Page 73 of Forced Innocent Bratva Bride

My smile broadened, my heart overwhelmed with love as I held his gaze.

In that moment, time seemed to stand still. Nothing else mattered. The world narrowed to the three of us, suspended in a bubble of gratitude and love. With my husband by my side and our little baby in my arms, I felt invincible yet vulnerable at the same time.

Our intimate staring contest was soon interrupted by the sound of someone clearing their throat conspicuously.

I broke eye contact with Alexei, and my gaze fell on the young girl by the door, her lips curled into a charming smile. Her blonde hair was piled to the top of her head, her hazel-brown eyes shimmering behind her wire-rimmed glasses. She had her backpack slung over her shoulder, complementing her black flare gown.

My brows arched in astonishment, my heart bubbling with joy. “Hannah?”

“Sorry to drop by unannounced, but I just couldn't help it,” she replied, gliding over to meet me. “Hi, Mr. Tarasov.” She waved at him, her attention fixed more on the baby. “Oh, my God, he's so cute,” Hannah gasped, her eyes sparkling with excitement as her hands stretched out. “Can I…can I hold him?” She beamed, her puppy eyes making it impossible for me to denyher request. “Pretty please…?” She steeled herself, anticipating my response.

My husband and I exchanged glances, and he shrugged his shoulders.

Hannah was Darcy's daughter, my stepsister, the one that would have been given to Alexei if I had said no to my father. She was still a teenager in high school and should have had nothing to do with such a life. However, we'd crossed that bridge already.

I rose to my feet and carefully handed the baby to her, nestling our little miracle in her arms.

Hannah couldn't stop smiling as she stared at the adorable thing in her hold. “Who's the cutest little baby in the world?” Her voice, laced with delight, melted into a gentle coo, a soothing serenade for the tiny listener. “That's right,youare.” She giggled, awe-inspired by the adorable being.

My lips parted into a warm smile as I watched her talk with so much affection for my baby. However, a question lingered on my mind, and I just had to ask. “Hannah?” I called softly.

“Yes?” She jerked her head to face me.

“Did you, uh…?” My fingers scratched my forehead with a gentle caress.

“Come alone?” Her eyes crinkled at the corners as she completed my question. Hannah shook her head, retaining her smile. “No.” She nodded at the entrance. “I brought company.”

I turned around and saw my dad standing by the door with Darcy by his side. My heart skipped a beat, and my breath hitched in my throat. I wasn't expecting to see any of them, but here we were.

Darcy and I didn't always see eye to eye. Just like the old version of Alexei, she pretty much used to see me as a spoiled brat, and I used to see her as an insecure, neurotic bimbo.

But for some reason, something was different today. There was a look in her eyes that I'd never seen before. Respect—pure, undiluted respect. Why? I wasn't sure.

And then there was Dad, standing coldly with a glint of guilt flickering in his eyes.

I shifted my gaze to my husband, but he didn't seem as shocked and surprised as I was. Knowing him, he might have had a hand in this little reunion.

Since the incident with the burning building that had nearly claimed my life, my view of life had changed. I'd learned to live a little more, love a little harder, and forgive a little quicker. Life was too short to be holding on to grudges.

I'd spent countless nights wondering what would have happened if I'd died in that fire when I hadn't made peace with my father. That near-death experience taught me the importance of family. No one knew the day or the time that they would leave this Earth and everyone they loved.

Why waste my time holding on to grudges? Why should I keep hurting myself over someone's mistake? That incident made me realize that my pain was self-inflicted. I could easily let it go, but it was my decision to hold on to it.

Dad did what he thought was best for the company—the family business. And although he didn't have my own best interest at heart at the time, everything still turned out just fine in the end.

So, why the hatred?

I'd actually let go of the anger after the fire, but I just hadn't had the guts to reach out. Maybe a part of me was waiting for him to do so first.

“Hi, Lorena.” Darcy approached me, her lips curving into a beautiful grin as she slipped into my arms, embracing me tightly.

My eyes widened in shock, my heart leaping with joy as I hesitated for a moment before wrapping my arms around her. She pulled away and brushed her fingers through my hair. “Welcome to motherhood, sweetheart.” Her smile spread across her face. “You're a woman now.”

“Am I dreaming?” I whispered, my brows arching with a genuine grin perched on my face.

Darcy rolled her eyes, a teasing groan escaping her lips. “Oh, please. Don't be melodramatic about it,” she said, her tone dripping with a hint of sass.

“Now, that's the Darcy I know,” I said, giggling.

---