Page 28 of Beautiful Agony

Time seems to freeze entirely. I feel Vadim's hand tremble in mine as his breath catches. For a moment, he's utterly still, as if afraid any movement might shatter this fragile moment.

Her storm-gray eyes shine with tears—same as his—as she takes a hesitant step forward.

I feel Vadim's grip loosen against mine.

Then, something breaks.

A sound escapes him—half a sob, and half a gasp—and suddenly he's moving. Three long strides carry him across the room, and he gathers his mother into his arms.

She looks so small against his broad chest, like a bird with broken wings finally finding shelter.

Polina's hands clutch at Vadim's jacket as she bawls completely, decades of pain and guilt pouring out in gut-wrenching sobs.

"My boy," she keeps whispering between sobs. "My beautiful boy."

I watch through my own tears as Vadim holds his mother, his face buried in her hair as his shoulders shake with silent sobs.

9

VADIM

"I'm sorry,"she whispers, tears soaking into my shirt. "I'm so sorry."

"Don't apologize,mamechka." I hold her closer. "You have nothing to apologize for."

When we finally break apart, her storm-gray eyes—the same ones I've stared into each time I look into a mirror—are red-rimmed but clear. Martin helps her settle onto the couch beside him. Serena perches on the armrest next to them, while Lacey's warm presence steadies me from my other side.

"Why are you here, Vadyusha?" Mother's voice is gentle now, so different from the cold terror of moments ago.

I exchange a look with Lacey, finding strength in her slight nod and encouraging smile. My hand finds hers, our fingers intertwining as I turn back to face my mother.

"Because," I begin, my heart thundering against my ribs. "You're going to be a grandmother."

Mom's hands fly to her mouth, her eyes widening with shock and joy. She looks to Lacey, searching for confirmation.

"It's true," Lacey says, her hand squeezing mine. "We just found out yesterday."

"How far along?" Mom leans forward, years seeming to melt away from her face. "Have you seen a doctor yet? Do you know if it's a boy or girl?"

"We don't know yet," Lacey answers, and I feel my chest tighten at the warmth in her voice. "We've just found out this morning."

"Are you taking care of yourself,dorogaya?" Mom's brow furrows with concern. "Ginger tea helped me when I was carrying Serena."

Martin wraps an arm around her shoulders, and for the first time, I truly see how happy she is with him. How safe.

"Already fussing like a proper grandmother," he chuckles.

"Have you told anyone else?"

"Just my sister," Lacey says. "She's the one who figured it out, and made me take the test. That's why we came here today. We wanted you to know."

Mom's eyes glisten as she takes Lacey's hands in hers. "Thank you,dorogaya. Not just for this wonderful news, but for reminding me of who my Vadyusha is."

My chest tightens at hearing that name again after so many years. Lacey smiles, and I marvel at her quiet strength, her unwavering faith in me even when I doubt myself.

I can't help think about what I had told her all those weeks ago when I first brought her to Pankration.

"I know you'll fight and defend those who needs defending the most. When you were cornered, you didn't back down or beg for mercy. You fought even when you knew you couldn't win. That's why I need you, Lacey McKinney. That's why it can only be you."

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