Page 16

My skin glistened with a fine sheen of perspiration, my body temperature rising with each passing minute as I pounded the treadmill belt with steady, rhythmic strides. My lungs burned as I pushed myself harder, my breathing growing more labored.

I’d yet to come to terms with the fact that I was going to be a mother in about nine months’ time. The realization hadn't completely sunk in despite how many times I'd thought about it.

In my head, different scenarios of how this could possibly end wouldn't stop playing—these were the only thoughts that occupied my mind recently. I'd tried to channel my thoughts into something else—something more productive—but I always found myself coming back to my reality.

The only way I knew to get away from these worries and anxiety was by working out hard. But even that was now a problem, considering that Emily was always somewhere around me like a hawk.

Emily was the gym instructor that Alexei had hired to monitor my workout routines and make sure I wasn't in harm's way. As much as I appreciated the gesture, I was pregnant, not sick. I didn't need a babysitter, at least not now that the baby had barely even formed in my womb.

Anyway, I was stuck with Emily the same way that I was stuck with the bodyguards he'd instructed to never leave my side. It was exasperating sometimes, and I felt I had no privacy because those Arnold Schwarzenegger-looking men followed me wherever I went. They'd made it their mission to literally become my shadow.

Even now, while pounding the treadmill belt, I could see two through the floor-to-ceiling window. They stood sentinel by my sleek black Benz parked outside, their muscles bulging from underneath their black suits.

They wore their signature mean expressions, their dark shades further accentuating their ruggedness. One look at them was enough to send the message that they weren't to be messed with.

People often avoided me the moment they realized that those mean men were my bodyguards. And sometimes, it was quite embarrassing.

Here at the gym, I hadn't made a single friend because none of them were bold enough to approach me. Well, at least not after what happened with the last guy who tried. He’d been flirting with me, truth be told, and it didn't sit well with my bodyguards.

In their defense, they did warn him to back off, but he refused, thinking he was tough. He let his imposing height and masculine physique deceive him. The man did look like someone who lifted a lot of heavyweights, but these men didn't just lift heavyweights; they were trained fighters.

It took only a few seconds for one of them to snap his arm like a twig.

A few people had bowed their heads and laughed when he screamed and begged for mercy. Ever since that incident, everyone else just stayed clear of me.

“Slow down, Lorena.” Emily's voice, firm but gentle, cut through my thoughts. “You're going too fast.”

My brows rose in disbelief, and I shot her a skeptical glance as she stood by my side.

Too fast?

Was she serious?

I checked the speedometer on the treadmill, and according to the display, I was running at a moderate 6.5 miles per hour. That was hardly breakneck speed.

Emily, a petite woman with short, curly dark hair and a warm smile, stood by my side, clad in a white tank top over a pair of black leggings, a whistle around her neck.

She folded her arms across her chest, her brows yanking up. “Don't look at me like that,” she said, a faint grin dancing on her lips. “Your body is going through a series of changes right now, and going too fast can affect the baby's development.”

“The baby?” I asked, my brows still raised, amusement creeping into my tone.

“Yes,” she replied, her expression slightly stern.

“You mean that one that's barely the size of a peanut?” I flashed her a mischievous grin, quickening my pace on the treadmill belt like I was just getting started.

She let out an exasperated sigh, shaking her head. “Oh, my God, you're a stubborn one, aren't you?” Emily stepped forward, reached out, and pressed the stop button.

The machine whirred down, the belt slowing to a gentle stop as I grabbed onto the handrails to steady myself. “Come on, that's not fair!” I laughed, struggling to catch my breath.

“I'm sorry, but I had to take drastic measures.” She smiled, raising her hands in a defensive gesture. “Your husband did say that I could. He warned me that you could be stubborn sometimes, and I can see why,” she said, her voice laced with a hint of amusement. Her gaze swept over me with a knowing glint.

My face contorted into a playful scowl. “Traitor!” I laughed lightly. “I'll have a word with him about sharing my secrets.”

For some reason, I found it funny that he said that to Emily, and I wasn't the least upset about it.

I got off the treadmill, wiping my dampened face with the towel draped over my shoulders. In the floor-to-ceiling mirrors that allowed me to monitor my form as I worked out, I stared at my reflection.

There was a sheen of sweat on my skin, my sleek black sports bra clinging damply to me. My matching leggings hugged my curves, and my hair, tied back in a ponytail, sat neatly in place.

I headed over to lift some dumbbells in a corner, but she sped up to warn me, her finger wagging in the air.

“Ah-ah-ah. No.” Emily shook her head, the words bursting out of her in a frantic rush. “Those are too heavy,” she said, her voice laced with caution. “Remember, we want to keep your heart rate up, but not to the point where you're putting unnecessary strain on your body.” She flashed a smile at me.

I lowered my head, pinching the bridge of my nose. “Great,” I whispered under my breath.

No one told me that prenatal care would be so demanding and exhausting. I couldn't do the normal things that I would usually do without thinking about my health—not for me but for the baby in my womb: Alexei's legacy and my happiness.

*****

Later that afternoon, I had a scheduled consultation with a nutritionist which my husband had insisted that I honor.

I didn't see the need to do so because I'd always been blessed with a fast metabolism, and I never really had to worry about what I ate. The only reason I worked out regularly was because I wanted to stay healthy…and also to maintain my alluring physique. But never because I wanted to lose weight.

However, I was forced to meet up with this nutritionist who'd guide my diet, dictating what I should eat and what I shouldn't.

In her office, I sat across from her, hands folded in my lap with a straight posture as I listened to her “expert” advice.

She was in her mid-forties with fine auburn hair that fell loosely over her shoulders, but all I could hear was her monologue as she droned on about the importance of folic acid and iron for pregnant women. Honestly, I wasn't paying attention half the time. Well, until she made a comment I couldn't help but respond to.

The stern-looking woman peered at me over the rim of her glasses, her clipboard in hand. “And, of course, you'll want to avoid foods that are high in mercury, like sushi and raw fish.”

My brows arched at her words, and I felt a pang of annoyance. Why would she tell me to avoid one of my favorite foods? No, I wouldn't have this one.

“Hmm.” I furrowed my brows, shaking my head in a decisive motion. “No,” I said, my tone firm. “That's not gonna work for me.”

She cast a stern look at me. “Lemme guess, you love sushi.”

“Yes, I do,” came my swift response. “And that's why I can't do what you're asking of me.”

“Lorena, you've been zoning out this whole time, but the mention of sushi suddenly gets your attention?” she asked, raising an eyebrow, her tone laced with skepticism.

“I'm sorry, but sushi is one of the things I have a hard time resisting,” I said, a sheepish grin playing on my lips.

“Well, I'm afraid you're gonna have to resist it,” she replied, her voice firm and unapologetic. “It's not a good idea during pregnancy. The mercury in the fish can be harmful to the baby.”

I let out a frustrated sigh, eyes dropping to the floor in dismay. I'd always eaten whatever I wanted, whenever I wanted, but lately, it just seemed like the best things were off-limits.

An idea sparked in my head, and I returned my gaze to her, my face lighting up with anticipation. “What about cooked sushi?” I asked, hoping for a compromise.

She lifted an eyebrow, plucking off her glasses. “I see what you're doing.”

“I'm just trying to maintain a balance here so both the baby and I get what we want.” I shrugged my shoulders.

She stared at me for a moment before responding, “Well, cooked sushi is better than raw sushi….”

“You see!” I exclaimed in excitement, eyes widening in relief.

She continued, ignoring my brief moment of happiness. “But it's still not the best choice here. Sushi is off-limits,” she declared with finality, leaving no room for arguments.

My shoulders slumped, and I reclined in my chair, a subtle scowl settling on my face.

“There are other foods that are much safer and healthier for you and the baby,” she said, her voice calm as she ignored the frown on my face.

I endured another hour of her lecturing, learning about the supposed perfect foods for women in my condition. Honestly, I wasn't particularly thrilled by any of them.

*****

I had one more appointment for the day, one more professional to see, then I could head back home and rest.

Alexei would've followed me to the hospital, but he got caught up with work. However, the two bodyguards he'd instructed to never leave my side took their jobs more seriously than I thought.

They drove me to the hospital and walked into the building with me in the middle—one in front, one behind. It was embarrassing, the way that protected me like I was the president's daughter.

I never let my dad's men follow me around like this; simplicity was my thing, and I'd never loved unnecessary attention. However, Alexei wouldn't take no for an answer, especially now that I was carrying his baby.

My heels clicked against the floor in opposition to my men's soundless footsteps as we headed toward the hospital's private room. They were willing to follow me inside, but I wouldn't have it; it was tagged “private” for a reason.

“Wait out here,” I instructed, my voice firm and audacious.

They halted in their tracks by the door, exchanging uncertain glances.

“I'm meeting with Dr. Michaelson. I'll be fine,” I said, rolling my eyes as I pushed the door open and walked to the room.

“Mrs. Tarasov, hello,” the doctor greeted me. He stood across the room, clad in his crisp white coat.

The private room, spacious and elegantly decorated with creamy white walls, was equipped with state-of-the-art medical equipment.

“Good evening, Dr. Michaelson,” I replied, gliding over to the comfortable bed that sat against one wall, surrounded by soft white linens.

“How are you today?” he asked, his eyes roaming my charts.

I let out an exasperated sigh, settling on the edge of the bed. “I'm fine, thank you.” I cupped my face in my palms. “Just a little frustrated with the nutritionist I met earlier.” My face contorted into a frown.

He strolled over to me, chuckling. “Yeah, nutrition can be challenging during pregnancy.” He halted in front of me, beaming a warm smile. “But don't worry, we'll get you sorted out.”

I exhaled sharply. “Thanks, doc.”

“Anytime,” he said, his eyes darting toward the door. “And your husband?”

“Oh, he couldn't make it today,” I replied, smoothing my hair backward.

“Alright, then. Let's get to work.”

He began his examination, checking my blood pressure, listening to the baby's heartbeat, and performing a quick ultrasound check on the growth of the baby.

“Well, everything looks great,” he said, plucking his stethoscope out of his ears, his lips curling into a smile. “The baby's growing right on schedule, and blood pressure is perfect…. You're good to go.”

I released a sigh, grateful for his reassuring words, although I was never panicking about complications in the first place. This just meant that I would finally get to go home and relax my head.

Dr. Michaelson prescribed some prenatal vitamins to make sure that I got all the nutrients I needed. He also advised that I focus on eating a balanced diet and listen to my body.

After I was done with my check-up, I heard my phone ring just as I was about to get off the bed. I reached for my purse and withdrew it; maybe it was Alexei calling to ask how the doctor's appointment was going.

My brows furrowed as I realized the identity of the caller. It was my dad.

What did he want? I wondered, my pursed lips mirroring my resentment. I almost didn't take the call, but my curiosity got the best of me.

My thumb hovered over the screen in a moment of hesitation before I finally answered. “Hello?”

“Hey, sweetheart.” His voice boomed through the phone's speakers, a hint of excitement lacing his tone. “How are you today?”

Like you give a shit , I thought, my jaw tightening. “I'm fine,” came my flat reply.

“I just called to congratulate you, sweetheart.” He chuckled on the other line. “You're pregnant. That's good news. I can't believe I'm about to be a grandfather.” The last sentence was spoken under his breath.

“Thanks, Dad,” I forced myself to reply, a plastic smile playing on my lips, not that he could see me, anyway.

He was acting as though everything was fine between us despite knowing I still had an ax to grind with him.

“Hey, uh…so I was wondering if we could, you know…have dinner sometime—to celebrate,” he suggested, his tone dripping with skepticism.

He was to be skeptical because there was no way in hell that I was going to honor that invitation. I was still pissed at him for ruining my life without remorse.

“I'm sorry, Dad, but I'm afraid I'm gonna have to take a pass on that,” I replied, my tone cold and devoid of emotion.

“Why, is everything alright?” he questioned, a hint of concern creeping into his voice.

It was too late to be worried about me now, wasn't it?

“Everything's fine,” I replied. “Just busy being a wife and a potential mother.”

He must’ve read the sarcasm and sass in my tone because he went silent for a moment.

“Look, Dad, I gotta go. Talk to you some other time.” I hung up the phone, rubbing my eyes.

Maybe I was too cold, too harsh. But he deserved it for subjecting me to this life.

I picked up my purse, got off the bed, and strode over to the door.

*****

Once home, I had a warm bath and changed into some clean clothes, yet I still felt suffocated. I couldn't rest my head even though that was all I'd been craving all day. Now, all I craved was some fresh air.

I needed to get out of here—to think and clear my head. This unexpected pregnancy had me riled up. It was barely a month since I’d gotten married; like that wasn't already complicated enough, now we had a baby on the way.

Staying indoors wasn't helping, and I was in desperate need of escape from the mansion, whose walls seemed to be closing in on me. I felt suffocated, needing a reprieve from its classy grip.

But how? Alexei's men were patrolling the compound; his security was tighter now that I was pregnant. It was practically impossible to leave the mansion undetected.

However, I was determined to step out for at least a few minutes before returning.

I got off the bed and headed out through the corridor, acting as nonchalant as I could in case someone was watching.

It would be stupid to go through the front door because I'd be spotted instantly, and those men would end up escorting me. Or they'd insist that I stay back at the mansion.

I glided over to Alexei's study.

That was my only chance at leaving unnoticed.

I'd spent some time exploring the mansion, and not long ago, I discovered there was a secret passage that led out of the building. I hadn't used this path before, but now seemed like a good time to check it out.

Quietly, I got inside and shut the door behind me. I made a beeline to the bookshelf, and after searching for a minute, I finally stumbled upon it—the hidden button.

I pushed it, and a section of the shelf swung open, revealing a narrow passageway. I drew in a deep breath, the scent of aged paper invading my senses. I wasn't sure what lay ahead, but I was willing to take my chances.

“Alright. Here goes nothing,” I said, exhaling sharply as I slid into the passageway.

The path was dimly lit, leading me down a corridor. I should've been scared, considering I had no idea where I was going, but for some reason, I wasn't.

The passageway eventually spat me out into the gardens, where I had to dodge the guards. I would hide behind hedgerows and tall trees in order not to get spotted, all while my eyes were focused on the small hole in the wall.

The plan was to jump the fence, but that hole—which could freely let me through—now seemed like a much better option. All I had to do was sneak my way there.

Once the guards patrolling the gardens turned around to the other side, I made a run for it, and within seconds, I squeezed myself through the hole. In a moment, I was out on the other side of the wall.

I let out a deep breath and rose to my feet, swiping the dust off my dress. I sprinted down the gentle slope upon which the mansion was built and flipped my hoodie on.

Burying both hands in the pockets of my black sweater, I walked down the deserted streets. By now, the sun was already setting, its yellow glow spreading across the horizon.

It did feel nice being all by myself, alone with my thoughts, without anyone hovering over me like a mother hen.

At first, I thought it was my mind playing tricks on me when I heard footsteps following up behind. I turned, but I was alone on the street.

My brows furrowed, creating faint creases on my forehead, as I wondered whether sneaking out was a mistake. I could sense another presence, but as I peered around, there was no one else other than me.

My pulse quickened, my heart racing as a bad feeling swelled up within me. But before I could break into a run, a figure dashed out into the street and pressed a cloth over my face. I screamed, struggling against my attacker's strong arms to no avail.

I was forced to inhale an awful smell I assumed was chloroform, and in no time, the world started to swirl. My head was spinning, and I felt the strength slowly drain out of me. My vigorous slaps against their arms now became weak and sluggish.

My vision was blurry, and I struggled to keep my eyes open, even though I knew eventually, I'd lose this fight.

The sound of their heavy breaths echoed in my spinning head as I drifted unconscious. I felt weightless as I got whisked off my feet. My eyelids fluttered, then finally closed, and complete darkness set in.