2

Milana

“I told you to come here quickly, Mila. Do you think that you're the only one that needs this job? There are thousands of women applying. So come here quickly!!” Zoya yells over the phone and I quickly rush out of the house, running over to my car.

“I'm so sorry, Zoya. But I have to pick up something for Maksim. I'll be there—” I don't get to finish when Zoya groans.

“That Durak [Jerk] again? You're going to be late for him? That-” Her voice trails off like she can't find the perfect insult to give to Maksim.

“I keep telling you this—”

“I'll be there in thirty minutes. I'm so sorry for being late, Zoya.” I interrupt her and then end the call afterwards. I know what she wants to say. She keeps telling me to divorce Maksim, but I can't. My mother still owes him.

I will divorce him once I raise enough money to pay him back, but for now, I will try to cement our relationship, and see if things can work for us. As I get into my car, I let out a frustrated groan when I start the car and it doesn't start.

I knew this car was bound to delay me. Each time I start the car, it makes a roaring, deafening sound. I inherited it from my grandfather and it is way outdated.

After a lot of tries, the car finally comes back to life. I start the car and I drive out of my driveway. I go to the place where I need to pick up something from Maksim. He asked me not to return home unless I did so.

Just after I pick up the item, Zoya begins to bombard my phone with calls. I don't pick up as I'm not anywhere near her location. She keeps calling and I let out a frustrated sigh. Her call keeps distracting me. I need to keep my eyes on the road and my car being an old rickety car does not help.

I decide to receive the call to tell her that I'm already near. As I reach for my phone, my eyes leave the road for just a split second. But that's all it takes. My car drifts into the adjacent lane, and before I can react, the sound of screeching tyres fills the air.

The tyres squeal for a brief moment before the car comes to a stop. I'm relieved to see that it's just a minor accident but I bumped into a car.

I rush out of my car in a hurry to look at the mess that I created. The other car's trunk is scratched, and my own car's side panel is dented, but thankfully, no one appears to be hurt. But the car I just bumped into looks so expensive. It's a black flashy Rolls Royce.

I run my hands through my hair, my heart beating loudly as a look of confusion appears on my face. What have I gotten myself into? I'm still thinking of how to explain to the owner when I hear voices.

“Miss Annika, your papa told you not to come out of the car.” I hear a deep voice and my heart skips a bit.

“But Papa's not here Boris. I want to see it too.” The soft voice sounds and I lift my head to a little girl approaching me.

“Oh, it's a woman, Boris.” Her lashes flutter and I gulp nervously when a very huge scary man appears from behind her. I know he's her guard.

“I… I’m so sorry. It was not intentional. I hope no one's hurt. Are you hurt, little girl?” I quickly crouch down to the level of the girl. She should be about six and she's so pretty. Very cute.

“My name is Annika. Not little girl.” She corrects boldly, and then adds. “And I'm not hurt.” I breathe out in relief.

“I'm glad.” I smile. “I'm glad that you're fine, Annika. And I'm sorry for causing you any form of shock.” I sincerely apologize and she only smiles at me.

“I'm Milana.” I decide to introduce myself. If I can get in her good books, she can help me convince her parents not to sue me for scratching their expensive car.

She smiles at me and I'm about to reach out to hug her when a deep voice thunders and rings in my ears, “Anushka!” I jerk at how harsh the voice sounds.

Annika’s smile widens even more as she whips her head in a direction and then screams, “Papa!” I stand up to my feet, watching as she runs up to a man who carries her up in his arms.

My mouth runs dry the moment I see his face. Now I know where Annika got her beauty from. Because what manner of a hot man is that? His grey eyes are gosh, so mesmerizing and at the same time lack emotion.

“What did I tell you about talking to strangers?”

“Milana bumped into our car and was asking if I got hurt. She-”

“That doesn't matter Anushka. Don't speak to strangers, and Boris!” He snaps coldly at the guard.

“Why did you allow this woman to come near my daughter?” He says with so much contempt and I look down, nervously picking my fingertips.

“Boss I-”

“Save it!” He interrupts the guard harshly and when I feel his hard gaze on me, I muster up all the courage to speak.

“I’m sorry about your car. I will pay for the damages.” What am I even saying? I don't have the fucking money. But the man standing in front of me look so dangerous and that is the only thing that came to my mind.

“And how many lifetimes do you plan on serving me to fix it? Did you look in the mirror before leaving the house today?” I feel a wave of embarrassment run through me. I didn't. And I know I look like a mess. I come home every day to get beaten and I never have the time to cater for myself.

“You look like you can barely eat thrice a day and you want to fix my car?” He scoffs. “I'll do you a favour. Use the money to get a meal and fix yourself up.” I gulp, my eyes welling with tears at his words.

“Have a nice day.” I don't look at him, I can't look at him as I'm so embarrassed at myself. I remain standing there till he settles into his car and the moment the car drives off, the first tear drops from my eye.