Vera stood in front of the full-length mirror, her eyes scanning the open wardrobe with quiet uncertainty. Dozens of gowns hung untouched, most still tagged—gifts, bribes, maybe even threats, depending on who sent them, but none of them felt like she owned them.Her fingers hovered over a shimmering silver dress, then a deep maroon, before she finally settled on a muted midnight blue gown. It wasn’t flashy. It didn’t scream for attention. It flowed gently down her figure, clinging to her waist, with a subtle slit that revealed just enough leg without feeling exposed. The neckline was modest yet elegant, held in place by thin straps that left her shoulders bare. Against her skin, the blue made her look even fairer, her complexion glowing without effort.She checked herself again—no bruises, no marks, no reminders of Roman on her body. At least tonight, her skin was her own. She reached for a small pair of earrings and slipped them in with shaky fingers, giving herself one last glance b
The door opened, and Roman's eyes widened. He hadn’t expected to see her standing there under the soft porch light. For a moment, the world tilted, and his vision blurred. He took a step forward, nearly losing his balance. She was there, maybe it was his illusion, but she caught his arm before he could fall, steadying him.Roman’s breath caught as he looked at her—her hair falling around her face, the tiredness in her eyes, and the slight tremble in her hands as she reached for his blazer.“You came...” he whispered. She didn’t speak. She just nodded, her eyes searching his face. Then she gently took the blazer from his shaky grip and folded it over her arm.“I’m sorry I was late, the—” She stopped mid-sentence when she noticed the blood on his arm. Her eyes widened. “You’re bleeding.”Roman glanced down, confused. He hadn’t realized the glass had cut him that deeply. Blood had soaked into the sleeve of his shirt.Without waiting, she led him to the couch and helped him sit down. She
Vera’s hands had turned cold as she made her way to the airport. Her mind was still tangled with thoughts of Leila, Dimitri, and Adrian. She had never imagined her trip would end like this—leaving her questioning everything about her identity.Adrian had taken responsibility for everything. She never got the chance to meet Volk—she never wanted to—but still, she couldn’t help wondering: were Leila and Adrian safe? Dimitri was stable, but still unconscious. The doctor must have arrived by now to check on him.Before Volk could reach the house, Adrian had forced her to leave. She didn’t get to say goodbye to her family—it was only Adrian who saw her off. She hadn’t even had the chance to ask her father about her past—who her real mother was, and why he had hidden the truth for so long. She wanted to stay and uncover it all, to find answers. But the duties she had taken upon herself long ago wouldn’t allow it.Roman’s warning echoed in her ears. She was supposed to be home last night, bu
Adrian tapped it, and the screen filled with shaky, frantic footage—captured on a civilian’s phone. Gunfire. Screams. People running for their lives. Adrian stared at the screen, jaw tightening. “The shooting is already in the news,” he said grimly, glancing up with urgency in his eyes. “And from the looks of it… this wasn’t random. It screams mafia involvement. I’m sure you—”“I know Roman will find out,” Vera cut in, her voice quiet but firm. “I know.”She turned to face him, slowly exhaling. Her mind was spinning, but her tone remained steady—unshakable.“But I’m not leaving until I know he’s going to live.”Adrian stepped closer, lowering his voice, his expression deadly serious. “Whatever or whoever Dimitri Malenkov really is… they will come for him again. And when they do, they won’t care who gets caught in the crossfire.”He paused, letting the words sink in.“We’re not exactly free of enemies either, Vera. If they find out Roman Benedetti’s wife is hiding here? They won’t he
The vehicle screeched to a halt outside the secluded farmhouse. Vera exhaled sharply, relief flooding her as she saw Adrian already waiting at the front steps, phone still in hand. Thank God, she thought. He made it before us.Without wasting a second, she jumped out of the car and rushed around to the other side just as the driver opened the door. Dimitri groaned, his face pale and drenched in sweat, barely conscious. Vera slid her arm under his, trying to support him.Adrian’s eyes widened as he took in the sight—blood soaked through Dimitri’s suit, his steps faltering, breath shallow. Shock froze him for a beat, then instinct kicked in. He reached out, grabbing Vera’s arm and yanking her back protectively.“What the hell is going on?” he demanded, alarm rising in his voice.Vera turned to him, her expression fierce, unwavering. “Not now, brother. I can’t let him die under my watch.”She gently pulled her arms free from his grip, determination flashing in her eyes. Adrian, still ove
A bullet ripped through the decorative planter just inches from Vera’s shoulder. The ceramic shattered, soil bursting into the air as screams echoed through the elegant diner. Glass clinked, chairs scraped, and panic erupted. Vera froze, eyes wide, heart hammering in her chest. Another shot cracked—this time slamming into the wall behind them. People ducked, scrambled under tables, or bolted toward exits. Dimitri moved fast, instinct taking over. He grabbed Leila and pulled her close to his side, shielding her with his body as two of his guards stepped in front, forming a protective barrier. “Down!” one of the guards barked, yanking open the nearby elevator as bullets ricocheted off metal and marble. Dimitri scanned the upper balcony—his hand already pulling the gun from the holster beneath his jacket. His jaw tightened. The attack wasn’t coming from one direction. Multiple shooters. They weren’t trying to scare them, they wanted to kill them. “Get them inside. Now,” he ordered,