“I thought you weren’t coming back,” Lana said, slightly offended.
“Sorry, darling, had to pay for the evening somehow,” her friend shrugged, pulling a drink closer to herself.
“Vika, were you just with the owner of this place?” Lana asked wide-eyed.
“Almost. With his close friend. We were sitting at that table,” she pointed somewhere deep into the hall. Then, sipping her cocktail, she narrowed her eyes and added, “You dance beautifully, by the way. Kostya said he’d love to see you here more often.”
“Kostya who?”
“The guy you were dancing with,” she said before taking another big sip and choking on the strength of the drink. Her throat tightened, and her eyes squeezed shut.
Lana sat there, mouth agape, staring at her. So it was Victoria who had sent that dancer her way… A minute later, a man approached and invited Victoria to dance. She turned away and made a face, but then instantly flashed him a dazzling smile, placed her hand in his, and rose gracefully. He led her to the middle of the hall, drenched in romantic light.
Victoria was a stunning girl. Her green eyes, framed by thick lashes and long arched brows, were irresistible. No man could withstand her charms. One look into those eyes, and he would be lost forever. Her beautiful face was complemented by a slender body, a narrow waist, and curvy, seductive hips. Whenever she walked among other girls, she was sure all the men’s eyes were on her. But Lana was also quite attractive—a tall, slim girl with long light brown hair usually braided over her shoulder. Still, she felt she lacked allure and sex appeal. Over time, she had become more and more conscious of her perceived flaws. These thoughts fed her insecurity, especially after repeated failures in her love life, pushing her deeper into self-doubt. Victoria had been her friend since childhood—first classmates, then college mates. They enrolled together and, after graduation, even did their internships side by side. Everyone who knew them saw them as sisters, a pair of “Twix,” Siamese twins. This, despite their completely different lifestyles and personalities. It amazed even them how they’d managed to stay close for over a decade.
Lana’s parents were wealthy and respected people in Rostov. Her father, Viktor Alexandrovich, owned a small metalwork factory making gates, fences, and similar items. The business did well, and the family lacked nothing. He had money—and mistresses—though he tried not to hurt his wife. Olga Nikolaevna, Lana’s mother, perhaps weary of his lifestyle, also had her own affairs. Left to herself, their daughter found peace in her friendship with the prettiest girl in class—then college. She even chose the same university as her beloved Vika, so they wouldn’t be separated.