"You can't be serious, Ivan" Trying to deny what she heard from her two-year boyfriend, she tries to chuckle. "You heard it right, Ella. I'm breaking up with you" Without a hint of remorse, the man across from her stared at her straight in the eye. Meeting his cold gaze, all she can do is open her lips to speak just to close it again after finding no words to say. She is too staggered by the excruciating pain his words caused her. Her father died a week ago. She is still mourning her loss and Ivan has been her strength. But her world came crashing in front of her very eyes while listening to what he was saying. "I can't be with you now after your family lost its connection to the Petrov family" he seriously added without averting his gaze away from her. Seeing the cold indifference reflecting his orbs as he spoke, it was all starting to dawn on her. If not for the pain engulfing her whole being right now, she could have burst out laughing. Indeed, he is serious and she fully
"Mr. Petrov..." "A Petrov...?" "Why a Petrov is here...?" Hushed, terrified mumblings erupted as Samuel Petrov stood in the middle of the room, looking foreboding. A lot of questions are whirling around but no one dared ask aloud. Tense silence rules as everyone nervously waits. No one dared move more so leave despite wanting to scurry away from his dark gaze. While everyone's attention is on the Petrov entourage, Kamilla is busy lamenting her miserable state. More than her throbbing cheek, her fortitude is ebbing away. She felt like being stripped of whatever dignity was left in her. She was slapped not because of the insult she hurled, but because people regarded her as insignificant. An irrelevant member of society she thought she belonged to. She had been too preoccupied with her thoughts to notice the intent gaze that bore down on her. Only she realized the attention after a huge hand cupped her chin. She looked up, startled, only to be met with a piercing cold gaze sh
Whatever was going through his mind when he declared his possession of Laskin's daughter, he refused to think about it deeply at the moment. It was not part of his plans and even he was surprised. However, a punny girl like Kamilla Laskin should not be left alone in the world. She will be an easy prey for predators. "I do not want to burden you any further, Mr. Petrov. "I know the way to my apartment." After a long silence, Kamilla's voice drew him away from his deep thoughts. After they left the restaurant, she has been insisting on leaving. She refused to enter the vehicle, but his cold stare rendered all of her efforts futile. "Believe me, Kamilla, you will never be a burden" Across from him, he met her panicked gaze and watched her restlessness. Despite his efforts not to intimidate her, he could sense her discomfort. She has been relentlessly watching the road, seemingly waiting to be rescued. "Don't you dare fear me, Kamilla" with clenched words, he warns. It irritates
Beca's words remained in Kamilla's mind for the entire week following their conversation. The two women's assumption about Samuel Petrov's motive in helping her is quite absurd. Mr. Samuel Petrov is one of the heirs to the world's most powerful conglomerate. A man of high caliber and far from being ordinary to notice someone like her. Furthermore, he is too old to care about trivial matters. With these thoughts in mind, she was convinced that he had a logical reason for bringing her to his home rather than simply providing her with the benefits of her father's death. She will know once she asks him. For various reasons, she also hasn't left his place since she arrived. She is afraid to go outside without knowing what awaits her. Somehow, the emptiness of the place became her sanctuary. It gave her time to mourn her loss and heal her broken heart. Also, to gather her shattered pride. Furthermore, she discovered that Cel and Beca are only there during the day to do chores and wil
She gaped at him, looking lost and silly. She is not innocent, but since she began living in Petrov territory, she has realized that a Petrov word must be taken seriously or suffer the consequences. However, Samuel Petrov's words put her in an awkward situation. Will she simply take it as a joke? "See?" Seeing her confusion, he drew her closer by the waist and watched her eyes widen in disbelief. It was then that she realized what he meant. Heat turns her cheeks red, and she gulps hard at the lump that has miraculously appeared in her throat. Nestled between them is a hard thing she is completely aware of what it was. Taunting her further, a forbidden image entered her mind. She inhaled sharply, mortified by her own thoughts. She mentally chastises herself, but it is insufficient to clear her indecent thoughts. The deeper she got into her predicament, the more her face flushed bright red. Her body's bizarre reaction to being plastered against Samuel Petrov's rock hard
Despite their awkward interaction the night before, the following morning appeared to be peaceful. She was even surprised to be summoned to join him for breakfast. Looking at the man across from her, she still can not believe she will have this opportunity. Everyone's dream is to eat together at one table with any of the Petrov. Fortunately, hers came true.She was nervous at first, but Samuel Petrov's relaxed demeanor reassured her. For the first time in her life, she shared a meal with a Petrov. Even when her father was serving the famous family, he never brought her to work, which she understands is extremely dangerous. While enjoying the delectable meal on her plate, she can not help but smile as she mentally rejoices. The thought of beating Celine Donlov in her dream of being in the same place as the Petrov made the food taste better. She was well aware of Celine's desperate desire to be noticed by any of the Petrov cousins. The reason she always goes to her parents' office i
"Stay still, Kamilla" he firmly hold one of her feet after she attempted to stand up. "Ahm... I can do it, Mr. Petrov" despite her efforts to move her feet away, it was futile against his firm grip. "Do not move, Kamilla. You are wasting our time," the sternness in his voice caused her to stop struggling. She was in disbelief and embarrassed as she watched Samuel Petrov expertly put on her socks and tie the shoelaces of her sneakers. Even Beca and Cel, along with the others, could not conceal their disbelief as they watched with wide eyes. There was a tense silence because he was so focused on his task until he was finished. "Let's go Kamilla" as if he did nothing bizzare from his usual, he walked to the door with his hands inside his pockets. He left everyone stunned. When she saw him walk towards the door, she scrambled to follow. She has no idea where they are going, but she is too nervous to inquire. After a quiet car ride, they arrived in a place she had never been before
"What are you saying, Doctor Lia?" The patriarch's inquisitive gaze fell on Lia. The rest of the family did the same but she remained placid. "Lia..." Vasili gently took hold of her hand while waiting for her explanation. Lia turned to face her husband. She gave him a soft smile before trailing her gaze across the room. She met everyone's questioning eyes until it settled on Kamilla. "Petrov Pharmaceuticals conducted extensive written and performance examinations two months ago. Only five candidates advanced to the final stage after passing several qualifying exams," Lia explains calmly, not taking her gaze away from Kamilla. "I need this country's top chemists to be trained, and I want new ones. Fresh knowledge and youthful vigour" she added while glancing at the patriarch. Since she took over Petrov Pharmaceuticals, she has aggressively scouted candidates for training. Not just for the company, but especially for the underground Petrov facility. Her sister-in-law, Abigai
"We cannot interfere with their childhood just because they are unique. We cannot cage them all their lives, Baby" Kamilla seriously muttered while watching the triplets play together.They are already a year old, and no one would believe they are preterm babies. The triplets grew up normally and even exceeded the milestones predicted for their age.They are currently enjoying their tiny feet as they wander about their lavish playroom. "Beyyy...bi" Samuel and Kamilla exchanged startled looks when Phoenix mimicked their mother's words while pointing at their father.They were taken aback by the triplets' keenness, as they had been by earlier milestones they had witnessed from them.At twelve months, they began to stand and walk a few steps with assistance. Just a month later, they are strolling around their playroom on their own. "What is it, Fyn?" Kamilla tenderly asked her son, who is walking towards them."Beyyy...bi..." he pointed at their father and lay his head on Samuel's la
"Ready to go home?" Samuel asked, his lips nestled against Kamilla's temple."After six months, we can finally bring home our little fighters. So, yes, I am so ready to go home, Baby," she tearfully smiled, cradling their princess while Samuel carried their two boys.The triplets slumber peacefully in their arms, unconcerned by the bustle around them. She glanced at their three bundles of joy and could not help but smile, teary but joyful. "They appeared to have grown bigger. They looked a lot better without the tubes and medical equipment attached to them," she whispered, wiping away her tears."Yes, my love. They are ready for the world" Samuel helped her dry her cheeks.They were finally able to go home after six months in the facility. The triplets' health is already stable and have passed all of their tests, so the team approved their release. However, due to their prematurity, there are still stringent limitations. An inhouse medical team will assist them in taking care of th
"Babe..." Samuel's voice was muffled as he snuggled against Kamilla's neck. "I will only hold," she insists, her hand already sliding into his boxer.It had been a couple of weeks since her cesarian operation, and she could move freely without concern for her incision."Temptress...Urgh..." he bit her neck, making her giggle. "It's hard" she beamed with joy."It's early morning, Babe, of course it's hard." Though tortured, he chuckled at his wife's antics.Every morning, she would slip her hand inside his boxers and play with his morning wood. Her antics caused him to jerk since he cannot make love with her until she is fully healed. "Bigger than the hungarian sausage," she said with a naughty smile. "You are so huge, Baby. I can't believe this fits me" she mumbled softly, her hand is starting to stroke him to a rhythm he is so familiar with. Also the tightness and warmth akin to her hand wrapped around his shaft, which he sorely missed. "Arghh..." he responded with a deep grow
"But...? What is the but, Lia?" Samuel repeated, and tears began to obscure his vision.He has been trained to see all sides of situations and he consistently demands it regardless of its outcome. Their family waited in trepidation, afraid to even move. Every passing second is torture to everyone's sanity.Lia wiped her tears away and took a quick breath to alleviate the uncomfortable lump in her throat. "Dr. Rene Rechner modified the patented medicine used to wake up Grandmother Andrea." Lia earnestly explained, her eyes fixed at Samuel.At the mention of the drug developed by Dr. Rechner piqued everyone's interest, most particularly Samuel."Two of the triplets shared the same placenta and the other one has her own" Lia gently smiled."My princess got separated from her brothers" Samuel softly mumbled."Yes, and we almost lost her" Lia bitterly whispered, letting out a deep breath. "It was a nightmare. Reviving a fetus smaller than my knuckles was a scene I would rather forget. T
"It is taking so long," Samuel heaved a sigh and muttered, burying his face in his palm.The grueling wait is wreaking havoc on his sanity. It has been four hours and there is no indication of anyone leaving the operation room. "They have to make sure Kamilla and the babies are all right, Sam," Lexie said, rubbing his back to reassure him. Dinara is on the other side of him, doing the same to her son. "We shall keep praying for all of them, Sam. May all of the medical team be shone with divine wisdom that only the heavens could bestow. May Kamilla and the three babies be given the strength to endure" Lexie tenderly whispered with closed eyes. Before Lia, Dr. Rechner, and Abby took Kamilla to the surgery room, the entire family had arrived, including the Wrights and the Steels.Vasili and the other Petrov men arrived three hours later. But they made sure to check in with the others on the ongoing procedure since it started. "They are not done yet?" Vasili asked his brothers the ins
Kamilla had extensive monitoring to ensure she was ready for a cesarean section. Her blood pressure, however, has proven to be the most difficult obstacle. "Sam, go lay down next to Kamilla and sleep. Something is upsetting her, causing her blood pressure to fluctuate. I believe you are the one causing her distress," Lia mumbled sympathetically as she approached Samuel."What exactly do you mean, me?" Samuel was perplexed as he pointed to himself."Kamilla is exhibiting symptoms of stress. She may be lethargic but she is conscious, Sam. She knows exactly what is going on around her" Lia patiently explained, staring straight into his eyes."She knows when you are not eating or sleeping. She could sense your distress and guilt. She knows when you are drowning in work and not taking care of yourself the way you used to." Lia bitterly smiled, seeing his perplexity."She is aware of everything, yet she has no control over it. She cannot take care of you while fighting to survive and beari
"How are you, Babe?" Samuel approached the bed and leaned in to kiss the peacefully sleeping figure on it.He carefully took a seat next to her and hovered above her, his elbows propped up to support his weight. He longingly stares at her beautiful face, seemingly memorizing every detail of it. He received no warm response, as he usually does, but he continued to gently kiss her pale face."I finished some important meetings earlier and started handing over some of my tasks to Denver," he smiled as he planted a kiss on her slightly parted lips. "Starting tomorrow, I will be working from home. I will not leave unless absolutely essential, Babe. We will be together all day," he inhaled deeply with closed eyes, immersing his fatigued senses with her soothing natural scent.He just finished showering alone. It was extremely lonely going about their daily routine without her, but he will persevere. He will wait for her.Yesterday was a mix of joy and doom for him. He found Kamilla had b
"Good day, Madame Kamilla," staff greeted as she make way to the private elevator with her security. "Good day," she remarked with a courteous smile and a kind nod to everyone. Her presence inside Petrov Petroleum's main office has become more frequent in recent days. It had been four months since her wedding, and she was now undergoing rigorous training under all Petrov senior scientists, as Doctor Lia had planned for her. They are preparing her as future chief scientist at the facility. She was doing well in her training, except for her odd yearning to see and smell Samuel every now and then. She was trying to concentrate on her work, but she couldn't resist the impulse to meet with Samuel. So despite the hassle of traveling to the main office from her location, she would make the effort to visit him. However, unlike most days, she felt a little lethargic. She woke up fine earlier. However, when she arrived at the facility, she felt an unusual tightness in her gut. She tried
"What are your plans, Kamilla?" Vasili asked as he stared at the stacks of stones in front of them."I just want to bring my family home" Kamilla smiled bitterly. Today, after ten years, she went back to Monte Cristo a week after the wedding. They arrived at dawn at the mainland's airport and traveled for four hours to Monte Cristo. The sun had already risen and they could clearly see the forest and wreckage of her previous home. Not only Samuel accompanied her but the Mafia Boss, Vasili and his queen, Doctor Amelia, Denver, Carl, Dalton, the Stepanov siblings who are nowhere to be seen around them, and several of their men. Monte Cristo is already a foreign land to her and the Petrov will not allow her and Samuel to return without the Wolf, some of their cousins and their men. Her heart sank to the depths of the ocean as she stared at the makeshift tomb she had built for her family ten years ago. The stones she placed have now become rubble on the ground. The passage of time ru