Thus, they began to learn to understand and accept each other more deeply, stepping into a new chapter of their relationship.
After a brief silence, Victor looked at Alia and let out a deep sigh. There was a hint of pain and hesitation in his eyes, as if he were preparing to reveal something important. Then slowly, softening his voice, he said, "Alia, I know my past is as dark and complicated as I am. I never wanted you to know about it, but now... I feel the time has come."
Alia looked at him cautiously, sensing that Victor was about to share a deep and significant truth.
Victor lowered his head and began to revisit his past. "My family, Alia… they weren't ordinary. I grew up in an environment where power, money, and fear ruled everything. My father was a Russian mafia lord… and I was his son. Since childhood, I was taught how to control people, how to carve my path using power and fear."
There was a strange emptiness in Victor's voice, as though he wanted to relive those memories, but they brought him nothing but disgust and curses.
"My father was a terrifying man. To him, I was nothing more than a worthy successor meant to carry on his legacy. But I always knew… I never wanted that life. He wanted me to follow his path, but I couldn't." His voice held clear disdain and resentment, though it gradually softened.
"One day, I ran away. I knew I couldn't coexist with that life any longer. But even after running away, my past never left me. It was everything I had. And now, whatever I've done in life—some of it was shaped by that same darkness, which I never wanted you to see."
Victor paused, as if trying to collect his thoughts and emotions. "I know this might be a lot for you, but you deserve to know. My past is a part of who I am, and maybe one day it will surface in front of you. But I don't want it to become a wall between us."
Alia listened in silence. There was no disbelief in her eyes—only a spark of empathy. After Victor finished speaking, she slowly stepped forward and placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Victor, I don't know how much pain you've endured," she said softly, "but I believe your true strength doesn't come from your past—it comes from your courage, your willpower, and your true spirit."
Victor looked into Alia's eyes in surprise. "You… you understand me?"
Alia smiled gently. "Yes, I do. The life you fought for—it was never easy. But today, you've found yourself in this life, and that's what truly matters."
Victor still had many questions and unspoken thoughts in his mind, but Alia's calm and sweet response brought him peace. He realized that opening up the dark parts of his past was necessary to move forward, and today, Alia had made an effort to understand him.
Alia remained quiet for a while, gazing at Victor. Her eyes held inspiration, as if she was absorbing his words and ready to share her own. Then, taking a deep breath, she said, "Victor, I know your life has been shadowed by darkness that you thought no one could ever understand. But you know what? I'm with you. The life you've lived—it was truly difficult. But the man you are today, that's your own doing."
She leaned in a little and looked straight into his eyes. "Your past doesn't define you, Victor. Who you are today is entirely your own. And whenever you feel lost, remember—I'm by your side. You have nothing to fear."
There was still pain in Victor's eyes, but her words brought him comfort. "When you say things like that, Alia… it feels like all that darkness disappears."
Alia smiled. "Darkness never truly ends, Victor. But we always have the power to search for light. And you… you are that light."
Victor was surprised by her words, but they brought a deep peace to his heart. Alia had understood him, offered him a new horizon even in the shadow of his past.
Then Alia slowly said, "Tell me something, Victor—do you ever believe that your past will control your future? Because if you stay honest with yourself, if you believe in your strength—then nothing can stop you."
In Victor's eyes, there was a sense of acknowledgment. He realized that to Alia, life was not just about the past—it was also about the strength found in the present and the future. "Your faith, Alia… it's teaching me to think differently."
Alia laughed a little. "Then let's begin walking toward the future—together. Let's build our lives with trust in each other."
In that moment, a deep connection was formed between them—stepping out of the darkness of the past, toward a new beginning.
Victor paused, his eyes filled with sorrow and pain. Taking a breath, he looked at Alia again. "But Alia… one day I heard that my father had died. In that moment, I realized that everything in life can change in an instant. All the things I wanted, the things I believed in… they suddenly felt meaningless. My mother, who had always been by my side, forced me to take on the responsibility."
There was pain and disbelief in Victor's voice, and a hint of tears in his eyes. He truly seemed shaken, though he was trying to stay strong. "My mother told me, 'Now you are the only heir—you must run our empire.' I knew I had darkness inside me, but at that moment, I was powerless. I had no choice but to return… as the new Russian mafia lord."
Victor leaned forward a bit, as if trying to unburden himself. "Alia, I know I deceived you. But I never wanted to be a part of this life. I didn't choose it… I was forced into it."
His voice carried sorrow and remorse. Tears welled up, but he fought to stay composed. "I'm sorry, Alia… I know I've never been able to tell you this clearly. But this was the path life pushed me onto."
Alia slowly stepped toward him and gently placed her hand in his. In a soft voice, she said, "Victor, I know what kind of pain you've been through. Sometimes life puts us in situations where we must make impossible choices. But that's not who you truly are. Your heart, your feelings, your will to survive—those are what define you."
Victor felt calmer hearing her words, though sorrow still lingered in his eyes. He whispered, "Your words mean so much to me, Alia… but I know one day my past will come before you. And I don't think you'll be able to bear it."
Alia replied firmly, "Victor, your past might be a part of you, but I know you are more than that. There's still so much good possible in your life—and I'll be by your side."
Victor took a deep breath and said, "Thank you, Alia. What you've given me… it's the greatest gift I could ever receive. But I know… this was always going to be my path."
Alia held his hand tightly again. "I know, Victor. And we'll walk this path together. I'm here for you, and we'll be each other's strength."
Victor looked into her eyes and gave a faint smile. Inside him, there was now an unwavering strength. He realized Alia had accepted him despite his past. Their bond was rooted in standing by each other—never letting go.
Victor stood in silence for a moment, then slowly said, "Alia, I have to leave for a month. There's something important I must do."
Alia's eyes filled with concern and worry, but she remained quiet. She understood that there were moments in Victor's life where he had to make difficult choices. Still, a restlessness stirred in her heart—how would she manage without him in this looming crisis?
Victor stepped closer, gently brushed a strand of her hair aside, and looked at her with deep emotion. For a moment, he slowly leaned in and placed a soft kiss on her lips. Saying goodbye was hard, but he knew this moment mattered.
"I'll come back, Alia," he said gently, his voice filled with reassurance and gravity. "During this time, your own strength will guide you. You're not alone."
Alia stood silently, a mix of sorrow and unease in her heart, but she knew their bond would remain strong, even in absence.
"You will return… I'll be waiting," she replied, her voice full of quiet conviction, even as an emptiness crept into her chest.
Victor placed a hand on her back, took one last look at her, and walked away. As he disappeared, Alia knew such moments would come in their lives—but true strength lay in the trust, love, and faith they had in each other.
And so, Victor left, and Alia was alone—but within her was a new kind of resolve, a strength that would carry her through the month ahead.
That night, Alia arrived at a grand party, driving her most expensive car. The event was hosted by a high-ranking official, and the guest list was highly selective. As Alia parked her car and stepped out at the gate, all eyes turned to her in an instant. No one could quite understand how a woman of such cold, breathtaking beauty and commanding presence had appeared there.
As she entered the party, Alia could feel the astonished stares. There was something new in her aura—a subtle yet powerful energy, a sparkle of mystery in her eyes, and a stunning elegance in her attire.