Perhaps the baby sensed my situation—as my diet improved, the morning sickness actually decreased, helping me conceal this secret.
I became compliant and quiet, like a truly subdued wife.
"Noelle, are you really better now?" Anastasia asked me every day.
"Mother, I'm fine." I even managed a relaxed smile. "For you and Anya, I must live well."
"That's good to hear." Anastasia smiled back.
Kholod's attitude also softened somewhat.
The guards at the master bedroom door were reduced by half. I could walk in the garden again and visit the library. But he still forbade me from leaving the manor and monitored all my communications.
"Noelle..." We encountered each other in the garden.
"Yes?"
He paused, studying my eyes as if searching for something.
"About that incident—I'm conducting a new investigation. But regarding your father's actions..."
"I understand." I interrupted him. "The Bellucci family should pay for my father's crimes. I accept that."
He remained silent for a long time.
"Is there anything else?"
"No."
A week later, Kholod finally permitted me weekly phone calls with Zoe.
"Fifteen minutes," he said. "On speakerphone."
"All right." I nodded obediently.
During the first call, Zoe's voice came through. "Noelle! Are you okay? I couldn't reach you and was so worried!"
"I'm fine. Just family matters—Morozov family rules, you understand."
"I do! By the way, what subject are you planning for the Association Exhibition painting?"
"Landscapes, mainly Icelandic glaciers. I'm practicing cold blue tones."
"Which blue? Prussian blue or ultramarine?"
"Primarily ultramarine. I want to capture the profound depths of the glacier's core."
A second of silence on the other end—Zoe was surely shocked. But she quickly recovered. "Very challenging! When do you plan to finish?"
"In three weeks. I want to work quickly."
"Excellent! You must show me when it's done. Do you need any special art supplies? I can help you get them."
"Thank you. I'll send you a list."
"Perfect! I'm looking forward to your work!"
"Goodbye."
