I’d missed this: the noise, the hustle and bustle of city life. But not enough to live amongst the chaos. Because, surprisingly, I’d gotten used to the peace and serenity the forest provided.
Everything out here was just…loud. Messy.
Neon lights flickered in muted reds and blues, humming above shops as street lamps cast long shadows across the pavements.
The world outside the window was alive and pulsing, a stark contrast to the forest’s peace and quiet. However, it was good to be out here again after all this time.
Soon, we arrived at our destination, the convoy rolling beneath a sweeping iron portico with gates already open.
The exterior of the looming structure was magnificent. A set of towering columns framed grand arched pathways, the moonlight glinted off large windows, while perfectly sculpted stone figures lined the corniced roofline.
At the entrance were wide, long steps adorned with a red carpet leading up to the open doors. The place was swarming with armed guards, their trained leashed dogs barking and sniffing around.
A few guests lingered here and there in groups of not more than three people. Some were by the beautiful fountain—that dominated the center of the compound—chatting and smiling, while others clung to dimly lit corners.
After Konstantin brought our vehicle to a stop, Artur turned toward me and said, “We’re here. Behave.”
I drew my brows together, displeased by the unnecessary warning. “When have I never?”
His lips curled into a faint smirk, and he ignored the hostility in my tone.
I wasn’t dumb, so I didn’t appreciate being spoken to like I was. One of the things I hated most in the world—aside from him—was embarrassment.
I hated it so much that I was always ready to do or not to do anything that would put me in a situation where I’d embarrass myself.
If public humiliation was what he was afraid of, then he had nothing to worry about. He wouldn’t even know I was by his side. That’s how quiet I planned to be.
The door was open from the outside, and I climbed down from the vehicle. My eyes squinted at the cool breeze brushing against my skin. I seemed composed on the outside. But on the inside, it was chaotic.
I was nervous and afraid, and now I was doubting whether coming here was a good idea in the first place. I hadn’t even walked in through those doors yet, and I was already feeling anxious.
My palms were sweaty, my pulse was racing, and my heart was pounding in my chest. However, the second Artur walked over to me and took my hand, I felt a wind of relief blow across my face.
He locked my elbow in his, flashing me a subtle yet encouraging grin. “Shall we?”
I let out a quiet exhale, and together, we headed toward the entrance, shoes clicking against the pavement. Other guests were asked to wait while their names were being searched for on the list.
However, the second the black-suited men at the entrance spotted us, they ushered us in. No questions asked.
“Welcome, Mr. Tarasov,” one of them said, head slightly lowered in reverence. “Enjoy your evening.”
Hand-in-hand, we entered those doors into a whole different world, one filled with the crème de la crème of society. Politicians, movie stars, and humanitarians all gathered together, mingling and smiling among themselves.
The grand hall was massive with crystal chandeliers hanging in tiers from the vaulted ceiling. The floor was polished to a shine, its surface so smooth that it caught the guests’ reflections.
Marble columns rose to meet the ceiling, adorned with the faded paintings of wars, saints, and victories long past. The low hum of conversations filled the air, mixed with the scent of expensive perfumes and fine wine.
The guests were dressed to impress, with men in tailored suits and women in elegant gowns. Diamonds and gold jewelry around necks and wrists sparkled in the lights, filling the space with a sense of wealth—and power.
I was standing in the midst of some of the city’s most important and recognized individuals.
Me.
Celine Hart.
If anyone had told me a few months ago that I would be at a gathering like this, I probably would’ve laughed it off.
Yet here I was, surrounded by the people I only heard about and saw on TV. No wonder he’d asked me to behave.