Ronan.I tossed and turned most of the night, unable to find peace. My heart raced so fast it felt like I was having an anxiety attack. This wasn't a typical situation, and there was no guide on how to be a father, especially not for someone in my position. I was eager to meet my daughter but also dreaded the days ahead. Having her biological mother raise her as a nanny would be difficult, but it was necessary to ensure Katya would be free. Most children born to Belvarian women, regardless of their fathers, were born as slaves. I couldn't condemn Katya to that fate. The image in the photograph stayed burned in my memory, keeping me up all night.Morning came, and it was time for me to leave. Glenda served breakfast, her puffy eyes showing she had been crying. I was glad to take Camila away from her before she completely ruined her with her antics. I just hoped Camila hadn't picked up too many of her traits.Belvarians had a reputation for being wicked people. They deserved to be
CamilaI felt so out of place sitting in the back with Master Ronan. I wished he had let me sit in the front seat, but now I was nervous about doing something that might upset him. Though I appreciated his offer, my interest had faded. Since he left, I lost my passion for books, and TV was no better. The channels were always filled with stories about how evil my people were, with movies highlighting the terrible crimes my government committed. A government I never knew. It felt like they wanted to make sure no one ever forgot. The only thing I looked forward to was holding Katya in my arms and caring for her, even if I would just be her nanny. It didn't really matter because I knew she would have a good life.We finally arrived at a small estate. It was grand, though not as grand as General Sergey's. I got out of the car and went to get my bag from the trunk, knowing the driver wouldn't help me. As I carried my bag, a young woman, slightly older than me rushed out of the house an
CamilaMy heart felt like it was in a storm, filled with so many emotions all at once. Relief, gratitude, and a bit of hope swirled inside me. The room seemed to shimmer with the weight of what he had just told me. For the first time in a long while, I felt a small glimmer of happiness."Thank you," I whispered, my voice barely audible. He gave me a small, reassuring smile, and I felt a sense of comfort.And soon, the sobs came. He moved close to me and held me in his arms. His embrace was warm and reassuring, something I hadn't felt in so long."I'm sorry, Camila. I should have been there," he apologized, and I wondered why he was sorry. He, too, was a victim in this. Whoever drugged our drinks had ruined both our lives, but despite everything, I was grateful for the blessing that came from it."I know how things are. But you will be free in my house," he promised me. His words filled me with a deep sense of gratitude and a glimmer of hope."Thank you, Sir. Thank you," I said and p
CamilaI wanted to speak up and thank Ronan for standing up for me, but I didn't dare. Instead, I focused on the joy of knowing that Katya would be close. The thought of being part of her life, even as her nanny, was a beacon of hope in the storm of uncertainty."I can take care of your daughter," Arya said, but Ronan shook his head firmly."No need. I'm sure Camila will do a good job," he replied, already turning to leave."You should have come home so we could discuss this first," she insisted."I can send you back to Kivastan if you don't like my arrangement. Katya and Camila aren't up for discussion, period," he said, walking out of the room with Arya following behind him. Seeing how he stood up for me and Katya, I felt a surge of relief. Maybe, just maybe, we would be safe here. I looked around the room, taking in its beauty. This wasn't a room for a worker; it was meant for a guest. Why had Ronan given me such a nice room? I prayed silently, hoping this wouldn't end badly.I
RonanArya's behaviour from the moment she first saw Camila deeply troubled me. I never expected her to be so cruel and filled with hatred. It frustrated me immensely. Despite the difficult circumstances, I was determined to protect what little innocence Camila had left. She carried such a heavy burden, unfairly inherited through life's harshness. When I brought her into my home, I hoped it would become a sanctuary where she could rediscover the happiness and hope she once knew. But Arya seemed intent on crushing any chance of that. I wondered if I had to endure Arya's hostility, even though I wasn't married to her.Though I hadn't yet met Katya, my daughter, I wanted her to grow up in a nurturing environment of balance and peace. I knew the prejudices against children born to Belvarian slaves in Jorvik, and I vowed never to subject Katya to such mistreatment. She deserved nothing less than respect, dignity, love, and a secure home — things my parents had begun to provide, but I
RonanWe arrived at the bar where my friends were gathered. Everyone was there except Lucas, who was getting married to Leah. He had always liked her, which explained why he didn't attend my bachelor party. I guess what Glenda did worked out for him. Every time Glenda crossed my mind, a surge of rage filled me, but I knew I had to let it go for the sake of Katya and Camila.My friends seemed to like Arya. They were happy that I had moved on, but I felt a deep emptiness when we talked and interacted. There was a hole in my heart that nothing seemed to fill. That void had been there since Leah called off the wedding, and even my time with Arya couldn't mend it.It was a sad reality. I didn't want to linger at the club, so I told Arya we should go home. She didn't argue, and for that, I was grateful. She had always been pleasant and understanding until today. Her meanness toward Camila was unexpected and hurtful.I wouldn't lie; any woman would be intimidated by Camila. Despite t
CamilaIt was finally the day of Katya's arrival, and I couldn't contain my excitement. Master Ronan had done a wonderful job preparing the nursery for her, and Arya wasn't involved. I could feel the tension between them, but I kept out of it.When the driver approached the gate, Master Ronan, Miss Arya, and I stood outside, eagerly awaiting Katya's arrival. My heart raced with anticipation. It had been so long since I last saw my girl, and I yearned to hold her in my arms again.As the car pulled up, I was surprised to see Madame Melania holding Katya. The resemblance was striking—Katya looked just like her grandmother, unmistakably a Morozov.The moment Katya was handed over, she smiled at me. "Camila, here," Madame Melania said, passing Katya to me, but Ronan gently took her from her grandmother's arms. His face softened with affection as he held his daughter for the first time. It was a beautiful moment, and although I knew there would be many more like it, I let the image lin
CamilaWhen Madam Melania settled in, I hurried to get everything ready for Katya—her room, baby food, and all her essentials.After that, I briefed Kenneth on how to prepare meals to Madam Melania's liking. When I finished, Ronan came looking for me. He cradled a sleeping Katya in his arms, looking like the father of the year in his messy shorts and stained white t-shirt from baby food and burping. I wanted to chuckle but held it in.I led him to Katya's room, opening the door for him to enter. Once inside, I let him take in how I had arranged everything. His eyes caught the air mattress I had set up next to Katya's crib."You're planning to sleep here?" he asked, curious.I hesitated, not wanting to admit my distrust of Arya, so I simply nodded. "In case she needs anything," I explained softly.He gently laid Katya down in her crib and closed the distance between us. Looking deeply into my eyes, he tried to gauge my feelings."I know you are hurting. I doubt I know how to fix thi
RonanThe rest of the day unfolded like a dream. The blending of cultures at the reception created an electric atmosphere, with traditional music, dancing, and customs from both Jorvik and Belvaria.People laughed, cheered, and toasted together, the joy in the air bringing everyone closer in a way I hadn’t seen before.The food was exquisite—lavish dishes from both sides, served alongside sweets that melted in your mouth. I glanced around, noticing a few of the usual snobbish Jorvikians clinging to old prejudices, but their aloofness felt like a remnant of a fading past. The world was changing, and today was proof that we were moving forward.As the day finally wound down, my heart quickened, knowing I’d soon take Camila home with me for the first time as my wife.My mother’s eyes were misty with tears as we prepared to leave. I knew the real reason she was so sentimental had little to do with the wedding itself.She’d gotten used to Camila and Glenda living at home, filling her table
RonanThese words were my truth, my heart’s deepest promises, and I meant to honour them, no matter what life might bring our way.The hall was filled with the soft sounds of sniffles and quiet sighs; I could feel the weight of emotion in the air. But in that moment, I was aware only of Camila. My vow, my promises, were for her and her alone.Camila took a deep breath, gathering her thoughts, and I could see the shy nerves flickering in her expression. She hesitated just a moment, and then began, her voice steady but filled with emotion.“Ronan,” she said softly, her voice warming as she spoke, “words can’t fully capture what I feel, but I’ll do my best.” A gentle chuckle rippled through the crowd, lightening the moment, and she smiled at me with a look that made my heart race.“You made me feel at home when I didn’t have a home,” she continued, her voice thick with sincerity. “Because of you, I’ve known joy, dignity, and freedom—even though society didn’t think I was worthy of those
RonanThe music began softly, and I stood at full attention, my heart pounding as I focused on the door where Camila would soon appear.I felt a mix of nerves and anticipation I hadn’t expected, my eyes lingering on that entrance, hoping each passing second would bring her closer. But first came the bridesmaids, one by one, entering gracefully.Olivia led the way, her figure heavily pregnant but glowing, followed by Stephanie, Ashley, and two Belvarian women who looked like relatives of Camila. Though I hadn’t met them before, their familial resemblance to Camila was subtle—a trace here, a gesture there.Then, my little Katya appeared, a tiny vision holding a small basket of flowers. My heart melted as she toddled down the aisle, her big eyes wide with wonder. For a one-year-old, she was doing exceptionally well, capturing the hearts of everyone as she made her way forward.But then, as her gaze found mine, she lit up and shouted, “Dada!” I couldn’t help but laugh, joy filling me as s
RonanThe day I had dreamed of for so long had finally arrived—my wedding day. As tradition demanded, I couldn’t spend the night with my bride, so I stayed at my house with Marc, Joseph, Erin and Ashton. Lying awake that morning, memories flooded my mind, filling me with emotions I hadn’t felt in a long time. I remembered a different night, a night that haunted me and almost changed everything.That time, I’d been betrayed, drugged, and left in a haze by people I’d thought I could trust—people like Abel and Mira, whose influence had threatened to destroy my happiness. But not this time. This time, it was just my brother my soon-to-be-in-law and my true friends and me, laughing and drinking, reliving those simpler days with nothing sinister lurking around the corner.For the first time, I felt completely in control, safe. I was grateful for that disastrous night from the past, because without it, I would never have crossed paths with Camila. Everything I’d been through, all the pain an
CamilaTwo days before the wedding, Erin arrived with a heavily pregnant Olivia. I couldn't help but wonder how she managed to fly so far along in her pregnancy.Apparently, they had used a private jet, which explained the quick journey. My father had flown them all into Jorvik, bringing along his family, two lively ladies named Trisha and Lily, whom he said were our distant relatives. Along with them were Olivia’s friends, Stephanie and Ashely, who couldn't stop gushing about their excitement to see Marc and Joseph again. Clearly, those two men had left quite the impression on them.Olivia was radiant, her happiness infectious. It was clear she was free-spirited, a stark contrast to the life of servitude I had known.I was grateful she had never had to experience that harsh existence. Madam Melania was particularly taken with Olivia, unable to stop admiring her striking red hair and vibrant green eyes.I could see the wheels turning in Madam Melania’s mind as she tried to charm Olivi
CamilaMy father returned to the villa that the head of state had prepared for him and his entourage. The wedding was just two weeks away, and he planned to leave briefly, returning with my family to attend the ceremony. I was excited at the thought of meeting them, especially with how well my mother’s relationship with Dimitri was progressing. Their bond seemed solid, unhindered by the past, and I was genuinely happy for them both.Ronan suggested we return to his house after the celebration, but Madam Melania was determined to keep us there. She pulled out all kinds of tricks to persuade us to stay, even pleading with my mother not to leave.However, Dimitri was firm in his decision to take her to Nerania, where he also planned to buy a house in Jorvik for them to stay. I understood his reasoning; Madam Melania often seemed to forget that we were no longer slaves, and a little distance might help her realise the changes in our lives.She wasn’t malicious, but her subtle reminders—li
CamilaAs Erin and Ashton walked in alongside my father, I found myself standing up almost absently, my heart racing. Seeing him in person was a revelation; he looked so much better than he did on the screen.His eyes were soft and warm when they fell on me, as if he had just encountered an angel, and in that moment, I couldn’t believe he was my father. The weight of the moment pressed down on me, filling me with a mix of joy and disbelief.I didn’t want to waste any time; I was determined to avoid any awkwardness between us. With a surge of emotion, I rushed toward him and wrapped my arms around his waist, letting him know that there was no need for words. I felt him pause for just a heartbeat before he slowly wrapped his arms around me in a bear hug, holding on tightly as if he were afraid I might slip away.“My daughter, my daughter,” he said, his voice cracking with emotion. I could feel his pain radiating through his words, hear it tremble in the air between us. This moment was a
CamilaI was a bundle of nerves after the signing ceremony. My heart raced, each thump echoing in my ears like a drum. I knew Fredrick wouldn't waste any time seeking me out. Erin had mentioned how impatient he had been throughout the event, his excitement barely contained.As I thought about the man I was about to meet, I felt my stomach twist into knots. My mother appeared calm and composed, but I was anything but. Fredrick was my father, a man I had never seen before, someone I hadn’t even known existed until now. The realisation weighed heavily on me. This was all so overwhelming, yet I understood it was something I had to confront.Once the signing ceremony ended, I slipped out of the living room and headed up to Ronan's room. I needed a moment to gather my thoughts and calm my racing heart. I wasn't sure how I would react when I finally met Fredrick face-to-face or what I might say to him. I had only spoken to him once over the phone, which felt like a distant memory now. That w
RonanAs we celebrated, Ashton turned to Erin with a look of quiet amazement. “When my uncle told me the only way to achieve this was by working honestly with the Jorvikians, I didn’t believe him,” he admitted. “But I guess he was right all along.” Erin nodded, sharing the same sense of disbelief mixed with newfound hope. It truly felt like the dawn of a new era, and I was grateful beyond words to witness it, let alone be part of it.Just as we were toasting to freedom and the future, my father’s phone rang. He listened quietly, then looked over at me, his expression softening. “Gregory has agreed to waive the death penalty in exchange for Lucas’s cooperation. He’ll be dismissed from the military and serve three years in prison. After that, he’ll be a free man. This is the best deal we could secure for him.”I nodded, a feeling of respect and relief swelling up as I met my father’s gaze. “Thank you, Father,” I said, my voice low but sincere. He returned a small smile, nodding back. Al