Vera parked the car at the entrance of the mansion. The gates stood open, and laughter carried from the porch. The moment she stepped out, Leila came running, arms wide. “Finally! We were waiting forever.” She hugged Vera tightly before pulling back to look at her. “You’re glowing, doctor.” Vera chuckled softly. “Glowing or exhausted?” “Both,” Dimitry teased as he appeared behind his wife, tall and relaxed. He bent to kiss Vera on the cheek. “Four whole days of peace. We’ll make it count.” “Where’s Viktor?” Vera asked. “Inside, pretending he’s not excited,” Leila whispered with a grin. They walked in together, and Vera’s steps slowed when she saw the man in the wheelchair. Her father—once so imposing—looked smaller now, but his eyes brightened the second they met hers. “Verochka,” he said, voice rough but warm. “You came.” Vera moved quickly to him and knelt, taking his hands. “Of course I did, Papa. Did you think I’d miss this?” His lips curved faintly. “Never.” He squeezed h
Last Updated : 2025-08-21 Read more