A Cure Called You

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Chapter 6 Some things never change

Marionette pulled the phone slightly away from her ear, a smile tugging at her lips.

Some things never changed.

“Good morning to you too, Davi.”

“Don't ‘good morning’ me.”

The response came so quickly that Marionette almost laughed.

Her smile widened. "Still angry?"

"Of course I am, I've called so many times that I'm starting to think your number is tired of seeing my name," Davina shot back.

“I'm sorry, Davi. Things have been complicated.”

“Complicated?” Davina repeated incredulously. “Marine, I came back from France and found out you got engaged. Engaged. Do you understand how insane that sounds?”

A laugh escaped before Marionette could stop it.

“Gosh, I have missed you.”

Davina huffed dramatically.

“You sly fox. Don't try to melt my heart. It won't budge.”

“Oh, really?” Marionette teased.

A reluctant chuckle drifted through the speaker.

Then Davina's voice softened.

“Marine, are you alright?”

“Yes.” A brief silence passed before she added quietly, “I'm alright, Davi. Really.”

The relieved exhale on the other end was so obvious it made her smile again.

“Good,” Davina muttered. “Because if you were not, I was fully prepared to storm the Volkov estate and make a scene.”

“Your father would never allow that.”

“He already stopped me once.”

Marionette blinked.

“Wait. You actually tried?”

“Of course I did.”

Marionette shook her head, a smile lingering at the corners of her mouth.

"You are impossible."

Davina hummed in satisfaction, then her voice softened.

“I need to see you, Marine.”

A warm feeling settled in Marionette's chest.

"I need to see you too." She paused. "Our usual place?"

"I am already on my way."

Marionette laughed softly as the call ended.

She sat with the quiet for a moment, the phone resting in her palm, the smile still on her face.

The dining hall doors opened with a gentle sound. Nanny Irina stepped inside, carrying a small tray, and stopped when she saw her. A warm expression crossed the older woman's face.

“Good morning, Mrs. Volkov.”

“Good morning, Nanny Irina.”

“You seem happier this morning.” Irina set the tray down softly. "It suits you. It lights up the whole room."

"Thank you." Marionette rose, smoothing her dress. "I am going out for a while."

Irina nodded without question.

Her eyes moved to the open box resting on the table. “If it's not too much trouble, could you have these returned to my room first?”

“Not at all. I'll take care of it.”

Irina gathered the box while Marionette reached for her coat. A few minutes later they headed toward the entrance together.

The moment she stepped outside, Marionette stopped.

Several luxury vehicles were lined neatly along the driveway, each with a uniformed driver standing beside it.

Nanny Irina followed her gaze. "Your cars, Mrs. Volkov."

Marionette blinked. "My cars?"

"Mr. Volkov instructed that a selection be prepared for you. You may use whichever one you prefer."

The absurdity of it almost made her laugh. "This is unnecessary."

Nanny Irina's smile deepened. "Mr. Volkov would disagree."

A few days ago, she had been living in a house where nobody noticed whether she left or returned. Now she apparently owned enough vehicles to start a small dealership.

The contrast was almost ridiculous.

Her gaze eventually settled on a white Rolls Royce parked near the end. It was elegant without demanding attention.

"That one."

A female driver immediately stepped forward. “Mrs. Volkov.”

As she approached the vehicle, movement at the edge of her vision caught her attention. The two men who had escorted her the previous night stood several paces away.

Marionette paused. "They're coming too?"

Nanny Irina smiled. "Your security detail."

Marionette closed her eyes briefly. Apparently leaving the house now required an entire operation.

The corner of Nanny Irina's mouth twitched. "Mr. Volkov likes to be thorough."

One of the guards opened the car door.

"Have a pleasant day, Mrs. Volkov."

Marionette nodded, "I will be back before evening."

She slipped into the back seat. The door closed softly behind her.

The moment the vehicle pulled away from the estate, Marionette looked out the window.

It felt strangely different today. Not because the city had changed. Because she had.

Just yesterday, she had left the Vale residence carrying a single suitcase and no clear idea of what awaited her. Now she was Marionette Volkov. The thought still felt unfamiliar.

The driver remained silent throughout the journey, allowing her thoughts to wander. Marionette appreciated that.

A few minutes later, the car slowed.

Through the window, she spotted the familiar sign hanging above a traditional building nestled between modern storefronts.

The Moon Pavilion.

She and Davina had been coming here for years. Birthdays, celebrations, arguments, heartbreaks, exam results. If something important happened in their lives, chances were they had discussed it over tea inside these walls.

The Rolls Royce came to a smooth stop at the entrance.

Before the driver could open the door, Marionette noticed a familiar figure pacing outside.

Davina.

Even from a distance, she looked impatient.

Marionette laughed under her breath. Some things really never changed.

The driver opened the rear door. The security vehicles stopped behind them, the guards taking up positions a respectful distance away.

She stepped out of the car just as Davina spotted her.

"Marine!"

The shout drew more than a few curious glances. Davina either did not notice or did not care. She crossed the distance in seconds and threw her arms around Marionette with enough force to make her stumble.

"There you are," Davina muttered. "Do you have any idea how worried I've been?"

"You may have mentioned it once or twice."

Davina pulled back immediately.

"Once or twice?" she repeated in disbelief. "I practically declared a national emergency."

Marionette smiled. "That sounds like you."

"Good. At least someone appreciates my dedication."

Davina linked their arms together and began steering Marionette toward the entrance. Then she paused.

Her eyes drifted past Marionette. To the Rolls Royce. To the security vehicles. To the guards standing nearby.

She blinked once. Twice.

Slowly she turned back. "Marine."

Marionette already recognized that tone.

Davina pointed toward the security vehicles.

"Why do you suddenly travel with enough security to invade a small country?"

Marionette glanced over her shoulder. Seeing it from Davina's perspective, she had to admit it looked a little excessive.

"A reasonable question."

"A reasonable question?" Davina stared at her. "Marine, there are more people protecting you right now than there are customers inside this tea house."

A laugh slipped out before Marionette could catch it.

"Inside." Davina grabbed her arm. "Now. The tea is getting cold and I have about a thousand questions and absolutely zero patience."

Marionette laughed. This time she did not bother hiding it.

Maybe some things had changed, but Davina never would.

Together, they walked through the entrance of Moon Pavilion.

They had barely settled into their usual corner when Marionette's phone vibrated against the table.

One message. No greeting.

She recognized the number immediately.

Four words.

Be back by three.

Marionette stared at the screen for a long moment.

Then she set the phone face down, reached for her tea.

Across from her, Davina was already talking again.

Marionette did not hear a single word.

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