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 next hour felt surreal as we transformed ourselves with masks, makeup, and false features.My new face stared back at me from the mirror, unfamiliar and strange. They’d given me a prosthetic nose and a moustache that looked surprisingly authentic, but it had the unfortunate effect of ageing me by at least a decade, leaving me looking like a grizzled stranger.Marc’s disguise was equally drastic; his face now boasted a broader jawline and long, scraggly hair, making him almost unrecognisable.Joseph wore a similar prosthetic nose paired with a coarse, unkempt beard that softened his usual sharp features.Erin was almost comical with his long beard, thick moustache, and bald head adorned with fake piercings—he looked like a rough-edged rebel.Ashton had the finishing touch of a false tattoo snaking across his cheek and a couple of piercings; the transformation was complete. We stood, a motley crew of strangers looking nothing like ourselves.“Won’t they figure it out as soon a
RonanWe finally touched down in Jorvik, and, just as Linus had promised, bypassed the usual immigration checks. Though we’d disguised ourselves well enough to be unrecognisable, we had been pre-cleared with an official document Linus had secured, likely signed by the head of state himself.As we stepped through the private exit, I glanced at Erin; his expression was tense, his nerves visible. I couldn’t fault him. He was all too aware of what had happened to Gaston, who hadn’t even made it out of the airport alive. But unlike Gaston, we had come fully prepared, determined not to share his fate.Fredrick had promised that his men would be waiting for us at the airport, even though an official entourage had also been sent by the head of state. But we’d decided not to use it.We knew that lurking within the ranks of officers, some might be willing to go to any length to silence us, to ensure we didn’t return to our former lives.We may have been declared free men, but that freedom was f
CamilaI was practically bouncing with excitement when Master Sergey told me we were finally going home, and that Ronan and Erin were already on their way. The thought of seeing Ronan again made my heart race, and I could hardly keep my emotions under wraps. My cheeks were hot with a flush I couldn’t hide, and Madam Melania didn’t let it slip by unnoticed, teasing me with a grin and knowing glances that only made me blush deeper.When we gathered in the garage with our things, Master Sergey explained that we’d be returning the same way we’d come. That meant I’d be riding with Madam Melania and little Katya again, but this time the tension I’d felt before was nowhere to be found. In fact, I was almost looking forward to the drive.I carefully strapped Katya into her car seat, smiling at her little hands as they gripped her blanket. Then, I climbed into the front seat, settling in next to Madam Melania, who was practically glowing with excitement herself. She’d be seeing both her sons t
CamilaWe arrived at the estate around ten, the sun casting long shadows across the grounds. As we stepped out of the car, the staff gathered outside to greet their employers, smiles and bows marking our return. My mother and I went inside, carrying Katya in her arms, eager to settle in. Just as we crossed the foyer, Miss Mirabel passed us, her face twisted with disdain.“Well, thank God I don’t have to do all the chores myself anymore now that the slaves are back,” she sneered. Her words were as sharp as ever, and it took effort to stay silent. “Lunch preparation time, Glenda, and you better be in the kitchen.”She barely paused, her eyes cold and hard. “And there’s butter that needs churning. Your whore of a daughter can do that.” Her words stung, though they were hardly surprising. My mother, composed as ever, merely sighed, giving Mirabel a calm smile.“It’s good to see you too, Mirabel,” she replied, and Mirabel scoffed, turning on her heel and disappearing down the hall.We made
CamilaMy mother followed me closely as I carried Katya down the hall to the living room, where we expected to find Madam Melania. But as we stepped inside, we were met with a tense, heavy silence, and a chill swept over me. Soldiers—estate guards, most likely—stood alert around the room, and there, on their knees, were Mirabel and her husband, their faces pale with fear.Madam Melania sat composed in her chair, one leg crossed over the other, her face calm but her eyes sharp as daggers.“So this is how you and your husband repay us after everything we’ve done for you?” she said, her voice cold. “Feeding our enemies information about this family?” Mirabel’s face crumpled as tears filled her eyes, and she shook her head in denial, but Madam Melania pressed on, her tone unyielding. “Who told the authorities we’d fled, Mirabel? Was it not you?”I was stunned. The idea that Mirabel, for all her prickly attitude, could betray us like this—it was hard to comprehend. But Madam Melania wasn’t
RonanWe dropped off Linus and Joseph first, then made a quick stop at Marcus’s house. His mother was overwhelmed with joy, her eyes filled with tears as she clung to him. We wished we could stay to celebrate, but there was still a lot ahead. Ashton, who’d be staying with us for the rest of the mission, remained in the car to join us on the way to my father’s estate.I couldn’t help but feel a sense of responsibility; Fredrick had been nothing but kind and generous while we were in Nerania, and it was only right we look out for Ashton in return. It was clear to anyone that Fredrick deeply cared for his nephew.“So…are we heading to your villa after we’ve seen Mom and Dad?” Erin asked, his tone carrying a hint of eagerness.I chuckled, sensing his impatience. “What’s the rush, little brother? Don’t you know how much Mom misses you?” I raised an eyebrow at him. “Besides, I doubt she and Dad will let you run off so easily. It’s been a while, and I could use some privacy with my woman,” I
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