Page 53 of Forced Innocent Bratva Bride

Yet, I had no idea how to handle one woman.

I had no idea how to fix this rift between us.

There were no battle plans to deploy, no strategic maneuvers to execute, and no foot soldiers to command. I was alone on this one. It was my fight, and for the first time in my life, I was actually blank, with no clue whatsoever on what to do next. It was like I was fighting a war without a clear enemy, and that was a dangerous kind of war.

Oscar Campbell's voice cut through my thoughts, returning me to the present. “Are you listening to me, Alexei?”

I'd forgotten that we’d been in the middle of a conversation before my mind drifted off. My gaze fell back on him as he sat, relaxed in the armchair across the table, eyes fixed on me.

His head was tilted slightly to the side, a puzzled look etched on his face. “Everything alright?” He lifted a brow, his gaze unwavering. “You seem a little…distracted.”

“I'm fine,” I said, my calm voice masking the turmoil within.

He squinted, brows furrowing as though he could sense something was off. Was it that obvious?

My eyes narrowed as I considered opening up to him. He was her father, after all; if anyone had any idea how to help me, it'd be him. However, I was still a little skeptical about spilling the beans. I was a man, and I should be able to handle my household on my own.

Oscar had dropped by my office to congratulate me on the baby, but soon after that conversation, I’d gotten lost in thought while his voice droned on.

Nevertheless, he had my attention now, and perhaps, he would be of help.

Oscar continued. “Anyway, I was telling you that my daughter's not taking my calls—she's not responding to my texts, either,” he complained, his voice laced with worry.

What did he expect? He literally gave her away to save his company, and she was still mad at him. Well, she was mad at both of us now.

“The last time we spoke over the phone, I asked her to come around for dinner at the house, but she turned me down.” His eyes met with mine in a fleeting moment. “She's still upset, and she won't meet with me.” His fingers massaged his temples, gaze dropping to the floor.

Could he really be of much help, considering that he, too, was in her black book?

He exhaled sharply and raised his head to face me again. “How is she?” His expression softened, his voice dripping with emotion.

“You know how it is when they're pregnant,” I replied as casually as I could, my tone smooth and calm.

He thought for a moment, a small smile playing on his lips. “Yeah…they can be a handful sometimes—overbearing, even.”

I raised my brows in agreement, a soft scoff escaping my lips. “Truer words have never been spoken.”

He laughed lightly, eyes crinkling at the corners. “It appears you've had your fair share of the troubles that come with dealing with a pregnant woman.”

You have no idea, I thought, responding with a subtle smile. “What does she like?” I asked, looking right at him.

Maybe if I could understand the things that made her happy, I would have a chance at finally fixing this mess.

“What do you mean?” he questioned, brows furrowing ever so slightly.

I leaned forward, elbows on the table. “I mean, what excites her? What tickles her fancy?”

He stared at me, brows arched, with faint creases lining his forehead and an expression of bewilderment on his face. I could almost tell what was running through his mind. He probably was thinking that since we'd been married for some time now, I should’ve known something she liked.

Well, I didn't, and this was me wanting to know.

He rubbed his eyes, his voice dropping to a little above a whisper. “It's embarrassing, but uh…I wasn't super close to her. I'm not exactly father of the year,” he confessed, avoiding my eyes, self-reproach creeping into his tone.

I didn't give a shit about his guilt of being a somewhat horrible dad; I was more concerned about the information that would be of use to me.

“So, there's nothing you know that she likes?” I questioned, my expression darkening subtly, accentuating my disappointment.

He thought for a moment. “Well, there is one thing she loves.” His lips curled into a sly grin as he leaned back in his chair. “Classical music.”

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