Page 57 of Keeping My Enemies Closer: Pt. 2

Chapter 29

Zoya~

It was a beautiful Saturday morning, and even with the cool breeze outside, it didn’t take away from how everything felt...serendipitous.Our choices dictated whatever path we walked, but I couldn’t help but feel like I hadn’t made any of the choices which had led me here.All of it had started with my uncle going to work for the Korolevs, and that certainly hadn’t beenmychoice.

Nevertheless, here I was, and there was no turning back, even if I’d wanted to, which I didn’t.Even in over my head as I was, I still had no desire to free myself or seek help to escape.I had a new reality now, and even though I was still struggling to find a way to fit in, this was it.

“It’s beautiful,” I murmured as I looked up at the imposing structure, the details both comforting and ominous.Granted, most Catholic churches carried this exact same style, but the beauty still took my breath away whenever I passed one on the street.

“It’s where Viktor and Aurora got married, so I figured I’d keep up the tradition,” Kasimir quipped as I felt his hand on the small of my back, my simple white dress not much of a barrier against his warmth.“Are you ready?”

I looked up over at him.“No.”

That got a grin out of him.“At least, I can always count on you to be honest with me.”

Ignoring my answer, he guided me up the steps, and I couldn’t contain my surprise when we entered the church.While Kasimir had heeded my wishes of not having a big wedding, I had still expected to see Viktor and Aurora here, but that wasn’t the case.Instead, his father was near the altar with the priest, and that had me stumbling a bit, having no idea why Aleksei Korolev was here.

Immediately grabbing my elbow, Kasimir said, “Aurora is still adjusting, so she and Viktor couldn’t make it.While she was more than willing to make the effort, Viktor put his foot down, and since he rarely did that with his wife, she respected his decision and level of concern for her.”

“No...of...of course,” I stammered.“I just...I wasn’t expecting to see your father.”

“We needed a witness, and if there’s one thing that my father is adamant about, it’s family,” he replied as we continued walking down the aisle.

Once we reached the altar, Aleksei reached for my hands, then pulled me close before placing a soft kiss on both of my cheeks.“Zoya, it’s lovely to see you again.”

“Uhm...Mr.Korolev-”

“Zoya, after today, you will be my daughter-in-law, and such position in the family allows for you to call me Aleksei,” he said graciously, a tender smile on his face.“After all, what would my grandchildren think to hear you calling me Mr.Korolev?”

“Th...thank you, Mr...uhm, Aleksei,” I muttered, feeling more overwhelmed than I’d been feeling only moments ago.

“Shall we begin?”the priest asked, making me look his way, and when I did, he smiled wide.“I am Father Nikolai Kazakov, and I will be performing your ceremony this morning.It’s lovely to meet you, dear.”

I smiled in return, giving him a grateful nod.“It’s nice to meet you, Father.I’m Zoya Kuzmin.”

“As I understand it, Kasimir has requested traditional vows, and so this should not take up much of your time,” he continued.“Now, is there anything that you need or would like to discuss before we begin, dear?”