Page 36 of Possessive Vows

My late wife gave me so much. She would not want me wallowing in sadness forever. She would not want our children to grow without a loving, protective woman to guide and nurture them.

When my guilt lifts, I know it is a sign from Anastasia.

She has seen Camilla’s resilience and she agrees.

Camilla Vivaldi was meant to be the next Mrs. Dimitri Volkov. I will have no one else.

She is mine.

Chapter 9

Camilla Vivaldi

I can’t peel my gaze awayfrom Dimitri’s clear blue eyes. His intensity threatens to drown me, but the icy lake of his soul doesn’t frighten me like it should.

Locked in a silent battle with my betrothed—which is a word I never thought I’d use again—I don’t need to look away to feel Serenity’s emotions as she speaks.

“Why are you pushing this so hard, Camilla? I feel like I just got you back, but you’re already leaving me behind again.”

Guilt worms through me, but I squeeze Dimitri’s fingers, letting him know I am not defeated, and meet my sister’s eyes.

“I wasted too much time, Serenity. I put our entire family in danger by not talking about what happened.” I’m still not ready to reveal how much I suffered, but I can’t cower or feel sorry for myself anymore, so I push myself to continue despite the thickness in my throat.

“You protected Perla before she was even born, but it took me holding her in my arms to realize how precious her life is.” Dimitri rubs his thumb along the side of my hand, offering me the support I so desperately need. “I’m not leaving you; I’m running toward a safe future for us all.”

The tears trailing down Serenity’s face shred me to pieces, but she swipes at them and scowls at me.

“By marrying a man you just met?”

I’ve only seen her sneer once, and that was at our mother, but she comes close to the same expression as she flicks a glare at Dimitri.

“Yes,” I say without hesitation.

“But you don’t love him!” she cries.

“Itrusthim, Nitty. That’s more tangible than love.”

“No. You’re changing yourself too much too fast. Your therapist warned against a surge of positive emotions, but you can’t let his sudden proposal—”

Loretta clears her throat.

“Camilla agreed to self-defense lessons from me the day before yesterday. She hadn’t met Dimitri yet,” she says.

Serenity closes her mouth to absorb the information. I take advantage of her silence.

“The catalyst began with you, Nitty. You found me when I was at my lowest, sent me somewhere safe to heal, and gave me Perla. Don’t smother me now that I’m awake.”

My voice wobbles.

Serenity closes her eyes and takes a deep breath before demanding Nico gives her Perla. With her daughter held close to her chest, she takes another deep breath and meets my eyes.

“I’m sorry, Cams. I shouldn’t pressure you or make you explain yourself. I trust you and support you. If you ever need anything, I’m here for you,” she vows.

“Thank you, Nitty,” I manage through the emotions lodged in the base of my throat.

After another deep breath, she asks, “When are you getting married?”

“Now. Today,” I say.

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