Undercover Heart

Chapter1

Zee-

As I walked through the grand hall of my father's estate the sound of heels clicking against the marble floor echoed through the grand hall.

I have always found the silence inside these walls unsettling, despite the fact I have been living here all my life. The vast estate of my father, Igor Lev was a fortress, but to me, I saw it as a cage. Every inch of this estate was designed to intimidate, dark imposing a constant reminder of who we were and the world we lived in.

It was a world built on fear, power and control. A world where love was nothing but a weakness. But I wasn't weak.

I stopped by the tall window, staring into the city of Newland, its skyline punctuated by towering buildings and endless streets, full of crime and corruption. From here, everything looks far away, so small. But here, in the heart of all, it was my father who controlled the lives he destroyed without a second thought.

And here I was, the only child, destined to inherit his empire. If only my father knew how little I wanted it.

And then a soft knock came on my door and broke my thoughts. I turned to see one of my father’s men standing in the doorway, his face stern as always.

“Your father is back and requests to see you,” he said, his voice low and respectful.

“Ok,” I replied nodding, feeling my chest tightened.

Alexei Boris was this young man’s name. His name alone made my heart race quicken, he had been working with us for a while, a rising star you would say in my father’s empire, climbing the ranks faster than everyone before him.

Father trusted him, almost as he did trust me. And that was rare, trust was one of the things my father didn't deal with often.

I had ever admitted it, not even just to myself, but there was something about Alexei, something that always fascinated me. It was something different, Alexei was different from my father’s men, who grovelled at his feet for a shred of power.

Alexei is quiet and observant, he is always a step ahead. And when he looked at me, it was not with the usual fear or desire I was used to. But it was something else, something that unnerved me. And yet I couldn't look away.

“Okay I will be there shortly” I replied and Alexei turned and left.

I rubbed the front of my dress and headed to my father’s office. As I got closer I could hear the low murmur of voices, my father's deep and commanding and Alexei’s calm and steady. I paused just outside the doorway, listening for a moment.

“Good job on the last task, Alexei,” my father said.” You have proven yourself useful yet again.”

“Thank you, sir,” Alexei replied, his voice was smooth, and controlled. “I was just doing my part sir,”

Doing his part or his best. That was what we all did, wasn't it?” We all played our part in this twisted game, pretending like we had a choice.

I entered the room, and they both looked up. Father's expression softened a bit immediately when he saw me. For all his ruthlessness he did have a soft spot for me. Alexei stared at me for a moment longer than he should have, his gaze intense and unreadable. Which sent a shiver down my spine.

“Zee dear,” Father greeted, gesturing me to come over. “ You remember Alexei, of course.”

“Of course father,” I said, shifting my gaze to Alexei. His lips curved into a small polite smile, but his eyes…….told a different story. Something shimmered there, something that was dark and dangerous, but before I could interpret it, he looked away.

“We were just talking about the new operation,” my father continued, his tone casual but I knew better. There was nothing casual about his plans. “ it is a delicate situation, but I think Alexei is up for any challenge.”

Alexei gave a small nod. “ I won't let you down, sir.”

I crossed my arms watching them closely. “You seem too confident,” I said, my voice cool.

He turned to me again and this time there was a spark of something amusement, maybe. “Confidence is necessary in this line of work,” he replied. “Wouldn't you agree?”

I raised an eyebrow. “But it's also dangerous, don't you think.”

“Only if you don't know how to handle it.”

There it was again, the tension that was always between us. Crackling like electricity in the air, I didn't know it was what about him that let me in. But I can't shake off the feeling that there was more to Alexei Boris than he let on. Something that is hidden beneath the surface, just out of reach.

“Well, Alexei,” Father said, breaking the moment. “I expect you won't disappoint me, I do expect great things from you.”

Alexei bent his head and said. “I won't disappoint you, sir.”

And then he turned to leave. As he turned to leave his eyes met mine one last time, and for a second, I thought I saw something real, something unguarded and raw. But just as quickly as it came it was gone replaced by the cold calculating exterior I was used to.

I watched him as he walked away, my heart pounding in my chest. I don't know what it was about him, but I knew one thing for sure, Alexei was a dangerous man not just to my father but to me.

And in this world, danger could either destroy you or set you free.

When I left my father's office I walked up to Alexei, who was sitting by the balcony he was on the phone with someone but when he saw me he quickly hung up. “Hello,” I greeted.

“Good day Zee,” he replied, his voice low and calm. “Do you need anything,” he added.

“No, I'm fine .”

“Okay then please excuse me,” he replied and turned to leave.

Alexei was different, he seemed like someone who was hiding something. Sometimes he always had these sneaky calls, I wonder what he might be up to and I'm going to find out.

I went to meet my father in his chambers. “Good evening papa.” I greeted.

Father was having a drink with one of his business associates. “Come here dear,” he said gesturing for me to sit close to him.

“You know Dantel, I would love my daughter to take over my empire when I retire.”

“Yeah, that is the joy of every father, to see their children take over their legacy,” Dantel replied.

Being the only child of my father and the only family he has, he made sure I got everything I wanted. He is a ruthless, cold and dreadful mafia but once it comes to me he is a lovely and caring father that would sacrifice anything for my happiness.

“How are you doing? Do you need anything?” Father asked.

“Nothing Dad, I just wanted to check on you,” I replied with a smile.

“I noticed that young man earlier, he seemed like one diligent in his duties. He also does look trustworthy” Dantel said in admiration.

“Oh, you must be referring to Alexei. He is one of my few trusted men and has never failed me, “ father replied with a smug smile.

He had always sung praises of Alexei since he had joined his empire.

“You should refer people like this to me,” Dantel said laughing.

I sat with them for a while watching them chat and drink. “Father, I will retire to my room now,” I said as I stood up to leave.

“Okay Zee, please get Alexei for me on your way out.”

“Okay Father, “ I said and exited the room.

On my way to my room, I stopped by Alexei’s room his door was slightly ajar so I let myself in. His room was empty, my eyes scanned the whole room till I came across a file on the table.

Curious, I walked over to his table and picked up the file on the table and the front page read “Confidential documents”.

“Confidential documents?” I muttered to myself.