"Bro-brother! What are you doing here?!" Yelizaveta jumped in surprise when she saw the driver of the black car that had stopped in front of them. The woman in her early twenties rubbed her eyes repeatedly before reassuring herself that there was nothing wrong with her vision.
In fact, Nikolov Zhestkiy was still standing before her.
Not unlike Yelizaveta, Athena's shocked face was quickly pulled back after Nikolov stole a glance at her.
"What am I doing? Picking you up, of course," the tall man replied casually.
"You know that's not what I meant! I'm really mad at you! How could you disappear without any news, not reply to my messages, not answer my calls nor take me home but suddenly appear here?!" The fight between the younger and older siblings attracted the attention of people passing by, with the younger sibling not stopping to hit her older brother, while the older received all the blows with a crisp laugh.
On the one hand, Athena was once again the only one observing the two interactions. She was used to it, of course. She was even used to seeing Nikolov go to the club almost every day with various female escorts attached to him. If before, she would have simply seen it as a normal occurrence, but this time, she was delighted by their interaction.
"Here, give me your things." Nikolov took the suitcase from Athena's hands and lifted it to put it in the trunk. Nikolov looked very different that day because he was wearing only casual clothes, a blue shirt with the top two buttons left open, combined with dark brown pants. He also looked much younger because he let his bangs cover his forehead.
"Hey Athena. Are you okay?" Yelizaveta patted Athena's shoulder repeatedly and shook the older woman's body.
"I'm fine," Athena replied, returning to reality.
Yelizaveta didn't let it go, the woman smiled like someone who had discovered the greatest secret. "Are you checking out my brother? Isn't he very handsome? He's always been very handsome! In junior high and high school, he was the idol of his school. It's only since he returned from abroad that he's become so unkempt." For some reason, Yelizaveta, who didn't really like talking about her older brother, told her about his past.
"What are you two doing?" Nikolov asked, looking at the two women who kept watching his movements.
"Nothing. It seems Athena is starting to fall for your charm!" Yelizaveta's sudden words made Athena's eyes widen in disbelief. "What did you say?" she asked.
"What? I just told you what was on your mind to my brother. You know, sometimes, things don't need to be kept in. Just say it, and you'll be relieved," said the black-haired woman with her hands that seemed to be reaching for the air.
"Hahaha. Really?" Nikolov chimed in. "But I think it'll be very difficult to get Athena to open up to me. You know, when she used to work with me, she hated me so much," Nikolov said, winking and laughing with satisfaction.
"Wow... really? Wow.... you really..."
"Excuse me?" Athena, not wanting to be misunderstood, wanted to clear up the misunderstanding. Unfortunately, Nikolov seemed to be teasing her on purpose and immediately said, "Let's go. People are starting to think I'm a bad guy who wants to kidnap you two."
Athena and Yelizaveta got into the car with Nikolov driving, Yelizaveta in the back seat, while Athena sat in the front passenger seat, right next to Nikolov.
Throughout the journey, Athena was busy watching the rain fall through the car window, occasionally breaking the silence between the Zhestkiy siblings conversations. Perhaps due to exhaustion, without realizing it, her eyes closed and she drifted off into a deep sleep.
"Athena."
"Uhh..."
"Athena, wake up, we're here." She was gently rocked until she regained consciousness. Athena stretched and— "Ah!" she screamed after seeing Nikolov's face so close to hers. Nikolov was also startled, his head hitting the roof of the car.
"I'm sorry, director. You startled me. Are you okay?" She asked, holding back her embarrassment after shouting so loudly.
Not cool at all!
"Eh, it's okay. I'm sorry for surprising you too." Nikolov stood at the car door, holding it open before Athena got out. Athena looked around, they had arrived at Yelizaveta's house, more precisely the magnificent house of the Zhestkiy family.
"Zavet has already entered," said Nikolov, who caught Athena's gesture, which was answered by a nod from the woman.
"This is the second time this week I've seen you asleep," her former boss said suddenly.
"Twice?" because as far as she could remember, this was the first time she had fallen asleep next to Nikolov during their time in Russia.
"Yes, twice. The first time was when you and Zavet drank too much at the hotel. I had to lift you up so you could sleep comfortably on the bed." Athena's steps stopped, her brow furrowed while her blue eyes widened.
"What are you doing?"
"Why is your body so light? Are you eating well? You used to remind me to watch my diet," Nikolov continued calmly and casually. He said it all as if he were telling Athena about the weather that day. He didn't notice Athena's flushed face.
"You must be joking," Athena whispered, abandoning her formal language.
"Oh my God! Is this really young master Nikolov?" A servant who saw Nikolov's arrival rejoiced upon seeing him in the house. Nikolov turned and returned the smile of the middle-aged woman who looked almost in tears.
"I couldn't believe it when my husband told me you were back, sir. Welcome back." The woman couldn't contain her emotion after not seeing Nikolov for three years. She had been with this family for a long time, watching the old master, the madam, the young master, and the young lady grow up together. Although it wasn't crowded, the house had never felt so empty, especially since the last three years had only the young lady and Miss Athena accompanying her. Now, with Master Nikolov's arrival, she was even happier.
"Come in and rest. I'll get everything ready." The woman pushed Nikolov's broad back, who complied.
"Come on," Nikolov said to Athena next to him.
...
As dinnertime approached, Nikolov, Yelizaveta, and Athena enjoyed their first meal together in a long time. Aunt Ili, the wife of Mr. Ili, their personal driver, had prepared a wide variety of dishes, which were then laid out on the dining table.
"Oh, this is Brother NIkolov's favorite food!" said Yelizaveta, eating the roast beef in front of her.
"So, when are you coming back to Russia?" the younger brother asked, starting the conversation.
"Why? I just arrived and you're already kicking me out?" To this day, Athena still couldn't get used to Director Nikolov's talkative nature.
"It's not like that. I just wanted to spend more time with you." Yelizaveta rummaged through her food. She felt a little melancholy now. She missed the atmosphere of eating with her brother so much. If Nikolov returned to Russia soon, she would feel sad again.
"Don't worry, from now on I won't leave you alone again." Nikolov's voice sounded both serious and gentle at the same time, as if he was confirming that his escape was over and that he would protect his sister as best as he could from today on.
"Really?" Yelizaveta's eyebrow raised.
"Really."
"Seriously?"
"Hmm."
"Promise?"
"Hmm."
Athena laughed through her mouthful. Nikolov's final response sounded like Director Nikolov's usual style. Curt, sounding uninterested and constantly annoyed.
Yalizaveta cheered briefly before devouring her food again with gusto.
"But there is one thing I want from you," Nikolov said seriously.
"What? I'll do whatever you want." The black-haired girl was in a good mood. She would agree to whatever her older brother asked her for.
Athena, who was just a spectator, became uncomfortable when suddenly, Nikolov's eyes fell on her. Her neck twitched as the corner of Nikolov's lips lifted.
"I want secretary Athena from you."
...