Page 84 of Ruthless Bratva King

“Terrifying?” She pulls back, giving me a mock stern look. “Girl, you’ve faced down mob bosses, kidnappers, and your toxic family. A bunch of architecture professors are going to be a cakewalk compared to that.”

I laugh, shaking my head. “Thanks for putting it into perspective.”

“You’re welcome.” She flops back into her chair, beaming at me. “Seriously, though, this is amazing. You’re going to build skyscrapers or cathedrals or whatever the hell you want. And I’m going to tell everyone I was your roommate before you got famous.”

“You’re ridiculous,” I say, but her enthusiasm is infectious.

“No, you’re ridiculous—for ever doubting yourself.” She pauses, her voice softening. “I’m proud of you, Elena. Really.”

Her words hit me square in the chest, and I blink back the sudden sting of tears as a knock sounds at the door.

“I’ll get it,” she says, jumping up. She opens the door, and there he is—Dmitri, his presence commanding as always. He steps inside, nodding politely at Veronica before his eyes land on me.

“Elena,” he says, his voice warm but steady. “You look happy.”

Veronica rolls her eyes playfully. “Don’t mind me. I’ll just be over here, pretending not to exist.” She flops onto the couch, giving us space but clearly listening.

“I got onto the course,” I say. “Looks like your bribe worked.”

He shakes his head. “I took it back.”

“You did what?”

He steps closer and takes my hand. “You told me you wanted to get in on merit. I took the money back.”

He kisses my hand. “You know,” he adds casually, “when the time comes, maybe you could design a house for our family.”

The word “family” makes my heart skip a beat. I glance up at him, but his face is calm, like he hasn’t just dropped a bombshell.

“Our family?” I echo.

He nods, his dark eyes locking onto mine. “I want us to build a life together. A real one.”

“What are you saying?” I ask, my voice trembling slightly.

“I’m saying I want a future with you. A home. Kids. Everything,” he says simply, his expression open and unguarded in a way that takes my breath away.

My heart feels like it’s about to burst. “A family,” I repeat softly.

He nods. “If that’s what you want too.”

I swallow hard, my voice thick with emotion. “I do. But on one condition.”

“Anything,” he says, his brows lifting slightly in curiosity.

I tilt my head, smiling through the tears threatening to spill. “We have a proper wedding. No rushed paperwork. Just us. And maybe a few close friends.”

Dmitri’s lips curve into a rare, genuine smile. “Done,” he says without hesitation.

Veronica, who’s been suspiciously quiet, suddenly bursts out, “About damn time!”

We both turn to her, and she waves her hands dramatically. “I’ll take any chance to buy myself a new dress. Still got Vladimir’s black card. Maybe get myself an alpaca to ride into the wedding.”

Dmitri chuckles, his hand tightening around mine. “So, is that a yes?”

“Yes,” I say, my voice steady this time.

Veronica hesitates, her gaze darting between us. “Are we sure Lombardi’s done? I mean, he’s not lurking in some dark alley waiting to fuck things up, right?”

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