Olga's courage took a blow when her own daughter chose to marry Rafael — the man she had met two days ago.
In Russia, Tatiana had not been ready for the engagement. She had not been sure if it was the right choice. Even on the plane, she had sat with a sullen face the entire flight.
Olga had not foreseen the outcome where her daughter would change her decision so quickly.
She watched Rafael extend his hand toward Tatiana. She watched Tatiana place her hand carefully into his — and give him, in the small fraction of a second between the extending and the placing, her complete trust.
Olga could already see Tatiana crying inside this marriage.
Rafael could not be trusted. He was a womaniser. His reputation in the city was similar to Cassian's — but Cassian's dealings with women had been clear and defined. One-week contracts. That was all. Rafael was with many at once. If Cassian was neat, Rafael was messy.
