Page 55 of Auctioned to My Bratva Boss

The blazers, dresses, and sleepwear fit perfectly, felt incredible. No complaints there. But they didn't feel like mine. Like I'd glimpsed a palace through a crack in the wall. The gap between us, the helplessness, and all these other feelings I couldn't name churned in my gut.

"So tell me—any progress with your crush?" She asked this every damn day, like some gossip columnist.

"How do I put it? We're drifting further apart..." I smiled weakly. "He's been busy. We barely see each other."

What was he busy with? Attending events with his ex-wife. Letting everyone know they were getting back together. Our arrangement was almost over. That sharp, handsome face had invaded my dreams too many times—him leaning in, kissing me, then walking away with Veronica on his arm.

"Seriously, have you even had dinner together? Gone on a date? If you like him, just seeing him at work won't cut it!"

Dinner? A date? With Matvey at some restaurant I couldn't even pronounce, showing off just how clueless and broke I was?

No thanks. What happened at that boutique was enough.

The woman sitting across from Matvey at some upscale restaurant should be someone like Veronica—tall, slender, in heels with a Chanel bag. Confident. Not me in jeans with a canvas tote, suited for fast food joints.

"Riley, you're here?" Evelyn's doctor walked in, his eyes going straight to me.

"Yes, doctor." I stood immediately.

Evelyn's surgery was a month behind her now. Matvey had helped find the marrow match.

"Your sister's recovery is excellent. Better than we expected. The odds of a full recovery are very high." He glanced at his notes.

"That's wonderful..." My voice nearly broke. "Evelyn, did you hear? You're going to be okay!"

Relief flooded her face, tears pooling in her eyes.

"But she still needs rest. No stress, keep emotions stable..." The doctor rattled off instructions and left.

My throat felt full. Like water had pooled there.

I should've been laughing, cheering, or sobbing into Evelyn's shoulder. Instead I just stood there. It wasn't until I felt something cold slide down my face and neck that I realized I was crying.

"Don't cry, Riley." Evelyn pulled me close, her thumb wiping my tears. "I'm getting better. You should be happy."

"You should smile, Riley."

More tears spilled over—I was trying to pull my lips into a smile, but every time I did, tears leaked out.

"I'm working on it." I must've looked ridiculous.

Sunset poured into the room, light catching on Evelyn's face.

My life was settling down. I was sure now that everything with Matvey was just an episode. A detour. The arrangement was almost done. It would all be over soon.

Hours later, after Evelyn fell asleep, I reluctantly left the hospital.

It was fully dark outside, but the bars along the way home were lit up and buzzing.

When I turned into the alley, a stranger's voice drifted from behind me.

"All alone, little girl? Wanna come play with me?"

I spun around and froze. A bloated man stood there, face thick with fat, looking scary as hell. He reeked of booze—so strong I had to shallow-breathe to avoid inhaling it.

"I have to get home." I backed away, but he grabbed my wrist.

The greasy touch made me shudder.