Andriy
Wearily scanning the reports of the past month, frames of that April evening keep replaying in my head, when my beloved was hurled away by an explosive blast right before my eyes. And once again, on this memory, my fists clench in anger. At myself for such shortsightedness.
By that time, I had already suspected that it wasn’t just about falsification, but more likely something more terrible. Thus, even in Kraków, I turned to a detective agency to check on some things.
Milana and I were already on our way to Wroclaw when the agency sent some intriguing photos. But I just gritted my teeth harder, as my friend couldn’t have stooped so low. Not him, "the one I had trusted implicitly for so many years.
I decided to wait and gently find out what was going on. To talk to my friend myself. Suddenly, such an opportunity appeared sooner than I thought.
I exhale loudly and loosen the tie that strangles like a snake, then angrily take it off and throw it away. I unbutton the top buttons and stare again at the documents in my hands. A quick knock at the door draws my attention. Without lifting my head, I tiredly say:
" Come in.
" Hello.
I tear my eyes away from the documents and fix them on her embarrassed brown eyes.
" Bianka? What are you doing here?
After that explosion, I had to pretend that we were engaged. That was the "truth" Bianka told me after she swallowed the nonsense from the doctor about my memory loss, even though he said it may only be temporary.
Bianka didn’t care and decided to turn everything to her advantage... Needless to say, I was deeply disappointed in someone who had been loyal to me for so many years.
But in those terrible moments, I saw no other choice. It was necessary to send Milana to a safe place quickly. I had come to understand her determined nature fully. She would definitely try to help me out of this mess. But the danger was too real. And I couldn’t risk it.
These memories still shudder through me. But I did what I had to, even at the cost of unspeakable pain in the beloved eyes that seemingly sliced my heart into pieces.
A few days after the attack, the police announced that they had been able to track and arrest the failed bomber, and he provided testimony. So, there was no longer any point in pretending to have amnesia. I was eager to face the enemy and resolve everything. But his testimony completely threw me off. Because, according to him, the instigator was not Lukash...
I blink away these thoughts, barely squinting my eyes and looking intently into such a familiar yet strange face at the same time.
" I was with my parents and decided to stop by to say goodbye, " Bianka hesitates for a moment. " And to ask for forgiveness.
" Forgiveness? " I stretch skeptically, but see only eyes full of remorse. I sigh and gesture towards the chair in front of my desk. " Are you going somewhere?
" Yes. For now, to Warsaw. I found a job there.
" Was it Nadya’s doing? " I retort sharply. I still can't accept the fact that my little sister has grown up and is making her own mistakes.
She nods affirmatively. Then adds:
" Don't be angry at her, Andriy. She's still your sister.
I just frown.
" Sorry, Bianka, but I’m short on time, " I say tersely.
" I understand, " she rises from the chair. " I’m sorry for everything I’ve done. I apologize, and I really regret it.
I remain silent. Because she too didn’t come to me when necessary... And what did it all lead to? I control myself. Let it be. The scandal that erupted is not going to subside anytime soon.
In these three months, we managed to get a few girls back home. As for the others, the police are still reviewing the information.
But that seemed too little for me, so the detective agency is also working tirelessly now, which costs me a fortune. But it's worth it, since three women found their merit. Hopefully, we can somewhat right the wrong.
Again, I immerse myself in my own thoughts, heavy as a stone on my mind. Bianka approaches the door and reaches for the doorknob. Then she hesitates, turns around with a serious look, and says:
" Be happy, Andriy. Go to her. I think she will understand.
She doesn't wait for my response. Swiftly opens the door and leaves. I clench my teeth because I'm not at all sure about that.
She resigned from the Lviv branch the next day after arriving. I was notified immediately. The Lviv branch was also abuzz because a serious scandal had erupted. This was blasted by every tabloid in Poland, and soon the Lviv media savored the news when they sniffed out our branch in the city.
Moreover, that branch also lost both lawyers immediately, as Zlata had resigned just before my departure to Poland, since she got pregnant and soon married.
But I decided not to look for a new lawyer during that period. I just instructed my deputy to reach out to our outsourcing partners for any issues, the company that had been handling the legal support of this branch from the start.
I sigh. I process Bianka's last words, then look at my watch. The workday has ended. I rise from my chair, grab my briefcase, stash some more documents inside, and leave the office.
My car was beyond repair after the attack, so I had to buy a new one. The feeling is still unfamiliar, although I decided to stick with the same brand. I quickly reached my apartment.
On the way, I think about what else I need to pack, as my flight to Lviv is in a few hours. Moreover, I notice with surprise a strange feeling in my chest, as if I'm heading home.