24 Love

Ann and I were seeing each other almost every day, but it was never enough for me. I wanted to see her beside me constantly. And let’s be honest, I want all of her, to the point of trembling! My balls are already the size of bowling balls!

The days pass relentlessly, and there’s less than a week left before my brother and his wife return. My deadline for this lie is shrinking at an insane speed, throwing me into panic. So little time!

We spent all our time walking around with the kids and having a great time. We went to the movies, to a kids’ entertainment center, to the zoo, and I’d bring her the whole damn world if I could, but there’s so little time and I realize I’m not keeping up.

Of course, I notice that Ann has noticeably warmed up to me. Her gaze shines and she looks at me with interest. But there’s also a certain sadness in her eyes. As if she doesn’t believe that anything could really come out of our relationship… and is just living in the moment, enjoying the positive emotions.

It saddens and worries me, but I can’t pressure the brunette. All this time we’ve been walking hand in hand, and since our first date we haven’t even kissed again!

It’s like walking on the edge of a knife. You have to move carefully and smoothly so you don’t press too hard, no matter how much I want to dive into her curves.

Her night shifts at the hospital don’t scare me. Because if… actually, why “if”? WHEN she becomes mine, she won’t even need to work at all! I’m a very wealthy man, and supporting the woman you love is simply a matter of honor!

And I love her! Damn it, I really do!

Now I understand all of Kirill’s impulses to constantly touch his beloved, to be with her, to be everything for her. When the Yartsevs fall in love, they fall completely and without reserve, not wasting themselves on small things and overcoming every obstacle. And that’s been proven… by everyone! Father, Kirill, Makar… and now, apparently, it will be proven by me too.

Today I decided on quite a bold and risky step. I invited Ann and Kirill over to my place… well, technically to my brother’s place. The kids have been whining forever that they don’t get enough time with the console, so I’ll kill two birds with one stone: the kids will have fun, and maybe I’ll get a chance to secretly press the brunette against a wall somewhere in the hallway.

“Your home is beautiful,” Ann says with admiration, looking around at all the little details. “So cozy and homey. You can immediately see that a close-knit family lives here,” and again I catch that fleeting sadness in her eyes, and I don’t like it. I want to see only happiness and joy on her face, tearing that damned sadness out of her!

“A family that’s missing a few pieces,” I smile slightly, studying the charmer carefully, and she noticeably blushes.

We settle in the living room where the sacred gadget is connected. The kids immediately turn it on and start chattering about which game they’ll play first and in what order. Kirill happily joins them. In general, the kid doesn’t cause trouble, aside from the occasional sharp look. Apparently, just like he said, he’s chosen a strategy of waiting it out, but with the kids he always behaves well and friendly, which is nice.

While the kids sort everything out and start playing, Ann looks around the room and her eyes catch the wedding photo of Kirill and Vicky standing on the fireplace.

Damn it! I didn’t even think about the photos!

“You used to have such a serious style. It suits you, but I still like how you look now more,” the beauty chuckles lightly, picking up the frame and carefully studying the photo. Ann falls silent, then quietly adds while still looking at it. “She’s so beautiful… You both look so happy and in love here… You can feel it even through the photo,” the brunette sighs. “I don’t know, your wife looks so sweet, never wouldn’t think she could abandon the whole family, especially with children. A real angel.”

Because Vicky actually is an angel in the flesh. Damn it, lying feels disgusting, but there’s no other way right now.

“Not wife. Ex-wife,” I correct the girl and take the photo from her. “And she wasn’t always like that. There were moments when we really were happy together, though not for long,” I say with feigned sadness, placing the portrait back.

“Do you still love her?” my beloved shocks me with the direct question.