Page 50 of The Bratva's Forbidden Pregnancy

Gradually, darkness crept into my heart, occupying every nook and cranny as my parents’ chatter was now almost indistinct. My mind was drifting away, and depression was starting to sink in.

I was pregnant, and the father of my unborn child was my father’s best friend, the same man that I’d been asked to stay away from. How messed up was that? I knew I couldn’t keep this quiet for long, and I was only delaying the inevitable, but I wasn’t ready to come clean with anyone just yet.

My parents would freak out; that was for sure. They’d be heartbroken, especially because I’d done the exact opposite of what they’d asked. I could imagine their reaction to the news when they found out, the look of disappointment they would wear. There was no scenario in my head where this ended well.

I lowered my head, pressing my fingers over my eyes with a soft sigh. A waiter was passing by, and I helped myself to a glass of champagne from his tray. I needed that.

Just as I was about to take a sip, my dad’s voice caught my attention. No, let me rephrase that: The name my father mentioned caused my heart to skip a beat.

“Vlad,” he said. “I wasn't expecting to see you here.”

“Me, neither,” he said.

Fuck! It’s truly him. He’s here for real. Are you kidding me right now? This is bad. Okay, get your shit together.

My mind was flooded with thoughts of what to do next. The conversation between him and my father was happening behind me, and I was tempted to turn around.

Just walk away, Sia. Just walk away.

I drained the glass of champagne in one swift motion and turned around to face him even though everything inside me was screaming that I shouldn’t.

There he was, the dashing man who had left me in this dilemma and put me in the family way. He was so handsome in that impeccable suit as he locked eyes with me.

I couldn’t fall for his charms anymore; I shouldn’t.

His eyes were fixed on me, and mine were on his. My heart was racing, and I felt my tear glands charging up at the thought of all that I was hiding, all that his attitude had put me through. This situation with me and Vlad was so messed up that I couldn’t even think straight anymore.

There was an awkward silence until I broke it, clearing my throat. “Excuse me,” I said, drawing in a deep breath. “I need some air.” I walked away, leaving them behind, but his gaze still followed me, lingering on my figure; I could feel it.

Truly, I needed a bit of fresh air, a private space where I could be myself and try to think clearly. A lot was on my mind, and the weight of it was crippling me.

I thought about going to the balcony, but it seemed crowded in that direction, and a crowd was the last thing I needed right now. I turned around and rushed out to the garden, away from the main event.

It was cold out here, and my sleeveless dress wasn’t helping at all. Despite the cold, though, it was quiet and peaceful.

I found a weathered wooden bench and sat on it, surrounded by a display of lights that illuminated the lush garden. Right above my head, soft string lights cast their warm glow, twinkling like diamonds. Pathway lights that looked like tiny mushrooms lined the walkway leading to a fountain that was draped in a spotlight.

In an attempt to warm myself, I wrapped my arms around me, my fingers rubbing against the soft fabric of my dress.

I was so confused and didn’t know what to do next. Seeing him again had ignited something in me, something that I wanted to bury. Why couldn’t I just hate him? But that was the least of my problems right now; this baby inside me was at the top of my list.

“It’s cold outside.”

I heard his voice, prompting me to my feet.

I looked at him as he sauntered up to me. I’d always admired his confidence and composure.

“How did you know I was out here?” I asked, glaring at him.

“I saw you coming over here and decided to follow.”

“And it didn’t occur to you that I might need some time alone?” I asked, struggling to hold back the tears that welled my eyes. “You know what? Don’t answer that.”

I turned and started walking in the opposite direction.

“Sienna, wait,” he said, following me.

I increased my pace without looking back at him. “Leave me alone, Vlad.”

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