In this vast city, Michael Ilyich was known to manya successful restaurateur with a chain of eateries, even expanding to a neighbouring town. People whispered of his stern nature, his unforgiving ways. Everything, it seemed, was under his control, bought and paid for.
He lived with his family in a countryside manor, though he owned flats in the city as well. The countryside was preferablepeaceful, with cleaner air, nestled by a reservoir and not far from the woods.
His only daughter, Victoria, had just finished school and passed her final university entrance exam.
“Daddy,” she rang him up, breathless with excitement, “I got inon my own merit! My names on the list. Im officially a student now.”
“Congratulations, my girl. I always knew you were clever. A gift is in order.”
“Oh, Dadyou promised me the latest iPhone.”
“Consider it already in your pocket,” he laughed.
Had Victoria failed, Michael Ilyich would have pulled strings to secure her place. But he was proud she had managed without his influence.
That evening, Marina Nikolaevna set the table for a family dinner to celebrate Victorias acceptance. Michael arrived home to find his wife and daughter waiting.
“Hello, my lovely ladies,” he greeted, twirling a small box in his hand. “Here you are, loveyour well-earned prize.”
“Oh, Dad, youre simply the best! Always making my dreams come true,” Victoria beamed.
Though usually buried in work, Michael had made time for his daughter tonight. Ordinarily, he came home latehis wife was accustomed to it. Between dinners with friends, steam baths, and occasional indiscretions with younger women, a busy businessman had little time for domesticity.
Victoria had grown up in luxurydesigner clothes, gourmet meals, surrounded by the sons and daughters of privilege. Those less fortunate assumed her haughty, but they didnt know her. Despite her wealth, she was kind-hearted and sincere in love.
By her third year at university, Victoria often met friends at her fathers restaurants, enjoying lively evenings. Lately, shed been dating Edward, a fellow student from a well-off familythough while she studied honestly, he coasted on his fathers money. Arrogant and cruel, he mocked those beneath him, humiliating less affluent students and girls in modest clothing.
Victoria was often ashamed of him.
“Edward, have some decency. Not everyone can afford designer labels like you.”
But he was too callous to listen. Lately, she had begun to reconsider.
“I want to end things with Edward. Im embarrassed by him,” she confided to her friend Rebecca.
“Oh, Victoria, I can only imagine the awful things hell say. But I support youhe truly thinks the world belongs to him.”
The breakup was heated.
“Edward, I dont want to see you anymore. You need to rethink how you treat people.”
“People? More like sheep,” he sneered.
“So thats what you think of me?”
“If youre tossing me asideyes. Youll regret it.”
“I doubt it. Goodbye.” She waved him off and slipped into her car.
For months, Victoria stayed single, though suitors were plentifuleven Edwards friends, relieved shed dumped him, vied for her attention.
One day after lectures, she and Rebecca stopped at one of her fathers cafés. A handsome waiter approached.
“Good afternoon, what can I get you?” His gaze met Victorias, and she was lost in the depth of his blue eyes.
“Like twin pools,” she thought, as Rebecca gaped at her.
They ordered, but Victoria couldnt shake the encounter.
“Blimey, youre smitten!” Rebecca teased.
“Becky, his eyesthey just pierced right through me.”
“Come off it, hes not your type.”
His name was Matthew, a final-year engineering student working part-time. Raised by a single mother in a small village, he paid his own way.
That night, Victoria couldnt sleephis face, his name on the badge, haunted her. The next day, her feet carried her back to the café.
Few patrons were inside. As she settled by the window, Matthew approached, flushing when he saw her.
“Matthew, how long have you worked here?” she asked, scrambling for conversation.
“Four months. Just until I graduate. Were not supposed to chat with customers, but Id like to.”
“So would I. When do you finish?”
“Forty minutes.”
“Ill wait.”
That evening, they walked for hours. Matthew felt awkwardVictoria in her car, him on foot. She was clearly wealthy, unlike most students.
Amidst the glitter of her privileged world, Matthew stood apartsimple, sincere, a good listener. Soon, they were secretly dating, stealing moments of happiness.
But their joy was short-lived. Edward, discovering Victorias new love, wasted no time informing her father.
When Michael learned of the relationship, he was horrified.
“Victoria, youre seeing a waiter from my café? Have you lost your mind? You shame me!”
“But Dad, hes graduating soonhe just works there part-time. Whats wrong with that?”
“Dont take that tone with me! You were meant to marry within our circle. Edward was perfecthis father is an old friend. If you dont end this, Ill make life miserable for both of you.”
Victoria wept. She loved Matthew deeply. They had dreamed of marriage, a life together.
Matthew graduated and found work, but Michael, discovering their continued meetings, had him sacked through connections.
“You understand nowI make the rules. Leave this city. If you stay, life wont be pleasant. Thats a promise.”
Forced out, Matthew packed his belongings, trying to call Victoriabut her number was disconnected. He didnt know Rebeccas number either. Heartbroken, he left, certain hed never forget her.
Victoria, devastated, believed their love stronger than her fathers threats.
“He said Matthew left. Wise of himmy father doesnt make idle threats.”
Life became a haze of longing. Her father had deleted Matthews number, warning her never to seek him out. Alone, she wrestled with how to move forward.
Time passed. Victoria marriedher parents choicebut the union lasted only a year.
Then tragedy struck. Michael died in a crash. Her mother, Marina, barely held herself together.
“Victoria, your fathers business must continue. You studied economicsyoull take over. Ill help, and Geoffrey, his trusted manager, will guide you.”
Geoffrey proved honourable, teaching her the ropes, introducing his fathers associates. Within a year, she ran the business confidently.
Yet her personal life remained barren. Proposals came, but she kept suitors at arms length. Rebecca, now married with a daughter, remained her closest friend.
One winter, Rebecca invited her to London for New Years.
“Come with us! My in-laws have space.”
Something drew Victoria therethe citys romantic allure, its air of freedom.
Walking down Oxford Street, she collided with a man. Looking up, she froze.
Her heart raced. Matthew stood before herolder, more assured, but those same piercing eyes.
“Victoria” he breathed, as stunned as she.
They clung to each other, oblivious to the crowd, as if the years had vanished.
“I always knew wed meet again,” he murmured. “You cant replace someone you love. I never forgot you.”
“Nor I you.”
The days that followed were a blur of joy, wandering the city, rediscovering each other.
Victoria knew this was no accidentfate had reunited them. At thirty, her life found new meaning.
Matthew, though established in his career, chose love over pride, moving back for her. They married, soon welcoming a son, then a daughter.
At last, happiness.
