Page 36 of Deadly Vows

The following day dawned bright and early, and I couldn’t help but feel a sense of anticipation as I prepared for my lunch with Sandy. I chose a simple cream-colored sweater with blue jeans and tan leather boots. Aleksandr had been up since dawn, preoccupied with business, but he ensured that Ivan would drive me to Sandy’s apartment.

Ivan was waiting by the SUV when I stepped outside. He gave me a brief nod, his usual stoic expression in place, as he opened the door for me. “Good morning, Talia.”

“Morning, Ivan,” I replied, sliding into the backseat. Ivan was the type of person who didn’t speak much, but his presence was always reassuring, like a silent guardian.

As we drove to Sandy’s, I tried to push aside the uneasy feeling that had settled in my stomach. Everything was supposed to be perfect now—Aleksandr had proposed, I was building a future with him, and today was just about celebrating with my sister. But something was nagging at the back of my mind, a shadow I couldn’t quite shake.

When we arrived at Sandy’s building, she was waiting outside, her face lighting up as she saw the SUV. She looked as beautiful as ever in dark blue jeans and a pink sweater, and her strawberry-blonde hair was pulled into a loose bun. Ivan opened the door for me, and I stepped out, greeted by Sandy’s warm embrace.

“You look stunning!” Sandy exclaimed, hugging me tightly. “Congrats again! Now let’s go gossip and eat.”

“Thank you, sis,” I said, smiling as I returned her hug. “I can’t wait to catch up.”

We slid into the backseat, and Ivan drove us into the heart of the city. I felt a flutter of excitement, a welcome break from the whirlwind of emotions that had been my life lately. Sandy and I chatted easily, our conversation flowing with the familiarity only sisters share. The sun shone through the car windows, bathing us in a golden light that made everything feel almost dreamlike. I could see a hint of anticipation in Sandy’s eyes as we passed the city’s busy streets, the world outside a blur of people and traffic. The city gradually shifted from towering glass buildings to charming boutiques and cafés lining the street near the restaurant. It felt like the perfect escape.

The restaurant was elegant, with floor-to-ceiling windows that offered a stunning view of the city skyline. As we sipped on sparkling water, the conversation drifted to Aleksandr andmy engagement. Sandy was over the moon, her excitement infectious as she asked about the proposal. I told her about the moment, about how my heart had nearly burst when Aleksandr slipped the ring onto my finger. She teased me about the whirlwind romance, and then her eyes softened with concern.

“Are you ready to be a part of his world permanently?” Sandy asked. “You know it can be dangerous. Are you sure you want to bring the baby up in that world?”

“It’s not the world I would have chosen,” I admitted, my hand unconsciously resting on my baby bump. “But I love him, and he loves me. And I know he’ll be a wonderful father. He’ll provide for us and protect us. That’s all I really want.”

Sandy smiled, squeezing my hand gently. “Then you’re making the right decision.”

We talked about how I was adjusting to the idea of becoming a mother, not just to my own child but also to Sasha and Maxim. The thought of taking on such a role was nerve-wracking, but there was something so right about it, too. After all, they were already starting to feel like mine. Sandy reassured me, her words full of sisterly wisdom, as we finished our meal with a decadent chocolate dessert that seemed to melt away any lingering worries.

Afterward, Ivan picked us up and drove us back to Sandy’s apartment. The ride was quieter, the contentment from our lunch settling over us. I watched the cityscape pass by, my thoughts lingering on the life I was building with Aleksandr. When we arrived at Sandy’s building, it felt comforting to return to her apartment.

We stepped out of the SUV, linking arms, completely unaware that the world I had so carefully pieced together was about to be shattered.

Ivan stood by the SUV, his eyes scanning the surroundings, ever watchful. I noticed his slight hesitation when I told him to wait for us downstairs. “You sure you don’t want me to come up?”

“I’m sure,” I assured him. “I’ll only be a few minutes. No need to worry.”

He didn’t argue, though I could tell he wasn’t entirely convinced. “Alright, but call me if you need anything.”

“Will do,” I promised, turning to allow Sandy to lead us into the building.

Sandy’s apartment was cozy, filled with the familiar warmth of home. I sat on the sofa, relaxing, memories of my childhood floating around in my mind. Sandy disappeared into the bedroom to grab a few things she wanted to show me.

I was so caught up in my thoughts that I didn’t notice the subtle shift in the air until I heard the soft click of the front door closing behind me. I froze, a chill running through my limbs. As I stood up, my heart began to pound. My ex-boyfriend Danny was standing in the middle of the living room.

My blood ran cold. For a moment, I couldn’t move, couldn’t breathe. Danny, the man I had fought so hard to escape, was here, in Sandy’s apartment, his eyes cold and filled with the same cruel intensity I remembered all too well.

“Talia,” he said, his voice low and menacing. “Did you really think you could hide from me forever?”

My mind raced, trying to make sense of the situation.How had he found me? What did he want?I was frozen with fear, but I forced myself to stay calm. “Danny, you need to leave. Now.”

He took a step closer, his eyes narrowing. “I’m not going anywhere. Not without you.”

Panic surged through me, and I instinctively backed away, cradling my baby bump. “Get out, Danny. I’ll call the police.”

He laughed, a harsh, bitter sound. “You think the police scare me? Do you think Aleksandr scares me? I know everything, Talia. I know where you’ve been hiding, and I’m here to take back what’s mine.”

Before I could react, Sandy emerged from the bedroom, swinging a baseball bat. “Get the fuck away from her, you psycho!” she screamed.

Danny jumped out of the way before the bat could connect with his midsection.

“Talia, get in the bedroom!” Sandy ordered.

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