Chapter 12

Maya：POV

I barely registered the ping of my phone as my fingers flew across the screen, reviewing the latest designs. The September rain lashed against my windows, a fitting backdrop to the storm brewing inside me. Each droplet mirrored my fractured thoughts, blurring the St. Petersburg skyline beyond the glass.

When I finally glanced at the notification, my earlier suspicion was confirmed and my entire world came to a standstill. An overwhelming sense of trepidation consumed me, intensifying my already heightened state of apprehension. The air suddenly felt too thick to breathe.

"BREAKING: Energy tycoon Viktor Korsolov and supermodel Natalia arrive in St. Petersburg for week-long visit."

There was a photo—Viktor stepping out of a black Mercedes, his commanding presence unmistakable even in a thumbnail image. Those piercing blue eyes hadn't changed, still cold as Russian winter. Natalia clung to his arm, smiling for the cameras, her perfect blonde hair untouched by the drizzle, her red lips stretched in a practiced smile.

My blood turned to ice. After six years of careful hiding, building a new life, raising our children away from his toxic influence—he still appeared in my city. He had invaded my sanctuary with the casual confidence of a man who believed the world belonged to him.

Elena walked in just as I was staring at my phone, her arms full of fabric samples. The soft rustle of expensive textiles announced her presence before her voice did. She noticed my expression and frowned, her usually cheerful face clouding with concern.

"What's wrong? You look like you've seen a ghost."

I quickly locked my screen, fingers fumbling slightly with the button. "Nothing."

Elena set down the samples and peered over at my phone. The faint scent of her jasmine perfume drifted between us as she leaned closer. "Is that Viktor Korsolov? Oh my God, is he in St. Petersburg?" Her eyes lit up with an unmistakable gleam.

I reluctantly showed her the notification, and she practically snatched the phone from my hand, her crimson nails clicking against the screen.

"Holy shit, he's even hotter in person than in magazines," she gushed, zooming in on the photo. "Those eyes, that jaw... And look at Natalia! That dress must have cost more than my monthly rent." She sighed dreamily. "Can you imagine being her? Dating the most powerful man in Russia, wearing designer clothes?"

I could imagine it all too well; how he treated me coldly. The memory of his glacial stare across the dinner table made my stomach clench. The way his fingers would grip my wrist just tight enough to leave marks when I displeased him.

"He's dangerous, Elena," I said quietly, hoping she couldn't hear the tremor in my voice.

She laughed, the sound jarring against my frayed nerves. "Dangerously sexy, you mean. His girlfriend's assistant called again, by the way. She's desperate for you to design a necklace for Natalia." She wiggled her eyebrows suggestively. "You could meet him. Maybe he'd fall for you instead."

'Viktor. Here.' The thought alone made my hands tremble. I still remembered the night I'd fled, the desperation, the blood on my dress. The weight of my unborn children inside me, my only reason to find the courage to leave.

"Tell them I'm unavailable," I said firmly, gathering my sketchbook with unsteady fingers. "In fact, tell them I'm out of the country for the next month."

Elena raised an eyebrow, her expression shifting from excitement to confusion. "You sure? He's one of the most powerful men in Russia. It could be good business."

I couldn't let anyone know that Maya Pierce, respected interior designer and single mother, was once Vera Korsolov, the obedient, frightened wife. The woman who had disappeared, presumed dead for six years.

"I'm sure," I said, gathering my things, shoving papers haphazardly into my leather portfolio. "I need to pick up the kids early today."

"Okay, I'll reschedule your three o'clock," Elena said, watching me closely, her gaze too perceptive for comfort.

"I'm fine," I lied. "Just a headache. I'll be back tomorrow."

I rushed toward the elevator, my phone buzzing with Andrei's message: [Kids are asking if we can get ice cream after school. Say yes and I might even share mine with you.]

Andrei was so different from Viktor: amicable and kind. His messages never carried hidden threats or double meanings. With him, words were just words, not weapons.

The elevator doors slid open, and I stepped inside, hitting the ground floor button repeatedly as if it would make the descent faster. As the doors began to close, I caught a glimpse of a tall figure entering the lobby—broad shoulders, impeccable suit, that unmistakable commanding presence.

My breath caught. I pressed myself against the back wall of the elevator, praying he wouldn't see me, praying the doors would close faster.

They did, mercifully. But as the elevator descended, so did the precarious walls I'd built around my new life.

Natalia stalked through the reception area of Pierce Design Studio with elegant manner while Victor went to the bathroom.

"I'm very sorry, Miss, but Ms. Pierce is out of the country on business. She won't be available for several weeks." The receptionist said.

Natalia asked in disbelief, "Convenient timing. Tell me, does your boss make a habit of avoiding potential clients?"

"N-no, Miss," the young woman stammered. "She's just very busy, and this trip was planned months ago."

Natalia said, her voice dripped with disdain. "I'm Victor Korsolov's girlfriend。Tell your boss no one dares to defy Viktor Korsolov. If she's too arrogant to meet with me, she needs to understand there are consequences for such disrespect."

She commanded impatiently, "I'll be in St. Petersburg for another week. I expect to hear from her."

"Viktor?" Natalia's voice grated on his nerves. "Are you coming? Their boss avoided meeting me. Can you do me a favour? I require the temporary services of a few of your subordinates."

Natalia thought，'I must give you a lesson, Maya Pierce.'

Victor said coldly, "Suit yourself."