Egor
Did I really just do this? I still can’t wrap my head around it. Who would’ve thought things would turn out like this? And if I’d known back then, would I have done things differently? Six years ago, everything felt so different. But the past is set in stone, and there’s no changing it. The future, though? That’s still up for grabs. And that’s why I’m here.
I’m here... at her engagement party. Zlata’s engagement... to this... I don’t even know what to call him. Clearly, her taste in men has taken a nosedive. I mean, fine, I get why not me, but him?
Music fills the air. Colorful balloons float around. Flowers, extravagant outfits... It’s all just like it was with us back then. Except this time, I’m not the groom.
I stride forward with confidence, not looking back, not caring that I might be the talk of the party. Yeah, her whole family will be here, along with the groom’s relatives. The ones who know me probably hate my guts. Let them. I’m not a hundred-dollar bill; I don’t need everyone to love me.
But it’s still early, and the house only has a handful of guests milling about, plus the staff bustling around.
And then there’s Zlata.
God, she’s stunning! The closer I get, the more I’m blown away. She’s breathtaking. Somehow, she’s even more beautiful than she was six years ago. My girl has grown up. That smile, that laugh... she drives me crazy. And those eyes... two endless pools of blue that I could drown in.
Wait. Those eyes are staring right at me.
She’s noticed me. She recognizes me.
Her face flares with anger.
I try to flash a smile. Idiot, right? Probably. But screw it. I’ve gotta start somewhere.
“Hey,” I say, and—did I just wave? Am I a total loser?
God. This girl has always had this effect on me. My brain melts, gray matter leaking out of my ears.
“You...” she whispers. And not in a nice way. “You!” she repeats, louder this time but still hushed, and then, away from the few guests nearby, closer to trouble, she grabs me by the collar and drags me into the house’s foyer like I’m some kid.
“I was hoping you’d have mellowed out by now,” I say, straightening my shirt and giving her a grin. “It’s been so many years. Do you still hate me? You’ve got a long memory...”
She stays silent, but her cheeks flush crimson, and her left eye twitches. Guess my surprise didn’t land the way I’d hoped.
“You’re quiet. Are you trying to come up with the perfect insult to hit me where it hurts?” I venture. “Or are you just in shock?”
“What the hell are you doing here?! How dare you show up in my life after you destroyed it?!” she hisses.
“You can’t hold a grudge forever.”
I swear, it looks like she’s about to explode from the inside.
“What?! What? What did you just say?” the golden-haired beauty snaps. “Are you playing games with me? Is your life’s mission to ruin my wedding? It’s not gonna happen this time! Tell me what you want and get out of here!”
“You. I came for you. And you know me—I’m not leaving without you,” I say with conviction. The next second, I get a slap across the face. Ouch. Not a bad start to a conversation, huh?
Welcome to the pages of my novel, *Only Yours*. I sincerely hope you enjoy this new story. Please, add the book to your library, give it a star, and follow my author page. I’ve got plenty more exciting novels in the works, and your support is my inspiration!)))