Chapter 6

JADE

As the banquet was winding down, Olga's PA found me and brought me for a private word with her.

Every step across the marble floor left my heart in question. Olga had seemed like a sweet old woman at the banquet earlier, but I was not sure if that was true or an illusion.

From Olga's authoritative tone earlier, I could tell she was not one to be messed with. Why would she want to see me? Was this one of those scenes in a movie or book where they offer money and demand a separation?

If she thought I would walk away that easily, she didn't know me at all. I was not going to leave until I got the best treatment for my adoptive mother.

"Right in here," a voice cut through the thoughts in my head.

I blinked rapidly and looked up at him. The man, in his early forties, pointed to the huge closed door that was intimidating enough already.

I took a step forward and slowly turned to him. I wanted to ask what to expect, but he gestured again, and I pushed the door open. I forced a smile back at him.

The door closed with a loud thud, causing me to jump for no reason. Olga had changed from the brocade she had been wearing. She was now in an evening gown that stopped at her ankles.

Probably already ready for bed.

I cleared my throat as I stopped at the other end of the table. She stood by the window, staring at me like I was a piece she was trying to figure out.

"Nana? You asked to see me," my voice shook as I spoke.

She nodded and moved to the couch in the corner of the room. I stood rooted until she beckoned to me.

"Sit," she ordered. One word from her was enough to send a million shivers down my spine.

I sat at the edge of the seat. Something in my brain was screaming at me, as if I were going to get the biggest scolding of my life just for sitting on the couch. Like I had already done something wrong just by existing in her space.

"You are the true blood of the Sterling family?" It didn't sound like a question, but I still nodded anyway. "Okay, good." She leaned back into the chair and crossed her legs.

"Serve the tea."

With shaky, sweaty hands, I poured the tea into the cup and handed it over to her. She took a sip and set it back on the table.

"My goal was to have Roman marry into the Sterling family," she began. Her eyes were on me, but I didn't even dare look her in the eyes because it felt like I might break into pieces.

"Naomi was my pick because she had grown up rich... this is nothing against you, but I wanted a woman who could stand beside my grandson and help him lead effectively."

I nodded slowly because I understood her. Naomi had always been the right choice. Even though I was the rightful daughter, she had been the one to replace me for years.

To everyone else, it felt like I was being mean for taking my rightful place. I didn't want to be married to him either, but if it meant I got a choice to save Meredith, then I'd take it a million times without thinking of it.

"But Roman has a mind of his own, and he has already chosen you. You're the true Sterling blood, after all, which means what is theirs is yours."

If only she knew the truth. I wanted to correct her so badly. I wanted her to know that the Sterlings would rather die than give anything they owned to me. They had only brought me back out of duty to seem good to the public.

"Just be a good wife to support Roman."

"Yes, Nana." I bowed my head slightly.

"You don't have to be flashy; just be humble enough to stand by his side."

The room fell silent as she sipped her tea, her eyes on me like she was trying to unravel me.

"As long as you stay by his side, then I promise we won't bring up your past anymore or try to dig it up. We will act like you are living a new life." She took a sip and smiled. "A clean slate."

I heaved a heavy breath and nodded. With her, it was useless to try to argue, as I could already see how steadfast she was in her beliefs; trying to fight would be pointless.

"One more thing, the Volkov family will only see your worth when you can prove your ability."

"Prove my ability?" I finally spoke, but my voice sounded like a mess.

"Yes," she nodded. "Your ability to bear an heir. We need to be sure that you are..." she trailed off, her eyes watching me from the rim of the glasses perched on the bridge of her nose. "...fertile," she finished.

It felt like that was all I was worth to her. I swallowed and nodded. "Of course, Nana."

"Good, you can go now." She waved her hand in the air like I was supposed to disappear.

"Good night, Nana," I whispered and hurried out of the chair. I didn't stop until I was out of the room—like I could finally breathe again

Roman's mother—Sofia—was waiting at the door for me. She had a warm smile on her face, the same one she had when I met her earlier.

"Nana is very intimidating, isn't she?" she asked, pulling me to her side. I had no idea what to respond. What if this was some kind of trick to see what I would say?

I forced a smile and nodded.

"You have to stay over. Roman hasn't brought you over, and it's such a shame," she rambled on, still holding onto me like I was going to disappear the moment she let go.

"But..."

"It's too late to drive back by yourself; stay over. I have had the family butler prepare Roman's old bedroom for you both," she said, dragging me down the hall while I tried to keep up with her steps.

"I already spoke to Roman, and he agreed."

I gasped. Of course, he would agree to it without asking me first. When did I ever mean anything more than a tool to be used by these people?

Staying over meant we had to share a room, and I was not ready for that... at least not yet. I already knew one day we might have to, but it still felt so new to me.

"I don't have anything to change into," I said, trying to find the perfect excuse to flee.

She sniffed and shook her head. "A nightdress isn't a problem for us," she said, as if I were a silly child. "The butler will deliver some to your room."

She finally stopped at the end of the hall and tapped on the door. For some reason, I was curious what the younger Roman was like. I wanted to know what the room looked like.

"Roman is seeing some guests off; he will be in soon," she said as she pushed me through the door. "You both have a wonderful night." She blinked and walked off.

I stepped into the room, and for the first time that night, I let out a true sigh of relief. It felt like I had been wearing a mask all day, and now I got to take it off.

The realization that this room could be even more dangerous than the ballroom made the hair on the back of my neck stand.

I sat on the bed with a white covering. The room was empty; it felt like the man behind Roman's face. I couldn't help but wonder if he had always been that brooding soul, even in his teenage years.

"Mrs Volkov," the butler called from the door.

I froze for a millisecond because I was still not used to being called that. I got out of bed, and he handed me my bag.

"I have been asked to deliver this, ma'am." He bowed. I took the bag and walked back into the room.

I had a long, hot shower to loosen the tension in my shoulders from being on guard the entire day. When I opened the bag, I froze, a cold wave washing over my entire body and sending me into shivers.

Inside was red lingerie—lacy and barely covering anything. I tried to figure it out, but no matter how hard I tried, it looked like a rope knotted together in several places. It didn't look like a mistake. This was clearly planned.

"Oh no, it can't be happening."