Chapter 10

(Flashback)

They found themselves on the 16th floor of the Smolensky Passage department store, immersed in the mesmerizing panoramic view of the bustling Moscow city. Ivan placed his hand gently on the small of his wife’s back, guiding her towards the seat that offered the most stunning vista.

Ana gasped in awe, her eyes sparkling beneath the dimly lit ambience as she absorbed the breathtaking scenery and the spaciousness surrounding them. “What is this place, Ivan? It’s absolutely stunning,” she exclaimed, her voice filled with wonder.

For the occasion, he had booked the entire restaurant so he could treat his wife the way she deserved to be—like a queen. After the recent crossfire with the Yakov gang just a few days prior, Ivan couldn’t afford to be seen in public places with his wife. It wasn’t a matter of shame or embarrassment; it was simply a matter of safety. He hoped to keep their personal lives somewhat discreet until the intense conflict between the rival gangs subsided.

How