Ronan"I believe we should still look into this," Igor persisted, his voice tinged with frustration.But Marshal Abraham Ivanov wasn’t having it."This was a collective decision, four against one. Are you going to question our decision? Do you think the military is a joke, where ranks are handed out as compensation? I voted for Army General Sergey Morozov to be in your seat, Igor, and we all agreed, but his remaining years of service were too few. That’s the only reason you were promoted instead—because these are difficult times. However, that doesn’t give you the right to abuse your position and power."Abraham’s words cut through the room, his voice carrying the authority of someone who had seen too much and had no patience for politics that threatened the integrity of the military. After all, he had just lost his son, Marc. The fact that he was present showed his dedication."We would all love to see our children succeed, but they must earn it," Abraham continued. "Ronan Morozov, J
RonanI couldn’t help but wonder how much of what Arya had told me was fabricated, carefully crafted to manipulate me into believing a false narrative. I felt exposed, vulnerable, like a pawn in a game I hadn’t even realised I was playing. But now, I was being asked to turn the tables, to use her in the same way she had used me. The irony wasn’t lost on me, but it didn’t make the task any easier to stomach. The lines between duty and personal vendetta were becoming increasingly blurred, and I knew that I would have to tread carefully. This mission was about more than just gathering intelligence—it was about regaining control, about proving to myself that I wasn’t as naive as she had made me out to be. But even as I resolved to do what needed to be done, the bitterness of betrayal lingered, reminding me that this was no longer just a mission. It was personal. The meeting finally ended, and Joseph and I walked out of the building together. I had never been so relieved to see my friend
Ronan Joseph placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder, his usual lighthearted demeanour replaced by a seriousness that I wasn’t used to seeing. "This whole war thing and class struggle is getting to all of us, Ronan," he said, his voice low and weighted. For someone who was often the joker, always quick with a smile or a laugh, seeing him so shaken made the gravity of the situation hit home even harder. "There are countries in Nagria where you and Camila could live a good life," he continued, his tone suggesting that he genuinely considered this a viable option. "Just saying. I don’t know what your plan is, but if it comes to that, I’ll find a way to help you escape. That’s where Thomas Volkovich escaped with his mistress. Yes, he’s a deserter, and they’re hunting him, but they haven’t caught him yet. Love happens to all of us, Ronan. Your secret is safe with me." I paused, absorbing his words. The idea of running away, leaving everything behind for the sake of a life with Camila a
RonanAs soon as I walked through the door, I was greeted by the mouthwatering aroma of delicious food.The familiar scents of spices and simmering dishes wrapped around me, instantly lifting the heavy burden of anxiety and uncertainty that had clung to me all day at work.It was like a comforting embrace, melting away my stress and replacing it with a soothing warmth. I couldn’t help but wonder what Camila was cooking—whatever it was, it smelled divine.I carefully placed the items I was carrying on the couch in the living room and decided to check on Katya before heading to the kitchen.As I opened the door to her room, a wave of tenderness washed over me. There she was, sleeping peacefully in her crib, her tiny chest rising and falling with each gentle breath.She must have played so hard today that she was utterly worn out. Seeing her like that filled me with a deep sense of contentment.With a soft smile, I left her room and made my way toward the kitchen.As I approached, I could
RonanArya fell silent, her eyes wide with uncertainty, unable to offer a response. Her silence was telling. She was likely wondering what I knew and how much I had pieced together about her situation. The knowledge that she might have been exposed was clearly weighing on her."So, what do you want? Why are you here in the main house?" I asked, my tone firm but weary. Arya took a step closer, her hand reaching out towards my shirt. I instinctively pulled back, stopping her from touching me."You can’t touch me like that, Arya. We’re no longer together. I would appreciate it if you respected my personal space," I said, trying to keep my voice steady despite the tension.She smiled, a hint of mischief in her eyes. "Are you still mad about what I did to sweet Katya and Camila?" Her gaze shifted toward Camila, who was still focused on the pot."I’m sure it doesn’t bother her anymore. Right, Camila? You’ve let it go," Arya said, her tone taunting. I managed a smile, though it was more a ma
RonanI had Camila join me for dinner, but with Oliver and Kenneth around, we kept the conversation light and avoided discussing anything serious. She served me as usual, and once we finished, she took care of cleaning the dishes."Join me upstairs once they’re gone," I said, hoping she understood the implication. She nodded, though I couldn’t tell if Arya’s presence had affected her mood. I would have to wait and see.An hour later, Camila came into my room, gracefully wearing one of the nightgowns I had bought for her. It was a red-laced, translucent piece underneath a silk kimono, and when she entered, her smile told me she wasn’t upset."Dealing with her will be a lot of work, Ronan," she said, showing off the elegant body-hugging nightwear with a hint of amusement."You know what will be even harder?" I asked, pulling her close. "The days I’ll be away from you and Katya," I spoke from the heart, the weight of my upcoming separation pressing on me.Camila leaned into me, her warmth
RonanI woke up in the middle of the night, a restless feeling pulling me from sleep.My mind kept drifting to the hard drive Joseph had given me. I couldn't help it; my curiosity was eating away at me.I glanced over at Camila, who was lying next to me, sleeping peacefully. She looked so serene, her bare skin illuminated by the moonlight coming through the window. The lace she had worn earlier was now just a memory. We had been a little too enthusiastic, but I could always buy her a new one.I watched her for a moment, feeling a mix of guilt and longing. I wished for a time when we wouldn't have to sneak around in the dark, hiding our love like it was something shameful.But my ambitions kept me up at night. I was only three ranks away from becoming a marshal—a huge achievement, especially for someone as young as me.Sometimes, it felt like there was a higher power guiding my steps, helping me climb the ranks faster than I could have ever dreamed. If I made it to marshal, I could set
RonanIt was becoming clearer to me now—Arya had more than just me as her target. She had a source inside the military, someone she trusted, someone they believed could rise quickly if Marc was taken out of the picture.Could it be Lucas? It could be anyone, really. With thirty-three colonels currently in the ranks, any one of them could be vying for a promotion. It was impossible to pinpoint who her ally was without more information. This puzzle was a tough one to solve, but I was determined. Once our mission in Kavistan was complete, I intended to get the truth out of Arya myself.The fact that she had tried to gain access to my office and my computer sent a shiver down my spine.I had never been so thankful for my cautious nature as I was right then. Every security measure I had put in place, every extra layer of protection—I was suddenly grateful for them all.I glanced over at Camila, lying peacefully in bed, and felt a wave of relief. Choosing her had been the right decision, not
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