But since starting a relationship with Robert, something inside her had shifted. Something had clicked. She found herself considering a different life plan. And to her surprise, she started thinking—maybe she didn’t need all that… the money, the gifts, the beauty salon. Maybe being with her love, even in a modest home, would be enough. Or maybe not. Maybe she still needed it all. Time would tell.
If Anton Semyonovich had known her secret thoughts and desires about another man—a man who could make her genuinely happy—maybe he would have let her go peacefully. Maybe he’d allow her to marry and build a family. After all, she was still so young. Yes, Robert had settled into her thoughts.
Why not?
Lately, she’d grown so attached to him. She could already picture herself spending the rest of her life with him.
“What are you thinking about, my beauty?” her benefactor asked, brushing her cheek with his hand. “Your eyes are glowing.”
“Just dreaming,” Victoria replied, flashing a gentle smile.
“About me?” he teased, chuckling and coughing lightly.
“Of course, darling. Who else?”
He signaled to his man, who was seated nearby. The man approached and placed a small bag on the table. Anton Semyonovich took out a square velvet box and opened it.
Victoria’s eyes widened at the dazzling sight—rubies framed with diamonds, glowing red. Her mouth parted, and she stared at her generous lover in awe. He pushed the box toward her with a satisfied smile and said, “For you.”
“Can I kiss you?” she whispered, stunned.
“In the room,” he replied with a smirk, then nodded toward the necklace. “Think you can put it on yourself?”
“Of course.”
Carefully lifting the jewel by its edges, she placed it on her chest and, brushing her hair aside, fastened the clasp behind her neck. She closed her eyes for a moment. When she opened them, she almost squealed in joy.
“You are the jewel this necklace was made for,” the man whispered with open adoration.
“Thank you! God, I can’t believe it! I finally have real diamonds and rubies!” Victoria exclaimed, covering her face with her hands.
But the moment she opened her eyes, she wished she hadn’t. Behind one lover, she saw the face of another—filled with disgust. Victoria turned pale.
Not now. Please, not now!
“This is for you too,” Robert said, taking off a thin gold chain.
He threw the bracelet she’d given him onto the table. It had been a gift from Anton Semyonovich—his very first to her, years ago. Robert had picked it out with care and put it on her wrist with affection. Now, his face screamed betrayal, like someone had kicked him under the chin with a filthy boot.
At that moment, her benefactor’s security men grabbed Robert and escorted him out.
Anton stood up calmly and told her to go to the room.
Shaking all over, Victoria left the restaurant, passed through the lobby and down the hall to the elevator. They always booked the same room—she knew exactly where to go. For ten agonizing minutes, she waited. Her mind raced: run, call the police, call emergency services—do something! But all she could do was tremble in fear, bracing for the inevitable punishment.
Anton Semyonovich entered, closed the door, and approached. Victoria sat obediently on the bed, holding her breath. Her entire being was a coiled spring. Her heart pounded with betrayal. She barely managed not to rock in rhythm with it.
