Page 172 of Porcelain Lies

A hint of a smile touches his lips. “Good. I want you to think about that.”

We stand there for a moment, the world fading around us. The distant sound of evening birds, the rustle of leaves — all background to the silent conversation in our eyes.

He offers his arm once more. “Let’s go back.”

I nod, looping my arm through his. “Lead the way.”

As we walk back toward the house, a comfortable silence settles between us.

“Do you have any cravings?” he asks suddenly.

I laugh softly. “Cravings?”

“The baby,” he clarifies. “I’ve heard it’s common.”

“Ah,” I grin. “Well, now that you mention it, there’s been this freaky need for pistachio ice cream.”

He raises an eyebrow. “Is that so?”

“Yes, but it’s terribly specific. It has to be from this little shop in town.”

“I see.” He appears thoughtful. “Maybe we can visit.”

“Really?” The idea of an outing beyond the estate fills me with delight.

“Of course. Anything you need.”

“But… but I thought I had to watch what I ate?” I raise an eyebrow.

“I think we can bend the rules sometimes, don’t you?”

We reach the entrance hall, the grandeur of the mansion enveloping us once more.

“I need to say goodnight to Bobik,” he says, his gaze softening at the mention of his son.

I give a small nod. “Of course,” I reply.

He hesitates for a moment, then leans in to place a gentle kiss on my forehead. The gesture is tender, sending a warmth right through me.

As he departs, turning towards Bobik’s quarters, a mixture of emotions begin to swirl within me.

Things are changing.

In ways I never could have anticipated.

I stand there until he disappears around the corner before I head up the staircase. Closing the door behind me, I move to the window of my room. The night is clear, the moon a slender crescent. A gentle breeze stirs the air, carrying the scent of the distant ocean.

Below, the estate stretches out, a maze of gardens and pathways illuminated by soft lighting. It’s a beautiful prison, one I’m still struggling to understand.

One I no longer hate.

I lean against the windowsill, my fingers trailing over the cool glass. It’s been a day of unexpected connections — with Bobik, with Aleksei, and even with Diana. The barriers I’d erected to protect myself are slowly dissolving, revealing a confusing mix of emotions.

It’s hard to believe how much my life has changed in just a matter of weeks.

I take a deep breath, my hand moving to rest on my abdomen. Inside, a new life is growing. A precious gift I’ve guarded closely. For now, it’s a bond between Aleksei and me, a bond I don’t quite understand.

But tonight, as I stand here, I begin to feel even more alone than I have in a long time. I know I should go to bed, rest my body and mind, but my thoughts are restless.

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