NOLAN’S POVI slid into the driver’s seat, exhaling sharply as I rested my hands on the steering wheel. Dimitri entered his own car, parked directly behind me, and started the engine. Just as I was about to do the same, my phone buzzed on the dashboard.Camila.I grumbled under my breath before picking up. “What do you want?”“Still you,” she purred. “Should I come meet you?”“No,” I said, pinching the bridge of my nose. “Meet me at Mr. Luca’s office. I’m already on my way there.”She sighed dramatically. “I had other plans. I was going to stop by your place.”I sighed, already tired of whatever game she was trying to play. “Camila, I’m driving. I’ll see you at the office. Just get there on time.” Without waiting for a response, I ended the call and tossed my phone onto the passenger seat.Dimitri’s car, parked behind me, flashed its headlights, signaling he was ready to go. I started the engine and pulled out of the driveway, heading straight to the office building.When we arrived,
ANASTASIA’S POVI stood from my seat to stretch my arms over my head, wanting to ease the tension from my shoulders.“Ivan,” I called as I spotted him by the doorway.He stood there with his usual calm patience, his hands tucked into his pockets. “Are you ready to go, ma'am?" he asked.“Yeah,” I said, grabbing my things. “I'm just gonna grab lunch first.”“Anywhere in mind?”I pulled out my phone and sent Athena a quick message: "On my way. Be there soon.""Yeah, just a restaurant nearby."Ivan gave a small nod and led the way out. My heels clicked against the floor as we walked outside. He opened the car door for me and then slid into the driver’s seat.The drive to the restaurant was short and smooth. When we arrived at the restaurant, Ivan stepped out first, opened my door, and carried my bag leading the way inside.I checked around and spotted Athena at a corner table, scrolling through her phone. As I walked closer, she looked up, her eyes flicking between me and Ivan before her
NOLAN’S POV“Let’s go, Nolan. We don’t have all day,” Dimitri yelled from where he was loading the chopper with our other men. I let out a sharp breath as I ran a hand through my hair. “Give me a second. I need to send a text.”I quickly pulled out my phone and typed out a message to Anna.Nolan: Camila and I need to leave tonight. Plans changed. I have to be there.As soon as I hit send, Dimitri called out again. “Nolan, let’s go!”“I’m waiting for Anastasia to reply,” I muttered, staring at my phone screen. The message had been delivered, but there was no response. Not even the little dots to indicate she was typing.Dimitri walked up to me. “What the hell are you doing? We need to leave now.”“I’m waiting to get a reply from Anna.”“You seriously think we have time to wait around for that?” he said with a scoff.I ignored him and continued staring at the phone waiting for a reply. Minutes ticked by, and there was still nothing.Dimitri looked down at his wristwatch. “That’s it, yo
ANASTASIA’S POVThe scent of gunpowder hung heavy in the warehouse air. Rows of armed mercenaries were arranged neatly, waiting for final inspection before being shipped.“These ones are new,” the supervisor beside me said, gesturing toward three men at the far end. “Fresh out of the northern base. Quiet but efficient. No complaints so far.”I studied them in silence for a moment, then gave a small nod. “Good. Make sure they’re briefed again on engagement protocols. No freelancing.”“Understood.”“What are those crates over there?” I asked as I scrunched up my brows.“Erm… they—”“Erm erm erm, I don’t fucking pay you to tell me erm,” I said sharply. “What the hell are they?”“They are the new goods delivered, ma'am."“And they are sitting out there?” I asked as I turned to him, looking dumbfounded. “You need special instructions to get them stored?”"No, ma'am, the workers have just been busy sorting the shipments we have going out.”“Do I look like I give a shit?”Before he could res
NOLAN’S POV“What the fuck?”The words left my mouth before I even realized I’d said them. The moment Anna mentioned Clara’s name, a pit formed in my stomach.“Anna,” I said quickly. “What are you doing?”“What does it sound like, husband?”“Princess, I said I was going to take care of it,” I said sternly.“You were taking too long.”I could hear Clara whimpering on the other end of the line. “Have anything to say for yourself, Clara?” Anna asked. Before she could respond, a slap echoed through the call.“Anna!” I called out sharply. “Don’t do anything stupid.”“Oh, we’re just gonna have some fun,” Anna replied.“Anna, listen, how about we deal with this when I get back?”There was silence on her end of the call, and then, without a single word, she ended the call.“Shit!” I tossed the phone on the table.From the corner of the room, Dimitri looked up from where he’d been packing ammunition into a black duffle bag. “What the hell was that?”I ran a hand through my hair, pacing. “She
ANASTASIA’S POV“Anna, listen, how about we deal with this when I get back?” Nolan said from the other end of the call.I stared at the screen for a moment before ending the call. Nolan’s voice still echoed in my head as I lowered the phone and handed it over to Ivan, who was standing next to me with his arms crossed.I turned my eyes back to Clara.I shook my head, my gaze fixed on her trembling form. She was tied to a steel chair in the middle of the cold room. Her face was streaked with tears, a bruise forming on her cheek from the slap earlier. A strip of duct tape hung loosely from the corner of her mouth where she’d tried to scream.I walked forward slowly, my heels echoing with each step.“Funny,” I said, stopping in front of her. “You thought we’d never find you. After Leo died, everything would just disappear, right? You could melt into the background, blend into another city, another face?”I watched as she shook her head and tried to talk, but it only came out muffled.“B
ANASTASIA’S POVIvan froze as he continued to stare at me.My phone continued to buzz in his hand, but he didn’t pay any attention to it.Neither did I.My breath caught somewhere in my chest. Not because I was embarrassed, but because the look in his eyes wasn’t one I’d ever seen before. Not on him.He blinked hard, looked away, then turned swiftly on his heel. “Sorry—I didn’t mean to—” His voice trailed off as he stepped out and shut the door behind him.I stood there for another second, my heart beating faster than it should.What the hell just happened?I grabbed my robe on the bed and wrapped it tightly around myself, cinching the tie a bit too aggressively. The way he looked at me, was imprinted in my brain.I walked down the hallway barefoot, my steps muffled against the hardwood floor. Ivan was in the living room, his back turned to me.“I’m ready for that glass of wine now,” I said casually as I stepped in.He was mid-motion, lifting his shirt over his head. The soft fabric
ANASTASIA’S POVA knock on the door pulled me from my daze. It creaked open and my secretary peeked her head in.“Ma’am, the team from the furniture manufacturing house called. It seems like the workers are slacking again. You might need to visit.”I let out a dramatic sigh, dragging my palm down my face. “God, I hate this cover-up business crap.”She gave a polite smile, clearly used to my grumbling. "Sorry, ma'am."Ivan let out a low chuckle from where he was leaning against the opposite wall, arms folded and looking effortlessly intimidating.I narrowed my eyes at him. “You think this is funny?”“You can just be very...expressive," he said, barely suppressing his smile.“I swear, sometimes I wonder why my parents don’t just hire someone else to run this branch of things. Let me focus on the real business. Guns, threats, money laundering—my happy place.”“You’re dealing with the workers today. I’m not lifting a finger.” I said, pointing a finger at him.He nodded, straight-faced. “J
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