Viktor.

Kalix answered expecting a routine update. Instead, Viktor's voice was tense.

"She's missing."

Kalix stopped walking. His fingers curled slightly around the phone. Missing?

"What do you mean?" His tone was controlled, but there was edge to it.

"She vanished this afternoon. No one saw her leave. Vikram is losing it. Security is being checked, but so far nothing. Her family is covering it up to avoid scandal."

Kalix exhaled slowly, his mind already working through the possibilities,

Viktor continued, "We need to____"

"We don't need to do anything, "Kalix cut in smoothly. His lips curled into a faint smirk. "She'll be back."

Viktor scoffed. "You're too calm about this"

"I always am"~ Kalix

"And what if she doesn't come back?"~ Viktor

Kalix's voice dropped slightly, a quiet confidence lacing his words.

"Then I'll bring her back myself."

A Fateful Encounter

Zoya arrived at London Bridge, her senses alert. The air was crisp, the city lights reflecting off the water below. She was supposed to meet someone here.

But before she could search the crowd, a soft cry caught her attention.

A little girl, no older than five, stood near the railing, tears rolling down her cheeks.

Zoya hesitated. This wasn't her problem. She had bigger things to deal with.

But then the child clutched the end of dress, tiny fingers trembling.

Zoya sighed.

She knelt down, her voice softer than expected. "Hey, sweetheart what's wrong?"

The girl sniffed. " I-I lost my mama and papa."

Before zoya could respond, a calm, deep voice spoke from behind her.

Are you lost?

The voice was smooth, unhurried.

Zoya glanced over his shoulder and froze.

He stood there, hands in his pockets, watching the child with unreadable expressions. His sharp features were highlighted by the glow of the city lights. He looked effortless, dangerous, and elegant all at once.

She didn't know him.

But he knew her.

Kalix had recognized her the moment he saw her. The girl he meant to marry, standing right in front of him, completely unaware of who he was.

The little girl sniffed, pulling their attention back.

"Do you remember what your parents were wearing?" Zoya asked gently.

The girl nodded. " Mama had a red coat… Papa had a blue one."

Kalix's sharp gaze swept across the area. A few meters away, a couple was frantically searching the crowd. A women in red and man in blue.

"There." Kalix pointed.

The girl ran eyes widened. "Mama! Papa!"

She ran towards them, and her parents gasped,scooping her into their arms.

The mother turned to Kalix and Zoya, her eyes brimming with gratitude. "Thank you so much. We were terrified."

Zoya nodded offering a smile.

Kalix simply responded with a polite tilt of his head.

As the family left, Zoya remembered why she was here. Her heart pounded as she turned, scanning the crowd.

Kalix, however wasn't ready to let her go yet.

"You seem local here," he said, his voice light, "Any recommendations for tourist?"

Zoya hesitated, caught off guard.

"I'm not familiar with the city either," she admitted. "But I heard Hyde park is famous tourist spot. Maybe try there."

Kalix lips curled slightly. "Noted."

Without another word zoya turned and walked away.

Kalix watched her leave, amusement flickering in his eyes.

She didn't know who he was .

She would soon.

The Hardest Decision

As Zoya walked through the streets, her thoughts were clouded by the stranger's piercing gaze. There was something about him that felt…different.

A small boy suddenly past her, slipping a folded note in her hand before disappearing into the crowd.

Her breath hitched.

Unfolding the paper, her stomach tightened at the message:

"Stop being fool. Marry Kalix and go to Russia. He has connections that can help us. If you choose to go independently, we'll have to start from scratch. Don't let your emotions take over you. We don't have time for that."

Her fingers tightened around the slip.

She wasn't supposed to doubt herself now. She had spent years preparing for revenge, for justice.

But the note was right. She didn't have time.

"This is the life I chose," she whispered to herself. "I won't back out now."

Meanwhile at Vikram's farmhouse, Kalix arrived where Viktor had been staying.

Just as Kalix was about to enter the hall, Vikram's phone rang. {Grace.}

"She's back," Grace informed him. "She said she just went out for some fresh air."

Vikram exhaled in relief, hanging up. Told this news of relief to Kalix and Viktor.

"You don't seem to worried about your missing bride," Victor said.

Kalix poured himself a drink, swirling the liquid before taking a slow sip.

"She was never truly lost," he mumured.

Viktor frowned. "What do you mean?"

Kalix leaned back, his thoughts drifting to Zoya. The fire in her eyes. The determination. The way she spoke to him, unaware of who he was.

"She doesn't know yet," he said, smirking. "But she'll soon."