Page 30

~Four months later

My heart was overwhelmed with gladness, and tears of joy pricked at the corners of my eyes as I gazed upon our little miracle, cradled in my arms.

The air was filled with the sweet scent of baby shampoo and fresh linen, blended with the hospital room's soft beeps and muted hum.

I sat on the bed, eyes fixed on the infant nestled in my arms, unable to tear my gaze off the baby's tiny features. Our newborn son had me mesmerized. His delicate eyelashes, petite nose, and rosebud lips ignited an unimaginable joy within me.

A different kind of love stirred up inside of me. I'd never felt this way toward anyone before. This kind of love made me realize that I could give up my own life for this child. I would do anything, anything at all, to guide, protect, and make sure he never lacked or wanted.

I was exhausted, drained from the four-hour labor that had threatened to take my life. Yet, I felt strong enough to hold my baby. I would never be too tired for this child.

The doctors had said that some labors took longer than mine, especially when it was a woman's first. The pain was unimaginable, and at some point, I'd sworn never to carry another life in my womb again. I didn't think at that moment that I could go through such agony a second time if I survived this one.

Four hours of wailing in tremendous anguish, straining, pushing, weeping, my flesh tearing—ripped apart to allow the baby's head free passage. It was a horrible experience, one that drained me both physically and mentally. Yet, the end result was appealing enough to wipe away those tears, to soothe that pain and replace it with an overwhelming joy.

How could something that brought me so much pain bring me even more happiness? It was as though I'd forgotten all about the agony of labor as I stared into those tiny pale blue eyes simmering in the lights.

I felt the tender touch of my husband's hand, gently massaging my shoulder as he sat by my side, watching our little miracle nestled peacefully in my arms.

I lifted my head, and our eyes locked in a moment. His lips curled into a bright smile I'd never seen on his face before, pride etched in his soft gaze. I mirrored his wide grin, my heart overflowing with love and gratitude.

What did I do to deserve a happy family?

Alexei had, over the past few months, transformed into the man of my dreams. I wasn't entirely sure how he’d managed to pull that off, but I was glad he had. I felt blessed to have him in my life.

Throughout the four hours of my labor, Alexei had never left my side. He was with me the whole time, gripping my hands and whispering words of encouragement. The few times I nearly gave up, it was Alexei who kept me going, urging me to keep pushing with a promise that it would all be over soon—that it would be worth it in the end.

I wasn't sure how my labor would have been if he wasn't there with me through thick and thin. Alexei was my anchor. His hands were like pillars that I held on to when slipping away. The nurses’ and doctor's words of encouragement were irrelevant, as all that I heard was my husband's voice.

It had been his voice that echoed in my head, leading back to reality when I'd almost drifted unconscious. Alexei played a vital role in my safe delivery. If he wasn't there with me, something would have most likely gone horribly wrong.

I’d thought I was going to die from all that pain, and somewhere along the line, I’d blamed him for putting me in this condition. I'd hit him hard multiple times, my eyes shining with fury. But thankfully, Alexei didn't take me seriously; he understood the amount of pain I was going through.

However, now that it was all over, and all that suffering and the agony I'd had to endure had dissipated, everything seemed to have fallen into place. I felt relieved…peaceful.

The suffering of childbirth couldn’t be compared to the joy that came with carrying my baby in my arms. In spite of the anguish, I was glad to have pushed through regardless, thanks to my husband.

He was my better half, and we'd worked together as a team to make this a success.

I shut my eyes as he reached out and kissed my forehead, his fingers combing through my hair, moist from sweat. His touch still sent shivers down my spine, and I felt more connected to him than I ever had.

Ironic how we’d moved from enemies to lovers within a few months. I still hadn't been able to wrap my head around it yet because everything just happened so fast.

It felt like yesterday when my dad had informed me about his decision to marry me off to a man I used to see as nothing but a heartless mobster. I wasn't wrong anyway; he was, indeed, exactly the type of man I knew him to be: ruthless, arrogant, evil, and devilishly attractive.

Today, our story was different. Better in every way. The man I’d hated most in the world was now the one I loved most. Well, that was debatable, considering the arrival of our newborn son. But regardless, he'd stolen my heart, my love, and my affection. Now, I couldn't picture my life without him.

It was hard to remember the feelings of hatred, resentment, and disdain I used to harbor toward this man. All of that was replaced by an amount of love my heart couldn't contain.

A house that was once my prison was now a place I referred to as home. the perfect place to raise our little miracle together as a family.

“Hey, buddy,” Alexei whispered, leaning in to stare at the baby in my arms. “Welcome to the world.” His eyes crinkled at the corners as he shifted his gaze toward me. “This is the best gift I've ever received,” he said, his expression soft. “Thank you.”

My smile broadened, my heart overwhelmed with love as I held his gaze.

In that moment, time seemed to stand still. Nothing else mattered. The world narrowed to the three of us, suspended in a bubble of gratitude and love. With my husband by my side and our little baby in my arms, I felt invincible yet vulnerable at the same time.

Our intimate staring contest was soon interrupted by the sound of someone clearing their throat conspicuously.

I broke eye contact with Alexei, and my gaze fell on the young girl by the door, her lips curled into a charming smile. Her blonde hair was piled to the top of her head, her hazel-brown eyes shimmering behind her wire-rimmed glasses. She had her backpack slung over her shoulder, complementing her black flare gown.

My brows arched in astonishment, my heart bubbling with joy. “Hannah?”

“Sorry to drop by unannounced, but I just couldn't help it,” she replied, gliding over to meet me. “Hi, Mr. Tarasov.” She waved at him, her attention fixed more on the baby. “Oh, my God, he's so cute,” Hannah gasped, her eyes sparkling with excitement as her hands stretched out. “Can I…can I hold him?” She beamed, her puppy eyes making it impossible for me to deny her request. “Pretty please…?” She steeled herself, anticipating my response.

My husband and I exchanged glances, and he shrugged his shoulders.

Hannah was Darcy's daughter, my stepsister, the one that would have been given to Alexei if I had said no to my father. She was still a teenager in high school and should have had nothing to do with such a life. However, we'd crossed that bridge already.

I rose to my feet and carefully handed the baby to her, nestling our little miracle in her arms.

Hannah couldn't stop smiling as she stared at the adorable thing in her hold. “Who's the cutest little baby in the world?” Her voice, laced with delight, melted into a gentle coo, a soothing serenade for the tiny listener. “That's right, you are.” She giggled, awe-inspired by the adorable being.

My lips parted into a warm smile as I watched her talk with so much affection for my baby. However, a question lingered on my mind, and I just had to ask. “Hannah?” I called softly.

“Yes?” She jerked her head to face me.

“Did you, uh…?” My fingers scratched my forehead with a gentle caress.

“Come alone?” Her eyes crinkled at the corners as she completed my question. Hannah shook her head, retaining her smile. “No.” She nodded at the entrance. “I brought company.”

I turned around and saw my dad standing by the door with Darcy by his side. My heart skipped a beat, and my breath hitched in my throat. I wasn't expecting to see any of them, but here we were.

Darcy and I didn't always see eye to eye. Just like the old version of Alexei, she pretty much used to see me as a spoiled brat, and I used to see her as an insecure, neurotic bimbo.

But for some reason, something was different today. There was a look in her eyes that I'd never seen before. Respect—pure, undiluted respect. Why? I wasn't sure.

And then there was Dad, standing coldly with a glint of guilt flickering in his eyes.

I shifted my gaze to my husband, but he didn't seem as shocked and surprised as I was. Knowing him, he might have had a hand in this little reunion.

Since the incident with the burning building that had nearly claimed my life, my view of life had changed. I'd learned to live a little more, love a little harder, and forgive a little quicker. Life was too short to be holding on to grudges.

I'd spent countless nights wondering what would have happened if I'd died in that fire when I hadn't made peace with my father. That near-death experience taught me the importance of family. No one knew the day or the time that they would leave this Earth and everyone they loved.

Why waste my time holding on to grudges? Why should I keep hurting myself over someone's mistake? That incident made me realize that my pain was self-inflicted. I could easily let it go, but it was my decision to hold on to it.

Dad did what he thought was best for the company—the family business. And although he didn't have my own best interest at heart at the time, everything still turned out just fine in the end.

So, why the hatred?

I'd actually let go of the anger after the fire, but I just hadn't had the guts to reach out. Maybe a part of me was waiting for him to do so first.

“Hi, Lorena.” Darcy approached me, her lips curving into a beautiful grin as she slipped into my arms, embracing me tightly.

My eyes widened in shock, my heart leaping with joy as I hesitated for a moment before wrapping my arms around her. She pulled away and brushed her fingers through my hair. “Welcome to motherhood, sweetheart.” Her smile spread across her face. “You're a woman now.”

“Am I dreaming?” I whispered, my brows arching with a genuine grin perched on my face.

Darcy rolled her eyes, a teasing groan escaping her lips. “Oh, please. Don't be melodramatic about it,” she said, her tone dripping with a hint of sass.

“Now, that's the Darcy I know,” I said, giggling.

Light laughs erupted from the others, and Dad stepped forward, a glimpse of seriousness creeping into his face.

He halted in front of me after Darcy stepped aside. “Hi, sweetheart.” Dad held my hands, his eyes boring into mine. “I know I'm your least favorite person in the world right now, so thank you for even giving me an audience.”

My heart melted at his touch, my eyes misting as I stared at him. Dad wasn't the kind to express himself or have a heart-to-heart conversation with anyone, hence the reason his effort was so touching.

“I shouldn't have forced this marriage on you,” he continued. “It was unfair and selfish of me, and for that, I'm sorry.”

I shook my head, a small smile spreading across my face. “Don't be sorry because if you hadn't done that, I wouldn't have had this perfect life.” I stole a glance at Alexei, then returned my gaze to my Dad.

“So, you forgive me?” he asked, squinting, his head slightly tilting to the side.

Without a word, I hugged him, my hands wrapping around his back.

“Aww,” Hannah cooed, her tone dripping with sweetness.

“I'm super proud of you, Lorena,” Dad said, pulling away to look into my eyes. “I'm proud of the woman you've become.” His lips parted into a smile.

“Mom, take a picture. This moment should be captured,” Hannah said to Darcy.

“Way ahead of you, sweetie,” Darcy replied, her phone's camera taking a snapshot of Dad and I.

I cast a disbelieving look at her, a smile twitching at the corners of my lips. “Now, who's being melodramatic?”

She shrugged her shoulders and joined Hannah to admire the baby.

“Alexei,” Dad greeted him, extending a hand.

“Oscar,” my husband replied, taking his hand.

As the two men discussed with smiley faces, Darcy and Hannah were busy with the infant while I stood in their midst with an uncontrollable smile.

This was the happiest day of my life and also the beginning of more happy days to come.

My heart was filled with gratitude for the way my story had turned out in the end. Alexei and I had a rough start, but that was necessary for our story to actually inspire others, like my sister, Hannah.

The admiration in her eyes was palpable, and I could tell she wanted a life like mine. Perhaps, someday, she would find an even better one than mine, but for now, she was still too young.

As my gaze swept across the faces of those I considered family, I heaved a satisfactory sigh, grateful for all the pain, the fight—the good times and bad—that led to this moment.

I had the perfect life. And I wouldn't give it up for anything in the world.

“Hey, uh…what's his name?” Hannah asked, her question thrown at Alexei. “The baby,” she added for clarity’s sake.

We'd already decided on a name months ago, and now he stole a glance at me before announcing our son's name with pride lacing his tone.

“Constantine,” Alexei said, his lips curling into a smile.

*****

THE END