Page 118 of Her Darkest Possession

Anatoly shrugs. "I've been coming here every night for the past few weeks. After you fall asleep."

"Every night?" I turn to him, surprised.

He nods. "I wanted it to be perfect for when Oliver arrives. I even built the crib myself."

I look at the beautifully crafted piece of furniture with new appreciation. "Youbuilt this?"

"Roma helped with some of it," he admits. "But yes. I wanted our son to have something made by his father's hands. Do you like it?"

"Yes." I nod. "I love it."

Suddenly, our peaceful moment is broken by a high-pitched shriek echoing down the hallway. Anatoly and I exchange startled glances before hurrying out of the nursery.

Amara stands at the end of the corridor, jumping up and down with her phone clutched in one hand while Svetlana watches with an amused smile.

"I GOT IN!" Amara screams when she sees us, waving her phone wildly. "I GOT IN! I GOT IN!"

My heart swells with pride as I rush toward her. "You got your acceptance letter?"

"YES!" She thrusts her phone at me, and the words "Congratulations on your acceptance to Columbia University" jumping out at me.

I pull her into a tight hug, feeling tears spring to my eyes. "I'm so proud of you, Amara. So, so proud."

She hugs me back fiercely, and I can feel her trembling with excitement. "I can't believe it, Miels. I actually did it!"

Anatoly steps forward, and places a hand on my shoulder. "That reminds me. There's a second surprise."

"A second surprise?" I ask, finally releasing Amara from my embrace.

Anatoly nods, then walks back into the nursery. When he returns, he's holding an envelope in his hands. It's cream-colored with an unmistakable blue seal of Columbia in the corner.

"This came yesterday afternoon," he says, extending the envelope toward me.

I stare at it, momentarily confused. "What is this?"

"Open it and see," he urges gently.

With slightly trembling fingers, I break the seal and pull out the letter inside. The Columbia letterhead stares back at me, official and imposing, and I take a deep breath before I start reading.

"Dear Mrs. Indigo Baryshev," it begins.

My eyes scan the first paragraph, and I almost drop the letter in shock.

"We are pleased to inform you that your application for re-matriculation has been approved. In light of your exceptional academic record prior to your withdrawal, the extenuating circumstances surrounding your departure, and your current conditions, the committee has unanimously voted to allow you to return next fall so that you might take the time to spend as much time with your family before resuming your pursuit of higher education here at..."

I can't read anymore through the tears suddenly blurring my vision.

I look up at Anatoly, who's watching me with such tenderness it makes my heart ache. "You... you did this?"

He smiles that small, private smile that's only ever for me. "I made a few calls. Pulled some favors. But it was your academic record that did most of the work."

"But how did you even?—"

"After everything I've done for you, are you really still surprised about this?"

I launch myself into his arms, nearly knocking him backward. "Thank you," I whisper against his neck. "Thank you so much."

I pull back just enough to kiss him, pouring all my gratitude and love into it. When we break apart, both of us are a little breathless.