Total pages in book: 147
Estimated words: 148949 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 745(@200wpm)___ 596(@250wpm)___ 496(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 148949 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 745(@200wpm)___ 596(@250wpm)___ 496(@300wpm)
But what truly caught my attention the most were the gold-framed pictures adorning the walls. They featured all the people who had passed away. Under each photo lit candles were surrounded by bouquets of fresh flowers.
I’d seen them hanging some of the images earlier, but the final effect had almost floored me.
Mysh.
My heart warmed from all the subtle details.
Many people crowded the space, dressed in black suits and dresses. Tons mingled. Others paid their respects to those that had passed, lighting candles by their framed pictures and bowing their heads in prayer.
I spotted Maxwell holding Emilio and wearing a suit that perfectly matched my son’s. One would have thought that was his son.
I almost frowned, until I noticed Maxwell lighting a candle near Xavier’s gold framed photo. As he placed the lit candle by Xavier’s designated bouquet, he whispered to my son, and I wondered if he was telling Emilio stories about the man that had saved my mouse and him long ago.
I calmed my anger as a pang of sadness hit me.
I hope Maxwell can finally mourn Xavier the way he deserves.
Baba stood with several maids near Olga’s photo. They smiled and chatted with each other. Every few seconds, Baba gestured to the image.
I took a deep breath and felt a sense of peace, knowing Olga would be happy.
In the center of the room stood several massive circular tables overflowing with traditional Russian dishes—caviar, smoked salmon, pickled vegetables, and other delights.
Guests feasted with gold forks and drank from crystal glasses.
I turned to the front of the ballroom.
There, Ivan was on stage, shirt off, hair wet with sweat, and eyes distant as if he were lost in the song and unable to climb out from the lyrics.
He is a master.
The rest of the band played behind him.
Solemn expressions covered their faces.
The chandeliers’ lighting dimmed, casting long shadows across the ballroom. Near the stage, guests swayed to the music. Some even had their eyes closed.
This is. . .breathtaking.
I scanned the space and saw tears in many eyes. Even the toughest of my men rushed to wipe their wet cheeks. It was a testament to Ivan’s talent as a musician and a songwriter.
Soon, the song reached its climax.
“In death, you found peace, but my heart remains in pieces.” On the small makeshift stage, Ivan fell to his knees. “And the void you left behind, forever increases.”
The crowd was silent, mesmerized by the haunting melody and the raw emotion in Ivan’s voice. Like me, they appeared lost in the moment, lost in the beauty of the song.
Thank you, mysh.
Paolo lifted his head and stared at the band.
I whispered in his ear, “Do you like it?”
Paolo gave me a slow nod.
“Good.” My voice went hoarse. “Your father loved this song too.”
Paolo widened his eyes and put his gaze back on the stage, completely captivated by the performance.
Ivan remained on the ground, and he no longer looked at the audience. “The pain of losing you, is an eternal scar. But the memories we made, are like shooting stars.”
One of the servers—dressed in all black—approached with crystal glasses full of vodka. She gave me a sad smile and handed a glass to me and then David.
I took a sip and swallowed down the smooth, full-bodied liquid.
“The world may keep moving, but my heart stands still.” Ivan’s voice rose to a crescendo, and I felt a tear slip down my cheek. “As I mourn the loss of you, my love, with an unbreakable will.”
I wiped the tear.
The song ended, and the crowd erupted in applause.
With tears in his eyes, Ivan stood up and took a bow. “Thank you.”
Everyone clapped louder.
Ivan held up his hand.
Slowly, the audience went silent.
Crucifix’s guitarist, Alexei played some light notes in the background.
“We come here to mourn many this evening.” Ivan gazed at everyone. “I have found that music is the ultimate escape from reality.”
A few in the crowd muttered their agreement.
“I hope that I give you all an escape this evening.”
Someone loudly hooted in the background.
I checked and realized it was Tisha. He stood right by Pavel and Rosetta’s photos. Some of his guards flanked him.
Meanwhile, Tisha wore a designer black shirt and pants. His hair was out and flowing around his face. Two women were on his arm, sipping glasses of champagne. A third woman stood in front of Tisha, feeding him a pirozhki.
At least Tisha will be entertaining in New Orleans.
Grinning, I headed that way.
David followed.
Ivan continued to speak to the crowd. “We will be taking a brief intermission.”
The chandelier lights brightened, illuminating the space.
“So I advise you all to eat and get a lot of energy.” Ivan began to place the microphone onto its stand. “Because when I return, we’re going to dance and make so much noise that even the souls in heaven will take notice and chuckle at our antics.”