Page 41 of Forced Innocent Bratva Bride

“I'm sorry, Dad, but I'm afraid I'm gonna have to take a pass on that,” I replied, my tone cold and devoid of emotion.

“Why, is everything alright?” he questioned, a hint of concern creeping into his voice.

It was too late to be worried about me now, wasn't it?

“Everything's fine,” I replied. “Just busy being a wife and a potential mother.”

He must’ve read the sarcasm and sass in my tone because he went silent for a moment.

“Look, Dad, I gotta go. Talk to you some other time.” I hung up the phone, rubbing my eyes.

Maybe I was too cold, too harsh. But he deserved it for subjecting me to this life.

I picked up my purse, got off the bed, and strode over to the door.

*****

Once home, I had a warm bath and changed into some clean clothes, yet I still felt suffocated. I couldn't rest my head even though that was all I'd been craving all day. Now, all I craved was some fresh air.

I needed to get out of here—to think and clear my head. This unexpected pregnancy had me riled up. It was barely a month since I’d gotten married; like that wasn't already complicated enough, now we had a baby on the way.

Staying indoors wasn't helping, and I was in desperate need of escape from the mansion, whose walls seemed to be closing in on me. I felt suffocated, needing a reprieve from its classy grip.

But how? Alexei's men were patrolling the compound; his security was tighter now that I was pregnant. It was practically impossible to leave the mansion undetected.

However, I was determined to step out for at least a few minutes before returning.

I got off the bed and headed out through the corridor, acting as nonchalant as I could in case someone was watching.

It would be stupid to go through the front door because I'd be spotted instantly, and those men would end up escorting me. Or they'd insist that I stay back at the mansion.

I glided over to Alexei's study.

That was my only chance at leaving unnoticed.

I'd spent some time exploring the mansion, and not long ago, I discovered there was a secret passage that led out of the building. I hadn't used this path before, but now seemed like a good time to check it out.

Quietly, I got inside and shut the door behind me. I made a beeline to the bookshelf, and after searching for a minute, I finally stumbled upon it—the hidden button.

I pushed it, and a section of the shelf swung open, revealing a narrow passageway. I drew in a deep breath, the scent of aged paper invading my senses. I wasn't sure what lay ahead, but I was willing to take my chances.

“Alright. Here goes nothing,” I said, exhaling sharply as I slid into the passageway.

The path was dimly lit, leading me down a corridor. I should've been scared, considering I had no idea where I was going, but for some reason, I wasn't.

The passageway eventually spat me out into the gardens, where I had to dodge the guards. I would hide behind hedgerows and tall trees in order not to get spotted, all while my eyes were focused on the small hole in the wall.

The plan was to jump the fence, but that hole—which could freely let me through—now seemed like a much better option. All I had to do was sneak my way there.

Once the guards patrolling the gardens turned around to the other side, I made a run for it, and within seconds, I squeezed myself through the hole. In a moment, I was out on the other side of the wall.

I let out a deep breath and rose to my feet, swiping the dust off my dress. I sprinted down the gentle slope upon which the mansion was built and flipped my hoodie on.

Burying both hands in the pockets of my black sweater, I walked down the deserted streets. By now, the sun was already setting, its yellow glow spreading across the horizon.

It did feel nice being all by myself, alone with my thoughts, without anyone hovering over me like a mother hen.

At first, I thought it was my mind playing tricks on me when I heard footsteps following up behind. I turned, but I was alone on the street.

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