Page 70 of Forced Bratva Hostage

Mary and Martha were by the sprawling buffet table, which groaned under the weight of delicious dishes, beaming with uncontrollable smiles.

The little Tarasov, a ball of energy, careened around the living room, her curly brown hair bouncing with each step. She giggled, her green eyes—like her father's—shining with mischief as she toddled over to the balloons that bobbed gently above the food table. She struggled to reach them, straining on her toes until Yelena strode over to help.

Yelena, Julia's and Roman's daughter, was now almost eight years old—taller and more experienced than her cousin, little Sasha.

“Here, let me.” Yelena picked her up so she could reach her target.

Sasha giggled in her arms, batting at the balloons with her chubby fingers, smiling as they bobbed and swayed.

As the children played, the adults mingled, chattering and laughing in a bustling atmosphere filled with the scent of freshly baked cake and the aroma of delicious dishes.

My husband materialized beside me, a hand in his pocket as he heaved a sigh, grinning, his eyes drinking in the happy faces around us.

“Thank you,” I said, turning to face him, my words laced with sincerity.

He wrapped his arms around my waist and pulled me to himself. “What for?” he whispered, holding my gaze.

“For everything,” came my reply, my arms flying around his neck. “You’ve made me the happiest woman alive, Afan, and I'll forever be thankful for that.” My lips curled into a faint grin.

“I'm the happiest man in the world because of you,” he declared, gently swaying our bodies to the slow music playing in the background. “And I couldn't have asked for a better partner.”

I blinked, my tear glands charging up, touched by his words. Even after all this time, I was still affected by his declaration. It never got old, and I’d never get tired of hearing it.

“You complete me, Wren,” he continued without breaking eye contact. “I didn't realize what I'd been missing until you came along. You changed me for the better—showed me what love truly is.” He paused, letting the words sink in for a moment.

My heart swelled with emotions, my face relaxing as he spoke genuinely. In that moment, nothing else mattered; it was as though time itself had stood still, and we were the only two people in the room.

“You, my love, are the light in my dark. Without you,” he shook his head, clicking his tongue, “my world would be so empty.”

“I need you as much as you need me, Afan,” I confessed, feeling a flutter in my chest, my heart racing with excitement. “You're the drug that I'm addicted to, and I want you so bad.”

His lips curled into a tender smile, head slightly tilted sideways as he leaned to whisper in my ear. “Did you seriously just quote a line from Alan Walker's ‘All Falls Down’?” He cackled.

“Shh.” I placed a finger over his lips, my eyes boring into his. “Don't ruin this for me,” came my hushed response as we swayed together, our bodies moving in perfect sync.

“I love you, Wren Tarasov,” he declared, fingers intertwining with mine in a gentle caress that caused my skin to tingle.

“And I love you, too, Afanasy Tarasov,” I replied, my lips pulling into a broad smile as my gaze locked on his shining eyes.

“Aww.” The soft, heartfelt murmur rose from those around us, their gentle hum laced with affection.

His face lit up with a bright smile as he leaned closer and claimed my lips, his touch igniting the fire within me.

“Oh, please, get a room!” Roman's jovial voice cut through the sentimental chorus.

We broke the kiss, laughing with the others.

“What is this, a funeral or a party?” Julia glided over to the coffee table, picked up the TV remote, and changed the song.

The somber atmosphere shifted, giving way to Lady Gaga's “Bloody Mary,” its pulsating beats electrifying the room.

Hands flew into the air, bodies swaying to the rhythm of the song.

Little Sasha was the first to jump on the makeshift dance floor, mimicking Wednesday Addams’ iconic dance moves with uncanny precision. Her expression was solemn, her tiny hands clasped together as she swayed with eerie elegance.

“Way to go, Sasha! You're a natural!” Julia exclaimed, her voice dripping with astonishment.

My brows rose, mirroring my shock at my daughter's dancing skills. The entire family watched in awe, each of us exchanging delighted glances.

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