Page 74 of Obsessed Bratva King

I frown. “How?”

Veronica chews her food before replying. “Heard you stood up at the meeting, held your own.”

Elena’s dark eyes pin me in place. “You’re still here, aren’t you?”

I shift in my seat. “For now.”

“For always,” Elena corrects smoothly. “You love him, right?”

I open my mouth to protest, but she shakes her head, cutting me off before I can form a single word.

“Don’t lie to yourself, Cora. Not to me. Not to her.” She gestures at Veronica, who’s watching us like she’s deeply entertained by the entire conversation. “And especially not to Ivan. Love in this world doesn’t come easy. Once it’s got you, you ain’t going nowhere.”

“I’m scared.”

Veronica leans forward, resting her elbows on her knees. “You think we weren’t scared?” She gestures between her and Elena. “Do you know who my husband was before I married him?”

I shake my head.

She grins. “A bastard. A terrifying, ruthless bastard. Still is, honestly.”

Elena sighs. “They all are.”

Veronica waves a hand. “Point is, I knew what I was walking into. I knew Maxim would level the world for me if I asked. I had to decide if I was strong enough to stand beside him.”

She leans back, crossing her arms. “Guess which one I picked?”

Elena shifts forward, her voice softer but no less commanding. “Listen to me, Cora. It’s not about being safe. It’s about being untouchable.”

The words settle in my chest like a weight.

She continues, her tone calm, deliberate. “A Bratva wife isn’t just protected by her husband. She commands respect in her own right. The moment you hesitate, the moment you let someone see your fear, you become vulnerable. That’s not an option.”

Veronica nods, cracking her knuckles. “Confidence is a weapon. You either wield it, or someone uses it against you.”

I exhale. “Easier said than done.”

Veronica stands abruptly. “Not really. Stand up.”

I blink. “What?”

She gestures impatiently. “Get up. Let’s go.”

I hesitate, then push to my feet. “Where exactly are we going?”

Veronica smirks. “Nowhere. We’re fixing your posture.”

I groan. “Oh my God.”

Elena chuckles, but her gaze remains sharp. “You’ll thank her later.”

Veronica circles me. Then she reaches out and grips my shoulders, yanking them back. “Straighten up. You’re not a scared girl on the streets anymore. You’re a Bratva Queen.”

I roll my eyes but do as she says. “This is ridiculous.”

“No, this is survival,” Veronica corrects. “When you walk into a room, you walk like you own it. Like you expect people to listen when you speak.” She steps in front of me and taps my chin lightly. “Chin up. That’s right. Don’t fidget. Don’t let your eyes dart around like you’re waiting for something to attack you.”

I shift slightly. “What if I am waiting for something to attack me?”

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