جميع فصول : الفصل -الفصل 10

My steps feel light as I walk through the snowy streets of central Moscow. The cold wind bites my face, but I don't care. I've decided to take some time for myself today.Pascha Romanov, my fiancé, is, as usual, buried under a mountain of work. Even with our wedding day only a month away, it feels like I'm spending more time with his shadowy figure than his authentic self.As I turned the corner, my eyes fell on a magnificent church with golden domes rising into the grey sky.St. Sophia's Church.I was transfixed. Although I grew up in Bogota, Colombia, surrounded by old churches with stunning architecture, none were as beautiful as this one. Its dome reflected the gloomy light of the winter sun like the building had a light of its own."This is it," I muttered involuntarily.With my heart pounding, I imagined myself standing under the dome, wearing a white dress, with Pascha by my side. A smile was painted on my face.Would Pascha have time to see this place with me? Or, as usual, wo

Morning light seeps through the thin curtains in the living room. The smell of fresh coffee and toast filled the air, mixing with the sound of Max's laughter echoing in the kitchen. I sat at the small table with my laptop, typing fast to finish the report before the official work hours started.Max came running towards me, carrying a small backpack with his favourite superhero print. "Mommy, I'm ready!" he exclaims, his voice cheerful. His brown hair was a little messy, but his blue eyes sparkled with excitement.I smiled slightly, looking away from the screen. "Are you sure you didn't forget anything? Your hat, sunscreen, snacks, or lunch?"Max shook his head vigorously, swinging his backpack in the style of a hero about to save the world. "Om Ben said he'd bring everything!""And I never forget anything," Ben appeared in the kitchen doorway with two lunchboxes in his hands. His white shirt was neatly folded up to his elbows, and his usual easy smile graced his face. "Trust me, Siste

The San Francisco night sky blanketed the building with a faint glow of stars. Classical music plays softly, accompanying formal conversation and laughter that is quieter than the afternoon party.The remaining guests were now exclusive circle heirs to business dynasties, investment partners, and a few figures who often graced the front pages of the world's economic magazines.I sat at one of the tables near the corner, feeling like a stranger despite being from the same family.Ben had brought Max home, just like I asked. I needed him away from all this intrigue. Without Max, I felt lighter but also a little bereft of the anchor that used to hold me together.Jullian Warren sat across from me, dressed in a dark grey suit that was too perfect to look like a window display. He spoke at length about the ambitious projects his family managed, his face full of confidence. But all I could think was how monotonous his voice sounded. Every word that came out of his mouth felt like a business

At the dining table facing the glass wall, I sat with a cup of coffee in my hand, its bitter aroma piercing my sense of smell and slowly infiltrating my mind. "So, how was the party?" asked Ben, his black hair a mess, and the pajama shirt and shorts he was wearing showed how relaxed this morning was for him.I didn't turn around, just stared straight at my cup. "Nothing special,""Nothing special?" He pulled up a chair opposite me, his voice laced with skepticism. "That's not Grandpa's style. So, what's the latest political scheme he's devised for you, then?"I forced a smile. "He introduced me to Julian Warren.""Julian?" he gave a short laugh. "The eldest son of the Warrens? The guy who always looks like he's trying way too hard to be "cool"? That guy? What's the plan this time to organize a business wedding?"I gave him a flat look, doing my best to ignore the knot tightening in my chest. "You know Grandpa. He thinks Julian and I are perfect for... fortalecer la alianza familiar—li

I arrived at the office precisely fifteen minutes before the meeting with Lantum Mining. My heart pounded like a war drum in my chest. I piled all the files on my desk, trying to focus on the presentation slides that I had prepared overnight"Focus, Belva. Don't mess it up," I whisper to myself, wiping my damp palms on the sides of my work skirt.A knock on the door startled me. Jess, Mr. Grant's assistant, stood up with a faint smile. "Mr. Grant asks you to get ready. Ten minutes."I nodded, my mouth too dry to reply. While she left, my eyes stared at my reflection on the dead computer screen. My face was tense, and the tired lines under my eyes couldn't lie.I straightened my blazer, grabbed the presentation file, and walked briskly to the meeting room. My heels press against the marble floor with a tick-tock sound that sneaks up to my heart.The main meeting room with glass walls that almost wholly overlooked the city of San Francisco was already partially filled with participants.