The next day, Viktor and Zoya headed to their meeting with Boris. As per Kalix's demand, Viktor had informed him beforehand.
DURING MEETING
They greeted each other, and settled down. Boris wasted no time getting to the point. "I'd like to propose a partnership offer," he said, his eyes locking onto Zoya. "We're launching two new hotels and have restaurants across the country. We want your company to provide everything-staff uniforms to every essential items, your company supply. If we move forward, this will be long-term collaboration.
Zoya remained poised, though she understood the underlying message. He wasn't just offering a deal-he was looking for a connection to power. She had only entered the Russian business world, yet the industry's top players had already set their sights on her. Her past, her rapid success, achieved without anyone backing, only fuelled the intrigue around her.
Before she could speak, Viktor leaned back in his chair, amusement flickering in his eyes. "That's quite an offer," he mused. "But accepting a deal like this on a spot?" That wouldn't be smart." He smirked slightly. "We'll need time to consider it."
Boris didn't seem surprised. If anything, he expected resistance. He chuckled lightly and nodded. "Of course. I wouldn't expect anything less. Take your time, but I'd appreciate a response soon."
The meeting ended with no commitment, yet the unspoken understanding remained.
The evening, Zoya pulled out her phone and sent a text to an unknown number.
"I need proof of John's dark past."
She stared at the screen for a moment before hitting send. No pleasantries. No explanations. Whoever was on the other end, know exactly what to do.
Meanwhile, in his office, Kalix sat at his desk, reviewing the Boris's proposal. His expression darkened as he closed the file. Without hesitation, he picked up his phone and called Zoya.
"I'll take care of this deal," he said the moment she answered.
Zoya, didn't expected this, exhaled sharply. "No."
She said, her tone firm. "This is mine."
Kalix's jaw tightened. "Why don't you ever listen?"
She smirked lightly. "That's just how I am."
"I'll handle this deal. That's final"
He let out a slow breath, lowering his was. "You can have anything you want, Zoya. But if I say no to this, it's for a reason."
She didn't waver. "And what is that?"
"I can't let you work with people who don't have good internal reputation."
Zoya let out a short laugh, not of amusement, but of knowing. "No one has a good reputation internally."
A tense silence stretched between them, neither willing to back down.
Just then, Kalix's office door swung open, and his secretary stepped inside. "Sir, you have a conference scheduled tomorrow. The media will be there, and one of the most renowned hosts will be interviewing you and Mrs. Volkov."
At the same time, Zoya's secretary entered her , and informed her about tomorrow's conference.
Their argument come to an abrupt halt. The deal with Boris would have to wait.
The conference was grand, as whole country had eyes on them from common people to big business shots. The media buzzing with anticipation as the Volkov name and its latest business ventures took centre stage. It was an exclusive couple conference, a strategic move to present Swastik and Volkov a powerful duo.
Kalix, dressed in a sharp tailored suit, excluded effortless as he prepared to step onto the stage. Meanwhile, Zoya had chosen a black dress with subtle red lining work, enhancing her already commanding presence. The fabric hugged her figure perfectly-not too much, just enough to exude power. On her wrist, she wore a bracelet gifted by Viktor[that she have on all the time] –simple, elegant.
They had decided earlier that Kalix would go on stage first since the initial segment was focused on Volkov Group's expansion. Zoya would join later, once the discussion transitioned into their partnership and vision as a couple.
But plans were about to change.
BACKSTAGE
Zoya stood backstage, arms crossed, watching the interview unfold on the live screens. Kalix answered every question smoothly, but the female host seemed little too eager. Her voice dripped with unnecessary charm as she leaned in, smiling a bit too much, occasionally brushing her hand over Kalix's sleeve.
Viktor, standing beside Zoya, smirked. "She's trying too hard," he remarked."
Zoya let out a scoff, but her gaze stayed locked on the screen.
Viktor : "Are you going to let that woman, flirt with your husband?"
"If you don't go now, Kalix might say something to set boundaries," And we don't want that, do we?
Zoya said nothing.
Viktor sighed dramatically. "Fine, no pressure. But... you're interested in the Sebastian Heights project, right?"
Zoya's sharp gaze turned to him.
"I can make sure you lead it," he said smoothly. "All you have to do is go on stage right now and handle the situation."
Zoya exhaled. "You're impossible."
Viktor grinned. "I know."
The moment Zoya stepped onto the stage, all cameras instantly turn to her. The shift was undeniable-the media's attention snapped away from host and straight to her.
Kalix, mid-answer, noticed the change. His gaze flickered towards the entrance just as Zoya walked toward him, her heels clicking against the floor and quite authority.
The female host tensed slightly, taking a step back, but Zoya's focus was elsewhere. Her eyes briefly landed on the host's hand-still too close to Kalix.
Without hesitation, Zoya stepped in front of Kalix, blocking the host.
Then, in calm yet unmistakably firm voice, she asked:
"Did you just touch my man?"
A beat of silence.
The host visibly paled, immediately withdrawing her hand. The entire room felt the weight of Zoya's words. The tension, the boldness-it was all captured in the flashing lights of the cameras.
Kalix, still sitting behind her, was momentarily taken aback.
And then-he smiled.
Not his usual smirk. Not his controlled expression.
A real smile. One filled with something unreadable, something no one had ever seen before.
There was even faint hint of shyness, something fleeting, but enough to be noticed.
But Zoya wasn't done. She turned toward Kalix and took his hand, intertwining their fingers.
The media went wild. The flashes intensified, headlines practically writing themselves in real time.
She sat on her seat.
Kalix, still slightly stunned, let out a soft chuckle under his breath. He leaned in slightly, his voice just for her.
"Possessive much?"
Zoya didn't look at him, her gaze still on the cameras. "Just making things clear."
Kalix chuckled again, his grip on her hand tightened just a little. He wasn't complaining. Not at all.
And then , again the host begin the interview. Being precautious this time.
POST-CONFERENCE
As soon as they stepped backstage, Kalix leaned towards her. "Didn't know you were jealous type, Zoya. Should I start introducing myself as 'Zoya's man' from now on?"[smirking, obviously]
Viktor trying to control his laugh. "My man?" Damn, Madam Volkov that was smooth. "You completely wrecked his confidence."
Zoya rolling her eyes, "enough."
Kalix[mock seriously]: "I mean, if you wanted to hold my hand so badly, you could've just asked.
Zoya huffed, "Keep talking."
Viktor [laughing]: "Admit it, you enjoyed staking your claim."
Zoya shot him a look, but before she could respond, Kalix turned to her.
"You know..." he mused. "I think I like hearing you say 'my man.'"
Zoya narrowed her eyes. "Don't get used to it."
Viktor laughed. "To late. He already is."
Kalix just smirked. Because he absolutely was.
AT NIGHT
The soft glow of the study lamp cast long shadows across the room as Kalix leaned back in his chair, swirling his whiskey in his glass. Viktor stood near the bookshelf, flipping through a file when the study door swung open.
Zoya walked in, arms crossed, eyes sharp.
Kalix's lips curved into a smirk as he put down his glass. "Were you missing me already?" She scoffed, rolling her eyes. "In your dreams," Then, without sparing Kalix another glance, she turned to Viktor.
"I did what I was supposed to. Now it's your turn. "We made a deal remember?" She reminded him crossing her arms, tilted her chin slightly, signalling Viktor to speak.
Kalix's smirk faded slightly as he glanced between them, his curiosity peaked. "What deal?"
Viktor snapped shut the file with a grin. He hummed in amusement.
Then, turning to Kalix, he smirked. "You know she is interested in Sebastian heights deal, so I made her offer. If she will handle that host situation for me, and this project is hers.
Kalix's smirk faltered slightly as he processed the words. Then, a deep chuckle rumbled from his chest, shaking his head.
Zoya narrowed her eyes at him. "What's so funny?"
He leaned forward, his dark eyes locking onto hers. "I was going to let you take over that deal anyway. You were too damn stubborn about it." Then, he flicked a glance at Viktor. "And you—of course, you knew that."
Zoya's expression froze for split a second before her jaw clenched. Slowly she turned to Viktor, who was already one step ahead, slipping toward the door, her voice dangerously low.
"Viktor Volkov, you're dead."
"Oh, look at the time," he mused, feigning a glance at his watch. Then, he bolted.
Zoya chased after him, her heels clicking against the floor.
Their voice echoed down the hall, drawing the attention of the house staff. The employees stole glances from behind doors, whispering amongst themselves.
"They're... running?" one of the older maids murmured, eyes wide in disbelief.
"Since when did the master's house turn into a playground?" another whispered.
Ellen, had just entered the hallway, she stood with a soft smile on her lips. She had seen this house in all its forms-silent, tense, suffocating. But now...
Now,
For the first time in years, the Volkov mansion felt... alive.
Kalix stood at the study's door, watching them from afar. His usual guarded expression softened ever so slightly.
Viktor zigzagged through the hall, dodging furniture like his life depends on it. Zoya was hot on heels, her eyes locked onto him like a predator closing in.
"Handle your wife!" Viktor suddenly changed route, sprinting straight toward Kalix, who stood at the entrance of his study. He skidded to a stop and ducked behind him. "She's lost it! I swear, I was only helping!
Zoya reached for him, but Kalix caught her wrist before she could grab Viktor.
In one smooth motion, he pulled her forward, her body colliding with his. One hand on her waist, the other still holding her wrist.
"Calm down, wifey." His voice was low, teasing.
"Calm down?" "Thanks to him, people are calling me a possessive wife!"
Viktor glanced over his shoulder, grinning. "Well, you kinda are-"
She was focused on viktor—she realized there position.
They will practically pressed against each other.
Kalix's smirk deepened as he tilted his head slightly, lowering his voice. "Thanks to his actions, I finally got to see your possessive side." His face inched closer.
The mansion staff immediately looked away, suddenly interested in the walls, the floor, anywhere but them. Even Ellen, who had been watching with amusement, chuckled and gracefully exited the scene.
Viktor, still peeking from behind Kalix, whispered dramatically, "Oh my god."
That snapped Zoya out of it. Her eyes widened and she shoved Kalix away, her face heating up.
With a huff, she turned to Viktor. "You're lucky. I'm forgiving you this time." Then, without a word, she spun on her heel and marched toward her room, her embarrassment evident in her stiff posture.
Kalix watched her go, amusement flickering in his gaze.
Viktor finally stepped out from behind him rubbing his chin. "Well, that was entertaining."
Kalix chuckled, shoving his hands in his pockets. "Mm. it was."
His house, his world-always cold, always silent. Until now.
And for the first time, the air around him wasn't just noice—
It was filled with warmth.
Zoya stormed into the room, shutting the door behind her little harder than necessary. Her heart was still pounding. Not from chasing Viktor- but from what had just happened.
Kalix. His voice. His hands. The way he pulled her so effortlessly.
She shook her head aggressively. No. Not thinking about it.
Still flustered, she grabbed a glass of water, taking a long sip. It didn't help.
Just as she exhaled sharply, the door swung open.
"You looked... distressed back there," he mused, leaning casually against doorframe.
I'm fine, she snapped, setting the glass down.
Kalix hummed, unconvinced. "Mm. if you say so."
She glared at him. "Why are you here?"
Kalix raised an eyebrow, clearly entertained. "Our dear mother thinks we're a deeply in love couple, remember? This is shared room, wife."
Her fingers twitched. "Stop calling me that."
"Why?" He took a slow step forward.
"Because it sounds so real?"
She folded her arms. "No. Because it sounds ridiculous."
His smirked but didn't argue. Instead, he walked past her unbuttoning the cuffs of his shirt as he headed toward his side of the room.
She told herself not to look.
She looked.
The way he rolled up his sleeves, the sharp lines of his forearms, the effortless confidence in his movements.
She immediately turned her gaze away, internally cursing herself.
She marched to the bathroom, she changed into a simple short nightwear.
She came out fixing her hairs, Kalix gaze lifted and then halted.
Zoya watched his lower Adam's apple bob subtly as his eyes flickered.
Zoya climbed to the bed, pulling the covers over herself, aggressively.
When he strolled to his side of bed, pulling back covers.
Zoya immediately sat up. "What are you doing here?"
He smirked. "What does it look like?"
You're not sleeping here, she stated.
"Mm. I think I am," Kalix countered, slipping under the covers with confidence.
Zoya stared at him. "There's a couch."
Kalix folded his arms behind his head, completely at ease. "And? You take it."
Zoya clenched her jaw. I will—
She moved to get up, but before she could, Kalix grabbed her wrist and tugged-just enough to throw her off balance.
With a surprise she fell onto the bed, her palm on his chest.
Silence.
The air shifted.
Zoya stared at him, wide-eyed. Kalix stared back, gaze flickering between her eyes and lips.
His voice was low, husky. "Careful, wifey. Keep this up, and I might start thinking you actually like being close to me."
Zoya's breath hitched.
Damn it.
She yanked her wrist free, sitting up. "You're insufferable."
Kalix just chuckled, watching her every move.
"Sweet dreams, possessive wife."
Zoya grabbed a pillow and smacked him in the face.
He laughed.
And despite herself... she smiled too.
Then, she grabbed the pillow and got up.
Kalix raised an eyebrow. "Where are you going?"
"The couch."
Kalix then smirked. "Suit yourself."
She huffed and marched over, tossing the pillow onto the couch.
But the moment she lay down and pulled the thin blanket over herself, she regretted it.
The couch was uncomfortable.
And worst of all? It was cold.
Zoya rolled over, groaning internally. How was she supposed to sleep like this?
And Kalix? That bastard was definitely awake, enjoying this.
She rolled over and peeked at the bed.
Kalix was lying there, completely relaxed, arms under his head, watching her struggle.
After five minutes of her shifting, tossing, and sighing dramatically, he finally spoke.
"You can come back, you know."
Zoya froze. "Excuse me?"
Kalix turned his head, his expression unreadable. "The bed is big enough. And you look ridiculous suffering over there."
Zoya sat up. "I'm fine."
Kalix hummed. "Mm. Sure." Silence.
A few more minutes passed. Zoya still couldn't sleep.
She let out a dramatic sigh.
The second she did, Kalix moved.
Before she could react, he got up, crossed the room, and-without warning-scooped her into his arms.
"Kalix!" she gasped, thrashing immediately. "What do you think you're-"
He didn't answer. Didn't even struggle. He just carried her effortlessly, his grip firm but not rough.
Zoya pushed against his chest, but it was like trying to move a damn mountain.
He walked straight to the bed and dropped her on to the mattress.
She bounced slightly, shocked into silence.
Before she could even process it, he leaned over her, one hand pressing into the bed beside her head.
"Now, listen closely, wifey," he murmured, voice low and dangerous."
She froze.
Kalix smirked. "if you leave the bed again, I'll just pick you up and bring you back again. And if you try to run second time..."
He leaned in, his breath warm against her skin.
"I'll hold you tightly the whole night... so you won't leave."
Zoya felt her heart slam against her ribs.
Her body went rigid, her mind screaming at her to push him away. But... she couldn't.
But at that moment, his words weren't just teasing.
They were a promise.
One she wasn't sure she wanted to test.
He watched her reaction, smoke deepening.
"Good girl," he whispered, before pulling back and rolling onto his side of the bed like nothing happened.
Zoya stared at the ceiling, pulse racing.
What the hell just happened?
She turned away from him, pulling the blanket up to her chin, still too stunned to speak.
Kalix chuckled. "Goodnight, wife."
She shut her eyes tightly, willing her heart to calm down.
She buried her face in the blanket, Willing the Heat crawling up her skin to disappear. Damn him. This was all his fault.