Chapter-8: The Women in the Headlines

The morning of launch was hectic. At the venue, the event team was making last minute adjustments, ensuring everything was perfect. Meanwhile, at the house, Kalix and Viktor was dressed.

Kalix, Dressed in a tailored black suit, exuded a powerful aura-charismatic, effortless and utterly captivating. His mere presence was enough to command attention. Viktor, looking just as sharp, was already prepared when He noticed that Zoya wasn't dressed for the event yet.

Kalix frond as he approached her. Why aren't you ready yet? You're the director.

Zoya barely glanced up from the documents in her hands. "I have some work to finish. I'll get ready in the afternoon and be there on time."

His gaze lingered on her for a moment before he asked, "Are you not coming with us to pick up your parents?"

"I have something else to handle, "she replied, shutting the file."

Kalix didn't push further but his sharp eyes stayed on her as if trying to read between the lines.

A while later, before leaving for the venue. She made her way to Victor's room. When he opened the door, he raised a brow. "Did you miss me already?"

He invited her inside.

She handed him a small box. "Here."

Viktor raised an brow before opening it. Inside was a sleek, elegant watch. His expression softened.

"I bought it last time when you took me to the mall," she admitted. "But I wasn't sure if it was your style."

A small grin spread across Viktor's face. "I love it," he said, fastening it around his wrist. "And it's even more special because you bought it for me."

Glad you like it.

Then she left.

Kalix and Viktor left for the airport where she left for the office.

Zoya arrived at her office, only to find a small crowd gathered outside her cabin. As soon as they saw her, they quickly disappeared, whispering amongst themselves.

Her eyes landed on the newly installed nameplate on the door.

Director- Mrs. Zoya Volkov

Her jaw clenched.

Without hesitation, she pulled out her phone and video called Victor.

Kalix and Viktor were on their way to the airport when Viktor noticed the incoming call. He chuckled, amused.

"A video call? Interesting." He picked up.

Zoya's face appeared on screen, frustration evident as she turned the camera towards the nameplate.

"What is this?!" She demanded.

Viktor leaned closer to the screen, then caught sight of 'Volkov' written on it. His amusement only grew.

"Didn't we agree-"

Viktor sensing danger, quickly interrupted. "Not me." He pointed the camera at Kalix. "It's his doing."

Zoya's glare sharpened as she turned her attention to Kalix.

Why did you do that? Now everyone knows! They're all talking outside!

Kalix calm as ever, replied, "Why are you always so secretive or mysterious?"

Zoya exhaled sharply. "Because I don't like attention or special treatment."

Kalix voice was firm. "You are special, Zoya. You can't avoid special treatment. And being my wife-if you don't feel special, then what's the use of the power and wealth I possess?

Zoya scoffed, muttering under her breath. "The damage is done. What's the point of arguing now?" With that, she cut the call.

Viktor chuckled. "Damn, brother, You're really pushing my sister's limits."

"When did you start taking her side over your brother?"

Then, with a smug grin, he held up his wrist, flashing the watch. "Look what my sister got me."

Kalix's eyes flickered to the watch before Viktor teasingly asked, "Did she get you anything?"

Kalix scoffed, "No, she didn't."

Viktor smirked, "oof. Guess the brother-sister bond is stronger."

Kalix shot him an annoyed look, while Viktor only laughed, clearly enjoying himself.

AT AIRPORT

Kalix and Viktor arrived at the airport, standing near the private exit whether security had cleared a path. As the door slid open, Vikram and Grace stepped out, their presence commanding attention.

Viktor, ever the smooth talker, stepped forward first. "Welcome to Russia, Mr. and Mrs. Swastik. Hope the flight was comfortable?

Vikram nodded, his expression neutral. Grace on the other hand, scanned the area, her eyes searching restlessly.

Kalix noticed immediately. He already knew what-or rather, who- she was looking for.

His jaw tightened slightly, but his face remained unreadable. "Let's get going. The car is waiting."

Kalix met her gaze, his voice calm but firm. "Busy with work. She'll meet us at the launch venue."


Grace's lips parted as she wanted to say more, but Vikram placed a hand on her back, urging her forward. She swallowed her words and nodded stiffly.

As they walked towards the car, Viktor exchanged a look with Kalix, smirking slightly.

That afternoon, before the official announcement, guests filled the hall. Kalix and Viktor stood at the entrance, greeting high-profile attendees.

Then, Zoya entered.

She was breathtaking. All eyes turned to her.

Kalix's gaze locked onto her, mesmerized.

Viktor let out a low whistle. "Lost in your wife already?" he teased.

Kalix didn't respond. His eyes never left Zoya.

She approached them, greeting them politely.

Viktor grinned. "You're looking gorgeous."

Zoya turned to Kalix, confused by his silence.

Kalix, still staring at her, finally spoke. "You look like my wife. Beautyful."

Before Zoya could react, she spotted Vikram and Grace entering the venue.

Panic flickered in her eyes. Without a word, she hurried away before they could reach her.

Kalix and Viktor exchanged glances. They had both noticed her avoidance.

The event hole buzzed with excitement, filled with elite of the businesses and fashion world. It was the official launch of Swastik textile, and everyone was eager to witness the unveiling.

Zoya, dressed in limited-edition dress Kalix had bought her, moved effortlessly through the crowd. The dress was rare piece, making her the centre of admiration.

A group of wealthy women approached her, their eyes sparkling with curiosity.

"That dress looks stunning on you! It's nearly impossible to get our hand on such a rare piece."

"You know, we're actually wearing dresses from renowned American designer today," one of them added.

The conversation caught Kalix and Viktor's attention as they sipped their wine nearby, their expressions unreadable.

"She rarely attended public events, so very few people know what she looks like," another woman mused.

"I heard she left the USA. Such a pity! No more new collections from her."

Juat as Kalix and Viktor began moving towards Zoya, a ma suddenly stepped forward, approaching her before anyone else.

"Miss Zoya! It's been a long time," he greeted, his tone warm and familiar.

Zoya turned to him, recognizing him immediately. The group of elegantly dressed women surrounding her exchanged glances, confused by his enthusiasm.

He was husband of one of them, his wife spoke up. "Wait... you know her?"

The man chuckled. "Of course. She is the one who designed the dress you are wearing tonight."

A stunned silence fell over the group.

"Are you saying..." one of the women began hesitantly, her voice laced in disbelief.

Another gasped, eyes wide. "You're the famous designer from US? You are so young."

"You were always so mysterious!" added another. "We never knew you were the owner of AZ Styles!"

Realization struck the lighting, and soon the admiration replace their initial shock. "No wonder your designs are breath taking. I'm huge fan of your work!"

Kalix and Viktor stood a few steps away, watching the scene unfold.

Viktor let out an amused chuckle, nudging Kalix. "Damn, brother. That's my sister."

Kalix smirked, his sharp gaze fixed on Zoya. There was something about her finally receive the recognition she never sought but had always deserved. He lifted his glass slightly, his voice low yet firm.

"And that's my wife."

The conversation around them continued, the women now showering Zoya with admiration, excitedly discussing her work.

But for Kalix, all he could see was her.

His Zoya.

FROM SHADOWS TO SPOTLIGHT

The murmurs in the hall quieted as Vikram stood at the stage with Kalix beside him, both exuding an air of authority. Camera flashed, guests leaned in, sensing the weight of the announcement.

"Tonight," Vikram began, his voice steady, "marks not just a partnership, but the unification of two powerful legacies. Swastik Textiles and the Volkov Group will now stand together, stronger than ever."

Grace sat among the audience, barely paying attention to his words. Her eyes frantically searched through the sea of people-looking for her daughter.

Then.

Vikram glanced at Kalix before turning back to the audience. "And now, I would like to invite the one who will be leading Swastik Textiles in Russia to join us on stage.

The crowd stirred. No name. Just suspense.

Viktor sitting beside Zoya, leaned back, smirking. "Your time to shine, madam Volkov."

Zoya stood up.

Whispers erupted instantly.

"Who is she?"

"I thought she was just a guest, but she's not."

"She is pretty, I can't believe she will be leading Swastik Textiles now."

She's so young, and yet, she's leading such a grand business."

The women who had been speaking with her earlier froze, their eyes widening in realization.

"No way... She's the one?"

Kalix, standing on stage, watched her with quiet intensity. As she approached, he extended his hand. Without hesitation, she placed hers in his, and guided her up to the steps.

Standing beside him, she let the silence drag, her gaze sweeping across the audience.

Then, with quiet confidence, she finally spoke.

"For those wondering, who I am... let me clear your doubts."

Her voice smooth, unwavering.

"I'm Zoya Volkov, heir to Swastik Textiles and company's new director in Russia."

Kalix chest swelled with pride, as Zoya announced herself as Volkov. As he took sight of her- no longer hidden, no longer just a woman by his side.

A stunned silence filled the room.

Then-chaos

"Zoya Volkov? She's married to Kalix?"

"She is Swastik Textiles only heir?"

"How did no one know this?!"

Reporters scrambled to capture the moment, cameras flashing wildly. Some guests looking at her with newfound admiration, others with disbelief.

As questions filled in the air, Kalix stepped forward, his voice calm yet powerful as he addressed the room. "Tonight, we witnessed the unveiling of not just a business partnership, but a legacy. Zoya Volkov-my wife, and now, the strength behind Swastik textiles-will guide this company into a new era." He paused, locking eyes with Zoya for a moment. "Together, we are not just building an empire. We're making history." We have big plans ahead, but for now let's enjoy the evening.

Later, when the gathering turned more relaxed, Zoya found herself standing near the drink station, the clinking of glasses and soft murmurs of conversation filling the air.

A man-unaware of her identity-approached her, his gaze lingering.

"You're beautiful." he said, leaning slightly closer.

Before Zoya could respond, Kalix was suddenly there.

His arm wrapped possessively around her waist, pulling her flush against him.

The man immediately stepped back.

"Oh...hi, Mr. Volkov," he stammered, his confidence vanishing.

Kalix's lips curled into a dangerous smirk. "Meet my wife. Zoya Volkov."

The man's eyes widened in shock before he quickly excused himself and disappeared.

Viktor chuckled from distance. "Well, that was fun to watch.

After the man disappeared, the group of women who had been whispering earlier returned to Zoya. Their eyes were filled with curiosity and admiration, Zoya could sense their certain questions behind their polite smiles.

She smiled graciously but distantly. As the women started talking among themselves again, excused himself from the gathering. His gaze briefly flicked toward Zoya, before he turned on his heel and made his way to Viktor, who was in deep conversation with a group of businessmen.

Viktor looked up, raising an eyebrow when Kalix approached. "What's on your mind, brother?"

Kalix voice was low but sharp as he leaned in, his eyes focused. "I want updates on Zoya. Every single one. Where she's going, who she's meeting-everything . I don't care how small it seems." His eyes flicked back towards Zoya, as though he was keeping a close watch. "Especially if she's meeting any man. No one should come near her unless it's for work, and if you can't be there, I want to know about it. Understood?"

Victor chuckled, his eyes glinting with amusement. "Damn, brother, you're not wasting any time, are you? Already keeping tabs on your wife."

Kalix didn't crack smile, his jaw tightening. "You think I'm joking? She's mine Viktor. And I won't let anyone get too close. If she needs to meet anyone, I'm going to make damn sure I know about it. Every little detail.

Viktor laughed, clearly entertained. "okay, okay, Mr. Possessive Husband. I got it. Don't worry I'll keep an eye out for you. But you know she can handle herself, right?"

Kalix's gaze remained steely, though there was a hint of something softer behind his eyes. "I know she can. But that doesn't mean I'm going to let some guy wander around her without knowing who he is."

Viktor shrugged, grinning. "All right, man. Your call."

As the evening wore on, Zoya could feel the eyes of crowd shifting. Her a season to step into the limelight, to introduce herself as Zoya Volkov, wasn't made on a whim. It had a purpose. A plan she actually crafted. The ball was now in their court, and the pieces were falling into place.

Her pulse quickened as a man in a sharp suit approached her, cutting through the crowd with an air of confidence that made everyone move aside. Kalix stayed by his side, a protective presence, though Zoya could sense the subtle shift in his demeanor.

The man came to a stop before them, and his eyes locked on to Zoya with a mixture of curiosity and respect. He greeted Kalix with handshake, then he offered a handshake, a that felt formal to Zoya.

"Mrs. Volkov," he said with a small smile, his voice smooth yet authoritative. I'm Boris Orlov. I'm with Sebastian heights. "It's a pleasure to meet you in a person."

"The pleasure is mine," she replied, her voice steady, confident.

"This is the moment she was waiting for. The reason she introduced herself as Volkov. She didn't need to go searching for opportunities; she made the opportunity come to her. And here he was- the first of many.

Boris continued, I heard much about you, Mrs. Volkov.

Your design work known across the world, and now, to see you leading such an influential company... it's truly impressive. Sebastian heights has always kept an eye on powerful, driven figures like yourself, especially after your partnership with Volkov Group. A partnership that's already causing a stir, I must say."

I'm glad to make your acquaintance , Zoya replied coolly, her tone laced with both warmth and sharp edge. "Sebastian Heights has a reputation I've always suspected."

Kalix's protective presence beside her was unmistakable, but Zoya had no intention of backing down now. Boris seemed to notice the unspoken intention.

"Perhaps we can discuss some potential future endeavours, if you are interested," Boris offered, his tone shifted as he subtly leaned in closer. "I'd love to learn more about your plans for Swastik under your leadership."

Zoya's lips curved into a faint, knowing smile.The time had come and she would let the pieces fall into place.

Her gaze remained fixed on Boris, unreadable yet full of purpose.

"Perhaps another time," she said smoothly. But I appreciate your interest."

Boris nodded, with a polite smile, he stepped back, leaving Zoya to return her attention to Kalix.

As the night drew on, Zoya could feel the eyes of her parents occasionally shifting toward her. She could sense their intentions from across the room. Grace's gaze lingered far too long, and Zoya couldn't help but tighten her grip on her glass. She had been avoiding them all day, either by staying busy with the guests or leaving with Viktor or Kalix.

He knew that they would approach her sooner or later. And just as they were about to leave, Viktor, Kalix and Zoya were standing together when Grace finally made her move. She approached her with an expression that seemed almost too rehearsed.

"How are you, dear?" Grace asked, her voice sweet but carrying an underlying edge of concern. "Are you doing well? I was worried if you'd be able to settle in." Zoya paused for a second, meet Grace's eyes, and then walk away, just cold dismissal.

Viktor, standing nearby, gave Grace a reassuring look, "She's doing well. Don't worry," he said with a small, understanding smile.

Kalix ever observant, also offered reassurance. "She's adjusting just fine, She's in good hands."

With that, he followed Zoya, needing to check on her.

Zoya stepped outside, the cool night air hitting her face. The flashing lights of the media waiting outside made her pause. Kalix was right behind her, his presence unwavering as he guided her toward the car. Without a word they got in, and driver pulled away from the venue.

As the city lights blurred past, Kalix broke silence. "Earlier, when they arrived, I invited your parents to stay with us while they're in Russia. I thought it would give you chance to-"

"It's fine." Zoya cut him off, her voice indifferent. "As long as you're not expecting me to talk to them or play happy family, do whatever you want." She turned her gaze to the window. It's your house. You can invite anyone you like.

Kalix jaw tightened. He hated the way she said your house like she was a stranger there. Without warning, he reached over grabbing her wrist and pulling her slightly toward him. "It's our house," he corrected, his voice low and firm. Yours more than mine. You decide who stays and who doesn't.

Zoya tensed, then pushed his hands away and leaned back, her attention shifting back to the passing streets.

The ride fell into silence again.

Meanwhile, Viktor, Vikram and Grace had already left for the Volkov mansion.

Zoya's phone buzzed in her lap. She glanced down- multiple missed calls from the same number.

She sighed and locked the screen without answering.

Kalix, sitting beside her, had noticed. He had seen the endless notifications flashing on her screen.

"Who keeps calling you?" he asked, his tone unreadable. "And why do you keep ignoring them?"

Zoya didn't reply. Instead, she put in her earbuds, staring blankly out the window as if he weren't even there.

Kalix exhaled sharply, realizing she was mad at him. For now, he let it go. But he wasn't the kind to let things slide for long.