Page 58 of Plus-Size Bratva Bride

But what other choice did I have?I loved Abe. He didn’t love me back.His addiction to me was exactly what it was—an addiction to his desires. It all came down to sex, and when he’d lost interest, it would all be over.

The heartbreak hurts now. But to consider bringing a baby into this chaos, and to know Abe might someday walk away from us both when I was no longer a novelty was not a risk I could take. My child didn’t deserve that.

"Come on, Pippa," I let out a choked sob. "You can do this. It's just a job. You’ll find another."

But it wasn't just a job, was it? The casino had been my lifeline, my security blanket in a world that had been so cruel.

"Think of the baby," I whispered, my hand instinctively moving to my still-flat stomach. The realization hit me like a ton of bricks—I was going to be a mother. Alone.

Fear gripped me, its icy tendrils wrapping around my heart. How could I raise a child on my own? The Vadims had always provided for me, sheltered me from the harsh realities of the world. Without them, without the casino, what did I have?

"You have yourself," I said firmly, straightening my spine. "And that's enough."

But was it? The doubt crept in, insidious and persistent. I pushed it away, focusing instead on the practicalities. I couldn't tell anyone about the baby, not yet. It would complicate things, raise questions I wasn't ready to answer.

"One step at a time." I tried to encourage myself, grabbing the envelope to put the paper back in. "First, finish writing the letter. Then, you figure out the rest. For today, just get your ass to work."

***

I had just finished putting on my shoes when a sharp knock at the door shattered my concentration, making me jump. My heart raced as I stared at the entrance, wondering who could be calling this early in the day. I hesitated, my hand hovering over the doorknob before I opened it.

"Pippa!" Two familiar voices chorused in unison.

I blinked, taken aback by the sight of Adley and Emory standing on my doorstep, their faces etched with concern. My initial apprehension melted away, replaced by a wave of relief so strong it nearly knocked me off my feet.

"What are you two doing here?" I asked, realizing I was actually happy to see them. Even if they were Abe’s sisters-in-law.

Emory's brow furrowed. "We've been worried sick about you! You disappeared without a word."

"Can we come in?" Adley added, her eyes scanning my face as if searching for clues.

I nodded, stepping aside to let them enter. "Of course, sorry. I'm just… surprised to see you."

After they walked in, they both gave me hugs. Warm, genuine hugs. A lump formed in my throat at the thought that with Abe no longer in my life, they wouldn’t be around much either.

"How have you been, Pippa?" Emory asked, her voice soft with genuine concern.

I closed the door, buying myself a moment to compose my features. When I turned back, I managed a smile that I hoped looked more convincing than it felt.

"I'm fine," I lied, gesturing for them to sit on the couch. "Really. Just needed some time to myself, that's all."

Adley's eyes narrowed, clearly not buying it. "You look pale. Are you eating enough?"

I laughed, the sound brittle even to my own ears. "Always the mother hen, aren't you, Ad?"

"Someone has to be," she shot back, but her tone was gentle.

As I settled into the armchair across from them, I felt a flicker of warmth in my chest. Despite everything, despite the secrets I was keeping, it felt good to have them here. To know that someone cared enough to check on me.

"I appreciate you coming," I said softly, meaning every word. "I really do."

Emory leaned forward, her brow furrowed. "We've been worried sick, Pip. You just… vanished. No calls, no texts. What happened?"

I swallowed hard, my hand instinctively moving to my still-flat stomach before I caught myself. They didn’t know I was pregnant, and I didn’t plan to tell them. If I did, Abe would know. "I'm sorry for worrying you. I just needed some space to think things through."

Adley's sharp eyes caught the movement. But to my relief, she didn't register it. Instead, she said, "We miss you at the house. It's not the same without you."

I forced a laugh, trying to keep things light. "I'm sure Abe's enjoying the peace and quiet without me nagging him all the time."

---