Dark Romance: A Cruel Obsession

“It doesn’t hurt much anymore,” Vilem said, lifting his shirt to show Vivian the wound on his lower abdomen. “I just can’t walk fast. A few more days of rest and I’ll be fine.”

Vivian’s eyes were red, holding back tears, “I’m so glad you’re okay.”

Vivian was delighted to see Vilem healthy and his wounds healing quickly, which was a good thing. Conflicts between Houston and Bratva occurred daily, and Vilem needed to recover as quickly as possible to work better for Alajos, demonstrating his value.

Conversing with Vilem was always a pleasure. He would approach Vivian openly, speaking gently to her. With Vilem, Vivian didn’t have to endure the coldness, alienation, or violence. Vilem also shared with her some of Alajos’s whereabouts-Vivian could only obtain this information through Mare or Vilem.

Vilem was more forthcoming than Mare, as he didn’t need to report to Alajos, and Vivian could get more news from him.

Vivian didn’t understand why she was so concerned about Alajos. She told herself to “be friends with Alajos, don’t expect his love,” while she couldn’t help but yearn for the tender kisses and love she felt from Alajos on their wedding night. She couldn’t bear his endless aloofness.

“Bratva attacked a warehouse in Houston; many people died.” Vilem raised his hands to rub his face, trying to soften his angry expression, “Alajos has been busy lately, but it doesn’t look good.”

Vilem, who had been healing for over a month, was surprisingly well-informed about the situation in Houston.

Vivian, concerned, took his hand, “Did he tell you this to seek help from father?”

Vilem nodded, “He will borrow more men from father.”

“Will father agree?”

“Father will demand something in return.”

What could Houston have that would repay father? Money? Women?

Vivian thought of Luzia, “Luzia…”

Vilem told her father’s decision, “They’ve moved up Luzia and Joseph’s wedding date. The engagement will be announced soon.”

“What?” Vivian stood up in shock. She knew Luzia would leave her eventually, but she didn’t expect it to be so soon; she hadn’t been able to do anything for Luzia yet.

“I know you’re close to Luzia and don’t want her to marry Joseph,” Vilem sighed, “but it’s father’s decision, and we can’t change it.”

“No, how can this be!” Vivian exclaimed. “Luzia is such a beautiful and bright girl, how can she marry Joseph? Joseph is a devil, a cruel executioner; he’ll ruin Luzia.”

“She has no choice, neither do we.” Vilem embraced Vivian. He knew Vivian had many regrets marrying Alajos; she didn’t want Luzia to fall into the same predicament, but, “The family has raised us, given us wealth, estates, and servants. This all comes at a price. Boys become warriors, fighting for the family for life; girls offer their chastity for alliances. It’s our destiny.”

“To hell with destiny.” Vivian kicked a table, not strong enough to overturn it, but making a significant noise, drawing Mare’s probing gaze-as he said, he needed to protect Vivian’s safety at all times, even now, with her brother in front of her.

“She’s my only friend here, brother,” Vivian cried in Vilem’s arms, “this marriage makes me feel hopeless. Luzia is the only one who can accompany me, bringing me joy. I can’t save her, and now I’m losing her.”

Hearing his sister’s painful sobs, Vilem felt very uncomfortable, “Did he hit you? Is he treating you badly? Did he… force you?”

“If I say yes, can you take me away? Can you give me a one-way ticket to Norway?”

“If that’s what you want.” Vilem looked into her eyes, their identical blue eyes staring intently at each other.

Vivian sobbed, “He would kill you.”

“If you ask me to.”

“No.” Vivian shook her head, grateful for Vilem’s willingness to risk his life for her, but she couldn’t, “He hasn’t.”

Vilem fell silent for a while, “Okay.”

“Will Alajos get hurt?”

“Don’t worry, he’s very capable,” Vilem assured, “and he has many bodyguards protecting him.”

“Will he talk about me with you guys?”

“No, men don’t specifically talk about their wives with other men. Unless it’s to boast about their bravery in bed.”

Vivian widened her eyes athim.

Vilem stroked her hair, “But Alajos won’t. He’s a Capo, his lofty status doesn’t allow him to talk about his wife, nor allow her name to be mentioned by other irrelevant men.” If anyone did, Alajos would execute his law, killing them.

Vivian slumped back onto the couch, frustrated, “I don’t know what he wants, I know nothing about his affairs.”

“This is family business, you don’t need to know.”

“Why? Because I’m a girl?” Vivian glared at him angrily.

“Yes.” Vilem smoothed her hair, looking into her beautiful eyes, “Alajos is a powerful Capo, he’s busy with the family’s business, battling his enemies. Just like father, he faces Bratva and other family foes; it’s very dangerous.”

“Every day?”

“Yes, every day.” Vilem said solemnly, “I know it’s cruel, you might think we’re bloodthirsty, it might disgust you, you might not accept it. Vivian, this is our job. Alajos is always fighting; he can’t stop. To stop for him means death.”

“But…”

“You don’t need to think too much; just live happily.” Vilem said, “You can go to the library, go shopping, maybe you need some social events, make new friends to distract yourself.”

Vivian poured herself a cup of tea, “I’ve enrolled in online courses.”

“That’s good.”

“Your expression tells me you don’t quite agree.”

Vilem took the tea and drank, “It’s mainly because I don’t quite understand the purpose of you continuing to study. Getting a degree won’t be very useful for you; you can’t go out to work, and Alajos will make a lot of money, you don’t have to worry about money.”

“I just want to keep myself busy,” Vivian said helplessly, “I don’t want to go to the library or attend social events.”Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDrâ/ma.O(r)g!

“Alright.” Vilem supported her decision, “As long as you don’t cause trouble for yourself.”

“In fact, I can’t even cause trouble; I can’t even meet my classmates,” Vivian said, “because I can’t go to school to attend offline classes, Alajos would never agree.”

Vilem stayed in the apartment for a long time; he had lunch with Vivian, watched TV, played games, and had tea in the afternoon. Vivian asked him to stay for dinner, but he declined.