Page 58 of Forced Prisoner By the Bratva

We hadn't been intimate since I gave birth, and my excuse had been that I was still in the healing process. Childbirth was a horrible experience, and indeed, it left me almost traumatized. Physically and psychologically, I was bruised, but as the weeks went by, my body and mind slowly recovered.

Erik had been an understanding husband and also super supportive. He helped out with the baby in all the ways that he could, and it was always fun watching him hold our infant in his big, strong arms. Whenever he carried her, he'd beam with pride, love, and affection. With her, his smile was different—authentic and so genuine.

This wasn't the man I agreed to divorce after two years. No. It was like he was an entirely different person, and his change was both intriguing and scary at the same time. Had hetruly changed for the better? Or was this just a phase that would soon pass?

These questions bothered me a lot, but I hadn't summoned the courage to speak with him about my concerns yet. Maybe I would sooner or later. I'd damn the consequences and face my fear. But for now, I'd just go with the flow.

I cradled my baby in my arms as I stepped into the nursery, the soft glow of the nightlight enveloping me. The atmosphere was serene, and the delicate mobile over the crib swayed with a gentle motion, its shadows dancing across the pale yellow walls.

My eyes settled on the crib, and I strolled over to it. I carefully laid down my baby, making sure that the mattress was firm and the bedding was secure. Her tiny fists curled up, and her eyelids drooped as she lay on her back, her rosebud lips pressed into a fine line.

A small smile spread across my face as I reached out, and with a tender touch, I stroked her cheek. Her skin was soft and smooth beneath mine, and the connection between us stirred up a flutter in my chest.

My soothing voice, soft and low, weaved a spell of calm over the nursery as I sang her a lullaby. My heart was warm with love and affection, my lips curling into a much broader smile.

In no time, my little girl was quiet, her tiny chest rising and falling with soft breaths.

“I love you, sweetheart,” I muttered, my heart overwhelmed with emotions. “I love you so much.” The back of my fingers caressed her chubby cheeks, and my gaze was fixed on her adorable face.

I felt my eyes sting, and tears threatened to stream down. Overwhelmed by the intense feeling of love coursing through my blood, I blinked, sniffling, my gaze unwavering as I drank in the awesomeness of this little creature.

It baffled me to think that someday, this little girl would grow up to be a woman like I was. All I could do was hope and pray that she would have better luck in life. I prayed she wouldn't have to suffer as I had or endure her father's negligence like I did.

Erik was not my dad, and he just might be a better father. But one couldn't be so sure.

One thing was certain, though. I'd never let my daughter be subjected to the same fate as I was. She wouldn't be deprived of her ability to choose her own path. I wouldn't be the kind of mother who'd sit idly by and watch her husband ruin their daughter's life. No. This child would have my full support for whatever good and sensible thing she'd ever want to do.

I would make sure that she never had to suffer what I did. She'd be second to none in everything, and even if she eventually had a sibling or siblings, I'd spread my love equally amongst them. I would be a better mother than mine.

My child wouldn't have to go out of her way just to get her father's attention. She wouldn't have to prove that she was capable of doing great things like I was. She would never have to feel like she wasn't good enough, like she was a last resort. She would never be sidelined, and she would never live in the shadows.

I carried that cross, that burden, and so I'd make sure that she never had to experience the terrible things that I was unfortunate to experience.

“You'll have everything that I lacked,” I whispered to my sleeping baby, my voice trembling slightly. “Love, respect, and free will.” I sniffled and wiped the lone tear trickling down my cheek. “Sleep tight, little one. Mama loves you plenty,” I murmured, leaning forward to plant a gentle kiss on the infant's tiny forehead.

With quiet steps, I headed toward the door and stole one last glance at the baby's crib before dimming the lights. The soft glow of the nightlight illuminated the space, and I left the room, gently shutting the door behind me.

I rolled my neck in a massaging motion as I glided through the hallway, my mind reeling with the thoughts of easing my stress. I strolled into the master bedroom, enveloped by the warm chandelier lights. Exhausted, I tossed myself onto the plush couch, its fine leather crunching under my weight.

As my fingers massaged my temples, the rich scent of his cologne invaded my senses, and for some inexplicable reason, I caught myself smiling. I turned toward the door, and there he was, strolling in with soundless footsteps, his aura exuding confidence and composure.

“You have to teach me how to do that,” I said, my tone soft and laced with admiration.

“How to do what?” he asked, a faint smirk twitching at the corner of his mouth.

I knew he was only feigning ignorance, but I was going to indulge him anyway.

“How to move undetected…like a ninja,” came my response, my eyes discreetly roaming his body.

Erik wore a crisp white button-down shirt that accentuated his chiseled physique. The fabric, neatly tucked into his black pants, created a sharp crease that emphasized his lean waist. His polished black shoes seemed to reflect the warm lights, adding a touch of sophistication to his overall look.

As he moved, the fabric of his shirt stretched across his broad shoulders, highlighting the muscles underneath.

My eyes dropped to the top two buttons that were left undone, revealing a tantalizing glimpse of his chest. Erik's strong, defined jawline and piercing green eyes completed the picture of an undeniably attractive man: my husband.

I had almost forgotten how handsome he was, and as we locked eyes, I felt a flutter in my chest, and my heart skipped a beat.

He pursed his lips, a gorgeous smirk accentuating his ruggedness. His voice bold and husky, he said, “I’d teach you how to move like that. But you've been distant lately.” He halted in front of me, placing his briefcase on the coffee table.

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