Chapter-18: Reunion

VOLKOV HQ LOBBY-NIGHT

Kalix walking towards the exit, his phone pressed to his ear, speaking into it with quiet authority.

Behind him, Zoya and Viktor walked side by side, their steps lighter, their conversation easy.

Viktor suddenly threw a punch into the air-messy, uncoordinated.

Viktor(grinning)

"Check this out," saw online.

She didn'

T miss a beat. She caught his wrist midair with practised ease, twisting it slightly.

Zoya (dry):

"You'll break your own wrist first... then someone's jaw."
She adjusted his stance casually, her fingers quick and firm.

Viktor winced dramatically, pulling back his hand.

Viktor (grumbling):

"Yeah, whatever, Mrs. Black Belt."

Zoya (teasing)

"At least one of us know what they're doing."

They bumped shoulders, laughing under their breath- a warm, easy laughter that carried softly across the polished marble.

Ahead of them Kalix, still deep in his conversation, slowed slightly. Their laughter caught his attention.

He glanced over his shoulder-just a flicker of glace.

His eyes softened for a brief second as he caught sight of them-Viktor's exaggerated pouting, Zoya's teasing smirk.

A rare, faint smile tugged at his mouth before he turned forward again, masking it as if it had never been there.

Their conversation paused when their attention was caught by Kalix's phone. His wallpaper was a candid wedding photo. Kalix kissing her forehead, her eyes closed with a soft smile. She hadn't seen this one before. It took her by surprise.

Viktor gave her a teasing nudge, "You saw that too."

Before she could respond she saw something... someone... she stood there, her body posture stiffened.

Two steps ahead, Viktor paused and turned, brows raised. "What happened?"

Zoya's gaze had locked onto someone walking toward her. A man. Tall. Familiar.

Viktor followed her gaze and saw him too. Viktor's instincts snapped into place. Without thinking, he stepped between them. His body, shield-like.

But she touched Viktor's arm gently, signalling it was okay.

He didn't' move right away, she said "It's really okay, I know him." So he still worried, but reluctantly stepped aside.

The man, "Kaleb," walked up with a smile that reached his eyes. "Zoya!"

Her face lit up, soft voice. "Kaleb?"
he didn't wait for permission. His arms wrapped around her in a long, warm hug. "I missed you," he said against her shoulder. She smiled, her voice barely a whisper. "It's been little long."

Viktor brows furrowed, his hands turning into fists.

But then—

Footsteps.

Heavy. Rushed.

Kalix's call had ended.

He turned to see a stranger-holding his wife.

Rage flickered across his face like lighting.

In three long strides, he was there.

"Get your hands off my wife," Kalix growled, shoving Kaleb back.

The air snapped with tension.

Zoya immediately stepped in, both hands on Kalix-one on his chest, the other on his arm.

Zoya (calm, firm ):

"Relax. He's my friend-from the U.S."

The words were soft, meant to calm, but Kalix didn't flinch.

His gaze dropped to her hand on him, then to the man who still hadn't moved.

"Friend?" Kalix repeated, slowly.

He turned his face to hers, eyes narrowing just enough to sting.

"You never mentioned any."
Zoya held his stare.

"Well... we were never really this open about personal matters, were we?"
Kalix's eyes darkened-not with rage, but something colder. That line cut deeper than any shove could've. His expressions barely shifted, but his hand found her waist and stayed there-subtle, but firm. Just to remind everyone-including her-that she belonged beside him.

A quiet calm.

Kaleb sensing the cold air and breaking it with his voice.

"Kaleb Miller," he said, his voice smooth, though there was a flicker of something in his gaze. He held out his hand, but Kalix didn't move to take it. "I'm lawyer. Zoya and I..." he hesitated. His eyes flickered to Zoya, softening for just a moment before the walls came back up. "We've been friends for quiet long. From the states."

The air shifted. Kalix's lips tightened, his hand still resting on her waist. He wasn't liking this. Not one bit.

"Kalix Volkov." He finally introduced himself, a hint of coldness in his voice. "Zoya's husband." There was a sharpness to the words, a possessive certainty that hung in the air. His hand on Zoya's waist tightened, as if to remind Kaleb just who she belong to.

Kaleb lowered his hand slowly.

"Right. Of course."

He turned to Zoya. Eyes softer now-and yet heavy. His voice softened.

Kaleb ( to zoya):

"We lost touch after you left. You promised to keep in contact. I just... didn't expect to find you married."

A pause. Then quieter. "I know you. The marriage. This wasn't your decision, was it? Your parents forced you into this?"

Kalix eyes narrowed.

Zoya said nothing at first. Kalix's expressions didn't break-but his fingers tightened again, sliding lower, anchoring at her hip now, bolder. Possessive.

Kalix (with cool detachment ):

"You talk a lot for someone who just arrived.

Kaleb straightened, unfazed but silently sizing him up.

Then, his gaze shifted-softer, warmer-to Zoya.

Kaleb:

"I flew across continents for her."

Zoya blinked, surprised, but silent.

"I saw you everywhere online, Zo. Headlines, clips-this whole marriage thing. I know you. You hate attention."

He took a breath, his tone more personal now. "You vanished after you left US. No messages. You changed your number. You were always guarded, yeah, but this? This doesn't' feel like you?"
Zoya opened her mouth-"Kaleb..." but before she could say anything else, pressed little harder on her, gentle but possessive.

Kaleb noticed.

Kaleb:

"I know I'm asking too much showing up like this, but I needed to make sure you're okay."

Kalix ( cutting in, voice smoother than silk ):
"She's more than okay. She's exactly where she belongs."

Kaleb didn't respond. He just reached into his pocket and handed her his phone.

The screen lit up with a wallpaper-it was a selfie of them. Casual.

Kalix saw it. His jaw clenched. Viktor's brows drew close.

She unlocked it easily, as she knew the password.

Zoya typed in her number and handed it back, with a light gentle smile.

Zoya (gently ):

"You should go. It's late. You must be tired from traveling."

Kaleb nodded, not arguing.

"I'm staying at the Marlowe hotel. Just down the road." His voice softened. "Maybe we could grab dinner tomorrow? Just the two of us... catch up properly."

Before Kalix could even react, zoya subtly shifted, her hand brushing against Kalix's forearm in warning, signalling him to stay quiet. Her other foot gently nudged his, anchoring him in place. Kalix remained still, jaw tight, eyes never leaving Kaleb.

Zoya nodded, calm but unreadable. "Alright. Text me the location."
Kelab smiled, a small, almost melancholic smile that didn't reach his eyes. "I will. Take care, Zoya."
he gave her one last look-something tender in it, unspoken-and then nodded toward Viktor, a respectful glance that wasn't quiet a goodbye.

Then his eyes flicked to Kalix.

Not a challenge. But not a submission either.

And with that, and walked out of the lobby.

Silence followed his exit.

Zoya exhaled.

Viktor's eyes didn't leave Zoya. His usual smirk was gone, replaced with something quieter...colder.

"I'm disappointed," he muttered, turning away before she could respond.

"Vik-" she called softly, taking a step forward. But he didn't stop. His figure vanished down the hallway, leabing her standing in the middle of the storm.

She barely had a second to breathe when Kalix's hand, already resting on her hip, curled firmly turning and pulling her towards himself.

"You really planning to go to that dinner?" he asked, voice low, a dangerous calm coating every syllable.

Zoya blinked, caught off guard by the nearness and intensity. "Yes. He came all the way to see me, how can I not-"

Before the sentence could leave her lips fully, Kalix's hand dropped.

He stepped back, jaw locked, and began walking toward the exit.

"Kalix-" she tried, her voice catching, moving to flow.

But he didn't look back.

By the time she reached him, he was already pulling the car door open. Without a word, he slid into the back seat.

She hesitated for half a second. Then with a quiet exhale, she climbed in beside him.

The car was quiet. Too quiet.

Viktor sat stiffly in the front passenger seat, eyes on the road ahead. His arms were folded, jaw clenched.

Zoya ( tentative, trying to break the silence ):
"So... um... I-"

Viktor (cut without turning):
"Don't. I'm not in mood for one of your carefully crafted speeches, Madam Volkov."

She just blinked, she barely reacted. It was the edge of his voice that got to her.

She looked at Kalix, he sat still, hand resting tensely on his thigh, jaw set.

She stared at him for a beat. The tension was suffocating.

She took a shaky breath, then hesitantly reached out and nudged his elbow with her finger-just a light poke.

Nothing.

She bit her lip, then tapped his knee with the tip of her nail-this time little more deliberate.

Still no response. Not a twitch.

A sigh escaped her lips.

She reached over, quietly took his hand, and interwined her fingers with his. Then, gently, she placed their joined hands on her thigh, her eyes flicking to his face.

Still, he didn't look at her.

So she moved closer, hugging his arm, resting her head against his shoulder.

Zoya (low, teasing but wounded)

"Are you two really going to keep acting like this?"
silence.

She frowned, eyes narrowing slightly, voice dropping to mumble.

"Fine. Let's see how long you can keep this up."

They didn't said anything, but something in Kalix shifted.

His shoulder, once rigid, eased just slightly. His jaw unclenched. He didn't look at her, not yet- but his eyes flickered downward. Just for a second.

She couldn't see his face, but if she had, she would've noticed the faintest change-the tightness around his eyes softening, the lines at the corner relaxing.

Not forgiveness.

Not affection, at least not the kind you show with words.

Just...surrender.

He shifted his hand beneath hers, turning his palm so their fingers locked more securely. His thumb brushed hers-not an accident this time.

Still no words.

But in that silence, Kalix Voklov-cold, calculated, and guarded- let her in. just a little.

And Zoya smiled to herself.

Because she felt it.

Even if he never said it-he wasn't angry.

He was hurt.

OUTSIDE VOLKOV MASION-NIGHT

The car pulled to a quiet stop in front of the mansion. The engine shut off.

Viktor stepped out first, hands shoved in his pockets. Kalix followed, not sparing a glance back.

But Zoya didn't move.

She stayed seated for a moment, then slowly stepped out, folding her arms.

Both brothers were already a few steps ahead when they realized she wasn't behind them.

Kaliix turned first. His voice was flat, clipped.

"What are you doing?"
Viktor looked back too, brow raised.

"It's freezing."

She stood there in the driveway, arms still crossed.

"I'm not coming in unless you two talk to me like normal again."

Kalix's Jaw flexed. Viktor just blinked, clearly not expecting that.

Kalix let out a breath. "Zoya-"

"No," she cut in, chin lifted. "You're both acting like I committed a crime. At least let me explain. Talk to me. Or I'm staying right here.

Viktor sighed, rubbing his temple "Let's talk inside, Mrs. Hurricane, alright? It's cold out here.

She shook her head, more stubborn than ever.

"Not until you both stop being cold with me."
Kalix stared at her for a second. Then walked toward her- slowly, deliberately.

"You're seriously going to stand here all night?"
"Yes." -zoya
"It's late." -kalix

"I don't care." –zoya

He stopped in front of her, unimpressed.

"You're being a brat."

She raised her chin again. "Still not going in."

Kalix blinked once, then without warning, bent down and scooped her right up over his shoulder.

"Kalix!" she gasped.

"Fine. I'll take you in myself," he said, calm as ever.

"Put me down!"

"Nope." "I'm not tired. I've got energy to deal with your tantrums all night.'

Viktor shook his head lightly and huffed a quiet laugh, the kind you let out when something finally feels right.

The front door clicked shut behind them.

Kalix finally set Zoya down- gently, despite the dramatics. She straightened her clothes, cheeks flushed.

Viktor walked a few steps ahead but then turned, arms crossed.

"Okay. Talk."
Kalix walked over and sat on couch, one arm slung over the backrest, legs crossed, jaw locked.

Zoya walked towards Viktor, nudging him lightly with her elbow like an annoying sibling trying to crawl back into good graces.

Zoya

"You're really mad at me?"

Viktor (not budging )

"I'm not mad, I'm just disappointed."
Zoya:

"You're folding your arms like you're about to disown me."
Viktor (deadpan)

"I might."
She narrows her eyes and slowly snakes her arm round his, leaning her head against her shoulder.

Zoya:

"Oh come on. I only have like... two people I care about in the whole world. You're one of them. You're really going to stay mad forever?"

He groans and side-eyes her.

He sighs like she's exhausting his soul.

Viktor:
"Fine. But you're not meeting him alone tomorrow."

Her brows lift.

Zoya:

"What- seriously?"
Viktor:

"You want forgiveness? That's the deal. Either Kalix or me, one of us will be accompanying you."
She dramatically lets go of him and gasps.

She smirks and crosses her arms.

Zoya:

"For someone who acts like he's older, you sure forget I was born first."

Viktor (Walking off with a smirk)

"Yeah, yeah. Keep telling yourself that, grandma."

The quiet hung after Viktor's departure.

She stood still for a moment, watching Kalix sitting on the couch-his hand resting on his knee, the other over the backrest, lost in thought. His jaw tight, his eyes unreadable.

She approached slowly. Not hesitantly, but with softness.

She moved to sit down, casually, almost kneeling in front of his to ease into the conversation.

Before she could, Kalix's hand snapped out and wrapped around her wrist, firm but not rough. He pulled her gently-toward himself.

Kalix (low, intense)

"Don't. Don't kneel. Not in front of me. Not even casually."
She blinked.

Zoya: "I wasn't kneeling, I was just-"

Kalix: "Doesn't matter. My woman doesn't lower herself for anyone. Not even like this. Not even with me."

There was something possessive in his voice, protective, wounded pride woven between every word.

Her lips parted slightly, but no defence came. She let him pull her to sit beside him.

Their arms touched, knees brushed. It was quiet, woven with heat.

Zoya(gently):

"You're still mad."

He shook his head.

"I'm not mad."

A pause.

"Not at you having a friend. I'm just... disappointed. hurt."

She stayed quiet, letting him continue.

Kalix:

"I didn't even know he existed. And it's not that you didn't tell me. It's how he looked at you."

His jaw clenched again.

"That's more than friendship."

She opened her mouth to object, but he cut her off, not unkindly.

"He has you as his wallpaper, love. You gave him your number. And I turned just to see him hugging you?"

He let out a tight breath.

"You tell me how I'm supposed to feel seeing the woman I love in other man's arms?"

Zoya dropped her gaze, fingers fidgeting in her lap.

"He's the only friend I had, Kalix. When no one else was there, he was. That's all it ever was. He came all the way from the U.S. for me. How I'm supposed to shove the friend away who stayed when I had no one, and now I have you and Viktor.

A pause.

I was being kind to my friend who always been kind to me. "But I only belong to one man."

His jaw clenched, emotions battling across his features.

Kalix (quiet):

"Say that again."
She leaned in, voice barely a whisper.

"I only belong to you."

He looked at her, gaze flickering with vulnerability and something deeper-something raw.

Without a word, his hand rose gently to cup her face, thumb brushing her cheek. His touch was reverent, eyes locked on hers like she was something he was scared to break and desperate to keep.

Zoya (a little mischievous now, voice lighter):

"Were you really hurt... or just jealous?"

His jaw ticked, and for a second, he looked away-like he hated being caught. But instead of replying with words; He leaned forward, slowly, gently removing her heels one by one. Then, with surprising tenderness, he lifted both her legs and draped them over his lap. She adjusted her posture on the couch.

One hand slid to the back of her neck, the other around her waist, and in the next moment, he pulled her into him-slowly, almost like he was afraid she might pull away.

Zoya froze.

Just for a second.

Because this was different.

Not playful tension.

Not stolen glances.

Not anger, not heat.

This... was real. Their first hug.

His arms wrapped around her fully now, protective, tight, as if he had been waiting a lifetime just to hold her. Her breath caught, and something in her chest stilled-then softened. Her hands slowly rose and found their way around his torso.

Kalix (voice low, close to her ear):

"Jealous doesn't even cover it, Love."

His grip around her tightened just enough to let her feel it-the rawness beneath his composed mask.

Kalix (murmuring against her hair):

"Seeing someone else touching you... even thinking he had some place in your heart... it drove me insane. You're mine. And I'm yours. There's no space between us, princess."

She shifted slightly, "There it is again... Princess."

Kalix smiled against her. "Mhm... What about it?"

Zoya leaned back just enough to look up at him, her voice a bit defensive but quieter now. "Why do you call me that? I'm not a child."

Kalix cupped her face, brushing his thumb along her cheek, a rare softness flickering in his eyes.

"You're not," he said softly. "You're mine to cherish. To spoil. To love and to take care of." "You're strong, and sharp, and independent-like a queen. But when it's just us..."

He leaned in, resting his forehead against hers.

"...you're my little princess."

A pause.

"I want you to lose those walls with me, Zoya. I want you to be able to laugh when you're happy and cry when you're not. You're my queen in front of world, darling. But when it's just us... you'll always be my princess.

Her lips twitched at that. "You're so dramatic," she mumbled, almost hiding her smile.

He just smiled-didn't responded.

They stayed like that- foreheads resting together, their noses brushing, eyes closed.

Breathing slowed. The world quieted.

Zoya (whispered, barely audible):

"Are we good now?"
Kalix ( smiling softly, brushing his nose against hers):

"We're perfect, love."
Then—

Viktor ( from behind, clearing his throat):

"Am I ruining the moment?"

Kalix didn't even turn.

"What do you think?"
Viktor stood at distance, arms crossed, an eyebrow raised, his tone was more serious.

"Kalix, I need to talk to you. It's urgent."
Kalix met his gaze, something shifting in his expression. He nodded and gently cupped Zoya's face.

"This isn't over yet, baby."
As Kalix was getting up, Viktor added, "And, dear sister you're grounded."
"No office tomorrow. No random outings. That dinner with your friend-Kalix goes with you or you're not going."
"You can't ground me! I'm not a teenager." She protested. "Besides, we just made up!"

She looked at Kalix for support, but Kalix was already exchanging a glance with Viktor.

Before Kalix could open his mouth, Viktor raised a hand. "Kalix will not be interrupting here, my lord."
kalix blinked at him, confused but choosing to play along. "Go rest up," he told her gently, brushing her arm.

He followed Viktor. The door shuts with heavy click. Viktor twists the lock and strides toward the window, pulling the curtains tight. Kalix watches him, brow furrowed, already sensing something off.

Kalix (grumbling )

"You really have the worst timing, Viktor. You know how rare that is? She let me hold her. I was this close to finally getting a proper kiss and-"

Viktor cut in, "Is your kiss more important than her life?"