Page 64 of Forced Prisoner By the Bratva

Tessa took the stage, waving and smiling as the crowd continued to cheer. “Thank you so much,” she said, speaking into the microphone, waiting for the applause to die down.

It did, and the crowd awaited her words.

She continued, “Welcome, everyone, to the one-year anniversary of Valyria Fashion House.” Tessa's eyes roamed the space, and her clear and confident voice rang out across the room. “I am completely overwhelmed with gratitude and joy, standing here tonight, surrounded by all of you incredible people.” She paused, her dark eyes shining with emotion.

I met her gaze for a fleeting moment and nodded encouragingly.

“Two years ago, this was nothing but a dream that, at some point, seemed almost impossible to become a reality,” she said, shifting her gaze across the crowd, a glint of pride and accomplishment creeping into her tone. “But today, against all odds, that dreamisa reality. We've gained hundreds and thousands of customers across the globe, and I honestly couldn't be prouder of what we've achieved so far.”

Again, the crowd erupted into a round of applause, and she chuckled, her eyes sparkling with tears of joy.

“I want to extend my deepest gratitude to each and every one of you for your unwavering support and belief in me and my brand.” Tessa's eyes fell on me, and her lips curled into a bright smile. “I also wanna say a big thank you to my loving husband for being my backbone throughout this journey. None of this would have been possible if it wasn't for him. He believed in me when no one else did.” Her tone was soft and gentle, dripping with emotion.

Heads turned in my direction, but my eyes, my attention, never shifted from my beautiful wife. Her gratitude and public show of affection melted my heart and stirred up a flutter in my chest.

“Ladies and gentlemen, give it up for my husband, Erik Tarasov,” she added proudly, gesturing toward me.

The spotlight shone on me, and the crowd applauded, cheering and smiling.

She continued, her voice rising a little louder, “And to my incredible team, who have worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make this brand a success, say a big thank you.” Her gaze swept across the room for a moment before she added, raising her champagne flute, “Here's to many more years of success, growth, and making dreams come true! Once again, thank you all. Now, let's celebrate!”

A deafening round of applause filled the room, and soon, the music returned.

She got off the stage and walked toward me and Anastasia, smiling and exchanging slight waves with well-wishers.

As she approached, Anastasia's body bounced in excitement, her face lighting up with a bright smile. Tessa's eyes crinkled at the corners as she halted in front of us, Anastasia leaning forward with an outstretched arm.

“Mama,” the little girl's tiny, adorable voice squealed in delight.

“Hey, sweetheart.” Tessa's smile broadened as she carried Ana in her arms. Her eyes met mine, and she asked, her tone soft and smooth. “How'd I do?”

I drew closer, bridging the gap between us. “Incredible,” I whispered.

Her cheeks flushed, and her eyes dropped to the floor. “Are you sure?” She pushed her hair behind her ear, meeting my gaze again.

“Positive,” I replied, looking deeply into those dark eyes of hers.

It was amazing how, even after two years of being married, she still blushed at my remarks.

We stared at each other, oblivious to the happenings around us. It was like the world was melting away, leaving only the three of us, basking in an atmosphere of love and affection.

“Wanna get a room or what?” Liam's voice cut through the air, disrupting our brief moment of silence.

Tessa's gaze shifted to her brother and his wife, Zoya, both dressed to impress. Her lips curled into a smile. “Well, would you look at that? Isn't it the newlyweds?”

Zoya laughed, stopping in front of us, radiant and elegant in a red gown that captured attention. She was mature now, and according to the plans made by both families two years ago, she was legally an O'Brian. They’d tied the knot weeks ago.

“Hi, Tessa,” Zoya greeted her, her voice polite and respectful. “Hi, Uncle Erik.” She faced me.

I gave a gentle nod and left the two women to converse while shaking hands with Liam. “How's the honeymoon?” I teased, watching him intently.

“Well….” Liam's face lit up with a smile that explained everything I needed to know.

“Atta boy.” I patted his shoulder, beaming with pride.

Patrick O'Brian and his wife were engrossed in a conversation, chatting animatedly with some business associates. Despite their lack of faith in her, they seemed happy and super proud of the woman their daughter had become.

As I scanned the room, my eyes fell on a familiar face at the bar, and my lips curled into a smile. I excused myself and left the small group of Liam, Zoya, my wife, and my daughter. With a hand in my pocket, I strolled over to the bar, eyes fixed on the unexpected guest sitting on the stool.

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