Page 154 of Porcelain Lies

Chapter Forty-Five

Aleksei

The echoes of Bobik’s laughter seem to follow me as I head away from his rooms.

Moy syn, my son — his joy is infectious.

As I make my way down the corridor toward Stella’s suite, I notice a lightness in my step that wasn’t there before.

Reaching her door, I pause for a moment, listening. There’s a faint hum of music from within, something classical that I can’t quite place. I knock lightly. “Stella?”

“Come in,” she calls.

I enter to find her standing by the window, staring out into the gardens, wearing a pair of sweatpants and a T-shirt. She’s smiling—a genuine, radiant smile that catches me off guard. Her usual guarded expression is gone, replaced by an openness that makes me curious.

“Aleksei,” she says, turning to face me. “I didn’t expect you.” Although she’s clearly surprised to see me, there’s none of the usual watchfulness about her.

“Been busy, but thought I’d check in… on the baby,” I say. “You’re in a good mood,” I observe, closing the door behind me. My gaze drifts over the books scattered on her desk, titles on neuroscience and astrophysics. “Something happen?”

She hesitates, a flicker of uncertainty crossing her face. “I…” She gnaws on her lip. “I guess you’re going to find out anyway. I met someone today.”

“Met someone?” My brow arches.

Let’s see where this goes…

She takes a deep breath, meeting my eyes. “I met Bobik.”

“Ah,” I say. “I see.”

Her eyes narrow on me. “You’re not angry?”

“Would it make a difference if I was?” I look at her.

She looks away. “I’m not sure. I just… Well, I was worried because Diana—”

“Diana should have known better,” I interrupt. “She has lapses in judgment sometimes.”

“When she’s high?” Stella tilts her head.

I exhale a breath through my nostrils. “My sister has her own ways of coping with things. I don’t agree with all of them.”

“Well, I find her nicer to be around when she’s stoned, to be honest.”

“I’m sure she’d be interested to know that.”

“Not that I don’t like her,” she adds quickly. “She just seemed more relaxed. She’s usually a bit uptight.”

“Like me?” I ask.

“That’s not what I said.”

“You didn’t need to.” I walk into the center of the room and lean my hip against the couch there, my arms across my chest.

“I… um…” She looks around the room, clearly uncomfortable.

“Bobik enjoyed your visit?” I ask, changing the subject.

“He did,” she says quickly, clearly grateful for the new direction. “We talked about astrophysics, artificial intelligence… He even showed me some of his own theories.” Her eyes shine with admiration. “You have an exceptional son, Aleksei.”

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