Page 51 of Always Meant To Be

I don't look to see anyone's reactions. Instead, I move my hand and gently undo his jacket before pushing his white shirt against where the wound is. When the fabric stays white, I sag in relief, placing my forehead against his chin, showing him affection for the first time in front of my family as my eyes close, a few more tears falling.

Damn, my stupid hormones….

"Oh Anastasia, you were right, she really does love him…." Agy whispers.

I ignore her and murmur, "Are you sure you're alright?"

He hums, leaning back a little to press his lips against my forehead, and confirms, "I promise I am, and besides, with the amount of fuck ups I've done over the years, I deserved it."

I shake my head, and instead of sitting back up in my seat, I mauver myself so I'm leaning against my husband, my hand still on his side, my eyes keeping an eye on it while Valerie plays with my hair, murmuring, "It's about time she wore her hair down."

I can hear my father's smile as he speaks up and asks, "How's business, Romeo?"

Mama cuts in, "No work talk today, Mikhail. It's been weeks since we've seen our pregnant daughter. I want some answers."

"What answers, Anastasia?" Romeo asks as his fingers gently run along my arm.

"Like, how far along is she? Do you know what you're having yet? Have you picked out any names? Have you decorated the nursery?"

Rome chuckles. "She's sixteen weeks. No, we don't know what we're having, and no names haven't been picked yet. However, if you ask my brother, he'd say Leonardo, and an interior decorator is due over the weekend." I sit up and look at him wide-eyed, but he shrugs, "Did you think I wouldn't know you were using your wages to buy stuff for the baby?"

I roll my eyes. "They’re my wages; I can spend them how I want."

He smirks, his hand going to my hair. "You can, but you also have a credit card."

I scrunch my nose at him as Valerie chuckles. "Still refusing to spend his money, huh?"

I shrug. "I'm independent."

She laughs as servers come and fill our glasses. I thank my server as my father begins to discuss business with Romeo, much to my mother's dismay, who speaks to Aunt Agy instead.

Maxim and Valerie converse with his brother and sister, while my sister keeps eyeing my husband.

I sigh, my hand going to my glass, playing with the rim like I normally do when I'm uncomfortable and I want to run, when a hand covers mine, making me jump.

I look and see my husband's wedding ring as he grips my hand, moving it off the glass, not once breaking the conversation with my father, making my heart flutter. Gently, he rubs his thumb over my knuckles, sending tingles over me, and I side-eye him.

Maybe my husband knows me well after all….

I allow him to move my hand onto my lap, and I rub my finger over the silver band. I expect him to let go and put his arm back behind my chair but, instead, he leaves his hand in mine, allowing me to play with his ring.

Damn, this man makes my heart pound.

I look down and slowly move his ring in circles, ignoring all the conversations around me. I focus on his ring…then I notice something underneath it on his skin. I side-eye Rome again, seeing his attention still on my father, and slowly move his ring down, only for his finger to blur with tears wanting to fall, the tattoo permanently on his skin just in view.

Elena.

He had my name tattooed on his ring finger, and it's faded a little, which means he's had it for years. If I know Rome, or am beginning to understand him, he's had it as long as he's realized he wants me.

God, all this time, he could have just told me the truth….

Sniffling, I put my head on his shoulder, holding his hand and playing with his ring while ignoring everyone around me.

I feel Rome kiss my head, and I sigh in contentment.

Maybe we will be okay.

Maybe my trust will develop….

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