I walk towards the mirror on the wall, catching a glimpse of my tired reflection. The dark circles under my eyes and the weariness etched on my face serve as a constant reminder of how much time has passed and how much I have changed. I’m not the same innocent young girl who thought bad things happ
(Flashback) They had been driving non-stop for twenty minutes when he noticed Dimitri shifting uncomfortably in his seat. Dimitri was the one behind the wheel, taking the couple to a surprise destination for Anastasia. However, Ivan couldn’t ignore the fact that his trusted companion kept glancing
“I have to hand it to you, Nikolai,” I say, my voice laced with a hint of begrudging respect. “You recover faster than anyone I’ve ever known. But tell me, how much longer do you think you can hold out? How much more pain can you endure before you break?” A small, almost imperceptible smirk twitche
If only…if only I knew the truth. Looking down at the shiny tiled floor, I continue walking straight to my bedroom. I quickly change out of my stained clothes, take a shower, and put on a fresh pair of pants and a T-shirt. Then, I go downstairs to have dinner. As Lena and another maid set the food
(Flashback) Ever since Ivan dropped her off at Marina’s apartment, Anastasia had been gripped by a relentless mix of anxiety and restlessness. She found herself unable to comprehend the situation unfolding before her eyes, with countless questions swirling in her mind and numerous theories taking s
Just a few days ago, she had been resolute in her desire to wait a few more years before settling down and starting a family with the man she would truly love. However, at this moment, she was startled by how drastically her priorities had shifted. Suddenly it all felt like a trap. As if her father
[ANASTASIA] I can’t believe how heartless this man can be. How could I forget that Ivan always gets what he wants, no matter what? He doesn’t give a damn about anyone else. It’s clear from the way he not only woke me up in the middle of the night but also made sure to make me feel guilty for how
(Flashback) It was the second day of their marriage, and although he should have been devoting himself to his newly-wedded wife—treasuring her, adoring her, losing himself in her allure—he was ensnared in a pressing matter that demanded his immediate attention. The two members of his crew had been
After our fourth round of pure, wild sex, I have nothing left in me. Every ounce of energy drained, I barely manage to pull the sheets over myself before sleep claims me.When I wake hours later, the room is dim, the soft glow of my bedside lamp casting long shadows on the walls. My body feels heavy
[NADIA]“You’re here?” I say into the phone, clutching my books tightly to my chest as I glance around. “Where?”“Outside. Meet me when you’re done with your classes.”A wide grin spreads across my face, excitement bubbling inside me. “Oh, I’m done. And even if I wasn’t, I’d still run to you.”Dimit
The Ivan I know is strong. Unshakable. Even in the worst situations, he carries himself with a quiet, effortless confidence that makes you believe nothing could ever touch him.But the man lying in this hospital bed, surrounded by beeping machines and the sterile scent of antiseptic, looks nothing l
[ANASTASIA]Ever since I woke up after the incident, I have been dying to see Ivan.But now that I’m standing outside his room—where supposedly he had been admitted—, I can’t muster up the courage to push open the damn door.I’m nervous. Terrified. And most of all, unsure.I don’t know if I’m ready
Lena presses her lips together tightly, the color draining from her face until it looks almost lifeless.For a long moment, she doesn’t speak. The silence stretches between us, thick and suffocating. I can feel my heartbeat in my ears, pounding relentlessly, echoing my fear.Why the hell is she taki
[ANASTASIA]The next time I open my eyes, I’m not alone.Lena sits next to my bed, her hand in mine, her eyes closed, as if she fell asleep while watching over me.For the first time since waking up from my so-called long slumber, I look at her carefully. She looks more tired than I’ve ever seen her
[NIKOLAI]Once we finally get to his office, Konstantin takes his seat behind the desk and raises an eyebrow. He looks kind of pissed, but not enough to end me right here and now.He might have the power to do that and carry on with his day as if nothing happened, but I know in my gut he won’t. He m
[NIKOLAI]I hang up the phone and stare hard at the ground.“Fuck you, Dimitri!” I growl, clenching the phone tighter and huffing out a heavy breath.The bastard has the audacity to make me responsible for everything that happened to Ana and Ivan. But is it? Am I really the one to blame?I look away
[DIMITRI]I storm out of the building and light a cigarette, unable to think of anything else.I breathe in the smoke and then blow it out, hoping it will take away the stress pressing on my chest, making my lungs incapable of doing their job.I don’t know what to do anymore. Ana is finally awake, w