ANASTASIA’S POVThe moment the elevator doors slid shut, I exhaled sharply, gripping my car keys tightly. My heart was still beating too fast, my skin tingling from where Nolan had held my hand. Stupid. I should be used to his antics by now. He was always pushing, always teasing, as if waiting for me to slip up and reveal something—what exactly, I wasn’t sure.The drive to my office felt longer than usual, my mind replaying the morning over and over. I hated how easily he got under my skin. It wasn’t supposed to be like this. This marriage was a necessity, nothing more. But Nolan had a way of making things feel… different. More complicated than they should be.As I stepped into my office, the familiar scent of jasmine and vanilla greeted me. The space was exactly as I had left it—neat, organized, efficient. But what I hadn’t expected was the figure lounging comfortably in the chair opposite my desk, legs crossed, scrolling through her phone as if she owned the place.“Athena?” I blink
ANASTASIA’S POV “Wait… my car. It’s still at the office.” I said as the sudden realization hit me as Nolan drove us home. Nolan barely spared me a glance as he said. “Leo will get it.”I frowned. “I can just go back and—”“I said Leo will get it.” He said as he pulled out his phone and dialed Leo’s number before I could argue further.“Pick the keys to my wife’s car from the receptionist at her office and bring the car to the house,” Nolan said to Leo in a firm tone. Whatever response he got must have been an agreement because he ended the call and slipped his phone back into his pocket.“Bossy much? You didn’t have to show off like that” I said with a huff. He smirked. “It’s efficient.”“Yeah, whatever”“Why don’t you have a driver or a PA?” Nolan asked with his brows furrowed a bit. “You shouldn't be doing these petty tasks yourself”I shrugged “I just like my things done precisely, so I’d rather get things done myself” “Okay, but why?”“It’s efficient,” I said blankly. Nolan
NOLAN’S POVI leaned back in my chair, my fingers drumming against the desk as I glanced at the time. Anastasia should be back soon. Or at least, she should be on her way if she wasn’t caught up in whatever business had taken her to the warehouse again.Deciding to check in, I picked up my phone and dialed her number. She answered after a few rings.“Do you plan on wearing what you wore to the warehouse to the ball?” I asked immediately she picked up. “What ball?” she asked, confusion evident in her voice.I smirked. “The charity ball. You know, the one we agreed to attend together and play the perfect power couple?”The other end of the call was silent for a second before she let out a groan. “Right. That’s tonight, isn’t it?”“Glad to see you keep our commitments at the top of your priority list.”“Oh please Nolan, it’s not my fault some of us take our jobs more seriously than you” she shot back sounding amused.I fake gasped “I can’t even fake being hurt sweetheart, I do take m
ANASTASIA’S POVI stood in the dimly lit warehouse, my arms crossed as I observed the workers finishing up their tasks for the evening. My gaze landed on Michael, one of my more efficient employees, as he approached me."Everything is set, boss. The inventory check is complete, and the shipments are ready to go first thing tomorrow," he reported.I nodded in approval. "Good. Make sure the security detail is doubled for the night. I don’t want any surprises. Keep me updated if anything changes.""Will do. Safe travels, ma’am."I glanced at my wristwatch and nearly cursed. I only had an hour left to get back home. If I didn’t leave now, Nolan would never let me hear the end of it."I have to go," I said, already making my way to the car. The moment I slid into the driver’s seat, I pressed the ignition and pulled out onto the main road.Halfway home, my phone rang. I pressed the Bluetooth button on the dashboard, and Nolan’s voice filled the car."You’ve got forty-five minutes, Anastasia
ANASTASIA’S POVLeo pulled the car up to the entrance of the ballroom and stepped out first. He moved to open Nolan’s door. Nolan stepped out, adjusting his cuffs before coming to the other side to open my door. When he opened the door, he extended his hand toward me to hold. I took a deep breath and placed my hand in his. His grip was firm, warm, and steady as I stepped out of the car.“You ready?” he asked, his voice low, almost intimate.I straightened my shoulders and met his gaze. “Always.”A smirk tugged at his lips before he led us toward the grand entrance, never letting go of my hand. As the heavy doors swung open, we stepped in and the murmur of conversations and the clinking of glasses stopped as the whole room was still.The silence in the room was almost deafening as all eyes turned toward us.Nolan remained unbothered by this as he walked forward with the same composed confidence he carried everywhere. I followed his lead, keeping my chin high.A staff member approached
NOLAN’S POVI watched as Anastasia strutted out of the ballroom with the hem of her dress trailing behind her. Even in the dim ballroom light, I could see the smile she was trying so hard to suppress. She enjoyed messing with Rafael Costa whom she has left me to deal with. Rafael was a messy man, his business dealings were always dirty and filled with risks that were best avoided. He thrived in chaos, and I tolerated him only out of necessity. "So, Nolan," Rafael started, swirling the whiskey in his glass, "word on the street is that you’ve tightened your shipping routes. That’s bad for business, you know."I took a sip from my own glass, my expression impassive. "It’s bad for your business. Not mine."Rafael chuckled, leaning in as if we were old friends sharing a joke. "Come on, Russo. The world runs on trade, and restrictions only make things difficult. For everyone."I set my glass down with a soft clink. "That’s not my concern. My priority is ensuring that my shipments are secu
ANASTASIA’S POVThe moment Nolan’s fist connected with Leo’s face, I felt my entire body tense. Blood sprayed across the pavement, and Leo staggered back against the car, clutching his jaw. But instead of being scared, Leo had a wicked grin on his face. “There it is,” Leo spat, blood trickling from his busted lip. “There’s the real Nolan Russo.”Nolan didn’t hesitate. He grabbed Leo by the collar and landed another brutal punch. The sickening crack of bone meeting bone echoed in the night air.“Nolan, stop!” I yelled as I stepped forward and placed my hands on his arm, trying to pull him away. But he wouldn’t budge. He was too lost in his rage to hear me.Leo coughed, his laugh gurgling in his throat as he wiped his bleeding mouth. “What’s the matter, Russo?” he taunted, his voice hoarse. “Can’t stand the truth?”Nolan didn’t reply. Instead, he drove his fist into Leo’s stomach, making him double over in pain. The violence was spiraling out of control, and if I didn’t intervene now,
ANASTASIA’S POVI squinted my eyes as the morning light filtered through the curtains. I lay in bed, staring at the ceiling. I tried to get myself to stand up, but my body felt heavy. My mind replayed last night in endless loops—the fight, the accusations, the look in Nolan’s eyes when he threw those words at me.A sharp knock on my door brought me out of my thoughts.I sat up, wondering who that could be. “What?” I responded sharply .The door swung open, and Maria stepped inside hesitantly.“Good morning, ma’am. Breakfast is ready,” she said in a careful voice, as if she already knew the thick tension that hung in the air of this house.“Thank you, Maria. I’ll be down soon.” I said as I rubbed my temples.“Okay ma’am” She said as she nodded and left, closing the door behind her.With a sigh, I threw off the covers and made my way to the bathroom. I looked in the mirror and my eyes were slightly puffy from lack of sleep. I pressed my lips in a tight line as I turned on the tap and sp
EPILOGUEANASTASIA’S POVThe soft afternoon breeze rustled through the leaves, swaying the tall trees in the empty private park. The sunlight came through the tree branches in soft lines, casting golden patterns on the grass.I sat on the picnic cloth spread over the grass with my arms wrapped loosely around my knees as I watched Hailey dash across the open space with her bubble stick.She giggled wildly as she waved the stick through the air, bubbles floating into the sky before popping in soft, invisible bursts.“Mommy, look!” she squealed and ran toward me, her little legs carrying her across the open space as she swung the bubble wand with dramatic flair as bubbles danced into the air, floating around her like tiny enchanted orbs. One burst against my cheek as she got closer, laughing mischievously.“You got me!” I laughed, grabbing her and pulling her into my lap. “Tickle monster’s coming!” I warned and dove my fingers into her sides. Her giggles filled the empty air as we tumble
ANASTASIA’S POVI stood by the window as I watched Camila’s car drive out of the compound. The headlights disappeared into the darkness, swallowed by the trees lining the road. I crossed my arms over my chest involuntarily as a chill ran down my spine.There was a strange weight in my chest, like a knot that wouldn’t loosen. I wanted to believe he would be okay, the mission would be successful, and he would come back like he said.I turned from the window, picked up the throw pillows on the floor, and began tidying the living room. The table was cluttered with empty mugs and pieces of paper from earlier strategy sessions. I stacked them neatly and arranged everything, trying to distract myself.Max appeared silently in the doorway like a shadow. “You should get some rest,” he said in a calm, steady voice.I gave him a faint smile. “I could say the same to you.”He shrugged. “I’ll just check the perimeter first. Make sure things are secure.”“That’s a better idea,” I agreed. He nodded
NOLAN’S POVIt was already dark outside when I stood by the window, arms folded, watching fog settle over the field. The silence in the house felt heavy, like we were waiting for something. Tonight, I was going after Ivan. No more running and hiding. Behind me, I could hear Dimitri and Camila going over the plan for tonight.I turned and walked down the short hall to the bedroom where Anna and Hailey were. Anna sat in the rocking chair, cradling Hailey, gently humming some old lullaby. The sight nearly undid me.Anna looked up at me with a smile as I entered. “She’s finally calm,” she said, sounding exhausted.“That’s great,” I nodded and stepped closer. “I want to say goodbye before I go.”Anna adjusted Hailey in her arms so I could take her. Hailey stretched her tiny hands as I held her in my arms.“You look tired,” Anna said softly. “Sit on the bed.”“It’s going to be a long night,” I muttered as I settled on the bed."Don't let this turn you into him," Anna said quietly as she se
IVAN’S POVI hadn’t slept.Not even a wink.My jaw ached from how hard I’d been clenching it, and my phone had been glued to my hand all night. Every hour, I called her number again, even though I knew I’d get nothing but her voicemail.My men were scattered across the city, pulling every string we had—contacts, cameras, informants, even bribing airport personnel and gas station clerks.Still nothing.No one had seen her.No one had heard a thing.And that fact alone told me she didn’t do this alone. Nolan must have helped her.I sat at the head of the long dining table that had been turned into a makeshift command center. Three laptops were open in front of me, each screen displaying different feeds—security cameras from local streets.“She had help,” I muttered, my voice low, simmering. “She wouldn’t have pulled this off alone.”“Obviously.” Klaus didn’t look up. “You maybe wanna grab her parents?”I leaned back and let out a slow breath through my nose. “Nah, suggesting that alone
NOLAN’S POVThe car rumbled softly as Dimitri drove through winding roads and quiet intersections. The city lights faded behind us, replaced by wide stretches of empty land and tall trees that looked like shadows in the night.Camila’s tail lights blinked in the distance as we followed her car down an almost invisible road. The farther we drove, the quieter it became.“Where the hell is this place?” Dimitri muttered beside me, eyes narrowing.“I don't know, but it’s discreet. That’s what we need right now,” I replied, looking around.Finally, Camila's car slowed and turned onto a gravel path hidden behind a row of overgrown bushes. A few feet later, a small bungalow nestled between thick trees and shielded by a long fence and sliding gate. It was simple, but private. No neighbors in sight. Just silence and space.“Well, this could work,” Dimitri said, parking behind Camila.I stepped out of the car and looked around. The air was cooler here. And for the first time in weeks, I felt lik
IVAN’S POVI parked across the street and leaned back, letting my eyes scan the house, especially the window in the nursery.There was no movement.The cream-colored blinds she always kept half-drawn were closed, and there was no soft glow of the lamp she usually left on.I narrowed my eyes and looked down at my watch. It was 10:34pm.Usually, by this time, she'd be putting Maya to sleep. Sometimes she sat by the window after, curled up with that little blanket draped over her legsBut tonight? There was nothing.I stepped out of the car and walked up to the front door of the house. I rang the doorbell once and waited, but there was no answer.I knocked next. “Anna?” I called out in a stern tone, but there was still no response. I reached for the handle and twisted it. The door creaked open with an ease that made my skin crawl. Anna never leaves the door unlocked. I closed the door behind me with a soft click and stood still for a moment, listening.There was no sound from Maya, no
ANASTASIA’S POVI watched as Nolan held Hailey so gently, his large hands supporting her fragile frame. I stood beside him as he admired her. His brows were furrowed as if he was still fighting to feel joy through all the pain.“I should’ve been here,” he murmured, barely above a whisper.“You can still be,” I said softly.His jaw clenched.Nolan turned slightly, not enough to face me completely. “Don’t do that.”“Do what?” I asked, although I already knew.“Act like everything’s fine now,” he said, voice low and tight. “Like I can just forget what you did.”My heart sank. “I’m not asking you to forget,” I said quietly.He looked back at Hailey, gently swaying her as she nestled deeper into his chest. “I missed a whole week of her life because I thought she was his.”“I know,” I whispered, my voice catching. “And I hate myself for that.”For a long moment, there was nothing but the sound of the low hum of the air conditioner.“I’m moving back in,” he said firmly.My head snapped up. “
NOLAN’S POVIt had been a week since the confrontations at the hospital, and it had been the most excruciating week of my life.I hadn’t seen Anna. Not once. Not my family either. The only two people who had managed to find me were Camila and Dimitri. They knew where I was staying, and Camila made sure of that. She was the one who rescued me and my team from that goddamn warehouse.Since then, I’d been holed up in a hotel room, staring at the ceiling more than I’d like to admit. Every day, I replay the betrayal in my head like an endless loop. And it wasn’t just the betrayal from Anna. It was from my father also. My whole life had been wrapped in lies.And now… this baby. The one I had promised to love, raise, and protect wasn’t mine.I’ve been tempted more times than I could count to call Anna and ask to see the baby. But every time, the image of Ivan grabbing Anna’s arm and claiming the child haunted me. A knock on the door snapped me out of my thoughts.I sat up, annoyed. I wasn’t
ANASTASIA’S POV“Accept it, Anna. She is mine,” Ivan said to me in a firm tone.I opened my mouth to speak, to scream that he was wrong, to deny everything, but I saw something behind him that made my heart stop.Nolan was standing in the doorway looking bloody and bruised.Ivan turned, finally noticing him. He didn’t even flinch. He just smiled, smug and unbothered. “Nolan,” I whispered. “You’re alive,” I said moving to stand from the bed. He raised his hand to stop me from moving, his eyes darting between me and Ivan. “Did I hear him right?” He asked slowly. I could only sit there as tears welled up in my eyes, blurring my vision.Nolan stepped into the room fully with his fists clenched. “Tell me I didn’t just hear him claim my daughter,” he said, turning to me. “Anna, tell me I heard wrong. Please,” he said, his voice breaking.I wanted to scream yes, he heard wrong, that Ivan was lying. But I couldn’t. Because I didn’t even know what the truth was myself. Not after everything