RonanThe idea twisted in my mind, plausible and disturbing all at once. “You might be onto something,” I conceded, rubbing my temple as if it could ward off the headache forming there.“Since he was Arya’s contact and handler in Jorvik, it’s not that far-fetched to suspect he was involved in some scheme to get me disqualified and dismissed.”“I’m just guessing,” Erin said, a slight frown on his face. “But there’s enough history there for us to be suspicious. He knows you. Knows how to hurt you.”Before I could reply, Joseph chimed in, his expression grim. “You know what? I think Erin’s right. Marc never trusted that guy, not for a second, but we kept him around for some reason. I guess we just didn’t want to believe he could really do us harm. But with everything we know now… after finding out he was working with Arya? I’d believe anything. The guy’s had it in for you for a long time.”He let out a dry chuckle, but I could hear the anger simmering beneath his casual tone. “It’s easy f
RonanMy chest tightened painfully. Mad? How could I be mad? She had done everything right—she’d been brave and smart, more than anyone could’ve asked of her.“No, Malishka. I’m not mad at all,” I said softly, my voice steady with reassurance. “In fact, I’m relieved. And proud. You did the right thing.” I paused, letting the relief and warmth flow through my words. “How’s Katya?” I asked, eager to know more about my daughter.“She’s fine,” Camila replied, a soft smile in her voice. “She’s in the living room with your mother. Madame won’t let her out of her sight for even a second.”I couldn’t help but smile at that. My mother, ever the protector, always putting family first. “Good. I’m glad they’re together.” I glanced at Erin, his face reflecting the same relief I felt. “There’s some food there,” I added, though I knew they might not have thought of it in their haste to get to safety.“Yes, I know,” she said, a hint of humour threading through her words. “But we came prepared, too. We
CamilaHearing Ronan’s voice filled my heart with an overwhelming sense of joy, the kind that almost brought me to tears. I wanted to scream out in relief, but I couldn’t. I had to keep it all hidden.For days, my chest had been tight with worry, my mind consumed by fear. But now, just hearing his voice, knowing he was safe and sound—it was like a huge weight had been lifted off me. I could finally breathe again. But beneath that relief, there was still a storm of anxiety. The news coming in was terrible. I knew what it meant for him and Joseph. And the more I thought about it, the more I realised just how bad things might get.In the worst-case scenario, I’d have to beg him not to come home. I’d have to do whatever it took to keep him away, to keep him safe. The whispers of a planned coup were becoming louder, almost like a distant drumbeat getting closer and closer. It was terrifying to think that this time, it could really happen.Would it be safer for us to leave the country entir
CamilaI didn’t want to make things awkward. Whatever was happening between my mother and Master Dimitri was clearly delicate. So, I chose to act like it was the most normal thing in the world.I pretended not to notice the way they stood a little too close to each other or the lingering touch on her shoulder. But I knew my mother too well—she’d want to talk about it later, to give me some sort of explanation. I could already see it in her eyes, the slight tightening around the edges, as if she was preparing for that conversation in advance.“Sir, I’d like to speak with you in private,” I said, turning to Master Dimitri with a determined look.My mother’s brow furrowed in concern, a flicker of uncertainty crossing her face.“It has nothing to do with you, Ma,” I assured her quickly, not wanting her to think it was about what I’d just seen. The last thing I wanted was to make her feel self-conscious or guilty. But I needed to talk to Master Dimitri alone, and I needed him to understand
CamilaI offered him a small, genuine smile, trying to let him know that everything was okay. “Sir, if I may speak,” I said softly, keeping my tone respectful. I didn’t want to overstep, but I needed to make sure he understood where I stood. He nodded, giving me permission to continue.“I would be the happiest person in the world to see my mother happy,” I began, making sure each word was deliberate. “And if it’s with you, then so be it. I have no issues with it.”I watched as his expression shifted from disbelief to cautious hope. He stared at me, brow furrowed, as if trying to figure out if I really meant what I said.“Really?” he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.“Yes, really,” I affirmed, nodding to emphasise my sincerity.“But… talk to her, Camila. Tell her to give me a chance,” he pleaded softly, and I could see just how much this meant to him. His whole demeanour was one of a man who had been waiting, hoping for years, and now that there was a glimmer of possibility, he d
Camila"I want to hear his voice," Dimitri said softly, a vulnerability in his tone I wasn’t used to hearing. For a moment, I was confused. Who did he mean?Then he whispered the name that sent a shockwave through me: “Erin.”I felt my breath catch in my throat, and my heart seemed to skip a beat.Erin? Erin was with Ronan?My mind whirled, struggling to process what I’d just heard.Ronan had found him? After all these years of thinking he was gone forever? After believing we’d lost him, that he’d died in some dark, lonely place we’d never be able to reach?Tears welled up in my eyes before I could stop them. Tears of relief, of overwhelming joy. They spilt down my cheeks, and I didn’t even bother wiping them away. We had been bracing ourselves for confirmation of his death, trying to prepare for the worst—and now, this. This impossible, beautiful miracle.“You gave us a scare there, Erin,” Dimitri murmured, his voice thick with emotion. He rubbed a hand across his face, as if trying
CamilaWe set the table quietly, each of us lost in our thoughts. The air was different, lighter somehow, despite everything happening outside these walls.When General Sergey and Madam Melania finally joined us, I noticed it right away—the change in their expressions.Their faces, which had been drawn tight with worry and fear for so long, now seemed softer, almost peaceful. There was a sense of relief hanging around them, a faint trace of joy. It was as if a heavy shroud had been lifted off their shoulders.Of course, they still held themselves with the same poise and dignity as always, but I could see it—the way they shared small, knowing smiles, the way their postures seemed less rigid. For the first time in a long while, they looked free.Hearing from both their sons—one they had believed to be dead and the other they feared was missing—had given them something precious. Something they hadn’t dared to feel in a long time: hope.The news outside was still grim, with every channel f
CamilaI couldn’t shake the feeling that I had taken too long with Katya, that I’d missed something important during those forty-five minutes. But I took comfort in the fact that it was General Sergey who had given me the order and not Madam Melania. He was far more patient and understanding, and I knew he wouldn’t hold it against me.I stepped back into the living room, my heart still racing from the conversation earlier.General Sergey and Master Dimitri were seated on the plush sofa. The tension in the room was palpable, like a live wire humming just beneath the surface. My mother was in the kitchen, scrubbing the dishes quietly, the clinking of porcelain the only sound breaking the silence.As I glanced around, Madam Melania emerged from their rooms and joined us, her expression blank.I noticed a half-empty bottle of vodka on the coffee table in front of them, and a few glasses already filled. The television in the corner was on, casting a muted blue glow around the room, but the
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