Page 61 of Beautiful Agony

It's unlike any kiss we've shared before. Gone is the desperate hunger that usually consumes us, replaced by something gentler, sweeter. Her lips are soft against mine, moving with unhurried tenderness that makes my heart ache.

The constant weight I've carried—of Pyotr's legacy, of proving myself different from him, of protecting everyone I care about—seems to float away. In this moment, nothing exists beyond Lacey's warmth pressed against me.

"Zvyozdochka," I whisper against her mouth. She smiles into our kiss, and I feel that smile down to my soul.

I've spent so long believing I don't deserve love, convincing myself that monsters like me aren't meant for happiness. But here, with Lacey in my arms, her heart beating in time with mine, I finally understand what it means to be truly happy.

The outside world—Kirsan, Sayanaa, the threats we face—feels distant and unreal. All that matters is this moment, this woman, this love we've found despite everything that should have kept us apart.

I trace my thumb along her cheek, memorizing the feeling of her skin against mine. The way she leans into my touch, so trusting, so open.

It fills me with a warmth I never knew I could feel.

20

LACEY

5 WEEKS LATER

My heart is racingas we wait for Dr. Chen. Vadim's hand squeezes mine reassuringly. Despite all the chaos of the past few weeks, this moment feels surreal.

Today, we're about to see our baby for the first time.

"Nervous?" Vadim asks, pressing a kiss to my temple.

"A little." I smooth my hand over my still-flat belly. "It's strange—everything feels so normal right now. Almost like we're just any other couple waiting for their first ultrasound."

He chuckles. "We are far from normal,zvyozdochka."

"I know. But with Megan's interviews hitting harder and harder, and Sayanaa going quiet..." I trail off, not wanting to jinx anything.

"The war isn't over yet," Vadim reminds me gently. "But we're winning. That's why we're being careful, having Dr. Chen come here instead of risking you leaving Pankration."

I nod, thinking about how much has changed. The final designs for Svoboda's new collection are complete—a tribute to Irina's vision mixed with my own style but named after her. Megan's latest exposé about the trafficking victims had over a million views within hours.

We're making real progress.

A knock at the door makes me jump. Dr. Chen enters with her ultrasound machine. As she sets up the equipment, I grip Vadim's hand more tightly. Despite everything we've faced, this feels like the most momentous thing yet.

"Are we ready today?" Dr. Chen asks, squeezing the cold gel onto my stomach.

I look up at Vadim and see my own mix of excitement reflected in his eyes. "Ready," I whisper, though my racing heart suggests otherwise.

Dr. Chen's hands tremble slightly as she arranges the ultrasound equipment.

"Mr. Stravinsky, would you mind stepping out for a moment while I prepare your wife?"

My heart skips at being called Mrs. Stravinsky. Even after everything, it still feels new.

Vadim kisses my forehead. "Of course, doctor. I'll be right outside,zvyozdochka."

As the door closes behind him, something nags at me. Dr. Chen has never asked Vadim to leave before. And she's usually so confident and steady with her movements. Today her hands keep shaking as she adjusts dials and settings.

"Is everything alright?" I ask.

"Yes, yes. Just need to..." She trails off, fumbling with the ultrasound wand. A bead of sweat rolls down her temple despite the cool air in the room.

"Dr. Chen?"

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