After Their Story Began

Chapter 17

Adriana's POV

I'm in the living room watching tv with the artifacts. The only way I'm allowed to watch tv is if I'm watching something with them.

"Adriana, did you start your back to school homework?" Gramps asked

"It's not hard so I was going to do it when we get back." I explained

"When you get back you have to run errands with your father. Go to the dining room and start your homework." Great gramps ordered

I rolled my eyes before getting up and got smacked in the back of the head for it

"Mind your manners."

Alessio was sitting on the couch with granny trying to avoid being seen by the artifacts

"Join her as well Joey."

"I already finished the work I can do." He rushed out

"What work can't you do?"

"I have to practice my cello and the piano. Alas there aren't any here."

"Are you being fresh with us?"

"No I wasn't." His eyes widened

"Grandfather, can I do my homework on the couch? I just have to read a book and the table is uncomfortable."

"No."

"But-"

"I hope you're not going to make me repeat myself." He narrowed his eyes at me

"No." I put my head down

"Don't stare at the floor Adriana. You're a Volkov not a bitch."

"Yes great grandfather."

I sat at the dining room table with my back turned to the TV and began reading the book.

One hour later

I don't know when I fell asleep but I was suddenly awoken by Granny screaming. I jumped out of my seat and turned around to find her pointing at the TV. Everyone ran into the room and gasped when they saw what she was pointing at.

Guess dad's engagement made it on all the tacky news stations.

"Tasha that's clearly not true. It must be a rumor." Gramps reasoned with her

"No it's true dad asked us for his blessing before proposing." Xander revealed

"My baby is getting married and he didn't tell me?" Granny sounded hurt

"If it makes you feel better he's only marrying her because her father is Bishop Vasilios."

That earned me a slap on the back of the head

"We don't know the details of their engagement do not offer such information so easily." Gramps scolded

"So I can't talk about my engagement?" I asked

"What engagement?" Every adult man in the family growled

"Oh I guess you didn't know."

"Aleksandr and Elijah came to an agreement that Adriana would marry Tyler after she turns eighteen. They've been engaged for nearly four years. And to answer your question JJ you can discuss it to our and his family but not others." Dimitri answered

"Aleksandr has a lot of explaining to do." Granny spat while calling his phone

Her calls kept getting sent to voicemail

"Dimitri give me the number to his emergency phone." She ordered

"I would Tasha but I have to take Milo out." He frowned while slowly walking towards the front door

"Let's play a game then. Who's scarier? Me or Aleksandr?" She stood up

"Here call on my phone so he answers." He caved instantly and left the house phoneless

Granny began dialing the number and put it on speaker

"You seriously can't go one night without calling me?" Dad asked in Russian

"Did you think I wouldn't be able to contact you?" Granny asked

"Fuck, mom I swear I can explain everything when I get back. I'm on my way home now."

"With your fiancé?"

"No I already dropped her off."

"Aleksandr, I do not appreciate finding out something so big from shitty headlines."

"I know and I'm sorry."

"This is the worst thing one of my children have ever done to me."

"Really? I'm sure that's not true."

"Nothing your sister did was surprising. While it hurt I was always somewhat prepared for the emotional rollercoaster she'd put me through. This however is something I never thought you'd do to me."

"Mo-"

She hung up and went up to her room

"This is the second time someone has mentioned dad having a sister. Where is she?"

"She ran away years ago. Don't bring her up." Great uncle Vladelin told me

"Everyone brings her up wouldn't it be necessary for me to know about her?"

"You were told to drop it." Gramps told me coldly

"And I'm telling you this is relevant information for the future leader to know." I spoke back

Gramps looked furious and stalked towards me

"Don't lay a hand on her Vladimir. She isn't wrong. Keeping her in the dark will make other families think we don't trust our heiress." Great gramps interjected

"All of you sit on the couch."

Xander who was making a sandwich in the kitchen sat in between me and Alessio

"My first biological grandchild was a girl. Tasha and Vladimir named her Irina."

"Who was your first non bio grandkid?"

"Sergei is the oldest in both families."

I saw Sergei hide a smile from hearing that

"What was she like?"

"She was spoiled rotten. In her defense it was Vladimir's fault she turned out the way she did. He didn't allow Natasha to enforce any rules on her even when she brought up her behavioral issues. By fifteen she was experimenting with drugs, alcohol, and sex. She ran away at twenty-one when Vladimir finally became fed up with her antics and tried to enforce house rules on her."

"She sounds like the absolute worst." Xander commented

"Is that why you're so strict with us? Especially JJ."

"Part of the reason."

"Do you miss her?" I asked

"All the time."

"We're the Russian Mob I'm sure you could find her."

"Aleksandr and Yuri hate her so they've done everything in their power to keep her away."

"Damn that's awful." Xander commented

"Your grandmother wasn't as close with Irina. Tasha realized Irina's temperament and manipulative nature from an early age. It's why Aleksandr was her pride and joy."

"So she gave up on Irina?"

"Not at all. Tasha tried harder than anyone to be there for Irina and steer her down the right path. If I was firm like Tasha she might still be around."

"Is that why Granny is so hurt?"

"She'll get over it. Aleksandr knows how to win her over."

•_•

Favorite moment from this chapter?

Comments?

Thanks for reading

Mwah 🤧