Page 109 of Porcelain Vows

She’s had enough time to think it over.

I’m going to take the bull by the horns.

Chapter Forty-Four

Aleksei

The drive back to Blackwood Manor passes in silence, both of us lost in our thoughts.

Exhaustion weighs on my shoulders, the cumulative stress of the past weeks— Bobik’s operation, my father’s death, my mother’s return, Stella and Sofia’s relationship— it’s all catching up to me.

As we enter through the main doors, Diana meets us in the foyer, her questioning gaze searching our faces.

“He’s stable,” I tell her. “He’s resting now. We’ll go back in the morning, once he wakes up.”

She nods, squeezing my arm. “I’ve arranged for a light dinner if you’re hungry.”

“Maybe later,” I say. “I need to shower first.”

“I’ll check on Polina,” Stella adds, her voice soft with fatigue.

We part ways in the main corridor, and I return to my room, retreating to my shower where I wash away the stink of hospital air and fear. That’s behind us now. Bobik is going to be fine.

Changing into casual pants and a sweatshirt, I’m going through my email when there’s a knock at the door. I move to open it, then stand frozen as I look down into Stella’s face. Like me, she’s freshly showered, her damp hair curling in tendrils onto her shoulders.

“Hi,” she says softly, then hesitates, as if not sure what to say next.

“Is everything alright?” I frown.

She nods. “Yes. I…” She pulls in a breath. “I’d like to stay with you tonight.” When I don’t answer, she adds, “If that’s okay?”

“Sure,” I say, and step aside, not saying more. It’s been a long day, and this is… a lot. But it seems to me that she’s had similar thoughts to mine. It’s time to deal with this thing between us. About damn time. I’m done waiting.

Inside my bedroom, Stella stands near the window, gazing out at the darkened grounds while I watch her, my arms folded across my chest. The air between us feels charged, weighted with unspoken words.

“Aleksei,” she finally says, turning to face me. “I’ve been thinking a lot about us. About everything.”

I wait, giving her space to continue.

“What happened with my parents…” She takes a deep breath. “I understand why you did it. I don’t condone it— I can’t. But I understand.” Her green eyes meet mine steadily. “My father… he destroyed your son’s future because of his negligence. And I…” She swallows hard. “If someone hurt Polina that way, I can’t say I wouldn’t want revenge too.”

I cross the room to her, stopping just short of touching her. “Stella—”

“Let me finish,” she says. “What I’m trying to say is that I love you, Aleksei. Despite everything, or maybe because of everything. I love who you are with Bobik, with Polina. With me.”

“Khoroshiy,”I say gruffly. “That’s good, because… I love you too,zaychik. More than I thought possible.”

She exhales sharply and cups her mouth with both hands. “Oh, thank God,” she says between her fingers. “I thought… I thought…”

“What did you think, Stella?” I cock my head. “That I could feel any other way about you? After everything we’ve faced together?”

“I wasn’t sure,” she says breathlessly. “It’s been weeks since I told you that I need to think things through. And you haven’t…” She trails off.

“Haven’t what? Forced you to love me?” My lips twitch up because it’s crossed my mind. “I’m not a patient man,zaychik. But I am a reasonable one. Expecting you to overlook what I did would be unreasonable. I needed you to come to me in your own time. When you were ready.” I move a little closer. “Are you ready now?”

She nods, her eyes wide. “Yes. Yes, I am.”

“Good,” I say. “Because there’s something I need to ask you.” I take her hands in mine, staring down into her face. “Be my wife, Stella. Stay with me. Build this family with me.”

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