Author's note: this is from Magda's point of view

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I was trembling in anticipation as I waited for Drago to pick up my call. It went to voicemail, but I was not discouraged as I hung up and called again. I knew that he will not return my call if I leave a message, but if I don't give up, it will go through, eventually.

I'm not ashamed of my persistence, my father said that quitters don't get the prize, and my prize will be Drago Orsini, a handsome man who caught my eye during my first year of high school.

I remember it like it was yesterday… it was at the autumn sports event when I saw a dreamy boy who dominated the track field. Most of the girls had their eyes on him and they told me that he was not available, but I looked at them with scorn. Did they think I am a loser like they are?

I am Magdalena Thompson, beautiful, stylish, and rich. My every move is graceful, and my smile puts boys in a daze. Who can resist such a girl?

Unfortunately, Drago required more work than any other boy I've met as he resisted my charms, but that only made me curious to find out more about him.

The school record showed that Drago was an orphan, living with a guardian, but there was something about his mannerisms that told me he is from the upper level of society, someone who appreciates fine things in life and he was used to them, and I urged my father to do some digging.

What my father found, met my expectations, and sparked my imagination: Drago's past didn't exist. It was like he appeared two years prior in London, and there was no trace of him before that. To make things more interesting, only a few photos of him existed, all of them blurred; and there was a fat bank account in Drago's name. That absolutely pointed to the possibility that Drago has a special background. Is he a son of a famous movie star, or royalty? A powerful army general? Who knows? But he is NOT a commoner. How could I give up on such a man?

At first, I disregarded Sanya as a nobody and I thought that I can make Drago see me in regular ways, you know… showing up where he is, with a wink and a smile and he will be mine. Many boys were swooning over me, why would Drago be different? I was better than Sanya in every way possible, looks, manners, riches, I've had it all, while she had none.

It didn't take long for me to understand that Sanya bewitched him, and I had to play dirty to get her out of the picture.

My father pulled information on Sanya and I found it interesting that if not for her grandmother's final will, Sanya would be a poor girl, living in the slums. How could I not use such valuable information?

I was delighted when Drago accepted not to see Sanya after high school. I told him that she might lose her college scholarship and if he stays away from her, I will make sure that does not happen. I weaved in a story of how he might distract Sanya from her studies, and I was surprised to see that Drago agreed without any resistance.

That was not a nice thing to do, but all is fair in love and war and this was a war for my love.

I was confident that four years without Sanya will be more than enough to win Drago over, and I played the 'friendship' card by not sticking too close to him while not giving him much space either. I was irritated that he was not succumbing to my charms, but I was not ready to give up, and then it happened…

It took me nearly two years to get him to accompany me to a party. I explained how eligible bachelors are swarming over me and that his presence will help me deter them.

"Why don't you ask someone else?", Drago asked dryly.

"Please, please, Drago… you are my only friend who understands. Everyone else is trying to win me over, and you are the only one I know that will not try anything funny after my second glass of wine."

"How about you don't drink wine, Magda?"

I knew that he was not willing, but I had another card to play… "Johnsons and Kirks will be there. I thought that you are interested in their stocks. This will be a good chance for you to get first-hand information and do me a little favor in return. What do you say?"

I was aware that Drago accepted because of stupid investments, but I didn't care. I've achieved my goal and I paid a few magazines to hype up the event with news of how young Miss Thompson is taken. Ah, I still keep copies that have me and Drago on the front page. We make a great couple.

I didn't appreciate that Drago scolded me after that, and he demanded that I fix the issue, but I told him that there was nothing I can do because people like to gossip.

"Why do you care about your reputation so much?", I asked. "Do you have a wife who shouldn't misunderstand?"

He gritted his teeth in anger and at that point, I realized that he was not over Sanya. I knew very well that there was no wife, no fiancée, and no girlfriend. Only a ghost of Sanya who was standing between us for more than two years after he stopped seeing her.

Of course, I made sure that Sanya's classmates circulate those magazines and that Sanya sees Drago was mine. Those stupid girls will do anything for money and a promise that I will introduce them to boys who belong to the circle those girls can only dream about.

But the result was sweet! I heard that Sanya was upset after seeing the cover where I'm holding Duke's arm and looking at him lovingly. Sure, that scene lasted only a few seconds before he pushed me away, but the magazine photographer made it last for an eternity!

Since then, Drago avoided me, always finding excuses not to see me. However, now Sanya is gone for more than a month, and I'm sure that he will accept what I'm offering.

A deep voice drifted into my ear and pulled me out of my thoughts.

"Yes?"

"Hi Drago…", I sang as my happiness swelled. "How are you?"

"I assume you called me for a reason other than to inquire about my wellbeing."

I could hear that he was not in a good mood, probably because he can't find that bitch of his. Well, that is why I called, to comfort him.

"I have an invitation for this weekend. It's a party…"

"Not interested.", he cut me off.

My chest tightened. Isn't he going to give me a chance to explain why I called? "But… but…", I couldn't speak properly. Why is he so rude to me?

"It does not matter. I am not interested in any parties. Even if the pope is coming, I'm not going. Don't bother me, Magda.", he said, cutting me off completely and before I could say anything, he ended the call.

"Ahhh!", I screamed and threw my phone at the wall.

I heard a man snickering and my head snapped toward the door to see my older brother. "Jonathan. Do you know how to knock?"

"I heard a shriek and I was curious if someone is torturing a cat…", he looked at me mockingly and I scowled. "It seems that you have troubles with a date for the party? Let me guess. You are still stuck to Drago and he rejected you. Again."

My eyes flashed in anger. If he knew that this was about the party, he was eavesdropping before I screamed. How revolting. "It's none of your business!"

"It is my business. I am the future CEO of the Giantshade Industries and I need to know who will attend the party which celebrates our expansion into the area of pharmaceuticals. Whoever you bring in, my dear sister, will have access to me, our father, and our partners. Choose wisely…", he said and left the room.

I was angry at my brother, but I was angrier at Drago.

How could he do this to me?

It's four years since I made him stay away from Sanya, and he should be over her. Why is this not working? If he let me finish, I would tell him that it's a big party with people who belong to the top elite of London, and that he can enjoy my company while expanding his business circle.

I stomped a few times in anger. I'm waiting for him for six years and my patience ran out!

If Drago thought that I will give up easily, he is gravely mistaken. If he does not want to listen nicely, I will make him beg for me to speak to him!

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See Magda's photo in the comments...

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