Irina is almost eighteen years old. She comes from a modest family and works as a waitress to support her sick mother. Finding love or dreaming of big things has never been a priority for her: her family comes first. But what will happen when she discovers that she is now linked to the most powerful and ruthless billionaire in the world, a man whose influence extends far beyond borders? Xander. The name alone is enough to send chills through the business world. Beautifully attractive, but renowned for his legendary cruelty, Xander does not believe in the concept of love or destiny. For him, everything is a game of power and control. When their worlds intersect, he is convinced that this meeting is a kind of bad joke orchestrated by life. But as soon as he sees her, he decides that Irina will be his, whether she likes it or not. "Aren't you happy? I asked shyly, as he looked out over the city from the window of his huge office. The reflection of the city lights danced on his face, making him even more inhumanly beautiful. But something in his dark eyes chilled me. " Happy ? » He laughed dryly, without the slightest trace of humor. He seemed almost mocking. "Happiness doesn't exist for me. And that will never change. » Those words broke me, but something about him attracted me despite myself. Will I give in to this dangerous game, or end up losing more than my heart?
Chapter 1 Chapitre 1
The incessant ringing of the bell at the entrance to the small café where Irina worked echoed again and again, mingling with the hushed conversations of the customers seated at the table and the sound of the cups that she carefully placed on the trays. The morning had been particularly lively, and she already felt fatigue weighing down her legs. Yet she never stopped, even when her muscles protested. She had learned to move forward, whatever the cost.
Irina placed a black coffee and an apple pie in front of an old regular who thanked her with a smile. She responded politely, her mind already on another command. Each gesture was calculated, precise, like a mechanical dance that she had repeated every day since she got this job.
"Irina, two cappuccinos for table three! » called Paul, the manager, from the counter.
"I'm going!" » she replied, grabbing a tray to place the steaming cups on.
She navigated deftly between the cluttered tables, her apron slightly stained from the morning. Table three was occupied by two elegant young women, probably there to enjoy a quiet morning in this remote corner of the city. They wore discreet but obviously expensive jewelry, and their handbags were from a brand Irina had only seen in magazines.
"Here are your cappuccinos. Is there anything else I can get you? » she asked with her professional smile.
"No, it's perfect, thank you," one of the women replied, barely glancing at Irina.
The other, however, stared at her for a moment, his piercing blue eyes detailing her tired but delicate face. Irina felt a slight discomfort, but she didn't pay attention to it. She quickly returned to the counter to take another order.
Hours passed, and Irina glanced at the wall clock. Two more hours before the end of his shift. She wiped her forehead with the back of her hand, adjusted her apron and was about to clean a table when she noticed that the woman with blue eyes had left a folded note under her cup.
Irina approached, intrigued, and grabbed the note. It was a tip. A huge tip. Ten times more than most customers left. She felt her heart racing.
" Everything is fine ? » Paul asked, noticing her surprised look.
"Yes, yes, just... she left this," she replied, showing him the note.
Paul shrugged his shoulders. "Good for you. Keep it, you deserve it. »
Irina discreetly slipped the note into the pocket of her apron, still confused. Why had a stranger left him so much money? She finished her service in silence, her mind preoccupied by this strange gesture.
Returning home, Irina entered the small apartment she shared with her sick mother. The walls were slightly shabby, and the furniture, although clean, was showing its age. She placed her bag on the table and headed towards her mother's room.
"Mom, I'm home," she said softly as she opened the door.
His mother, lying on a modest bed, gave him a tired smile. "Did you have a good day, sweetheart? »
" As per usual. But... look what I got today. »
Irina took the note out of her pocket and showed it to her mother.
"A customer left this for me. I don't understand why. »
His mother frowned, but her smile widened. "Maybe she saw how hard you work." You deserve it, Irina. »
Irina shrugged her shoulders, unconvinced, but she didn't want to worry her mother. After making sure everything was in order for her, she headed to the small kitchen to prepare dinner.
It was then that she noticed an envelope slipped under the front door. Frowning, she picked it up. The envelope was made of thick, luxurious paper, adorned with a golden seal. The address was not theirs, but her name was clearly there: **Irina Sokolov.**
She carefully opened the envelope and discovered a sumptuous-looking invitation card. The golden letters shone in the dim light of the apartment.
**"You are cordially invited to a prestigious gala organized by Fondation X."**
The details of the event were written at the bottom: a luxurious hotel in the heart of the city, a strict dress code, and a date - just three days away.
Irina felt her heart pounding. It was a mistake, obviously. Why would someone like her receive an invitation to such an event?
" What is this ? » asked his mother from the bedroom.
Irina hesitated for a moment before entering the room with the map. She handed the invitation to her mother, who adjusted her glasses to read it.
"A gala? » whispered his mother. "That's amazing, Irina! »
"But... it must be a mistake. I have nothing to do with that sort of thing. »
His mother shook her head, her smile still present. "Maybe someone saw something in you that you don't see yet. You should go. »
Irina bit her lip, skeptical. She had nothing to wear for an event like this, and she had no idea who might be behind this invitation.
"What if it's a trap or a joke? » she asked.
Her mother gently placed a hand on her daughter's. "Sometimes life surprises you, my darling. If you don't go there, you'll never know what it's like. »
Irina sighed, her eyes fixed on the invitation. Part of her was terrified of ending up in a world that wasn't hers. But another part, buried deep, was curious.
She spent the rest of the evening thinking, her gaze lost on the map that shone under the light.
The next day, at the café, she risked asking Paul a question. "Have you ever heard of Foundation X? »
Paul raised his eyebrows, surprised. " Of course. It is one of the most influential charitable organizations in the city. They organize huge events. Why are you asking that? »
Irina hesitated, then answered cautiously. "I received an invitation to their gala. »
Paul stared at her, incredulous. " You ? An invitation? »
She nodded. "I don't understand why. »
Paul crossed his arms, thoughtful. "Maybe someone noticed your work. Or maybe it's that woman from yesterday. You know, the one who left you that big tip? »
The idea made its way into Irina's mind. Was it possible that this woman was connected to this mysterious invitation? But why would she do that?
The following days were filled with mixed doubts and excitement. Irina finally decided to go, encouraged by her mother and Paul. She had saved up to rent a simple but elegant dress, and a colleague helped her with her hair and makeup.
When the day came, she stood in front of the mirror in her small bedroom, nervous but resolute. She had no idea what awaited her, but one thing was certain: her life might never be the same again.
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