𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗡𝗶𝗻𝗲: 𝗕𝗲𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗹𝗼𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗗𝗼𝗼𝗿𝘀.
638 Words
Chapter Nine: Behind Closed Doors
The Volkov mansion stood in silence beneath the falling snow.
From the outside, it looked like something from a fairy tale—grand staircases, glowing windows, manicured gardens, and iron gates guarded day and night.
Inside, it felt cold.
Aria followed Nikolai through the marble foyer without speaking.
He handed his coat to a servant before dismissing every member of the household.
"You may all leave."
Within moments, the mansion was empty except for the two of them.
The silence settled like a weight over the halls.
Nikolai loosened the cuff of his shirt and turned toward her.
"You've been smiling more lately."
Aria kept her expression calm.
"I've been busy at work."
"So I've heard."
He walked slowly around her, studying her as if trying to read every thought she refused to share.
"Tell me about your meeting with Lior."
"It was about the European campaign."
"And?"
"We discussed marketing strategies, distribution, and product launches."
"Nothing else?"
"No."
He stopped in front of her.
"You've never lied well."
Her pulse quickened.
"I'm telling you the truth."
For a long moment, he said nothing.
Instead, he reached into his jacket pocket and placed a small velvet box on the table beside her.
Aria looked at it in confusion.
"Open it."
Inside lay a breathtaking diamond necklace, its stones catching the light like tiny stars.
"It's beautiful," she whispered.
"It reminded me of you."
She looked up.
"I don't understand."
"You shouldn't."
He lifted the necklace and fastened it around her neck with surprising gentleness.
"There."
His fingers lingered for a moment.
"Perfect."
Aria thanked him quietly, though the necklace felt heavier than gold.
It felt like another chain.
---
The following morning, Sunset Beauty hosted a press conference announcing its partnership with Voss Holdings.
Journalists packed the auditorium.
Cameras flashed endlessly.
On stage sat Alessandro Moretti, Aria, Matteo, and Lior.
Questions came one after another.
"Mr. Voss, why choose Sunset Beauty?"
Lior smiled.
"Because excellence deserves to be recognized."
Another reporter turned toward Aria.
"Mrs. Volkov, will this partnership expand into Italy?"
"We certainly hope so," Aria replied with practiced confidence.
The audience applauded.
Everything appeared perfect.
Until a reporter asked one unexpected question.
"Mrs. Volkov, your husband is one of Russia's most influential businessmen. Does he support this partnership?"
The room fell silent.
Aria hesitated for only a heartbeat.
"Yes," she answered smoothly.
"He supports every decision that benefits Sunset Beauty."
From the front row, Lior noticed the tiny pause before her answer.
Most people would never have seen it.
He did.
---
After the conference, Lior caught up with Aria in a quiet corridor.
"You handled the press well."
She smiled.
"Years of practice."
He glanced around to make sure they were alone.
"Can I ask you something?"
She nodded.
"If I ever offered you help..."
She looked at him.
"...would you accept it?"
Aria's smile faded.
"I don't need saving."
"I didn't say you did."
"You don't understand."
"Then help me understand."
She opened her mouth to answer.
Footsteps echoed down the corridor.
Sophia appeared, looking uneasy.
"Mrs. Volkov..."
"Yes?"
"Your husband has arrived."
Aria's shoulders tensed instantly.
"I'll be there."
Sophia left.
Lior watched the change come over her.
The warmth vanished from her face.
The confidence disappeared.
It was as though she had become someone else.
"Aria."
She looked at him.
"You don't have to carry everything alone."
For the first time since his return, she almost told him.
Almost.
Instead, she whispered, "Thank you."
Then she turned and walked away.
Lior remained in the corridor, watching her disappear.
He knew one thing with absolute certainty now.
Aria wasn't hiding a secret because she wanted to.
She was hiding it because she believed telling the truth would cost her everything.
And he was determined to prove her wrong.
- Writer
