Page 171 of Porcelain Lies

Bobik navigates his wheelchair with ease, leading the way to a spot beneath a sprawling oak tree.

“Papa, can we show Stella the game we play?” he asks eagerly.

Aleksei raises an eyebrow. “Are you sure she’s ready for that?”

Bobik laughs. “She’s already proven she’s smart. I think she’ll catch on.”

“Khorosho, malysh,”Aleksei concedes.

The game involves strategy — part chess, part puzzle. Bobik explains the rules, and soon we’re all embroiled in friendly competition.

Laughter fills the air as moves are made and playful banter is exchanged. The barriers I’ve felt begin to crumble, replaced by a genuine connection. For the first time in months, the pain of losing Mom and Dad starts to fade to the background.

Later, as our shadows lengthen, Diana joins us, carrying a tray of refreshments. “I thought you might all enjoy a snack,” she says, her usually reserved demeanor softened.

“Perfect timing,Tetya!” Bobik exclaims. “I’m starving.”

She smiles warmly. “Always thinking ahead.”

We settle on the grass, the atmosphere light… almost like family. Conversations flow easily — stories shared, jokes told. It’s a moment of simple joy, the kind I’d nearly forgotten existed. The kind I never imagined possible within the confines of this mansion.

I catch Aleksei watching me at times, his expression unreadable yet intense. Each time our eyes meet, a silent understanding passes between us.

As twilight approaches, the sky colored by the setting sun, we decide to head back inside.

“I’ll take Bobik up,brat,” Diana offers, giving us a knowing glance.

Aleksei nods. “Spasibo.”

Bobik turns to me. “Will you visit again tomorrow?”

“Wouldn’t miss it,” I reply with a wink.

He grins. “Goodnight, Stella. Goodnight,Papa.”

“Sleep well,syn,” Aleksei says, squeezing his shoulder.

As they depart, Aleksei and I remain standing in the garden, the evening air cool against my skin.

“Thank you for today,” I say softly. “It was… wonderful.”

He looks out over the gardens, hands slipping into his pockets. “It was long overdue. Bobik hasn’t been this happy in some time.”

“I’m glad I could be a part of that.”

“Zaychik.”He turns to face me fully. “You’ve brought a light into this house. Into him. And…” He hesitates, searching for the words. “Into me.”

I feel my cheeks warm. “Aleksei…”

He steps closer, the distance between us narrowing. “I know I have not made things easy for you. My world is… complicated.”

“I understand that more than you might think,” I reply. “And… I know there’s more beneath the surface.”

He reaches out, his fingers brushing against mine. “Family is important to me, Stella. Not just for appearances or obligation, but because without it, there is nothing else.”

My heart skips a beat. Because in this moment, the guarded man I’ve come to know is revealing a vulnerability I hadn’t expected. I feel a closeness to him. A closeness that feels deeper every day.

“I understand,” I whisper.

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