Chapter 14
Nadiya
I wake up early in the morning, quietly go down to the kitchen, and fry myself some eggs. I quickly have breakfast and return to the bedroom to get ready.
Today is my first day at work after a week’s vacation.
I didn’t tell anyone that I was getting married, and if it were up to me, I wouldn’t share this information with my colleagues, but unfortunately, I’m required to notify the HR department about my change in social status and last name.
I put on trousers, a loose shirt and go downstairs.
On the way, I stop by the kitchen to make myself some coffee in a thermos, and there I meet Idar, who has already taken over the coffee machine.
Incidentally, he looks put together. He’s wearing a suit and a white shirt, with a tattoo peeking out from the collar.
There’s a hitch. I’ve only seen Idar like this once before, and that was at our wedding.
Then he wore simple and practical clothes.
And now I’m confused by how Idar looks.
Damn, Nadya, haven’t you seen men in suits?
There are none.
“Are you up yet?” Idar glances at me.
I shake my head, telling myself to pull myself together.
– Yes. I have to go to work.
Yunusov turns to me again, frowning.
— Are you working?
Class.
– Yes. I’m working.
Idar takes the cup of coffee, moves away from the coffee machine and with an inviting gesture invites me to come over to her, which I do.
“What do you do for a living?” He sips his coffee, watching me closely.
“You don’t know anything about me?” I let out a nervous laugh.
– You didn’t tell me.
– But you didn’t ask.
I say this with resentment, even a little childishly.
“But you told me about your brother,” Idar retorts.
— I need to save my brother.
– So, how can I get the answer to the question out of you?
While my coffee brews, I turn to Idar. His gaze is sharp and penetrating, as if he wants to know more about me.
But all this may be just ordinary curiosity, nothing more.
— I’m a gynecologist.
Idar’s eyebrow rises. He’s more surprised by my answer than he was when I told him about my brother yesterday.
— In a private clinic?
— Yes. At the Alexia Medical Center.
— I thought you weren’t working.
“Then where would I get money for food and clothing?” I grin. “I don’t have a family to support Nazar and me.”
— What about Tamerlane?
“Tamerlan only cares about himself,” I close the lid and put the mug in my bag. “Haven’t you figured that out yet?”
Idar looks at me thoughtfully, probably thinking about what I just said.
– Okay, I’m going. Bye.
“I’ll give you a ride,” he puts the cup on the table and follows me.
– No need.
Yunusov stops next to me and frowns.
— I don’t want to take a taxi back. So I’ll go in my car.
You better give your mistress a ride, I really want to tell you, but I bite my tongue.
— By the way, about Nazar…
“Send me all the documents and statements you have about him. Regarding his move here, we need to install a ramp so he can leave the house on his own. And send me a list of what else we need to buy. Perhaps we’ll need to install some holders in the bathroom?”
Tears are welling up in my eyes.
– What’s wrong?
I jump up and go up to Idar, emotionally hugging him.
“Thank you,” I whisper.
I thought he’d just give the go-ahead, and I’d handle the rest of the move myself, as always. But he launched into a flurry of activity.
I hug Idar for a couple of seconds, feeling the electric shocks from the warmth of his body, his scent, and his strong muscles, but I quickly come to my senses and take a step back.
“Sorry,” I wipe the tears from my cheeks. “I’ll run.”
And without waiting for my husband’s answer, I run away.
On the way to the clinic, I curse myself like crazy. What an idiot!
But… no one’s ever helped me. Not like this, on such a large scale, especially. And even though nothing’s been done yet, I’m sure Idar will keep his word.
Something tells me that he is not of the same stripe as Tamerlane.
I arrive at work in a tidy mood, greet the administrators and colleagues, and then head to the HR department.
– Lisa, hi.
“Hi,” the girl smiles. “Did something happen?”
“Yes,” I put a copy of my new passport in front of her, “I changed my last name. I have to notify HR, right?”
“Yes,” a crooked smile freezes on her face. “What do you mean, changed your last name?”
Takes printouts.
“Are you married?” she shouts.
— Quiet, please.
— When did you have time, God? You didn’t even have a fiancé!
“Everything is different with us, Liz,” I smile at the girl.
She looks at me blankly. And I’m not asking her to understand.
— I’m going to work, okay? If you need anything else, let me know.
Lisa nods slowly, and I run away, just to avoid answering uncomfortable questions.
I have a busy schedule today, so I can say I’m keeping my head down.
After working for the day, I tiredly go out into the street and drag myself to my car, waiting in the far corner of the parking lot.
“Nadya!” they call out to me from behind.
I recognize the voice and exhale loudly, turning around.
Misha runs up to me in his white coat and takes my hand.
— Tell me this is a joke? Tell me you made this all up to make me jealous?
