The quiet of Elías's new life was shattered one blustery afternoon when a sleek, black car pulled up outside the bar. A woman emerged, her elegant silhouette cutting a stark contrast against the weathered charm of the coastal town. It was Viktoria, Dmitri's former fiancée, the woman he was meant to marry before Elías entered his life.
Elías watched her approach, a knot of apprehension tightening in his stomach. He hadn't seen Viktoria since he left Dmitri, but he recognized her instantly. She was as stunning and formidable as he remembered, her eyes sharp and calculating.
Viktoria entered the bar, her gaze sweeping over the room until it landed on Elías. A flicker of recognition crossed her face, followed by a carefully masked curiosity.
"You're Elías, aren't you?" she said, her voice smooth and controlled.
Elías nodded, his heart pounding in his chest. "And you're Viktoria," he replied, his voice steady despite his inner turmoil.
Viktoria approached the bar, settling onto a stool with an air of casual elegance. "I must admit, I was surprised to find you here," she said, her eyes scrutinizing him. "Dmitri has been looking for you, you know."
Elías stiffened, his hand tightening around a glass he was polishing. "I'm aware," he said, his voice terse.
Viktoria leaned closer, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "He's changed, you know," she said. "He's not the same man he was when you left."
Elías raised an eyebrow, skeptical. "Is that why you're here, Viktoria? To convince me to go back to him?"
Viktoria smiled, a hint of sadness in her eyes. "No, Elías," she said. "I'm here to tell you to give him a chance. He may not deserve it, but he needs it. And perhaps, so do you."