Page 54 of Arranged to Marry the Bratva

"Growing up, my parents tried to protect me from the world. Then, Boris did the same. They thought they were doing what was best for me, but it only made me feel trapped." As I look into his deep brown eyes, I see a flicker of understanding. "It wasn't until I got involved with your business, with you, that I truly started to grow and learn about life, about how it’s not so black and white. It's challenging, yes, but it's also exhilarating. It’s taught me to learn more about myself than I have in years."

"Really?" He seems surprised by my admission, but there's something else too—a hint of admiration.

"Absolutely. I don't want our child to grow up behind walls, never knowing the true strength they possess. I don’t want them growing up with biases, believing all they hear. For years, I was taught to believe that men like you are cruel. But now, I see that my biases held me back. I want our children to be brave, resilient, and compassionate, just like their father," I say with conviction, hoping to reassure him.

A small smile forms on his lips as he listens to my words. "You truly believe we can do this, don't you?"

"Without a doubt," I affirm. "We may not be able to control every aspect of our lives, but we can make choices that will help us build a better future for our child."

A moment of silence settles between us, the air thick with unsaid words, before Nikolai takes a deep breath and starts to open up. "My parents hated the Zolotovs—your family—with every fiber of their being," he admits, his voice pained. "They blamed them for everything that went wrong in their lives, and they tried to pass that hatred onto me."

I watch as his eyes cloud over with memories, and I can't help but feel my heart ache for him. "But you're not like them," I say softly, gently squeezing his hand. "You've shown me time and time again that you're different, that you don't hold the same prejudices they did."

He looks at me, his eyes searching mine for reassurance. "It's hard sometimes, you know? To escape the shadows of our past, to break free from the cycle of hatred and violence. But I don't want our child to grow up in that world, Anoushka. I want something better for them."

"Then let's give them that," I reply, my voice full of conviction. "We can teach them about love, understanding, and compassion so that they won't make the same mistakes our parents did. That we did."

A smile spreads across his face, and I can see the weight of his worries slowly lifting from his shoulders. "With you by my side, I believe that anything is possible," he says, his voice filled with gratitude.

Chapter 23 - Nikolai

I thought I would surprise Anoushka in bed with breakfast. When I enter, I see her exiting the bathroom, her hair wet and a towel wrapped around under her arms. My gaze passes over her beautiful figure as she flicks her hair over her shoulders.

“You made me breakfast?” she asks, a smile on her pretty face as I lay down the tray on the bed.

She immediately sits beside me, smearing cream cheese on a slice of toast and taking a bite. “Mmm,” she closes her eyes, licking her lips. “I’m famished.”

"You're looking energetic this morning," I say, brushing a stray curl behind her ear. She’s been so tired the last few days that I decide we shouldn’t waste today. "Get dressed. We're going out."

Her eyes widen in surprise. "Where are we going?"

"It's a surprise." I tap her nose playfully. "Now hurry before I change my mind."

She squeals and jumps off the bed, racing to the closet. I shake my head, unable to hold back a grin. Her enthusiasm is infectious.

***

We drive down a winding road, the sun filtering through a canopy of trees. Anoushka chatters happily beside me, her hand resting on my thigh. I nod along, only half-listening. On the street before, a car turned in behind us. I take another turn, and the car stays right behind. Are we being followed? I glance in the rearview mirror, searching for any sign of danger, but reveal nothing to Anoushka. The last thing I want is for her to worry. Instead, I focus on making small talk.

I slowly speed up, noticing the car on our trail. I clutch the steering as tight as I can until, at last, we take the turn for a luxurious small bed-and-breakfast-type hotel nestled amidst lush greenery.

"Here we are," I announce as we pull up. Anoushka's eyes widen in delight, and I can't help but smile at her reaction. I look back and find that there’s no one behind.

I finally breathe a sigh of relief. Maybe it was all in my head. People can follow the same routes, after all.

“Oh my god!” Anoushka gushes, looking around herself. “It’s beautiful!”

I glance up at the gorgeous villa nestled among cypress trees. "A spa getaway. Just for the two of us."

Her eyes shine with delight. "You shouldn't have."

"Nonsense. You deserve to be pampered." I squeeze her hand and help her out of the car, leading her up the path.

A friendly receptionist greets us inside, and Nikolai tells her who he is. A glimmer of awe crosses her eyes, and she jumps right into action. "Welcome! We've prepared your private suite. Everything is in order and Emma here will guide you through your day. Please enjoy a full day of treatments on us."

"Thanks." I nod in thanks, guiding Anoushka toward a set of arched wooden doors that our therapist, Emma, takes us through.

This will be a perfect escape for Anoushka. She deserves all the rest and pampering she can get. After all, a happy mother births a healthy child.

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