Edgar Nightingale was a tall man. The years had turned his hair gray at the temples, and his severe gaze and penetrating brown eyes swept the room almost disdainfully. His bushy eyebrows adorned a constant frown, with thin lips and a straight nose. There were slight wrinkles at the corners of his eyes from years of forcing them to read, always refusing to use his prescription. He was a man with a few extra pounds but without chubby cheeks. He had been part of the government since Anika could remember, always attending campaigns, conferences, and debates. He was an important and influential man. The gala was at Peter's father's mansion, a renowned senator and a partner of Mikhail's. In a way, his mansion was considered neutral ground, at least that's what Klaus had told her. Anika was expected at the gala as the governor's daughter, but coming face to face with her father as soon as she set foot in the place made her stomach churn. "My daughter," the man whispered when he made eye con
Klaus observed the interaction between Anika and Viktoria's adoptive mother. It was evident that something was happening in both women's minds, but Anika seemed particularly affected and confused."Does she really know?" Edgar asked, looking at Klaus. Klaus knew that Edgar was the missing link to allow Anika and her daughter to reunite. However, while Viktoria timidly greeted her biological mother without any idea of what was happening, Klaus's chest slightly tightened at the thought of destroying the little girl's world."She will soon," he said, moving away enough so that Anika couldn't hear their conversation. "How is it possible that she doesn't even remember her own daughter? Did you really let everyone believe that she was responsible for Nikolay's death?""I did it to protect her," the man growled, looking at his daughter with torment before returning his gaze to Klaus. "This is not the place to discuss this. She's too fragile. She won't be able to handle the truth.""So, that'
Three and a half years earlier. Anika woke up feeling her body completely heavy and her stomach churning. As she opened her eyes, she noticed that it was still dark. Darkness reigned in the room and the urgent need to turn on the light because of fear invaded her. She leaned to her right, turning on the lamp to get a better view of the room. She wasn't sure what time it was or where she was at all. She felt disoriented and her heart was pounding hard against her ribs, warning her that something was wrong. When she turned on the light, she blinked a few times to allow her eyes to adjust to the change.The room felt as empty and spacious as always. Her breasts were sore and swollen. She frowned, wondering if the twins hadn't woken up until then. Curious, she quickly got out of bed, feeling the urgent need to be with her children, as she left the room. Her babies were in the adjacent room. Mark hadn't wanted them to be with them. Their crying irritated him, and the night feedings had be
Anika forced herself to return to reality. She had to concentrate, but she had wasted at least two or three opportunities to make a good impression and get her father to talk to her again. Completely absorbed in memories and the sudden feeling deep in her stomach that something was profoundly wrong, she felt almost watched. Klaus tried to reassure her, taking her hand with a calming gesture and kissing her gently. It was almost dinner time when the man finally forced her to look at him. Anika blinked, blushing when she realized that, once again, he had been talking to her without getting a response. His furrowed brow was the only real sign of his concern, and the thoughtful way he looked around the room, as if making sure no one was listening, made her think that perhaps she had been ignoring him for too long."Are you sure you're okay?" he asked, gently taking her chin and getting her attention. Anika swallowed hard and blinked a couple of times, trying to keep the tears that threaten
Anika quickly dressed herself, even if the man was angry with her, she had to make the most of her little escape, her moment of freedom. She would find a way to make it up to him later, it wouldn't be that hard, right? She thought about the wounded look in his eyes when he was compared to his brother. It was still too low of a blow, she knew, but after having lived through that situation, Anika refused to let another man, especially one whose mere existence constantly reminded her of all the abuse she had suffered, control her again. She put on a pair of long pants, a silky top, and a matching jacket. She didn't have a bag, so she made a mental note to get one in the near future. Klaus had been indulgent with her wardrobe, but that didn't mean the man had thought of everything on his own. So she still had to make sure to make a few arrangements. Looking at herself in the mirror and feeling like a complete stranger, Anika put a hand on her belly, feeling like she was doing things the r
Anika stopped the car in front of the boutique that Klaus had taken her to a couple of weeks before. After buying a new phone and making a call to Peter, she drove all the way to the boutique again. Unlike that first day, it was relatively busy with a few women and a handful of men milling about. The same beautiful shop assistants were hovering around the customers. Vlad, who had insisted on following her to the place, walked by her side. Although he had to admit, he found it gratifying that the doors were opened for her. He wondered how much money Klaus really spent on bodyguards. Once inside, Anika was greeted with a glass of champagne, which she took under Vlad's watchful gaze, making her roll her eyes. The man was perhaps a couple of years older than Klaus and had a severe look, but he really seemed to have some affectionate tone towards Klaus. "Madam Petrova, it's a pleasure to have you back," said Sonya's soft and elegant voice, making Anika turn immediately. The woman walked to
Klaus was pacing back and forth in his penthouse, his mind racing with questions about Anika and what she was doing. Vlad had informed him that Anika had spoken to Peter at the café, but he didn't know what they had talked about. Klaus couldn't shake the feeling that Anika was up to something, and he didn't like being kept in the dark. Finally, Anika arrived, looking frazzled and anxious. "What the hell are you doing, Anika?" Klaus demanded as soon as she walked in the door. "You've been talking to Peter, and I want to know what's going on." Anika glared at him, her fists clenched at her sides. "I was just getting some answers," she snapped. "You don't need to know everything I do." "The hell I don't!" Klaus barked. "You're my woman, Anika. You're involved in my business. You can't just go off and do whatever the hell you want without telling me." Anika rolled her eyes. "I'm not a child, Klaus. I can take care of myself. And I'm not your woman. We're just... fucking each other. Tha
Klaus looked at Peter, feeling irritated by the mere fact of his presence. But if Anika refused to tell him what the man had said, then he would find his own means, although he refused to admit how hurt he felt, especially after finally confessing his love for the woman. His heart ached for her, but all day she had been locked in her room and completely absorbed in her phone, which Klaus had promised not to intervene to get the data from her conversations. Thanks to Vlad, he knew that the woman had made some kind of friendship with Joline's saleswoman, Sonya, so they had done a couple of investigations on the woman, nothing too striking. A Colombian model with a sick father who had been working at the boutique for two years. Her main activities were limited to regular trips to the hospital and occasional visits to the theater. Apart from having frequent contact with some clients of the boutique, he would venture to say that the woman's social life was non-existent. She had been present
The Wagner's funeral would be televised, which made Anika uneasy. She knew that the fact that Viktoria was now officially with her would not bring about good opinions regarding the adoption. However, Klaus had insisted that showing up and facing the situation would be the best for everyone, not to mention that Viktoria had the right to attend and see her relatives.While getting the girl ready, Anika couldn't help but think that maybe staying away from her would have been the best choice. Even if she wasn't responsible for the Wagner's death, she couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt. After all, if it weren't for her, the Wagners would have returned home, and Viktoria would still be a happy little girl. Even if she didn't know the truth, it was the only way Anika could imagine her daughter being completely happy.She dressed the little girl in the same way Adeline used to, with a black tulle dress and a small bow at her back. Her hair was tied up in a ponytail. Anika herself wore a d
Anika's hands trembled uncontrollably as she looked at the small urn in front of her. Her legs gave way completely, a sense of weight settling in her chest, and the pain, raw like that first day, along with the memories, hit her abruptly. She carefully took the urn, it was light, perhaps too light, but she cradled it against her chest as tears fell down her cheeks, and a cry of pain escaped her lips. "My baby," she cried as she kissed the lid of the urn, while memories forcefully invaded her. For years, she had done everything possible to push away the pain, to hide it in the deepest part of her mind, just like the things Mark had done to her, deceiving herself and forcing herself to remember only what was necessary to not lose herself in madness, in the pain that now invaded her. The memory of her little son and what she had suffered to bring him into the world came rushing back. Closing her eyes, she thought of the feeling of holding him in her arms, the adorable laughter she had on
Anika was startled by the sensation of Klaus sliding into bed next to her, all the anxiety and tension she had been feeling for days finally disappearing as she felt the man's arms around her body. "You're back," she said, her eyes filling with tears of relief as she clung tightly to his chest. Klaus looked tired, but he hugged her back tightly. "Is everything okay?" she asked. "It will be now," he assured her, taking a deep breath. "I took care of Gregory, Otto is not happy, but Ryan is somewhat... rational about his brother." "So, he did it? Was it him...?" she asked, swallowing hard, not daring to say the words outright. Klaus ran a hand over his face, the dark bags under his bloodshot eyes were prominent. "My men are searching the hangar right now... Your father fulfilled his part of the deal, and Constantine backed off... I asked Vlad to bring Viktor's ashes here," he added, gently stroking her face. Anika felt a knot in her chest and nodded. "Would you like to know what's in
Klaus got out of the car, furious, pulling Gregory along with him. Vlad and Igor had done their job and had recovered the son of a bitch, who was probably under the influence of something judging by the shitty smile on his bloodied lips. Otto, his brother, was waiting for him in the cellar, clenching his lips as he watched them with a tight jaw. "I told you to control him," Klaus growled, pushing Gregory towards his brother. The younger Urich was battered and had a deranged look on his face, but he stumbled into Otto and fell to the floor, pointing an accusing finger at him and spitting in his direction. "He killed three of my men, sold the damn weapons to the Kasakovs." "Are you crazy?" Otto asked, looking at his brother, his face turning red. Gregory spat. "I only did what you and Ryan refused to do," he complained. "Too scared of the Petrovs to get the money." "Shut the fuck up," Otto growled, hitting his brother in the face and pushing him against the wall, causing him to stum
She had managed to process what had happened; her heart sank immediately at the memory of the Wagners. Even though she had been tempted to permanently keep Viktoria away from them, knowing that her little one would not only have to endure being separated from them but also her death, even if she was too young to truly remember, made her heart ache. To make her daughter suffer so early in life caused her heart to constrict with pain."Klaus?" she asked as she sat up. She was on a couch that seemed vaguely familiar. After leaving the police station, she had tried to get some sleep in the hotel room Klaus had arranged, but it wasn't long before they had to move again. All the movement was mainly exhausting for little Viktoria."Shhh, I'm here," Klaus said as he approached her. They were in a small but comfortable room. Klaus knelt in front of her, with dark circles under his eyes. He wore the same shirt as the day before, though without a tie and unbuttoned. His hair was disheveled. "Are
Klaus left Anika and Viktoria to rest in the room before meeting with Igor. According to his man, all the guards were under investigation, so the unnecessary attention from the police had quickly raised his father's alarms. Mikhail called around five in the morning, sounding angry."What the hell is Constantine doing searching your house?" his father asked with an annoyed shout."Take it easy, I have nothing incriminating in the penthouse," Klaus assured, taking a cigarette from the pack that Igor handed to him. He took a deep drag, grateful for the nicotine to relieve the stress, and sank into the sofa."How the hell did you let this happen?" his father insisted. "Constantine right under our damn noses," he grumbled. "You're lucky the lawyer found a way to get you out of there.""I can handle it," Klaus insisted. "I had nothing to do with this shit... although it's suspiciously convenient. I need Ixander. I'm sure they're watching me. For anything else, Igor and Vlad will go in my pl
"Are you really doing this?" Constantine squinted his eyes in his direction before sitting down in front of him. Slowly, he laid out the crime scene images. Klaus observed them but forced himself to look at the pictures. The bodies of Adeline and Horace had been left in the middle of the rented room. Their hands were tied, and from what he could tell, it had been a quick execution. "What I really want to know is why your fingerprints are all over the crime scene," Constantine said, placing his hands on the table. "A man like you... I'm sure you would do whatever it takes to get Anika's daughter back without the Wagners getting involved." "Oh, you're right about that," Klaus replied, leaning forward. "I was in the suite. Anika and I went for Viktoria, just like we've been doing regularly for the past two months," he assured. "I have all the evidence you want, and we both know I'm not stupid enough to do something like this," he added, annoyed. "What do you gain from all this?" Const
Anika stood up, trying to avoid waking up the girl before looking at Klaus. The man opened the door to the room, and Anika followed, curious to hear that Constantine was in the building, with a search warrant? Following her fiancé, Anika blinked as she saw all the guards in the living room. Around ten men in suits were standing, their serious gazes and the way Klaus seemed to tense up made her immediately uneasy."What's going on?" she asked as they headed towards Klaus's office, but the man shrugged before Vlad, who was waiting for their arrival, opened the door for them. Inside, Detective Eric Constantine and four policemen were standing, looking around. Upon seeing Constantine, Anika felt a chill run down her spine. The man was a friend of her father, with a penetrating gaze, threatening blue eyes, short blond hair styled in a military fashion, a loose-fitting brown suit, and a notepad and pen in his hand."Anika," the man greeted her."Eric," she responded automatically, forcing a
Klaus looked at his friend, Otto, who was laughing amusedly at Klaus' obvious lack of enthusiasm. Klaus rolled his eyes while signing the papers."Oh, brother, that woman has you completely under her control," the man said, his face slightly contorted due to the scar that ran across it. "Did you really cover for me by saying it was because of me?""I panicked," Klaus complained, taking a deep breath but admitting that it had been ridiculous. "Not that she should know," he added."Oh, but you definitely owe me a session now," Otto asserted, taking the contract and glancing at it while Klaus rolled his eyes. Although he hadn't lied when he said it wouldn't be the first time he shared a woman with Otto, Anika's adverse reaction had touched a sensitive nerve. While he didn't intend to force her due to the situation, he was beginning to think that maybe he should do it. Making her let go of all her barriers was something he would immensely enjoy. "Do you really think she's good?" Otto aske