I make my way to the bathroom, needing to splash cold water on my face.
The close call with Alessandro has left me shaken.
One moment of carelessness could destroy not just my future, but Cristian's life.
I flip on the light and reach for my toiletry bag, accidentally knocking it off the counter.
The contents spill across the tile floor.
Makeup, hair ties, and a small box of tampons scatter on the floor.
I bend to collect everything, my fingers freezing around the box of tampons.
When was my last period?
I sit back on my heels, mind racing through the calendar.
It should have come… two weeks ago?
Oh… no…
It’s just stress. It has to be.
My hand drifts to my stomach, flat, and yet possibly housing the most dangerous secret imaginable.
A baby. Cristian's baby.
The thought sends a confusing surge of emotions through me. Terror and something warm. A child born of love, not obligation.
The moment of wonder lasts only seconds before reality crashes back.
If I'm pregnant with Cristian's child and marry Maksim, he'll kill us both when he discovers the truth.
If Alessandro finds out before the wedding, Cristian will be executed, and I'll still be forced to marry Maksim.
There is no scenario where this ends well.
I drag myself up off the floor, my mind trying to reorder the world in a way that this isn’t happening.
But as I stare at my reflection, I know there’s no changing my life.
All I can do is protect those I love.
26
CRISTIAN
I keep to the shadows on Valentina’s balcony. I should be gone already, but something keeps me tethered to this room.
To her.
Each night, I promise myself it'll be the last time.
Each morning, I wake knowing I'll break that promise again.
What the fuck did Alessandro want so late at night?
When he left, I wanted to barge back into her room, but instead, I’m waiting to make sure he doesn’t return.