Chapter 6: The black sheep

Lucien’s POV

Gregor Volkov was dead, I have truly gone dead and hollow on the inside not to feel a thing. When the call came in from my dear brother, the only thing I felt at the moment was annoyance; that he interrupted me from chasing after my new obsession.

I was expecting the old man to stay around a little bit longer. Surprisingly he called the black sheep of the family for the funeral planning.

The view of the old Volkov estate came into sight, and a smirk graced my lips. It still looks the same from years ago when I was last here. My bike drove through the gates and slowly came to a stop close to the main entrance.

I got off my helmet, then got off the bike, “The black sheep of the Volkov family returns.” I snickered at how hilarious it was, but that’s how my family sees me. A bloody mistake, and I plan to remind them how much of a mistake I am.

“I wonder if they will welcome me with the usual glare or maybe we might hug each other and cry.” I laughed, raking my fingers through my dishevelled hair while climbing up the stairs. I know they would rather not see me.

The door opened, and conversations from the living room echoed all the way to the foyer. From what I could hear, Raphael just arrived. I remember missing his wedding four years ago, I also doubt if anyone missed me at the celebration then.

My footsteps stopped at the entrance of the living room and the atmosphere suddenly shifted. The room went silent like a curse had just arrived.

I guess it was going to be the same cold reception, one of my favourites. I exchanged a few greetings here and there, even if they didn’t appreciate it, especially Raphael, who was still sour about his wedding I missed years ago. He should be happy I didn’t show up.

My eyes darted around the room, hoping Gregor was not the only one who had unexpectedly died; unfortunately, everyone was here. My eyes stopped on a face I wasn’t expecting to see here. Those same emerald eyes that poisoned my heart from the moment we met.

What was she doing here? My gaze lingered a bit on her. Braelyn was staring back at me, her brows knotted and her eyes clouded with confusion, like she was trying to figure out who I was. She could not have forgotten me after our memorable karaoke night

Footsteps drew from the stairs followed by an irritable voice.

“You are late Lucien, at least you showed up this time.” My elder brother, Ronan, said, forcing me to pry my eyes from the confused firecracker.

At the end of the stairs stood the eldest Volkov, Ronan. My half-brother was old enough to be my father. He looked younger than his age with his few grey hairs speaking of his experience

My eyes sparkled, and a grin crossed my lips. Ronan’s face twitched, annoyed by my grin.

” I am not that late, brother, after all your son just arrived.” I chimed in. Ronan didn’t react, his expression and demeanour always calm and calculated like it always has been. He always saw me as a nuisance.

Ronan walked past me to the living room.

“Since everyone is here, let’s proceed with the meeting. Father has some funeral wishes, his lawyer, Mr Walters, will be sharing with us.” Ronan announced before taking his seat.

Everyone got seated, and I made sure to sit where I could get a view of my firecracker.

“Good morning, everyone,” Mr Walters’ voice rang, he stood up unsealing an envelope.

“This isn’t the will but the late Mr Volkov’s wishes. According to his request, his will would be read after the funeral. Mr Gregor Volkov’s wishes are as follows…” The lawyer’s voice faded in my ears. I didn’t care about what the old man wished; staring at my firecracker was more interesting.

After a while, I was able to put one and two together and realised she was Raphael’s wife. I didn’t realise earlier because I wasn’t at the wedding and didn’t even care to know what his wife’s name was.

Braelyn Alderheim or should I say Mrs Braelyn Volkov. My stare wasn’t obvious but she could feel it. She tried ignoring me and was growing uncomfortable about it the same way she was uncomfortable about how that annoying brat Amelia was sitting next to Raphael, acting too cosy.

Something was off about this couple. Was Raphael cheating on her with Amelia? The bastard I wanted to kill was my half-nephew.

Raphael sensed my gaze and shot me a glare. I didn’t avert my eyes and maintained eye contact until he could not bear it again.

“Mr Volkov’s final wish was for everyone to get along during this occasion.” Mr Walters stated the final wish, and my eyes darted around. Their displeasure was evident; they understood what the old man meant. He doesn’t want anyone picking a fight with me

“I think that is all.” He announced and Ronan stood up, “Can I have a word with you?” He requested and then led the Lawyer out of the room.

Immediately, they were gone, everyone left one after the other, leaving side comments about how they felt.

“You should have skipped this one like Raphael’s wedding.” Olivia snorted and then huffed away. Not the type of comment you normally expect from your sister at an occasion like this but this was the norm for me

Raphael and Amelia were among the first to leave, and soon it was just Braelyn and me.

I wondered why she stayed back. Her eyes were boring into my skull now that everyone was gone.

“Why were you staring at me?” She asked, looking a bit irritated. I shrugged, leaning back on my seat, holding my signature grin.

“Everything fades into the background once you are present .” Her brows twitched, her irritation growing, then she arched a brow at me.

“Are you flirting with me, Mr Volkov?” She scoffed.

Her question made me smile. That was a cute, straightforward approach.

“Maybe I am.” I chimed.

She released a tired breath and then stood up.

“You are indeed as crazy as they say. I am your nephew’s wife.” She snapped holding her purse tightly her entire body was showing signs to leave

She looked like she had a lot going on. I would have loved to tease her further, but she deserved a break.

“He touches her like he owns her. That pisses you off, doesn’t it?” I asked her. From her body language, Lynn truly didn’t remember me.

That was unfair, she was stuck in my mind all this time and she has completely forgotten about me and the way she cried in my arms.

“It has nothing to do with you. Learn to mind your business.”She scoffed and then stormed away. Raphael was indeed her trigger.

Her warning was firm, unfortunately for little firecracker, her business was starting to be my business. I stood up and followed right behind her.

Braelyn sensed my presence behind her and picked up the pace but her short legs could not beat mine. She tried to disregard my existence at first giving a sense of deja vu from our first meeting..

In the end, she angrily hissed, still refusing to turn back.

“Stop following me like a lost puppy.”

“Maybe I am a lost puppy that just found a new master,” I admitted without an ounce of shame, and she flared up, storming away. How much I missed her cute reactions. If she continued like that I might never stop teasing her.

She took a sharp turn in the direction of the main kitchen. We came across some maids who acted like they were invisible, exactly how they were trained.

Braelyn entered the open kitchen door and stopped after a few steps. I thought she was tired of avoiding me but that wasn’t the case. Sitting on the kitchen counter was Amelia, who was obviously flirting with Raphael. Raphael’s hands were wrapped around her waist while she fed him a slice of peeled apple.

Raphael saw us but acted like it was nothing. Braelyn didn’t flare up, her hands just clenched. She left through the side door leading to one of the gardens.

I followed right after her, “Can you stop running?”

I said the moment we were out. I grabbed her wrist then pulled her back.

“What do you want?” She snapped at me

I didn’t want to ask about what we saw. I already understood enough, “Why are you acting like you don’t remember me?” I asked her the question that has been bothering me

Her frown deepened, “I don’t know what you are talking about.” She didn’t look like she was lying. How dare she forget me?

My grip tightened and I pulled her closer. Her bosom pressed against my taut chest. Her heartbeat spiked, her eyes going wide with fear. My face was leaning in.

“What are you trying to do? Don’t do anything stupid. I am your nephew’s wife.” She repeatedly tried to shove me away.

“Half-nephew and I never cared. I want to resume where we stopped last time before you fled, Lynn.” I said and then captured those lips I have been thinking of forever. She fought against the kiss at first but slowly melted under my lips.

Her lips were as addictive as the first time. I didn’t want to part with her lips, no matter what, but the bastard decided to show up.

“Braelyn,” I heard Raphael’s voice gasp from behind us.

She exercised every strength to push me off, but she wasn’t going to get rid of me so easily. I gripped her waist, tightening it, then I bit her lip, forcing her lips to part for my tongue to slip in. The kiss grew more wild.

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