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Section 1
### Chapter 1: Chapter-1
“Are you excited?” My best friend, Natalie asked. It was my wedding day, a wedding that would bring the two families together, in hopes to keep my family safe.
“Yes, very” I rolled my eyes, sarcasm dripping from my voice as I spoke. Natalie rolled her greyish blue eyes on me fixing my brown curly hair which I didn’t bother looking at. I couldn’t care less about this marriage to the Russian. It was even worse that I had to move to the States with him, leaving my home, my family, and friends behind, I didn’t want to do it. However, I knew that I had to, and knowing who he was, how ruthless and merciless he was; I knew that he wouldn’t spare me for a second before sending me back home. That would lead to a war between families which my family could not afford. It annoyed me why I was doing this more than ever. But I knew that I had no other option. It was either this this or I suffered the consequence of what I was to bear if anything went otherwise.
“Remember why you’re doing this” my father’s voice repeated in my head. It hurt like hell, my heart aching every time I thought about it. But I knew why I was doing this therefore, despite myself I had to give in. Especially since my family’s, more specifically, my mother’s, safety depended on it. Being the weaker family in the mafia community, and with no son as an heir to father. It was up to me to unite and guarantee the safety of this family, even if I was forced to a contract marriage. I would make sure it works, well, as much as I could, and if not, mother’s life would be the price of this. Though I was trained to be able to fight, trained to be able to protect myself and my family. I made sure to never be a disgrace to my family, nor was I the spoiled princess I was supposed to be. My father still used my mother to threaten me to doing what he wanted. This part, of course, was something that no one, not even mum knew of. Father having taken me to his office that night when mum had slept. I knew that he did not love her, that he was only married to her for the pleasure of having a wife. Though the stories told me otherwise, everyone spoke of their deep love before their marriage, there was also a time when I knew that they were in love. I saw it in their eyes, how it changed was beyond me. But it did.
“Come on Kiara, he’s hot. Plus, he’s from a rich and strong family” Natalie said smiling. I couldn’t blame her for being as excited as she was. She knew nothing about my family being a mafia, where we came from, what we did, how we lived. It was something that she was oblivious to. All she saw was the bling we had, and for that I couldn’t blame her for seeing this marriage as a blessing rather than my curse. I would’ve thought the same thing if I was in her shoes. I were being honest, I would have slapped me for not wanting this marriage, ironic isn’t it?
“Come on Natalie, let’s get going. The guests are already waiting and dad would be coming up to get us if we don’t go down, and we both don’t want that” I said looking at my best friend through the mirror. Wondering when I’d be able to see her again, have another proper conversation with her, sit like we did in my or her bedroom and talk for hours. Even if she didn’t know who my family was or what they did, she still was MY best friend, regardless to all the crap my family did. A small lie to keep her safe was a lot better in my eyes than putting her in a danger which could cost her life, I would NEVER be able to live with myself if anything happened to her.
“Oh, Kiara, are you crying?” Natalie asked turning me to face her. She wrapped her arms around me and hugged me, it being the first time I’ve cried in front of her. Being the only daughter of the mafia don, especially since he did not have a son, meant that I would never be showing any weakness. It wasn’t even allowed, and I didn’t need to be told about it. I always wanted to prove myself worthy of being my father’s daughter. Even though he sometimes despised the fact that he did not have a son, seeing as I was not worth his time or effort. I was still mostly the one who got him OUT of trouble rather than throw him IN it.
“I’ll miss you so much Nat” I whispered hugging her. Natalie pulled away from the hug and wiped my tears cupping my cheeks and smiling at me. Though her eyes had filled with tears as well, I knew that my emerald green eyes would be bloodshot red from crying, and I didn’t want that right now. Everyone had to believe that this marriage was something that I was happy and excited about.
“Oh, Kia, we’ll be talking every day, video calls, phone calls, text messages, and I’ll be visiting you in American whenever I can. You can show me around there, you know I’ve never been there” Natalie said softly. I gave her the best smile I could manage. Wiping my tears and checking my appearance once more in the wedding dress. The dress hugging my curves in all the right places, bringing out my breasts, showing me off to everyone. The dentelle, which was mum’s idea, covered the dress all over giving it a fancier look. I personally wasn’t really interested, the wedding being the least of my concern. It was mother, Natalie, and Natalie’s mother, Margaret, who chose my dress.
“Come on love, let’s get going before dad comes up to get us himself” I said walking toward the door.
“Wait your flower bouquet” Natalie said handing me the white flower bouquet. I smiled and raised my dress, careful not step on it. I walked out of my bedroom for the last time before heading down to see the guests who were waiting for me to walk down the aisle. To them, I was the beautiful Brook bride who was marrying the strongest mafia don. But to me, signing that wedding paper today was my death certificate.
“Princess, you look lovely” dad said smiling both of us well aware of eyes on us. I smiled back at him knowing that it was what he expected me to do. He cupped my cheeks and kissed my forehead before looking me in the eye. His eyes saying the same sentence he said to me when he first told me about this marriage. The kiss being simply for show in front of the guests, and I had to fight back a sarcastic laugh at the fact.
Remember why you’re doing this.
Nikolay looked at me from beside his father. His icy blue eyes met my green ones, both our eyes cold as ice toward one another. Both of us hating the day we were suddenly destined as one another’s partner.
“Kiara, my baby girl” mum smiled approaching me. She opened her hands for me and hugged me tightly. Her eyes looking proud as she looked at her daughter who was now a bride to one of the most powerful mafia bosses, the future Mrs. Ivanov. The savior of this family. She appreciated what I was doing, at least that was what she showed
“Mum, you look lovely” I said looking at mum who smiled. Putting her hand on my lower back. Slowly pushing me forward to my future husband, who happened to be walking toward me. Probably under the pressure of his father Dimitri Ivanov, who was looking at my father. Both of them nodding at one another in greeting. I took a deep breath before taking a step forward to my ‘husband to be’.
“Nikolay” I greeted him with cold eyes. He wrapped an arm around my shoulder and both of us cheek kissed for show. Pulling away from the quick peck, the two of us looked one another in the eye.
“Kiara” he answered coldly. His sharp jaw tensing. I took my time to examine his face, though I’ve seen him hundreds of times as I grew up. Neat scruff, muscular body which was visible under his designer suit, and his deep voice which would have had any girl swooned at his feet. I had to stop myself from rolling my eyes on him, knowing that his gun was under his jacket. Mine was strapped on my thigh just like it always is.
“Let’s get this over with” he said and I nodded. This ceremony was taking way too long for my liking anyway. The faster we got done with it, the faster we could leave, and the faster I could get out of this dress.
“Please” I muttered under my breath. My eyes meeting Vladimir’s, Nikolay’s right hand, best friend, and brother by blood. These two were somewhat inseparable, they grew up by one another. Their fathers were best mates growing up, Dimitri was the don of the Russian mafia family, and Ivan was his right hand. When their sons were born, they grew up as brothers. Lived together as so, and when Dimitri saw that it was time to retire when his son reached the age of twenty five. He gave Nikolay his position, and Vladimir just took his father’s by default.
Both Nikolay and I walked toward the table where we were to sign our wedding agreement. Being married to a man I despised was never on my to do list. Then again, if I think about it, him and I were once friends. But that was long before any of us reached puberty. He was eleven at the time and I was seven. Then we grew older and each one of us sided with his own family. Thus turning us against one another, especially when attacks were being made by the other English Mafia families toward the Russians.
We signed the paper, and I looked at my new sir name. Ivanov, Kiara Ivanov, wife of Nikolay Ivanov. I had to fight back a sigh as I took a deep breath. Nikolay drinking from the glass that was on the table before handing it to me to take a sip. Both of us agreeing that it would be the most suitable thing to do. Especially since I refused to lose my first kiss to a man that I did not love, and yes. I was twenty-six, a virgin, who had never kissed a man, but blame it on my father, who never saw a man fit for me, and had been preparing me to marry the Russian don since I was young anyway. No man could even think of approaching me without fearing losing his life. Then as time went by, I lost interest in finding a fit one for me anyway knowing that it would simply be a waste of time if I never had a future with him.
“Congratulations to our new bride and groom, and welcome to the family, Mrs. Ivanov”
Kiara: I laid my head on my husband’s chest as he ran his fingers over my waist. The two of us having rented a house on the beach for a few days to be alone. “So, what do you want to do today?” Nikolay asked me. His lips kissing my temple as I smiled and I looked up at him. “Well, for starters, I want us to make up for lost time. Lost love hours and minutes, you know, that kind of thing” I said looking my husband in the eye, he smirked and laid wrapped his arms around me, bringing me closer to his chest. Bringing my lips to his own, kissing me softly. “You know, since we’re finally alone for the next few days. I was thinking that we could give Dani and Lia a little baby brother or sister” Nikolay said making me raise an eyebrow. “Our children are still babies, Nik” I said looking at Nikolay who smiled. “Exactly, they can grow with one another, having a near age range. They’d be our next generation” Nikolay said looking me in the eye “s
Nikolay:“So, do you want to politely tell me what else you did? Or do I need to break the rest of your teeth?” I asked Anastas. My fists covered in blood from punching him as hard as I did. I was currently wearing metal rings that I knew would break his whole jaw if I put the correct force into my punch.Anastas spat on me and I raised an eyebrow before punching his abdomen making him cough out blood. His eyes widened as he tried catching his breath, it having been knocked out of his chest. I was thankful for the walls being soundproof, otherwise, I would’ve have taken this elsewhere.“Again, what else did you do to harm my family?” I asked calmly. My voice was controlled as Vladimir pulled the man’s head back by his hair, forcing him to look at me. Anastas’s eyes were wide in fear as he saw the danger that he was in. But it wasn’t like he didn’t know it, he grew up with me. He knew what annoyed me, what did
Kiara:“Hey” Maddie said peeking her head through the bedroom’s door. Turning my attention to her, I forced myself to smile and nodded at her to come inside.“Hi” I smiled at her, standing up from the floor. I was sitting on the floor with my back resting against the couch. Her eyes met mine and she sighed wrapping her arms around my neck. Hugging me tightly as she did and I embraced her hug. Thankful for her being there for me.“Don’t want to join us for breakfast, Kia? You’ve been dodging your meals unless Nikolay pulls you down with him, and you know that it isn’t good for you” Maddie said softly. She wasn’t blind, no one in this house was. I knew that I wasn’t being fair to myself or this family with what I was doing to myself. But I couldn’t help it.One part of me was still mourning over the loss of mother, the other was breaking inside for not being worth the time of this
Nikolay: “Come on” Kiara said smiling as she put the spoon of soup in my mouth. The fact that the nurse had told her that the less movements I made, the better it would be made her not allow me to move from the bed unless I wanted to go to the bathroom, and even that was with the help of one of the men. Though, I wouldn’t lie and say that I can’t see the sadness in her eyes. Despite the smile that she’s been putting on, I can see the exhaustion in her beautiful green orbs. That fact itself was bothering me, whatever it was, I knew that she was blocking it inside her as not to worry or upset me when I was in such a state. But that didn’t mean that I liked or appreciated it. I put my hand on hers when she was about to lift the spoon from the bowl making her frown in confusion as I studied her expression “what’s going on, baby girl? What are you keeping from me that’s having you this broken?” My questions seemed to catch her off guard as she put th
Kiara:I stared at Nikolay’s lifeless body for a second before turning my attention to my mother whose eyes were wide in both fear and confusion.“What have you done, Kiara?” She asked as she stared at both Grace and Nikolay “what have you two done?”“The task, mother” I said coldly. Her eyes were wide in fear when they met mine and I nodded giving her a cold smile, one which she taught me how to give for a long time. She had told me once that it was the way to survive in the mafia world, a cold smile which didn’t reach your eyes, but gave you a peace of mind.She rushed out of the podium through a door and I nodded at Richard to come with me, the two of us leaving the startled audience as we walked through the door. Ian was hiding somewhere, staying away from the spotlight, though that wouldn’t be for long. Mother would come and look for him, and that might not end too well for her, especially when sh
Kiara:“HAVE YOU LOST YOUR MIND?” Mum yelled at the top of her lungs as she walked inside the dorm where Richard and I were staying. The two of us being the last contestants had the dorm to ourselves.“Hello to you too, mum” I said rolling my eyes. Crossing my arms over my chest, I waited for her to approach me.“You are writing your own death certificate, Kiara! Why the hell are you doing this? What happened to the woman who didn’t cheat on her husband?” Mum snapped. I stayed quiet as I watched her rant “you going ahead and announcing doing this publicly, IN FRONT of Nikolay and the other families, have you really become this reckless?”“So, it’s okay to do it without them knowing? Like cheating but hiding it?” I mocked rolling my eyes at mum whose eyes widened “my marriage is long over, mother. You made sure of it when you kidnapped me, you know, darkening my heart and eyes as
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### Chapter 2: Chapter-2
I watched as the girl, my wife, danced with her father before he handed her to me to have our ‘first dance’ as a husband and wife. This act becoming annoying to me, but I knew that I had to hold it off just a bit longer for the guest’s sake. Not caring whether or not it annoyed Dimitri. I couldn’t care less about what he thought. But if we wanted this ‘arrangement of peace’ to work, then I had to cooperate.
“Hands a bit higher, if you don’t mind” Kiara rolled her eyes on me. Raising my hand to her waist, below her boobs, careful about where she wanted me to touch her. Acting as if she’s never been touched there before. A girl like her was bound to have had at least a number of men at her feet. But I wasn’t one to judge, I couldn’t care less about what she did.
“Believe me, I would rather be anywhere than having my fingers on you” I said pulling her to me. My voice just above a whisper for her ears to hear. I knew that my words were harsh, but none of us cared. We knew and hated one another enough to show it to each other whenever we had the chance to.
“I’m glad the feeling is mutual” she rolled her eyes. Giving me a sarcastic smile, I twirled her once before bringing her back to me. Our eyes meeting, cold as they looked at one another.
“Oh, we’ve moved to nicknames, interesting” she battered her eyelashes. I was glad that the music was loud enough for the guests not to hear us. Hell might end up breaking loose and I was NOT in the mood for her attitude right now. I twirled the girl and brought her closer to me. Her back was to my chest as I swayed us both.
“I suggest that you tone it down before things get out of hand, mishka” I turned her back around and brought her to me. This time her face facing me, and though she was wearing heels, she still barely reached my shoulders. Her body small compared to mine.
“And if I don’t? Would you be shoot me and putting me out of my misery?” She asked raising an eyebrow. Her voice dripping with sarcasm as it almost always is.
“If it was that easy, then yes, one bullet to your head, and we’re done with you. But you know, with no one to take over your family’s dynasty. That would require you to be alive and to be married to me” I rolled my eyes on the girl who thought that she could simply challenge me.
“Huh, sad, I guess you’re stuck with me then” Kiara rolled her eyes on me. Putting her hand on my shoulder. Her eyes meeting mine, blue to green, both of our eyes showing dislike and distaste toward one another. Both of us knowing and hating why we were doing this.
We got into the private plane after saying our goodbyes to Kiara’s parents. She let out a few tears, I couldn’t understand her worry about her mother. However, Lilian assured her that she would be calling her on a regular basis. Her behavior confused me. But I didn’t bother asking, not that I cared about it anyway.
“Can I change this dress?” Kiara asked me once we were inside. I looked at her still in her wedding dress and nodded pointing to the bathroom’s direction. She nodded and got a white leather bag with her and walked toward it.
“Nikolay” Vladimir hissed under his breath. My best friend and partner glared at me, I looked at him with a raised eyebrow. Ivan and Dimitri were both sitting in the front of the plane waiting for us to come. The two of them having left a while before we did, having gotten bored of whatever the ceremony held out.
“She’s your bride, come on. At least be decent enough to say more than two words to her” Vladimir said, I rolled my eyes and sat down. Just as the door opened revealing the girl wearing grey sweat pants and a black long sleeved shirt. Her dress was in her hands as she carefully set it on her chair on the other side of the aisle. Reaching up to the compartment and taking out a bag on her own and putting it on the chair. Opening the bag casually and putting the dress inside it, all while Vladimir glared at me.
I watched as she closed the bag and reached up to put the bag back in its place before Dimitri took the bag from her making her flinch. She looked at him as he put the bag back in the compartment and smiled at him as he closed it.
“You could have called for help dear” he said softly. I raised an eyebrow at him, but he didn’t even bother looking at me. Keeping his attention on the girl who smiled at him.
“I was fine Uncle Dimitri, but thank you for your help” she said softly. Dimitri nodded and watched as she walked past him and sat on her chair. His eyes met mine, shaking his head at me before he walked back to his seat without saying a word while the girl put a few things on the table. Taking a cotton pad and poured some liquid on it.
“What are you doing?” I asked.
“Removing my makeup?” She answered wiping her eye with the patch.
“Do you want to eat or drink anything?” Vladimir asked “you haven’t eaten anything at the wedding, nor did I see you drinking anything. Well, aside from the drink you and Nikolay had”
“I’m fine Vladimir, thank you” she put the patch down and got another one. Repeating the process a few times before she was done. The plane had already taken off by the time she was done, and I honestly wondered how much time it took her putting all she did in efforts for this wedding. She began removing a bunch of black pins from her hair, running her fingers through her hair as she did. letting out a sigh of contentment before getting up and throwing the now smudged cotton patches.
The waitress brought juices and Kiara smiled taking a glass and drinking from it and putting it on the table. Opening a purse she had placed on top of the table beside her. She took out her tablet and started reading.
“You don’t look or seem to be acting like a bride” I commented raising an eyebrow at her.
“Coming from the ‘husband’ that is paying so much attention to me as his ‘bride’” she said not looking away from the device. I didn’t answer her and went to open my own laptop.
“Welcome home Nikolay” mom smiled when she saw us entering the house. I smiled and wrapped my arms around her hugging her tightly. She nor my sister Grace attended the wedding. Dimitri having refused it due to the fact of us going to make an agreement rather than a proper wedding, and the fact that he did not trust the English families. Me marrying Kiara would not change the fact that we are still somewhat enemies.
“Hello to the new groom” Grace teased hugging me after mom pulled away from the hug. I chuckled and hugged my little sister. she kissed my cheek before pulling away and hugging Vladimir who smiled at her, wrapping his arms around her. Having grown up as siblings, we all acted like it.
“Kiara, dear, welcome” mom greeted Kiara who smiled politely. I had to fight back rolling my eyes at her as I saw her attitude. Mom wrapped her arms around Kiara pulling her in for a hug, I could tell that she was trying to make her feel welcomed. Despite knowing that I would not be caring about the girl.
“Huh, looks like faith has brought me a sister-in-law” Grace teased Kiara. Kiara smiled and shook her head at Grace who raised an eyebrow at her, making her feel somewhat uncomfortable. I knew that didn’t care about the bride, and she was now showing it to Kiara as she rolled her eyes at her before walking toward me. Her eyes meeting mine and I had to fight back the smirk that threatened to make its way toward my lips. Kiara didn’t say a word as she looked down at her feet. Discomfort could be read in her body language, which had mom glare at me.
“Are you going to join us for dinner? Claudia and Adrian should be coming home at any minute” mom said mentioning our youngest siblings smiling at me. I walked toward her and cupped her cheeks before kissing her forehead. She raised an eyebrow at me already taking my answer “I’m guessing that it’s a, no?”
“I have work mom. It’s been delayed for a few days…” I said looking at Kiara who raised an eyebrow at me “I’ll be back late tonight, don’t wait for me”
“Alright Nik, take care of yourself” mom said softly. I smiled and nodded at Vladimir nodding at him to follow me to the office. We had a lot of work to take care of. The wedding having delayed a lot of it. Well, not as much as it normally would have. I just didn’t like the fact of us having made the wedding when I didn’t even care about being with the woman. They could’ve sent her here to the States and I wouldn’t have given a damn about it.
“Boss?” Vladimir asked once he entered my office. I looked at the papers which had been brought to me from one of my clubs. The women there reported to follow up with them on a few tasks I had asked them to get done. Pictures of the men I wanted, the best girls around them having their arms around their necks and getting them drunk for questioning. I could already tell that they had a lot to tell us.
“We’re going to the Rosa Delarosa, Melina just reported back to us”
Kiara: I laid my head on my husband’s chest as he ran his fingers over my waist. The two of us having rented a house on the beach for a few days to be alone. “So, what do you want to do today?” Nikolay asked me. His lips kissing my temple as I smiled and I looked up at him. “Well, for starters, I want us to make up for lost time. Lost love hours and minutes, you know, that kind of thing” I said looking my husband in the eye, he smirked and laid wrapped his arms around me, bringing me closer to his chest. Bringing my lips to his own, kissing me softly. “You know, since we’re finally alone for the next few days. I was thinking that we could give Dani and Lia a little baby brother or sister” Nikolay said making me raise an eyebrow. “Our children are still babies, Nik” I said looking at Nikolay who smiled. “Exactly, they can grow with one another, having a near age range. They’d be our next generation” Nikolay said looking me in the eye “s
Nikolay:“So, do you want to politely tell me what else you did? Or do I need to break the rest of your teeth?” I asked Anastas. My fists covered in blood from punching him as hard as I did. I was currently wearing metal rings that I knew would break his whole jaw if I put the correct force into my punch.Anastas spat on me and I raised an eyebrow before punching his abdomen making him cough out blood. His eyes widened as he tried catching his breath, it having been knocked out of his chest. I was thankful for the walls being soundproof, otherwise, I would’ve have taken this elsewhere.“Again, what else did you do to harm my family?” I asked calmly. My voice was controlled as Vladimir pulled the man’s head back by his hair, forcing him to look at me. Anastas’s eyes were wide in fear as he saw the danger that he was in. But it wasn’t like he didn’t know it, he grew up with me. He knew what annoyed me, what did
Kiara:“Hey” Maddie said peeking her head through the bedroom’s door. Turning my attention to her, I forced myself to smile and nodded at her to come inside.“Hi” I smiled at her, standing up from the floor. I was sitting on the floor with my back resting against the couch. Her eyes met mine and she sighed wrapping her arms around my neck. Hugging me tightly as she did and I embraced her hug. Thankful for her being there for me.“Don’t want to join us for breakfast, Kia? You’ve been dodging your meals unless Nikolay pulls you down with him, and you know that it isn’t good for you” Maddie said softly. She wasn’t blind, no one in this house was. I knew that I wasn’t being fair to myself or this family with what I was doing to myself. But I couldn’t help it.One part of me was still mourning over the loss of mother, the other was breaking inside for not being worth the time of this
Nikolay: “Come on” Kiara said smiling as she put the spoon of soup in my mouth. The fact that the nurse had told her that the less movements I made, the better it would be made her not allow me to move from the bed unless I wanted to go to the bathroom, and even that was with the help of one of the men. Though, I wouldn’t lie and say that I can’t see the sadness in her eyes. Despite the smile that she’s been putting on, I can see the exhaustion in her beautiful green orbs. That fact itself was bothering me, whatever it was, I knew that she was blocking it inside her as not to worry or upset me when I was in such a state. But that didn’t mean that I liked or appreciated it. I put my hand on hers when she was about to lift the spoon from the bowl making her frown in confusion as I studied her expression “what’s going on, baby girl? What are you keeping from me that’s having you this broken?” My questions seemed to catch her off guard as she put th
Kiara:I stared at Nikolay’s lifeless body for a second before turning my attention to my mother whose eyes were wide in both fear and confusion.“What have you done, Kiara?” She asked as she stared at both Grace and Nikolay “what have you two done?”“The task, mother” I said coldly. Her eyes were wide in fear when they met mine and I nodded giving her a cold smile, one which she taught me how to give for a long time. She had told me once that it was the way to survive in the mafia world, a cold smile which didn’t reach your eyes, but gave you a peace of mind.She rushed out of the podium through a door and I nodded at Richard to come with me, the two of us leaving the startled audience as we walked through the door. Ian was hiding somewhere, staying away from the spotlight, though that wouldn’t be for long. Mother would come and look for him, and that might not end too well for her, especially when sh
Kiara:“HAVE YOU LOST YOUR MIND?” Mum yelled at the top of her lungs as she walked inside the dorm where Richard and I were staying. The two of us being the last contestants had the dorm to ourselves.“Hello to you too, mum” I said rolling my eyes. Crossing my arms over my chest, I waited for her to approach me.“You are writing your own death certificate, Kiara! Why the hell are you doing this? What happened to the woman who didn’t cheat on her husband?” Mum snapped. I stayed quiet as I watched her rant “you going ahead and announcing doing this publicly, IN FRONT of Nikolay and the other families, have you really become this reckless?”“So, it’s okay to do it without them knowing? Like cheating but hiding it?” I mocked rolling my eyes at mum whose eyes widened “my marriage is long over, mother. You made sure of it when you kidnapped me, you know, darkening my heart and eyes as
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