Milana
He is approaching. Never breaking eye contact for a moment. My pulse skyrockets within seconds to dizzying speeds.
His gaze is hot. It scorches yet envelops me in ardent desire at the same time. So close and yet so distant. Is it just my imagination when I confuse desire for reality?
As he approaches Khmylevych, Andriy finally tears his eyes away from me. He greets his partner, and the men shake hands. My eyes involuntarily stick to his hands, noting there is no wedding ring.
I'd be lying if I said I haven't monitored the news about him over these months. It gnawed at my soul, but still, I searched online. About him and Bianca, there was nothing. No news of a wedding or even an engagement. It was only mentioned that she was also suspended from work. Details about the assault were clearly suppressed in the press, as it contained only the bare facts.
Meanwhile, Khmylevych introduces Ihor to Polyansky. And then I finally shake off my numbness.
" Good day, Andriy Mykolayovych.
" Good day, Milana, " his velvety voice tickles my ears and stirs up a whirl of emotions in my chest, as his turquoise eyes warm up.
" Glad to see you in good health, " I reply in a suddenly settled voice.
" Likewise, Milana, " he responds peacefully, and I notice that his smile is strained.
I wonder, then ponder whether I really see that particular emotion on his beloved face. Where is this tension coming from? Did he also feel something when he saw me? Or is this wicked imagination playing so cruelly with me?
Thoughts storm over one another, and my heart flutters like a trapped bird wanting to escape its cage.
" Alright, Oleksandrovich. It’s time. We'll keep in touch, " Ihor's voice snaps me back to reality, followed by a male hand laying on me.
I shift my gaze to the masculine fingers on my elbow, then my eyelashes flutter upward, and I stare in surprise at Ihor's darkened eyes.
" Let’s go, Milana. " his gaze, as well as his facial features, became oddly sharp and prickly.
This unexpected touch sends me into a sudden stupor, and I mechanically respond:
" Yes, it really is time, " I step towards Ihor, then gently free my hand. " All the best," I said to the men, looking only at Andriy.
With a brief glance, I scan his beloved face, now like a fierce mask. All features sharp, lips tightly pressed, and eyes predatorily narrowed. He seems damn angry. This completely throws me off. I follow Ihor, who has already opened the passenger door.
I sit down in the seat and buckle up. Soon, Ihor sits next to me, also looking irritated.
" What’s the matter? " I say sharply. His inexplicable reaction, combined with Andriy's unexpected appearance, acts like a trigger.
" And your former boss looks as healthy as a bull, " he snaps.
" And? " I don't understand at all.
" And you’re still running around clinics. That's what the matter is! " he growls.
" But it wasn't his fault, " I defended him.
" Not his," he nods, then adds sarcastically: " But BECAUSE of him. And this boss of yours didn't even bother to pay moral damages or cover rehabilitation. We'll sue him!
At this furious speech, my eyes opened wide.
" Ihor, slow down," I finally piece the puzzle together in my head and understand the cause of Ihor’s anger. I exhale. " He offered money, but I said no. So there will be no lawsuit.
" So you declined? " his pupils widen in surprise, and his mouth stretches into a thin line. "Girl, have you lost your mind? Why would you grant him such generosity?
I start to boil again. How is it his business?
" Ihor, enough! I've made my decision and I'm happy with it.
" Milana, but he owes you...
" Enough, I said! " I raise my voice, and the man sharply freezes, his eyes narrowing.
" Was there something other than work connecting you two? " A familiar glance from a friend becomes dangerous and vicious, sending an unpleasant chill down my spine.
"It doesn’t matter anymore, and frankly, it’s none of your business," I tilt my chin up.
He doesn’t apologize but says nothing more. Silently, he starts the car and pulls out.
As we pass by, I can’t help myself. I glance at him again. I have missed him so much.
Andriy
I watch the car pass by and try to suppress the volcanic emotions erupting in my chest.
" Who is this Ihor anyway? " I mutter angrily to myself, but Khmylevych apparently hears it as his broad hand slaps on my shoulder.
" He's one of the owners of the law firm I work with. Good to see you in good health, Polyansky, " he chuckles and nods toward the lounge. " Let’s go, we need to talk.
Jealous rage still tears through me, so I just nod silently. Dmitry helped me a lot three months ago. When things went down, I couldn't be present here in Lviv to help resolve matters concerning our joint project, so I had to dump everything on him. I’m glad I wasn't wrong about him, as Khmylevich turned out to be not only a decent and responsible partner but a reliable friend.
It was to him I turned with a request to watch over Milana. I understood well that she would be involved. Bianca knew about it, and who knows who else she would tell about it, just to get rid of a rival. Ultimately, I couldn’t be sure what her jealousy might lead to…
If I hadn't previously entertained such suspicions, after she boldly lied, looking me in the eyes about us, about the engagement... No, there was a risk. A significant one. So as soon as I could, I contacted Dmitry and asked for a favor. And he didn’t turn away.
We enter the salon and head to Dmitry’s office. Passing the reception, Khmylevich briefly throws out:
" Olya, please make two coffees.
" Of course, Dmitry Oleksandrovich, " his secretary responds and immediately starts running about.
We enter the office, and Dmitry gestures toward the lounge area with a leather sofa and chairs.
" Well, spit it out, " Khmylevich begins.
I settled into a chair opposite, my hands resting on the wide armrests.
" Dima, we need something stronger than coffee, " I mock.
He starts to laugh.
"I won’t argue, but that’s an issue for later, " his sharp gaze drills into me, then Oleksandrovich bluntly asks: " I don't like beating around the bush, so I'll ask as is. Did you come because of Kraevska?
I remain silent. I see no point in hiding that I have feelings for Milana. After all, when I asked him to watch over her, he clearly understood I cared about her, not just as my employee. So I nod briefly.
" Yes. The threat is gone now.
" I take it you haven’t had a chance to share this joyous news with her yet? " he raises an eyebrow, but his look is serious.
" No. It's not that simple," I pause for a moment, then sigh. If anyone deserves my trust, it's Dmitry. " We were already together when the attempt to get rid of me happened. We both ended up in the hospital then. When I came to my senses, I decided to pretend to have partially lost my memory. The doctor assisted, " I revealed the sparse facts and watched as Khmylevich’s eyes widened in surprise with each new detail. " That’s when a lot came to light, and dear friends were quick to drop their masks, " I conclude tersely.
" What do you mean?
I briefly recount the disgusting lies from Bianca about how Lukash, instead of refuting her lies, just kept silent, quietly stepping aside. And about how I had to move Milana here.
Khmylevich ponders thoughtfully, then starts laughing out loud:
" Wish I could see you telling her that. Your Kraevska is quite the little devil. Careful, or you might end up without balls.
I smirk wryly. Agreed on all accounts. My little one is just that"she could, but I have no intention of backing down. Especially now, when the horizon is clear.