Page 161 of Porcelain Lies

This is getting complicated. Too fucking complicated for my world. And complications like this lead to catastrophe. I had Stella’s father killed. I can never let her find out. Just like she wasn’t supposed to find out about Bobik. But how am I supposed to keep secrets when she keeps to weaving herself into my life, thread by thread, every single day?

I run a hand over my jawline, the small hairs bristling against my fingers. “This is against my better judgment.”

“Perhaps,” she allows, “but sometimes our hearts know better than our minds.”

I let out a heavy sigh. Fuck. It is done now. There’s not much I can do about it at this point. “If anything happens—”

“It won’t,” she cuts me off. “Stella understands the importance of discretion. She knows how vulnerable Bobik is, Aleksei.”

I study my sister’s face, the earnestness in her eyes. Diana has always been the more rational one. Maybe she’s right. Maybe Stella’s presence in Bobik’s life could be beneficial. But that is where we draw the line.

“Ladno,” I concede quietly. “Fine. But we proceed with caution.”

A soft smile touches her lips. “Agreed.”

Just then, my phone vibrates in my pocket. Glancing at the screen, I see Dr. Malhotra’s name. “It’s the doctor.”

“Answer it,” Diana urges, a note of anticipation in her voice. She rises from her seat and comes to stand beside me.

I tap the screen. “Dr. Malhotra.”

“Mr. Tarasov,” his voice comes through clearly. A moment later, his dark features flicker into focus as he connects to video. “I’m calling with updates on Bobik’s proposed procedure.”

“I’m listening,” I reply, my grip tightening on the phone. Diana has her hand to her mouth, her eyes wide.

“We’ve made significant advancements with the AI-assisted surgery,” he explains. “The procedure involves integrating neural interfaces to rewire Bobik’s nervous system, bypassing the damaged areas.”

Diana steps closer, eyes fixed on me. “What is he talking about,” she mouths. I hold up a hand to silence her.

“Yes. You told me before. What are the chances this will work?” I ask.

“Given Bobik’s age and health, there’s a strong probability of success,” Dr. Malhotra says. “We could see substantial improvements in his mobility.” He pauses for a moment, his expression earnest. “I think that with time, and the right rehabilitation protocols… your son could walk.”

Hope flickers within me — a dangerous, unfamiliar sensation. I push it down. “What’s the catch?”

He pauses. “As with any major surgery, there are risks of infection, implant rejection, and unknown long-term effects.” His eyes meet mine. “As I’m sure you understand Mr. Tarasov, this is a very new procedure. There is always the possibility of unexpected variables. We cannot guarantee outcomes, but we’ve minimized potential complications as much as possible. I feel confident that the risk of mortality has been reduced to the lowest possible level.”

Mortality. I suppress a shudder. The grim specter of it hangs over every facet of my world.

“I’ll take the very best care of your son, sir,” Malhotra says. “We all understand the stakes.”

I exchange a glance with Diana.

“When can we proceed?” I ask.

“I recommend scheduling the surgery for next month,” he suggests. “It will give us ample time to prepare Bobik and ensure all protocols are in place.”

“I want nothing overlooked,” I instruct. “We cannot allow anything to go wrong.” I’m trying so hard to hold it together, but I can’t fight down the surge of excitement.

“Of course, Mr. Tarasov,” he agrees. “I’ll be in touch with further details.”

Ending the call, I exhale slowly. Diana is watching me intently.

“I was going to tell you about this when I got back,” I say to her. “He called when I was in DC. Said they’ve made some new advances. He feels comfortable planning the surgery.”

“Is it safe?” She gnaws on her lip.

“As safe as it could ever be.” I heave a breath. “But there’s always a risk. Bobik understands this.” I rub my eyes because as bright as he is, I’m not entirely sure he does. But it’s too late to back out now. I already told him about the possibility and he wants to proceed.

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