Chapter 33
Elena’s POV:
“…Elena?”
My mom’s voice crackled faintly through the phone, but my grip had turned stiff, knuckles whitening as my fingers tightened around the device.
“Y–Yeah,” said quickly, trying to keep my tone light. Normal. “Everything’s fine, Mom. I–I just spaced out for a second.”
My gaze was still locked on him
Dmitri.
He hadn’t moved. Still half–hidden in the shade of one of the tall columns near the admin block. Baseball cap pulled down, but not enough to hide the bruises Nikolai had gifted him last night..
“Are you sure? You went
Com asked, her tone already shifting to concern.
“I’m fine,” I repeated, slightly, angling myself so he was out of sight. Out of sight, out of mind–at least temporarily.
Did you have breakfast?” She asked and I couldn’t help the quirk of my lips as I remembered the sight of Nikolai in his apron and sweats, “Yeah….I had waffles.” Made by the billio
Mr. Nikolai Vetrov himself. I wanted to laugh.
“Oh. Good. Fiona made porridge for me before she left. Such a sweet girl she is.” Mom gushed.
I cleared my throat. “Yeah I know, Mom, I’m actually late for class, I just wanted to let you know I’ll be back by two. Don’t bother going into the kitchen, alright? I’ll bring takeaway. Fiona should be in school by now too, so you
She hummed in agreement. “Alright. Be careful, okay?”
“Always. Love you.”
“Love you too.”
I hung up and slipped my phone back into my bag with hands that trembled a little more than I liked. When I finally turned back around to toward the column–he was gone.
Not a trace.
But that didn’t mean he hadn’t been there.
glance
A chill slid down my spine as I took a steadying breath and forced myself forward, pushing past the knot in my throat. The walk to my building felt longer than usual, every step like walking on broken glass. Eyes turned to me–not because of Dmitri, but because of what had already taken over the campus gossip.
I’d spent years keeping a low profile. Now, I was suddenly married to a billionaire, trending online, and apparently the subject of some campus- wide fanfiction. From what I could see on the university forum. A love triangle? I rolled my eyes, reading the title,
My jeans and the plain Giordano polo shirt did little to hide the fact that I had stepped out of a designer closet that morning. Despite my best efforts to dress down, I still looked like I belonged in an upscale brand catalog–not a university lecture hall. Even my hair, which I’d tied into a messy half–updo with a plastic clip, looked too…put together. I sighed as I walked in.
The moment I stepped into the classroom, every pair of eyes swung to me.
And just like that, I wanted to melt into the floor.
I kept my head low and slipped into the back row, where I always sat. I pulled out my notebook and pen, even though my brain was still reeling.
Just as I’d settled in, the seat beside mine screeched against the floor.
I didn’t even look up.
It wasn’t until I felt that familiar crawling sensation run up my spine that I turned.
Lazar Morozov.
Perfectly pressed blazer over a turtleneck, grey eyes like frosted glass, slicked back blonde hair, and that smirk.
Of course
was him.
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8:41 PM
+28
Chapter 33
“Congratulations,” he said smoothly, that irritatingly deep voice like sandpaper over silk. “Mrs. Vetrov.”
I stared at him for a beat too long before I forced out, “Thanks.”
His eyes narrowed slightly as if searching for something. Recognition? Weakness? Hell if I knew. Lazar was a walking contradiction. Model–level handsome. Campus heartthrob. Known to be a sweetheart to others. But also one of the very few people I despised and not to mention a fucking
Morozov.
The name alone made my stomach twist.
To everyone else, it was just a rich Russian surname. Rumored ties to underground crime. Gossip.
To me, it was the name the loan sharks had thrown around the day George signed the loan contract. Basically signing his life away.
Morozov.
Not Lazar, exactly. But his family. His blood.
He leaned back in his chair, completely at ease. “Not every day someone marries up like that. I’d almost say you were lucky.”
I turned to him, expression sharp. “Why aren’t you with Dmitri?”
After all, he was Dmitri’s best friend.
Lazar blinked. Then smiled. Slow. Predatory.
“Touchy subject. We had a falling out.”
That made me pause.
Lazar and Dmitri were inseparable. Well, inseparable until Dmitri turned his back.
The only time Lazar ever really gave me attention was when Dmitri wasn’t looking and I knew that attention wasn’t anything good. Who flirted with their bestfriend’s girlfriend behind their backs and basically ignored them in their presence? Fake friends. Obviously. But I only ever tried warning Dmitri about him once. When he ignored my warning, I didn’t bother mentioning it again and just started avoiding him when Lazar was around.
“I’m sure he’ll forgive you,” I said flatly,
Lazar didn’t look away. “Maybe. Maybe not. You know… you look good in white.”
I resisted the urge to stab him with my pen.
“You know what else would look good? You finding another seat.”
He chuckled, but it was empty. There was no real amusement in it. Just something practiced. Polished. I could see it for what it was.
ROL
I stood without a word, gathering my things and moving three rows down to an empty seat beside a girl I barely knew. I’d take whispered gossip over Lazar any day.
Class began, and I tried to focus, but I could feel his eyes still on me. Always watching. Like a vulture too lazy to flap its wings.
The moment the lecture ended, I packed my notes and turned to leave–only to jerk back at the sudden touch.
Cold fingers slid against my neck.
“What the hell do you think you’re doing?” I hissed, spinning around.
Lazar stood there.
Smiling
-Eyes already locking with mine as the class slowly quieted down around us.
Fuck.
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