The Kidnapped Heiress

Sophia’s POV

Ding!

My phone chimed with the familiar sound of an incoming message. Sighing, I moved to my dresser where my phone lay. I glanced at the screen to see it was from Father.

Yay!

Yep, that was sarcasm. I unlocked the screen with a swipe of my thumb to read the text.

Dad: Saturday the 13th. Moscow. 7 pm. Be there. No excuses.

It is for the benefit of the office branch over there, do not embarrass me.

Well, hello to you too Daddy dearest. I don’t say that to him though, I wouldn’t dare. Instead, I give him what he wants.

Me: Alright, father. I’ll book my flight tonight.

I'll never be the perfect heir to him. I'm not a son, I'll get married one day and be owned by my husband. As Dad always say. Probably why he wants me to get married to his friend’s son, so he can “help” me control the business. As if we are in the 19th century.

“Ryan keeps messing with my head, it's so unfair” The shaky, choked-up sound of Daisy’s voice pulls me out of my gloomy thoughts.

Daisy, my best friend, has been in my house since yesterday. She had just had a big fight with her “best buddy/ hookup buddy/ boyfriend” I don’t even know what they are anymore. I do know she’s been in love with Ryan for years.

And Ryan, well he keeps giving her mixed signals.

I walk to the bluish-grey loveseat in my bedroom where she's seated, kneeling, I wrap her in my arms to comfort her. “Darling, I need you to please calm down, okay? I know you're hurting, but I want you to know that everything will be fine. I promise he will come around, I'm sure of that.”

She sighed, looking disheartened. “Sophy, it's just so complicated. I don't even know where we stand anymore”

“I understand how hard this is for you, but I don't want you crying yourself to death, please.” Then an idea popped up in my head.

"How about we escape from it all? Take a breather. Will you come with me to Moscow?”

Her eyes widened, "Moscow? That's so random, but I'm in."

Her eyes narrowed with suspicion, “Wait, why are you going to Moscow? Don't tell me he's sending you off on one of those events where you have to be eye candy for perverted old men and act as ‘daddy’s little princess’?”

God. I don't need a reminder.

“No, we aren't going into that right now. You coming or not?” I asked firmly.

She rolls her eyes at me, “You know I want the best for you, You hate these events and they dampen your self-esteem. When will you stand up to your father?”

“Daisy… I'm fine, trust me.”

“Fine, whatever you say. So… when do we leave? I could really use that distraction like right now”

A sly smile played on my lips. "Exactly. We need an adventure, a distraction. Five days in Moscow, away from everything. We leave by Friday, I'll get our tickets tomorrow.”

“Alright,” she gives me a small smile. We quickly forgot about everything else as we put on our favorite show, getting lost in it.

✬✬✬✬✬

Moscow, Friday 1:35 pm

We took a taxi from the airport to the hotel we’ll be staying at. The chilly air embraces my skin as we step into the city’s bustling streets.

“Okay, I'm so glad I came along,” Daisy exclaimed, spinning around to take in the beautiful view of the city, her excitement evident in every word.

“Come on, I bet our suite looks even better,” I pulled her along with me.

We got to the hotel suite I had carefully picked out before our arrival. It is so pretty, it feels like stepping into a dream. The room is all chic and cozy vibes, with super comfy furniture and cute decor.

It looks so much better than the pictures on their website. And oh, it has a balcony that's so nice. The view is insane – like, city lights shining directly into our suite.

Okay, well coming to Moscow for my father’s business event, wasn't so bad after all. Right… my father. The thought of him always ruins my mood. No, I don't need that negativity right now. I’d rather have fun.

Pulling out my iPad, and opening Google I search for some nice places I could go to around here.

“Hey boo, check this out,” holding out my iPad, she scoots over, “Look, there's the Moscow Kremlin, Sokolniki Park, and the iconic Red Square. We can go sightseeing, explore, and take some selfies. What do you think?”

Daisy's eyes lit up as she scanned through the pictures. “These places look so beautiful, you know what, sweetie? You're right. Ryan can go fuck himself. Let's go have some fun!”

“I never said anything about Ryan, girl you really are obsessed with him,” I smacked her head as we both burst into laughter. I do know she’s still devastated and heartbroken, but it’s a good thing she’s trying to cheer up. I love that for her.

“Alright lover girl, get your ass up, we've got places to be at. How about we go to Red Square first?”

“That will be great, love”

✬✬✬✬✬

I hailed a taxi to take us to the Red Square. I leaned into the window, addressing the driver in my best attempt at Russian. "Можете нас отвезти на Красную площадь?" [Can you please take us to the Red Square?]

The driver gave a nod and gestured for us to get in. "Да, садитесь." [Yes, get in.]

“Wait, you speak Russian? Why didn't I know that? I'm supposed to be your best friend”

I turned to a bewildered Daisy, flashing her a grin as we settled into the taxi. "I know a few words. Enough to get us around, hopefully."

Of course, I learned Russian a little, if I want Dad to acknowledge me for once I have to be exceptional. I also learned German, French, and a little Spanish.

“You literally sound like a pro.”

I chuckled, “Not exactly. I still have a lot to learn."

She looked at me with a mix of surprise and amusement. “I can't believe you're casually speaking Russian. What else are you hiding?"

I winked playfully, “Nothing, I promise. Now let's go get some ice cream.”

We later moved to our next stop, Moscow Kremlin and it was an incredible experience. It was late in the evening by the time we were ready to leave. We made it back to our hotel suite. And since we only had snacks and ice cream while we were out, Daisy ordered room service while I go take a hot bath.

I stepped out of the bathroom, with a large, white towel draped casually around me, and another doing the job of taming my wild post-shower hair. Our food was here already and I was beyond famished.

Ding!

My iPad chimed, as I put on my silky night gown. Walking over to the bedside table, I picked up my iPad and unlocked it. Realizing it was an email sent to the business email and was specifically addressed to Dad. I’d only recently just gotten access to the business e-mail account after pressuring Dad’s PA.

Deciding against forwarding it to Dad’s email, I opened it.

Tom,

I was informed that you'vbeen ignoring texts and emails sent to you and all attempts to call you have been futile. I am a very busy man just like yourself, I am also not a very patient man. You don't want to test my patience. Smolenskaya Square, Sunday 8 p.m, White Rabbit. I am sure you don't want problems, neither do I. I expect you to be at said address and on time.

Ivan Kozlov.

Wow, this is… interesting? Intriguing? I don't know. It just fascinates me.

No one has ever spoken to Dad this way, in such a superior and intimidating way. I have never met anyone with such power and nerve to do that. Who is Ivan Kozlov? What business does he have with dad? And why is Dad avoiding him?

Dad wasn’t one to be toyed with, everyone in Europe knew that. Probably even outside of Europe.

It is obvious Ivan Kozlov has an issue with Dad and I'm pretty good at bargaining. I could try to appease Ivan Kozlov, he would forgive Father and If I could sort his problems Dad would finally see my worth, he would see that I'm competent, right?

Typing on my iPad, I reply to the email.

To Ivan Kozlov,

Good day to you Ivan. I'll meet you at the said address then.

Tom Smith.

Then I deleted the evidence after I sent my reply.

Here goes nothing…