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CamilaI woke up before the sun had fully risen, a heaviness settling in my chest as I dragged myself out of bed. There was a lot to do, and I wanted to get ahead of the day, but it wasn’t just the chores weighing on my mind.My mother, Glenda, wasn’t feeling well. She’d been a little off lately, not just tired but something deeper. I had a sinking feeling in my stomach that it was more than just fatigue. She’d been through so much lately, too much, really—life had been overwhelming with all the commotion and stress we’d faced. I knew she needed rest, but still, it gnawed at me.I decided to take matters into my own hands. I needed to get the chores done before Madam Melania noticed anything was wrong. The last thing I wanted was for her to start complaining. She had been kind lately, and I didn't want her thinking we were taking her kindness for granted. I could already hear the biting edge of her voice if she suspected we weren’t pulling our weight, and I wasn’t about to let that ha
Camila"No need to be tense, Camila. I mean well," Madam Melania said softly, placing a hand on my shoulder. The touch was so gentle, so unlike the rigid woman I had known all my life, and it made me pause. She let out a long, tired sigh, and I could feel the weight behind it."Honestly, having to be harsh and indifferent all the time is exhausting," she admitted, her voice sounding heavier than usual. There was something vulnerable in her tone that caught me off guard. I had always seen her as this unshakable force—cold, unrelenting, always in control. Hearing her like this made her seem... human.She sighed again, staring at the bacon sizzling in the pan. "You need to understand, Camila, this situation we're in... it’s dangerous. Feelings like this, they could get us all in trouble." Her words hung in the air like a warning, and I felt my heart thudding in my chest. She wasn't wrong—our world was cruel, and stepping out of line could lead to consequences none of us could bear."I was
CamilaLater that afternoon, the phone rang, and it was Ronan. He wanted to speak with his father, and as soon as I answered, I hurried to take the phone to Master Sergey, who was sitting quietly, watching the news.I didn’t dare glance at the television screen. It had become too difficult, with Ronan’s face plastered everywhere, alongside Joseph’s. The images were a constant reminder of everything going on, a reminder of the danger and uncertainty.Madam Melania sat nearby, a sadness etched into her face that was hard to ignore. I could see the worry in her eyes, the unspoken fear that something could go wrong at any moment. As Master Sergey went off to talk to Ronan, I felt compelled to ease her mind, even if just a little."It sounded urgent," I said gently, hoping to reassure her that Ronan’s call wasn’t an intentional snub. Her shoulders relaxed a bit, and she gave me a small nod, though the worry in her eyes didn’t completely fade.When Master Sergey returned, the look on his fac
CamilaThe announcement didn't come until seven in the evening, and by then, the air in the room was thick with tension.Master Sergey paced, his worry growing with each passing minute. He had already confided his fear that Head of State Gregory Novikov might refuse the Belvarian demands. But as much as Sergey worried, we all knew Novikov didn’t really have a choice. With his allies either dead, on the run, or hiding, he was cornered. The weight of his country’s fragile peace rested on his shoulders, and the cost of not accepting the Belvarian offer was too high. If he refused, Jorvik would descend into chaos.As we all stood waiting for the announcement, my mother sat in silence, a quiet but heavy presence beside me. She hadn’t spoken a word since hearing the update earlier in the day. Her eyes, usually so strong, now flickered with an intense mix of emotions—hope and fear intertwined so tightly that I could feel them radiating from her. I didn’t blame her. It had been twenty-two lon
CamilaNovikov continued his speech, and we were attentive, clinging to every sliver of hope we could muster."As for Lieutenant General Ronan Morosov and Joseph Zelienski," Novikov continued, his voice steady but carrying a hint of regret, "they too have followed in their fathers' footsteps and given much for their country. So, it was deeply disheartening to see that an investigation led by incompetent officers painted them as traitors, making them fugitives."I felt a lump form in my throat as his words hung in the air. The accusations against Ronan and Joseph had weighed on all of us, but hearing Novikov acknowledge the injustice brought a glimmer of relief. He continued, and I found myself leaning in, clinging to every word."I have looked into the matter," he said, "and learned that Ronan Morosov was targeted by the Marakatim group. When the young woman they placed near him sought shelter at his home, Ronan followed protocol, filling out a detention form to have her placed in law
RonanThe celebration at the base was in full swing. After watching the head of state’s broadcast, I should have felt pure relief, but there was an odd emptiness in my chest, a strange sense of something missing. Still, the realisation that I could finally go home filled me with a surge of joy. After all, this was what we had fought for.Fredrick approached me, holding a glass of whiskey. It was a drink I had come to enjoy during our time together. Vodka had always been my choice, but now, it seemed I had developed a taste for something new.He smiled warmly as he held out the glass, and we clinked them together in a quiet gesture of victory. There was a shared understanding in that moment, an unspoken acknowledgement of everything we had endured to get here. I felt a wave of gratitude wash over me—trusting Fredrick had been the right decision, and now, thanks to him, we were no longer fugitives. We could go home, and that thought alone lifted a huge weight off my shoulders, though I k
Ronan"Fredrick showed me the pictures this morning," Erin said with a chuckle. "Apparently, he went through your phone when it was confiscated. I didn’t even think to look. Maybe I should’ve, but I’m terrible at snooping."I couldn’t help but laugh. "That just shows you’ve got discipline."Erin nodded, a grin forming on his face. "So, when are we heading home?"“The day after tomorrow,” he said, his tone softening. "I’d like to spend tonight with Olivia and have all day tomorrow with her, too."I understood completely. "Then we’d better head back tonight," I said, smiling at him.Just then, Joseph walked up to us, overhearing the conversation. "Yes, indeed. I still have to win Olivia that famous peach cobbler," he said with a wink, and we all laughed, remembering how Olivia had always tried to set us up with her friends."I must’ve missed a lot while I was away," Marc chimed in, joining our group.I shook my head, grinning. "Oh, just some Belvarian women who thought we were charming.
RonanThe day unfolded in the most beautiful way, as though each moment was carefully crafted to leave us with memories we would carry for a long time. Laughter bounced off the walls, and the warmth of companionship wrapped us all up like a blanket. Olivia’s friends were a joy and Marc and Joseph did not hide their excitement either.It was indeed a full house, bustling with excitement and friendship. Olivia moved among us, smiling as she collected recipe ideas from every her friends. I could tell she was savouring every bit of it, delighted by chance to swap cooking secrets and share favourite dishes with her friends. Marc and Joseph, standing nearby, shared her joy, their faces lighting up as each friend offered their own piece of culinary wisdom.But Marc held onto Stephanie a little too tightly, in a way that was unmistakably protective, perhaps even possessive. I couldn’t help but wonder what he was thinking—was he planning to take Stephanie back to Jorvik after all of this? 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