Chapter 1 First Encounter

• "Why don't you want to come with us, Zoya?" my sister pestered me with questions again as I tried to style my hair into a beautiful hairstyle. "You just need to put on one of my dresses and the look will be fabulous."
• "Maybe, but my friends are waiting for me at the club and I wouldn't want to let them down," I replied dryly, giving the girl a smile.
• In the reflection of the mirror, which was an integral part of the dressing table, there was now an embodiment of two opposites. My sister Valeri represented the light side, while I was a clear embodiment of the dark. The only thing our parents got wrong when designing their daughters was the color of our hair. Valeri was a brunette, of short stature with a small round chest, which was now well hidden under a beautiful burgundy dress from an unknown fashion house. In these matters, I was in the dark, so I reacted to every conversation about fashion like a baby to a lemon wedge. The outfit of my sister was undoubtedly attractive, but personally, it seemed too modest to me. With a full chest and round hips, I liked to show off my assets, not hide them. I was wearing a short black dress that made me look like a "woman of easy virtue" " as my mother recently pointed out. Naturally, the look was completed with bold makeup and daring light locks flowing down my back."
• "I don't like your friends, Zoya," sighed the girl, fixing a strand of hair that had come loose from her hairstyle behind her ear. "Especially Christina. I wish you would stop hanging out with them. Can't you see that they are only using your last name to get into exclusive places for VIPs?"
• Her sister's words stung and hit a nerve. Of course, I knew they were using me, but I needed this company. I needed it like a breath of fresh air, just to annoy our mother, because only when I cause various kinds of trouble does she pay attention to me. Even today, the four of us were heading to a fancy club, where I managed to get us in by taking a pass from my mother's purse. Did I really want to be with these three tonight? Of course not, but no one invited me to the company's birthday party with my parents, so I didn't want to impose.
• "I'll think about what you said," I said, placing the curling iron on the table and unplugging it. "Your hairstyle is done, so you can go. Good luck meeting your fiancé. I'm sure he's a great guy, because our parents simply can't wait to marry you off to someone else."
• Valeri stood up from the chair and turned to face me. From her expression, I could tell that she was about to give me another lecture. Her features softened slightly and the corners of her lips twitched. Happiness is impossible to control, even when you desperately want to scold your younger sister.
• "He's the best, Zoya. I want you to meet him too."
• " Sooner or later this moment will come. I'll wait for the details tomorrow."
• " Are you saying you'll be back home by morning? I was hoping to tell you everything today. " Valeri picked up her purse from the table and walked to the door. " Don't get drunk tonight. I won't be able to hold out until morning."
• " I'll try. " I replied and chuckled.
• I didn't drink alcohol. No matter how much my terrible company tried to persuade me, I always stood my ground and firmly refused. It was important for me to keep a clear mind in any situation. Sometimes I could smoke a cigarette, but this innocent and most useless invention of mankind did not soften my brain.
• As the time approached nine, and as soon as my parents left the house hand in hand with my older sister, I ordered a taxi to get to the club myself. I met my friends for night walks near the entrance to the most elite club in the city. I knew that my mother often visited this place. It was her favorite, and I was determined to find out why.
• " Zoya! " the striking redhead beauty called out with a feigned joyful voice, throwing her arms around my neck. Not even looking at my high heels, I was much shorter than Chris, so I instantly drowned in her cleavage. The girl always tried to look rich, but her cheap store"bought perfume often gave away her tough life situation. " I thought you wouldn't come.
• " How could I miss such a fabulous evening. " I said contentedly and smiled at the guys standing on the side.
• "What are we waiting for? Do you have your pass with you?"
• "Of course!" " I took out a small black piece of plastic with a golden crown on it and showed it to my friends. Miron whistled, and Sergey approached us, taking me and Chris by the arms, leading us to the entrance. We were met by a stern guard, who initially resisted, but according to the rules, he had to let anyone with such a card in, so, gritting his teeth in frustration, he let us all inside."
• Pleasant dance music filled the spaces of the huge, wealth"breathing room. Taking in a deep breath of the club's air, I followed the guys to the bar. Non"alcoholic drinks were limited, but still available. I chose a simple milkshake and turned to face the room. Everywhere I looked, small groups of women and men were sitting, simply relaxing after a busy work week. Of course, among the abundance of wealthy people, snobs, and various proud ladies, there were escort girls who sat with different groups, and I noticed how some of them went arm in arm with men to the second floor. I wonder what's up there? Maybe some rooms, or secluded places for privacy?
• "Don't you want to try it? It's simply magical," Chris asked me, smiling, as he handed me a glass of suspiciously dark blue liquid.
• " Thank you, but no need. You know I don't drink," I said, glancing around the room again. My attention was drawn to a huge aquarium that I desperately wanted to examine. "I'll go for a walk."
• " And I'll dance!" Chris placed her glass on the bar counter and, grabbing Sergey by the arm, dragged the poor guy, who was drooling over one of the dancers, to the center of the club."
• With slow steps, carefully maneuvering around tables and obstacles, I waltzed with a glass in my hand on unstable heels, making my way to the aquarium. It was hard not to stumble, but I passed this test, reaching the aquarium. That's where my luck ran out. A man suddenly emerged from around the corner so abruptly that I couldn't dodge him and spilled the drink on him. The wet spot adorned his expensive"looking jacket, and I screamed, pressing my hand to my lips."
• "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to," I said fearfully, looking up.
• In front of me stood a tall man, glaring at me with disdain. Another man peeked out from behind him and asked, "Is everything okay, Al?"
• "No, it's not okay," the victim hissed in response and, proudly raising his head, asked, "How will you pay for the ruined items?"
• I never liked all these arrogant rich snobs who think they're above everyone else. Opening my purse, I took out my wallet and counted out the necessary amount for dry cleaning. I pushed the money into the man's jacket pocket with my finger and said:
• " Around the corner of this building, they will clean your things so well that there won't be a trace left. Here is enough money, and keep the change for yourself!"