Chapter 1

Katya's POV

The sensation that something is encroaching on me is unavoidable. Today's air feels more oppressive and heavy. I hear Viktor's warnings, but it's not just his words; it's also how he looks at me like he knows everything. It seems as though he understands that no matter how far I go, I will always be unable to escape my past. I look at Mikhail and wonder for a second whether he senses the change in everything as well.

Mikhail's words, "You look tense," interrupt my train of thought and bring me back to the here and now.

I make an effort to grin. I say, "Just thinking," but I'm not at all at ease.

Breathing appears to be more difficult the more I attempt to bury my past. Viktor's eyes haunt me. I'm aware that he won't give up until he achieves his goals, which currently are to demolish all I've worked so hard to create and safeguard.

Mikhail's keen, probing stare is on me. I can't get rid of him; there's something about him. He seems to be able to look straight through me. Strangely, I almost want him to, yet it's unnerving. The idea of letting him in scares me since I've held so much within for so long.

After another tiring family meeting, we just entered his penthouse, and I can feel the tension between us. Recently, he has become colder and more aloof. Although we're in close proximity, I sense him distancing himself from me; I'm uncertain if this is due to Viktor or another reason.

"You're concealing something," he says abruptly in a low voice.

My heart beats faster. "What do you mean?" I ask, trying to hide the tremor in my voice.

Mikhail takes a step toward me, his gaze searchingly fixed on mine. "Katya, I see it. You have been avoiding everything, including me. What is actually happening?

I wish to inform him. I want to explain that everything is too much—the weight of the truth about my father, Mikhail's feelings, and Viktor's threats—but I choose to back off instead. I cannot take the chance of entangling him in this nightmare. He's too involved already.

I say, "I’m fine," even though the words make my mouth taste unpleasant. "I just need some space."

He doesn't protest, but his eyes narrow. Rather, he nods slightly to me before turning to get himself a drink. Between us, there is a long, uncomfortable silence.

The doorbell rings, interrupting the moment. Mikhail appears more irritated than shocked when I gaze at him. I hesitate as he motions for me to respond. Every instinct tells me it's Viktor, and my heart is pounding, but I ignore the thought.

As I answer the door, I notice a man I never imagined seeing again: Nikolai, a former coworker of my father's.

"Katya," he replies in a chilly, aloof voice. "We need to talk."

I take a step back, my heart racing. "What are you doing here?" I make a demand while attempting to speak steadily.

Nikolai glances beyond me and then at Mikhail. "It’s about your father," he murmurs without sound. "And everything you’ve been hiding."

A coldness spreads through me. I should have anticipated this day. I was afraid of more than just Viktor's tightening hold. My history is claiming me.

"Katya, what’s going on?" Behind me, Mikhail's voice is piercing, but I don't respond. I can’t answer. I'm not ready to answer yet.

Nikolai enters, his presence towering over the two of us. "They are now searching for you after your father made some serious enemies. They are aware of your presence.

I feel chilled. "What are you saying? "Who are they?"

Nikolai gives me an unidentified gaze. "You’ll find out soon enough."

My eyes beseech Mikhail as I turn to face him. "You need to trust me. I have nothing to do with this."

I can see the doubt flicker in his eyes, but his face is unreadable. "I don’t know what to believe anymore."

With a wave of desperation, I grab for his arm. "Please, Mikhail. You must have faith in me. He is not like me. I'm different from my dad.

He shakes his head and pulls back. "Katya, I want to believe you. However, I don't know enough. You're hiding too much."

Although the words hurt, they don't hurt as much as they ought to. I find it difficult to know where to begin, as I have been concealing so much for an extended period.

The space is oppressive. The weight of everything is getting to be too much, and the walls are closing in. Viktor's influence lingers heavily, and now Nikolai has brought up a truth I'm not ready to face.

Mikhail says, "Tell me everything," in a gruff voice. "Now. I must know your true identity.

As I stare at him, my heart is racing. After years of avoiding my past, it is finally catching up with me. Will Mikhail still support me when the truth comes to light?

I try to speak, but nothing comes out. I'm not prepared. I'm not quite ready yet. However, I am unable to think of any other options. I find myself right in the middle of the approaching chaos.

Mikhail gives me a questioning glance. "Katya, what’s going on?"

I draw in a trembling breath. "You’re not going to like this."

Nikolai moves closer, his face unreadable, and the room tilts. "Katya, you should be concerned about more than just Viktor. Some people would be delighted to see you dead.

I am experiencing nausea. "What do you mean?"

"They're after you. Once they pursue you, no one will remain to protect you.

For a little minute, I am unable to breathe as the words hit me like a slap. I don't know how to escape this web of secrets and lies that's drowning me.

Mikhail approaches me and places his hand over mine. "This is not something you must handle alone. No more.

However, I am more knowledgeable. The war is just beginning.

To what extent will I go to keep Mikhail safe? When will I find myself enmeshed in the past?

Mikhail's hand grips mine more tightly. "Katya, don't turn away from me just yet. Not when we're so close."

I can't help it, though. The more he draws me in, the more I feel like I can't escape.

I realize the present is only the beginning as Nikolai's door shuts behind him. There is nowhere left to hide now that the storm has arrived.

My heart is racing when I look at Mikhail. "What happens now?"