Anna didn't ask more questions, just held me tight. She knew my world was full of danger, knew some things couldn't be questioned.
Feeling her warmth and trust, my exhausted body and mind finally found some comfort. She stroked my back like soothing a wounded beast.
"Sleep," she whispered. "I'm here."
In her arms, I finally closed my eyes for the first time in three days with real peace. But even in dreams, my hand stayed protective at her waist, always ready to guard what I treasured most.
Chapter Twenty-Six
Anna
Alexander practically vanished from our lives over the next few days. When I woke up each morning, he was already gone, leaving only a slight indentation on the other side of the bed as proof he'd even come home. Late at night, when I caught the soft sound of footsteps in my light sleep, I knew he was back, but I pretended to stay asleep, not wanting to add to his burden at such times.
"Mommy, where did Alex go?" Sofia asked the same question every day, those bright brown eyes filled with confusion and loss. "Why won't he play with me anymore? Did I do something wrong?"
Every time I heard that question, my heart clenched. I knelt down and hugged her. "No, sweetheart. Alex is just handling very important work, but he loves you very much and he'll be back to play with you soon."
"When can he watch My Little Pony with me?" she asked sadly.
"Soon, very soon," I repeated a promise I wasn't even sure I believed myself.
I understood his pressure, understood everything he was enduring to protect us. But deep down, there was still this feeling of abandonmentslowly spreading through me. We'd just made up, just said "I love you," but now he felt so distant again.
That afternoon, I was in the garden with Sofia, painting. Warm sunlight streamed down on us as Sofia focused intently on her colorful crayon drawing of an imaginary rainbow castle. These peaceful moments let me temporarily forget the unease in my heart.
Suddenly, Mark's voice carried over from nearby. "Miss Tatiana is here to visit. Natalie, prepare Earl Grey for Miss Tatiana."
The paintbrush in my hand stopped moving, and my heart suddenly started racing. Tatyana was here? What did she want? It had to be about work, right? I trusted Alexander, but I still couldn't completely let go of the unease in my heart.
Sofia looked up. "Who's here, Mommy?"
"One of Alex's... friends." I forced a smile. "Let's keep painting."
But I couldn't concentrate anymore. I told myself I should trust Alexander, trust what he'd told me. But there was still a voice in my head that wouldn't stop questioning. If they were just business partners, why meet alone? Why couldn't I know what they were discussing?
About half an hour later, I heard the sound of high heels clicking on pavement. Tatyana walked over from the villa, wearing an ivory white suit, her golden hair gleaming in the sunlight, looking elegant and regal.
She wore a gentle smile, but I couldn't shake the feeling that there was something condescending about it.
"Anna," she greeted me warmly, "so good to see you again."
Then her gaze fell on Sofia, and something complex flashed in her eyes. "This must be Sofia. Such a lovely child."
Sofia shyly hid behind me, curiously watching this strange, beautiful lady.
"Hello, Sofia," Tatyana crouched down and pulled an exquisite gift box from her handbag. "This is a little present from me."
Inside the box was a limited edition Barbie doll, beautifully packaged and obviously expensive. Sofia's eyes immediatelylit up.
"This is the newest collector's edition Barbie," Tatyana said gently. "Many children can't get their hands on one."
Then she looked at me, something meaningful flashing in her eyes. "Not every mother can easily afford these things, right?"
I felt the malice in her words, but Sofia innocently accepted the gift, happily hugging the doll.
"Thank you!" Sofia said excitedly.
"You're welcome, sweetheart," Tatyana continued with her gentle smile. "Sofia really is such a smart, lovely child. Growing up in this kind of... upscale environment, she must need to adapt to many different lifestyles, doesn't she?"
