Chapter Five

Gunshots and memories

“If marriage is all it takes, I'll do” Zaya responded coldly.

Viktor’s face beamed.

"But before any decisions are made, I would love to know everything. Everything about you." Viktor said, adjusting the cufflinks on his tuxedo shirt.

Zaya tried faking a smile.

She couldn't help the feeling of disarray her life was in. She adjusted and clutched to her damp clothes.

Viktor noticed her uneasiness once more.

"You're tensed. I just need one thing from you. Just one, the truth."

"I don't have it!" Zaya snapped.

He frowned slightly.

"I wish I knew anything other than my name."

Viktor blinked.

"What was the last thing you remembered?" He asked gently.

"An unclear dream. That's it." Zaya said, narrowing her eyes.

Viktor sensed it was time to stop questioning. He didn't press further.

He shifted his focus to her arms and saw a blood stain.

"Look. You're injured. Turns out your escape stunt earned you me and a torn arm."

Zaya followed his gaze and saw the blood. It was a deep scratch.

She remained unflinching.

"I didn't feel it. I really can't feel much right now."

"A little first aid would do. Adrenaline magic. “Viktor said, standing up.

"Come with me."

He stretched forth his hand to take hers.

"To where?"

"Just follow me."

Zaya moved guardedly, her heels tugged.

"Since I can't get you out of here without abduction charges, we have to go speak to your guidance." Viktor said with a grin.

"That is not a good idea." Zaya cut in, staring at him.

"I'll do it my way. Trust this stranger " he said in assurance.

He brought out his phone and called his driver.

The driver appeared in less than three minutes.

"Take the lady. Keep her in the car. I have to make a few chats. I'll join you shortly."

Viktor left Zaya with the driver.

Zaya walked into Viktor’s sleek black Bentley.

She sank inside it. The plush leather. The scent of oak and luxury wrapped around her like a warm blanket.

Meanwhile, Viktor walked into the hall. Exchanged a few meaningless handshakes and fake smiles until he got hold of Kyle and Damien near a champagne tower.

He conversed with Kyle constructively. He informed Kyle that Zaya needed first aid for her injured arm.

Kyle swallowed the wine in his mouth carefully to hide his uneasiness. There was mixture of fear, guilt and slipped control.

"What happened to her?"

"Nothing serious you should worry—a minor cut. I just want to get her to a clinic by the corner. But she insisted I told you first."

That was a lie.

Viktor knew.

Kyle knew.

Kyle responded with a chill.

"How thoughtful of you. Of course. You go ahead."

That was all it took.

Within minutes, Viktor was back in the Bentley beside Zaya.

Viktor and Zaya left the premises.

Towards upper Manhattan.

Back at Viktor’s penthouse.

A glass mansion tucked away in the heart of New York City, Overlooking central park, with a skyline view that scares troubles away.

She bathed.

Viktor gave her some clothes to change into.

He pulled his first aid kit and dressed Zaya's arm.

Zaya was eerily quiet all along.

He showed her to a room where she slept.

Not so well. But better than what she was used to.

Meanwhile.

Back at the Kamerons' estate.

Kyle grew restless. Paced violently in his study.

He got into a fight with Damien.

Kyle grew furious that Damien had ruined everything.

"You had just one job. You should have just dragged her back immediately. But you called me instead. As always, you know nothing about taking care of situations."

Damien just leaned back. Speechless.

Viktor’s Skystone Mansion.

Days passed.

Zaya finally had started learning how to live again.

She woke up to being served. Daily routines of a high class citizen, not a slave—a tray of breakfast appeared before she could wake.

Her cheeks grew, her wardrobe grew.

Viktor treated her in a way she couldn't remember anyone ever treating her. "You treat me so well Viktor.” she said once.

"Call it a fair compensation. I want you to acquaint yourself with my home, with me. Before the papers are ready for signing." He responded.

A time at dinner, Viktor asked. "Have you remembered your surname yet?”

She shook her head slowly. "NO."

"Well, who needs a Surname when you can have mine in few days? Don't worry its tax friendly."

Viktor said jokingly.

Sweetest jokes.

Zaya was unsure about a lot of things, except that she was finally feeling alive.

In just a week, Viktor brought in the papers.

"Take your time Zee." He had said sweetly. "As long as you don't take over sixty days." He laughed and stuffed toasts in his mouth that morning.

The paper stated that Zaya would be married to him for a year.

She is free to stop living with him at her own will once its six months. Then, people's focus must have drifted.

Zaya had no reason to stall.

She signed it right away.

A signature in exchange for freedom.

One month flew by.

Zaya glowed.

Viktor was invited to make an appearance at StoneTech Global Innovation — a high-stakes cooperate event held annually for stakeholders, board members and international press.

Viktor’s formal first introduction as their heir apparent.

He took Zaya.

Expensively dressed.

With a diamond ring that could buy a small country.

The press had enough to binge.

She stepped out of the car beside Viktor, camera flashes erupted like fireworks.

She wore a sleek sapphire gown. Diamonds dancing along her collar bone.

Her hair pinned in soft waves.

"Who's young Stone's new wife?"

Was the talk of the day?

Zaya remained unflinching.

On their return, a car had followed them unnoticed by the driver.

By the time the driver realized, "sir… we're being followed " was accompanied with Gunshots.

Twice.

Two bullets went straight to the passenger's side.

The car jerked slightly, but the reinforced armor held it.

The shock threw Zaya unconscious.

The gun men sped away before Viktor could alert the police.

Viktor held her, mumbling her name in subtle fear.

Zaya was rushed to the hospital.

Then it happened.

Her fingers twitched.

She gained, consciousness—and gained memories.