KALIX'S OFFICE
The office was quiet except for the rhythmic tapping of Kalix's fingers against the desk. His expression was unreadable-calm, calculated, but beneath it all, merciless.
"Status?" he asked, not looking up.
His secretary swallowed. "Sebastian Heights is already feeling the pressure, sir. Stocks are down then percent since afternoon. Investors are getting restless."
Kalix leaned back in his chair, lips curving slightly. "Good."
He turned to his head of finance. "And the contracts?"
"We've already pulled out of three major deals. The remaining companies are reconsidering their ties with Sebastian Heights. By tomorrow, their funding will start to dry up."
Kalix nodded approvingly. "Tell our legal team to audit every project they've worked on in the last five years. If there's any dirt, I want it exposed.
"Yes, Sir."
Kalix tapped his pen against desk, his tone deceptively light. "And Boris?"
"No signs of him."
Kalix's smile widened.
That was a lie.
Because at this very moment, Boris was tied in dark warehouse, begging for mercy.
Kalix checked his watch. "Increase the pressure. By tonight, I want Sebastian Heights' CEO to know-this is what happened when you mess with what's mine."
And just like that, another empire began to crumble.
WAREHOUSE
Boris woke in agony.
The metallic scent of blood thickened the air. His head throbbed, and his wrists ached from the ropes cutting into his skin.
He wasn't alone.
Someone stood nearby, hidden in the shadows—silent, watching.
"W-Who's there?" Boris croaked, throat dry.
A footstep. Then another.
No answer.
Boris struggled, the chair beneath him creaking. Panic clawed up his throat.
"I have money," he tries, voice shaking. "Whatever they are paying you, I can double-triple."
A sharp, amused chuckle.
Boris froze.
Then, suddenly-pain. His right wrist snapped back, a sickening crunch echoing through the warehouse.
Boris screamed.
His captor standing in front of him, their presence suffocating, terrifying calm.
"You don't even know why you're here, do you?" The voice was low, smooth, almost mocking.
Boris gasped, chest heavy. "Please, I-I don't understand-"
A boot pressed down on his shattered wrist. Agonizing pressure.
Boris's vision blurred from the sheer pain, but he could hear it-a quiet, lethal whisper.
"You touched someone you shouldn't have.
Boris blood ran cold.
A pause. A slow, deliberate hum.
"You'll never touch anything with this hand again."
Another snap.
Another scream.
Boris would never forget the sound of his own bones breaking.
And the worst part?
He never even saw his tormentor's face, don't even know, why this happened to him.
Kalix ordered his men to throw him somewhere very far from the city.
RETURNING HOME
By the time Kalix stepped into the mansion, it was past 8PM. The scent of buttered popcorn lingered in the air as he walked in.
His gaze landed on Zoya and Viktor in the living room, sprawled out on the couch. The TV screen flickered with a movie, though neither of them seemed particularly focused on it.
Zoya, curled up in the corner with a pillow, looked comfortable, while Viktor-his hand little swelled-sat back lazily, reaching for the bowl of popcorn.
Kalix loosened his tie, taking in the scene. They looked too relaxed.
Zoya's eyes lifted to him first. "You're home."
Viktor glanced over, smirking. "Perfect timing. Want to join? We've got popcorn."
Kalix exhaled, stepping forward. "I'll pass." Zoya patted the empty space beside her. "Sit with us for a while."
For a second, he considered it. But then, as if snapping himself out of the thought, he shook his head. "I have work to do." She rolled her eyes. "Of course you do."
He was about to leave when the sound of footsteps caught their attention caught their attention.
Zoya frowned. "Where are you going?"
One of them hesitated. "Some items from today's grocery delivery were missing, so we're heading out to pick them up."
She tilted her head. "This late?"
"It won't take long, Mam. We'll be back soon."
Zoya exhaled, pushing herself up. I'll go instead.
The staff immediately looked hesitant. "You don't have to go, Madam-"
"I insist." She stretched her arms and grabbed her coat. "besides... I'm bored." Kalix turned his head slightly, brows raising.
Viktor gave her a sceptical look. "Since when is grocery shopping entertainment?"
Zoya smirked. "Since I said so."
Viktor scoffed. "Then I'm coming with you."
She crossed her arms. "Your hand isn't fully healed. You should rest."
He placed a hand over his chest dramatically. "You wound me. Are you saying I'm useless?"
Zoya arched a brow. "No. I'm saying you're injured. Big difference."
Kalix, still watching, exhaled. "You're not going alone." She shrugged. "Of course not." Then, she looked at him with expectant look.
"Let's go. I'll need someone to hold groceries."
Kalix blinked, clearly caught off guard. For a second, he didn't move.
She asked staff to give her the list, one of them handed it over.
Zoya sighed, walked back to him, grabbed his wrist, giving it a light tug. "Come on."
He finally fell into step beside her, but as they reached the door, he spoke. "Do you even know how to buy groceries?"
She shot him a look. "How hard it can be?"
He shook his head, amused. "I just can't picture you picking out vegetables."
Zoya narrowed her eyes. "What's that supposed to mean?"
His lips twitched, clearly amused. "You don't exactly seem like the type to compare tomatoes for freshness." She scoffed. "I know what fresh tomatoes look like."
"Do you?" he teased.
Zoya rolled her eyes, stepping out. "You're acting like I've never seen a kitchen before."
"I haven't seen you in one," he countered, following her down the steps.
She paused for a half a second, continuing to scan the shopping list. Her expressions didn't change, but something flickered in her eyes-like she was planning something.
He caught it. His gaze narrowed slightly. "What's that look for?"
Zoya tilted her head innocently. "What look?"
"That one." He nodded toward her, eyes sharp. "Like you're scheming."
She hummed, tucking her list into her pocket. "Maybe I am."
Kalix arched a brow. "Should I be worried??"
"That depends," she mused stepping toward the car.
Kalix watched her, a mix of amusement and suspicion playing in his eyes. "You're being weird."
She only grinned, not giving him an answer.
As they settled in car, Zoya glanced at him. "Are you tired?"
He shook his head. "No."
She hummed in response, not entirely convinced.
AT THE SUPERMARKET
The automatic doors slid open, welcoming them into the brightly lit supermarket. Zoya walked in confidently, but Kalix, who had been standing idly by the entrance, remained frozen.
She turned back, raising a brow. "Are you coming or just admiring the entrance?"
Kalix blinked, shaking his head slightly before stepping in.
As they continued shopping. Zoya scoffed, "I just don't understand one thing." He looked at her with mild curiosity. "What?"
"You were born into the Volkov family, have lived a luxurious life since birth, right?"
Kalix nodded, amused. "Obviously."
"Then, how are you better at grocery shopping than me?" she asked, genuinely. "Even I haven't done it before, but I lived on my own, had less help than you-so how?"
Kalix exhaled a short chuckle, shaking his head. "I used to come grocery shopping when was very young with my mother. She liked to pick fresh vegetables herself and cook food for me and my father." His voice was casual, but there was something in the way said it-nostalgia laced with something deeper.
Zoya blinked, momentarily taken aback. She hadn't unexpected that.
Then, with a teasing smile, she nudged him slightly. "Oh! Thanks to my mother-in-law, I don't have to struggle to buy vegetables.
He stilled for half a second. Something flickered in his eyes. Her mother-in-law. She had said it so naturally.
Zoya had wandered off to another aisle, her eyes scanning the shelves for something specific. It took her few minutes, but when she finally returned, she slowed her steps.
Kalix was standing near fresh products section, speaking to a woman. She was elegantly dressed. Her red lips curved into a smile as she tilted her head slightly, engaging him in conversation.
Her gaze sharpened.
Without hesitation, she walked straight up to them and stopped beside Kalix, her expression neutral.
Kalix glanced at her immediately, sensing something. Before he could say a word, Zoya tilted her head and asked, "Who she might be?"
The woman turned to her, offering a charming smile. "Oh, hi. I'm Alina,"she said smoothly. "Mr. Volkov's previous secretary."
Zoya didn't hesitate. She smoothly slid her arm into Kalix's, holding onto him as if she'd done it million times before. Then, with an easy, unreadable smile, she said, I'm his wife. Zoya. Zoya Volkov." Kalix's lips twitched slightly, and he turned his gaze toward her, fully amused.
Alina, however, didn't look surprised. Instead, she chuckled lightly. "Who doesn't know you?" Kalix bit the inside of his cheek to keep from laughing. Possessive. She was being possessive. And wasn't even aware of it.
Alina let out a small laugh, "Well, it was nice catching up, Mr. Volkov," she said before giving Zoya a glance. "A nice meeting you." She smiled, her grip on his arm firm until Alina walked away. Only then did she let go.
She glanced at him, pretending to be unaffected, and then with a feigned curiosity, "I didn't know you had such charming, old employees."
Kalix chuckled, shoving his hands into his pockets as well as well she watched her. "Hmm, Are you trying to say something , Mrs. Volkov?" Her eyes narrowed slightly at his amusement, but she scoffed and turned away. "Just making an observation," she said, grabbing a random item from the shelf and tossing it into the cart.
He stepped closer, lowering his voice as he leaned slightly toward her. "Observation, huh?"
She ignored the heat creeping up her neck. "Yes," she said firmly. "Like how she was giggling too much. Or how she stood so close." She glanced at him from the corner of her eye. "She must've had great boss."
Kalix hummed thoughtfully. "She did." She froze for half a second before scowling. "Tch."
That was the reaction he was waiting for.
"Relax," He said, clearly entertained. "I don't even remember what she was saying. I was too busy wondering why my wife suddenly got so touchy."
Zoya's jaw clenched. "You were being flirted with," she said, acting like it was obvious.
He chuckled lowly, his smirk deepening. So she did notice.
"How terrible," he said, placing a hand over his chest. "Good thing my wife came to my rescue."
Zoya exhaled through her nose, looking straight ahead as she muttered, "Annoying."
Kalix grinned. This was fun.
AT HOME
Kalix and Zoya returned home, handling bags to staff. Viktor, lounging on couch, looked up as they entered.
He folded his arms. "What did you two do?"
Zoya exchanged a glance with Kalix before shrugging. "Grocery shopping. What else?"
Viktor let out a slow breath before shaking his head. "You guys are all over the internet. Again." Both of them blinked. "What?" they said together.
Viktor pulled out his phone and turned the screen toward them. "This." A video was playing—a short clip someone at had recorded at store. It showed Kalix smirking as he placed a hand on his chest, feigning dramatics while teasing Zoya. The video caption read:
"CEO Kalix Volkov & his wife, Zoya Volkov, giving us another rom-com moment in the middle of grocery store?!?!"
The comment section was even worse:
~ "God, they are adorable." ~ "The way she got flustered, HELPPP." ~ "Always cold, ruthless, untouchable... unless it's his wife, apparently. Damn."
~ "Who would've thought the Kalix Volkov does grocery shopping? And at a supermarket, no less?!"
Zoya stared at the screen, mortified. "Who even recorded this?!"
Kalix, on the other hand, chuckled. "I have to admit, we do look good together." Zoya shot him a look, and huffed.
Viktor glanced at them in amusement, "What exactly happened there?" Kalix leaned towards Zoya. "Someone got jealous and acted possessive again."
Zoya snapped her head toward him, eyes narrowing. "Excuse me?" "I was just introducing myself."
"Right." With his teasing voice. "Sliding your arm into mine, emphasizing my last name— completely normal introduction."
Viktor let out a low whistle. "Damn, that doesn't sound like a just an introduction to me." She shot him a look. "Whose side you are on?" He shrugged, grinning. "The truth."
She let out a frustrated sigh. "I'm going to bed," she muttered before turning sharply and disappearing.
Viktor watched her leave, then smirked as crossed his arms. "You're enjoying this way too much."
Kalix completely unbothered, leaned back against the couch, a slow , knowing smirk tugging at his lips. "I love this woman."
Viktor's brow shot up. "Wait-was that a confession?"
Kalix didn't even glance at him, his eyes still on the spot where Zoya had disappeared. "You can say that."
BEDROOM
As they settled in the bed, Kalix told Zoya,"Don't go office tomorrow." She turned toward him. "But we have event to attend tomorrow."
He shifted closer, one arm propped up as he looked down at her. We'll leave from home. You're not going office, he said, his voice low, firm.
She huffed but didn't argued. "Fine."
Kalix reached out brushing her cheek, his touch lingering just a second longer than necessary. "Get some rest now," he murmured, his voice gentle.
She swallowed, suddenly too aware of the space between them. She turned onto her side, facing away, with the warmth of his touch still on her skin.
MORNING
The morning air carried the scent of freshly cooked food as Zoya sat across from Kalix and Viktor, watching them closely.
Viktor picked up his fork, inhaling the aroma. "The food smells different today," he noted before taking the bite. His brows lifted in surprise. "Damn, this is good."
Zoya's gaze flickered to Kalix. He ate in silence, his moments precise as always.
"How is it?" She asked, tilting her head ever so slightly.
Kalix glanced up, chewing softly. His gaze flickered towards her, confused. "It's good." A smirk tugged at her lips. "I made it." Silence.
Kalix's fork paused mid-air. Viktor, mid chew, almost choked.
"You?" Kalix asked, eyes narrowing slightly.
"Yes, me." Viktor let out a low whistle. "Didn't know you could cook," he said casually spearing another bite. Then he suddenly turned to her. "Here, try it. Tell me if it tastes how you meant it to." Without hesitation, he cut a small piece and held it up to her lips.
She blinked. The gesture was so casual, so natural, that she didn't even think before leaning in, taking the bite.
Kalix's grip on his fork tightened out of jealousy, his expressions remained unreadable. Viktor caught the shift immediately, and chuckled.
Kalix ignored him. Instead, he smoothly picked up a piece from his own plate and held it out toward Zoya.
She narrowed her eyes. "What are you doing?"
"You cooked it didn't you?" Kalix said, voice smooth as silk. "Tell me if I got a better bite than Viktor."
Viktor seeing everything, and enjoying but didn't said anything.
Zoya gave Kalix a long look, with a small shrug, leaned in and took a bite.
His eyes never left her.
Her lips brushed against the fork lightly, and for a brief moment, there was something-something in the way he gazed at her.
But Zoya pulled away like it was nothing, chewing thoughtfully. "Tastes the same." Viktor laughed, shaking his head.
Then, as if the thought just hit him, he asked, "Wait, where'd you learn to cook." Her fingers curled slightly against the table. The playful air around her shifted-just barely.
"I just... picked things up over time."
Kalix noticed immediately, that she was hiding something, but let it go.
Kalix took another bite, then set his fork down. "Is this what you were plotting yesterday?"
She arched a brow. "Plotting?"
He hummed, tilting his head. "You had that look. The one you get when you're up to something.
She scoffed.
Before they could argue, Viktor cut in. "Well, whatever the reason I approve. You should cook more often." Kalix's gaze flickered to her lips.
Without a word, he leaned in slightly, reaching out.
Before she could process what was happening, his thumb brushed the corner of her lips, swiping something away.
Then-casually, effortlessly-he brought that same thumb to his lips and licked it clean.
Right in the middle of her conversation with Viktor.
Her word's stalled
Viktor obviously, kept talking, but Zoya wasn't listening.
Kalix, on the other hand, barely reacted. He just sat there, like it was the most natural thing for them.
And Zoya?
GETTING READY FOR EVENT
Zoya stepped out of the bathroom, adjusting the fabric of her dress when Viktor casually walked into their room.
Without hesitation, she snapped, "Get out." Viktor without missing a beat, turned and walked right back out.
Kalik, who just finished buttoning his cuffs, instinctively moved to follow.
"Where are you going?" her voice stopped him.
He frowned. "You just said 'get out'." She shot him a look. "Not you." Without another word, she walked toward him, turning her back as she swept her hair over one shoulder, exposing deep-cut back of her dress.
Kalix stiffened.
"Zip me up." His throat went dry. His gaze flickered down the smooth expanse of her back, his fingers at his sides.
"What... are you doing?" his voice came out quieter than he expected.
Zoya smirked, looking over her shoulder, in a teasing way. "Testing something." His brows furrowed. "Testing what?" "Your self-control." His jaw clenched. He exhaled through her nose before stepping close-too close.
He dragged the zipper up slowly, knuckles grazing her back, feeling the warmth of her skin beneath his fingertips. He didn't rush-didn't pull away as soon the task was done.
Instead he let his fingers linger.
His palm skimmed up her spine, fingertips brushing against the nape of her neck before his hand settled on her bare shoulder. He could feel her pulse beneath his touch, steady but... was it just his imagination, or did it quicken?
Leaning in, just close enough for his breath to tickle her skin, he murmured, "You're all set."
She swallowed, but her voice was steady when she replied,
"Hmm, I don't know..." she turned enough to meet his eyes. "Feels like you're still holding onto me." Kalix's fingers flexed before he finally-finally let go.
"Carefull Zoya,"he murmured, his voice deep, controlled. "Keep teasing me, and you might not make it to the event on time." She smirked, turning fully to face him. "And here I thought you had self-control." He let out a low chuckle, shaking his head as he stepped back. "You're asking for trouble today." She gave him a look, then casually past him-completely unfazed-while he stood there, jaw tight, hands clenched.
She had no idea what she was doing to him.
And if she did?
Well, that was even more dangerous.
Later Kalix was fastening his watch when Zoya approached him, holding a sleek shopping bag. The moment he saw it, recognition flashed his eyes.
"That's the bag from the other day." He leaned against the dresser, arms crossed. "The one use refused to tell me about." She smirked, pulling out a slim black box. "And now, I'm telling you."
He took it, narrowing his eyes, "What is it?"
"Open it and see."
Curiosity got the better of him. He flicked the box open, his gaze landing on a pair thin, sleek bracelets- simple yet elegant. One was subtly masculine, the other more delicate. Matching.
He raised a brow. "There are two." "Well spotted," she teased.
His eyes flickered up to hers. "You usually buy for Viktor too."
Her brow arched. "This isn't for Viktor." She plucked one of the bracelets, then grabbed his wrist without hesitation. Kalix let her, watching as she fastened it around him.
"It's for us. You and me." Kalix froze.
The simple statement held more weight than it should.
He looked down at his wrist, at the bracelet she had just tied with her own hands. His mind flickered to a memory- his mother, of something similar she had once done for his father.
Zoya extended her wrist toward him expectantly.
Kalix exhaled through his nose, shaking off whatever thoughts had started to creep in.
He picked up the second bracelet and wrapped it around her wrist, securing it with slow deliberate fingers.
She looked at him, Let's go.
But just as she turned, her heel caught slightly on the carpet. She stumbled-not much, but enough for Kalix's instincts to kick in.
He moved fast, reaching out to steady her, but the shift in momentum sent them both falling-straight onto the bed.
The air stilled.
Zoya's hands pressed against his chest, her breath caught in her throat. Kalix's arms locked around her waist, his body warm and solid beneath hers.
Her heart pounded.
His dark eyes flickered over her face, lingering for just a moment too long before—
He realized.
It happened.
A brush. A fleeting touch. Their lips collided for a second, soft and accidental, but enough to send sparks down their spine.
Zoya froze. Her fingers curled slightly against his shirt, her wide eyes locking with his.
Neither moved, the charged air around them thick and heavy.
Her lips parted, as if to say something, but nothing came out.
"Are you going to get off me?" Kalix's voice was low, but there was something else in it-something teasing, yet unsteady.
Her breath was unsteady. "I should be asking you that, "Are you going to let go off me?" A ghost of a smirk tugged at his lips. "I don't mind staying like this."
Heat rushed to her cheeks. She pushed at his chest, and with an effortless shift, he rolled, pulling her up as he stood.
But before she could step away, Kalix's hand caught her wrist. The warmth of his touch sent a jolt through her.
"Running away already?" His voice was playful, but was lingering intensity in his gaze.
Zoya's eyes narrowed, though the rapid thudding of her heart betrayed her. "I wasn't running." "Good."
With a swift tug, he pulled her closer. She gasped, one hand instinctively landing against his chest.
Then, without another word, he leaned in- this time deliberately.
His lips brushed against her forehead, lingering just long enough to make her skin tingle. It wasn't like the accidental kiss-this one was intentional. Firm. Grounding.
"For the bracelet," he murmured, his voice low against her skin.
She stiffened, her breath shallow.
His hand remained at her waist, the warmth of his palm seeping through her dress. He pulled back, his eyes searching hers for a moment.
"Let's go, wife." And just like that, he turned, leading her out, leaving her thoughts spinning and her lips tingling in ways she wasn't ready to admit.
The event had gone perfectly. Smiles flashed, hand shook, and cameras clicked relentlessly. Kalix and Zoya stood side by side, radiating elegance.
The crowd of reporters buzzed, shouting questions that were drowned by the flashes of the cameras. Kalix's arm rested naturally around Zoya's waist, apicture of composed dominance. She smiled, her posture graceful as always.
"One more! A photographer called.
They obligated, shifting slightly as the lights flashed.
But then—
Zoya's smile faltered. Her body tensed, her gaze snapping toward something. The laughter, the murmurs-all faded.
Kalix felt her shift against him, the warmth of her presence trembling slightly. Before he could react, she slipped from his hold.
A sharp thud echoed.
The cameras stopped. Gasps spread like wildfire. Reporters lower their mics. The air, once filled with flashing lights and chaotic noise, now hung heavy with confusion.
Kalix's heart pounded. His eyes flickered to Zoya, but she wasn't where she had been.
"Zoya," he called, his voice low.
No response. Only the sight of her standing over someone, her breathing rapid, shoulders squared. The tension was suffocating.
"Zoya!"
The sound of his voice didn't break her trance. The weight of the moment settled like a storm about to break.
Viktor's voice rang out, sharp and panicked.
"Sista!"
But Zoya didn't move.