Chapter-7 : Mine, Whether You Like it or Not

Zoya stepped out, only to freeze at the voice that greeted her.

"Took you long enough."

Her breath hitched as she turned, and to her surprise, it was Kalix standing there. A sudden wave of panic rushed through her-Did he see? Did he find the envelope? No... I don't think so.

She stumbled for words. "What are you doing here?"

Kalix's gaze swept over her, a slow smirk forming on his lips. "You look beautiful in this."

Before she could respond, a staff member nearby added, "Sir, this is limited edition dress-only one piece is available in all of Russia. It arrived just today. Madam looks stunning in it, almost as if it were made just for her."

Kalix's smirk deepened. "Indeed, such a special piece should be worn by a special person. Pack this one."

Zoya hesitated for a second before excusing herself to change. Inside the dressing room, she calmed herself down. Relax. He doesn't know anything.

Once changed, she walked back out and immediately confronted him. "What are you doing here?"
Kalix shrugged, his expression unreadable. "Shopping."
She narrowed her eyes. "Don't lie."

With teasing smirk he replied, "I own this mall. Can't I be here?"

Zoya sighed, realizing there was no point in arguing. They walked to the counter, and as she reached for her card, Kalix's hand stopped her.

Don't disrespect me by paying the bill.

It's my job.

The staff smiled. "We'll deliver them to your car, sir."

Zoya interrupted. "Why? He'll carry it. It's his job." She shot him a smirk. "Isn't it?"

Kalix chuckled, amusement flickering in his eyes. "Why not, my dear wife."

And just like that, he carried all her shopping bags, earning glances from the surrounding crowd.

Next Kalix led her into a luxury showroom, one that reeked exclusivity.

Zoya frowned. "Why are we here?"

Kalix barely glanced at her as he spoke. "Only a few dresses aren't enough for my new wife."

She scoffed. "A fake wife!

Kalix smirked, unfazed. "Still my wife."
The moment they stepped in, a sales associate rushed over. "Mr. Volkov, Welcome. We have some exclusive pieces in stock you might like."

Then without hesitation, he said, "Show us the latest arrival."

Kalix leaned back lazily against sofa.

Staff asked, Mam what would you would you like to check out first, collection of heels, handbags or our exquisite jewellery selection?

Without hesitation he replied, "Let's start with the heels."

He then turned to Zoya who immediately protested. "I don't want these."

Kalix's smile widened as he countered, "Ever heard' good shoes take you to good places'?"

Zoya shot back, "And have you heard that buying shoes for your partner means they'll leave you?"

Kalix's eyes gleamed with amusement.

"Afraid of losing me already?"

Zoya nearly choked. What?! No—

Before she could finish, the staff interrupted. "Madam these are from our exclusive collection, crafted with the finest materials to ensure both elegance and comfort."

Zoya tried them on.

Kalix's gaze softened as he observed the heels. "They look perfect on you."

Zoya felt warmth creeping up her neck but masked it with an eye roll.

While looking around, a limited addition, sleek black handbag catches zoya's attention.

Kalix noticed. "You like it?"

Zoya quickly shook her head. "No, Just looking."

But before she could walk away, Kalix signaled the staff, "Pack this one too."

Zoya said. "I never said I wanted it."

Kalix leaned in slightly, low voice. "You looked at it for longer than two seconds. That's enough."

She exhaled, shaking her head. This man doesn't listen.

They stepped out, kalix carried all her shopping bags, as they approached the car, Zoya noticed viktor's absence.

Where's Viktor? She asked settling into the passenger seat.

Kalix started the engine, his expressions unreadable. "He went home long ago, Didn't you notice?"

Zoya shook her head, No I thought he might be strolling around.

The drive home was quiet.

Upon arrival, staff promptly delivered her bags to her room. Zoya was about to retreat when Kalix gently took her hand.

"Come with me."

He took her to living area, where Viktor stood alongside two unfamiliar individuals, their demeanor professional.

They all took seats, and one of the strangers began displaying a series of interior design concepts.

"What's all this?" Zoya asked.

Kalix met her gaze steadily. "I've arranged for renowed interior designers to design our new room, to create a space that reflects your tastes."

Zoya eyes widened slightly. "That's unnecessary."

Before Kalix could respond, Vktor interjected. "Madam Volkov, this is your home as well, we want you to have a place that suits your taste, so you can feel more comfortable.

Zoya shook her head. I'll adjust in no time. There's no need for this."
Kalix expression softened, "I insist."

After a moment of hesitation, she agreed.

They show her some designs on tablet. The designs were stunning-luxurious yet elegant.

Kalix watching her reaction closely, leaned forward. "What kind of room do you want?"

She glanced at him, then at the designs. "Something simple. Warm tones, nothing over-the-top."

Kalix smirked. "Not a fan of extravagance?"

Zoya shot him a look. "Not a fan of unnecessary luxury?"

Those interior designers added, we'll make sure it's exactly as you want madam.

Zoya turned to Kalix showed him a design, something like this.

Kalix studied the design before turning to the designers. "Make sure it's perfect. If she doesn't like even the smallest detail, change it."

Zoya scoffed. I'm not that difficult to please.

Kalix smirked. "I'm"

Zoya sighed. "You really didn't have to do this."

Kalix met her gaze, his tone effortlessly smooth. "I did. Because I can."

The designers assured him they'd make the adjustments and left. As soon they were gone, Zoya crossed her arms and, in an exaggerated deep voice, mimicked, "I did. Because I can."

Kalix turned to her, amused. "Is that supposed to be me?"

She smirked. "Oh, I'm sorry. Let me add the smirk-I did. Because I can. "She arched a brow, copying his usual expression.

With that, she turned and left foe her room.

Kalix watched her go, Exhaling through his nose before shaking his head slightly. "This women is crazy."
Viktor chuckled beside him. "Maybe. But my sister-in-law is cute."

Kalix scoffed but didn't deny it. Instead, as he turned away, he muttered under his breath, "Who said she isn't?"


Zoya shut the bathroom door behind, walking as she reached for her purse, curiously pulled out the envelope.

She had barely glanced at it earlier-Kalix's sudden presence had thrown her off.

She unfolded the documents. Her voice skimmed over the details. It was personal information on a man.

Name: John

Former Occupation : Bartender at{Eclipse Bar}

Current position: PR Manager for {Sebastian Heights}, Russia.

Zoya's grip on the paper tightened. A PR Manager? That meant he wasn't just surrender ex bartender. He had climbed the ranks, built connections, And now work for someone powerful.

Her mind raced.

This man worked at the Aniket used to visit. Was it a coincidence that he was now in Russia? That he had a respectable title but likely had dirt hidden beneath it?

Her reflection in the mirror showed the flicker of the Suspicion in her eyes. This wasn't just a lead. It was a key to something bigger.

She took a breath. The only thing left was to figure out a foolproof way to get in touch with him-without raising any suspicion this wasn't a simple conversation. One wrong move and he'd know that she was digging for something.

Just as she started forming a plan in her head she heard the faint sound of the door opening.

She quickly folded the papers, stuffing them into her purse before moving to the sink turning on the tap she splashed cold water.

Zoya's eyes flickered with curiosity as she stepped out of the bathroom. Standing near the door was Viktor, His usual composed expression in place.

"Come with me," he said simply.

She narrowed her eyes but followed him without a word. The walk was silent, Viktor stopped in front of a large door and pushed it open.

Inside was a spacious, elegant room warm lightning dark food bookshelves lining the walls, a sleek desk placed strategically near the window. The scent of new furniture still lingered in the air.

Viktor turned to her. "This is your study."

Zoya blinked. "My what?"

"Your personal space. From now on you can do your work here-whatever that may be." His tone was casual but there was an underlying weight to his words. "No one will come in or touch your things. Not even the staff is allowed without a permission. Not me." He paused for a second before adding, "Not my brother either."

Her fingers grazed the smooth surface of the desk as she possessed his words. A place of her own where she could think, plan, and keep things hidden.

She turned to Viktor. "Why?"

He leaned against the desk, watching her expressions closely. Not only because you leave here, But also because you have joined the business now. You might need to work from home. You'll have a lot of documents to go through, he continued. "It's not like you can work 24/7 at the office. This space gives you the calm environment to continue working when needed.

She crossed her arms, scanning the room again. Something about this was too... accommodating. "Is there any CCTV?" she asked casually.

Viktor chuckled. "No, of course not."

He chuckled lightly again, tilting his head. Well, I know this is your place, but since I'm assisting you with everything your work, your documents-am I allowed in?

She gave him a pointed look, arms still crossed, "Of course not."

His smirk deepened. "Harsh."

"You can come in, she added smoothly," "but only in my presence."

Viktor sighed dramatically. "Guess I should knock first then."

Zoya's lips curled slightly. "That would be wise."

As the dinner time approached, a staff member called for them. They both went to the dining area, where Ellen was waiting with a warm smile.

She stepped forward, holding a delicate, traditional heirloom necklace in her hand. "I wanted your entry to be grand and prepare something really special," she said.

"But Kalix didn't let me do anything. He said you might feel uncomfortable-coming to an unknown country, among unfamiliar people. "She sighed, then smile again. "I suppose he was right." But I hope that once you feel at home here, we can have a small gathering here, where I can introduce you to everyone properly.

Victor smirked, glancing at Kalix. "Oh? He cared for you even before you arrived here, huh?"

Zoya arched a brow but said nothing. Before she could respond, Viktor reached into his coat pocket-He took out a sleek elegant box and flipped it open with ease revealing a delicate silver bracelet resting on soft velvet.

Zoya eyes landed on the back of the bracelet, where something was engraved in Russian. She leaned in slightly to read it, but Viktor was quicker.

"It says, 'You are stronger than you think," he translated smoothly.

Her breath hitched.

For a moment, everything around her faded. Her mind took her back to another time-Aniket's voice warm, and steady, whispering the same words whenever she was sad. He had always said that to her, always believed in her, even when she struggled to believe in herself.

She swallowed, pushing the memory back.

Viktor noticed the shift in her expression but didn't comment. Instead he gently took her wrist and clasped the bracelet around it himself, securing it in place.

"There," he said, stepping back. "Perfect."

Zoya glanced at the bracelet, her fingers tracing over the engraving once more.

Before the silence could stretch, Ellen's voice called from the dining table, reminding them that dinner was ready.

IN THE BEDROOM

Zoya changed into the full length nightwear she bought earlier and walked past Kalix, Settling onto her side of bed. The silk fabric felt soft against her skin, A stark contrast to the shots she usually wore.

Kalix, still seated on the couch, glanced up briefly before returning his attention to his phone. But after a moment, his eyes flickered back to her, taking in the change.

"Is this what you bought today? It suits you.

Zoya leaned back against the headboard, adjusting her sleeves. "Had to. Someone seemed unfairly bothered last this morning."

A slow smirk tugged at his lips. "You think I was bothered?" He leaned back, setting his phone aside. "If I remember correctly, you were the one who seemed... conscious."

And.

"I think you overestimated my self-control if you thought covering up would help.

Zoya: You... sighed.

She rolled her eyes, slipping under the blanket, I should've even shorter ones instead, saying to herself.

Kalix heard it. His smile deepened. "You really wanna test my self-control?"

"You wish." She pulled the blanket over herself, turning away.

Kalix chuckled lowly. "That almost sounds like an invitation."

She huffed, "Good night."

Her tone was little too sharp, a little to fast-like She was just cutting down the conversation before it could go anywhere. Kalix chuckled under his breath clearly entertained, but didn't push further.

The days passed in a blur of work. Zoya threw herself into preparations for the launch, often staying up late reviewing documents and perfecting strategies. More than once, she fell asleep at her desk, only to wake up under the warmth of blanket-one she hadn't placed there herself. She never mentioned it, but deep down, she knew exactly who was responsible.

Kalix and Viktor was just as focused, ensuring everything went smoothly for the launch. Meanwhile, Zoya had another goal in mind- finding a way to meet John, witjout raising suspicion.

One afternoon, during a business meeting, Kalix introduced Zoya to a potential partner. "Meet her, she's the new director of Swastik Textiles and handling our upcoming launch."

The businessman extended a polite greeting, and to Kalix and Viktor's surprise, Zoya responded in Russian, engaging in a brief yet confident conversation.

Kalix and Viktor looked at her, with "amusement and shocked."

When the businessman left, Viktor leaned closer. "Okay, hold up-when did you learn Russian?"

Kalix, standing beside them, also spoke up. "How come you speak Russian?"

Zoya shrugged, keeping it casual. I'm still learning. Just cleared the basics for conversations."

Victor narrowed his eyes. "How come you never mentioned it?"

Zoya smirked. "Because you never asked. And you always make sure to have English speaking stuff around me."

Kalix didn't say anything, but the way he looked at her made it clear-he was thinking about this more than he let on.

Neither of them pressed further, but later that night, when she was in her study a packaged arrived-a Russian language book with a small note tucked inside.

"This might help."

She didn't need to check the sender to know who it was.

_____

As the launch date approached, Viktor noticed something else. Zoya had been receiving calls-multiple times, from the same number-yet she ignored them every time. He didn't ask her about it, but made sure to let Kalix now.

Kalix didn't react immediately, but the thought lingered.

Who was calling her-and why was she ignoring them?