We stayed like that, tangled and content, until the world outside started creeping back in.
As dusk fell, we lay tangled on the bed, Anna's head resting on my chest, my fingers gently stroking her soft hair. The room was quiet, just our steady breaths filling the space.
"Alexander," she said softly, "I have a question for you."
"What is it?"
"That night five years ago, did you ever think we'd see each other again?"
I paused, then answered honestly. "Every day. For five years, every single day, I thought about you, wondered what it'd be like if we met again."
She looked up at me. "Really?"
"Really," I said, kissing her forehead lightly. "Anna, you have no idea what you mean to me. These past five years, I tried to forget you, tried dating others, but no one could take your place."
Tears welled in her eyes. "Me too. I thought I could raise Sofia alone, live independently. But late at night, I'd always think of you, of how amazing that night was."
"Now we're together," I said. "And Sofia accepts me. We can be a real family."
"But your identity..." she said, worry creeping in. "My job, those threats..."
"None of that matters," I said firmly. "I'll protect you both. Our family. No matter what comes, I won't let anyone hurt you."
She nodded, nestling back against my chest. "I trust you."
In that warm moment, a soft knock camefrom outside.
"Mr. Volkov," Mark's voice called through the door, "Miss Sofia is looking for you and Miss Anna."
We exchanged a glance and couldn't help laughing.
"We'll be right down," I replied.
We quickly straightened our clothes and walked out hand in hand. On the stairs, we ran into Sofia searching for us.
"Mommy! Alex!" she cried, running over happily. "Where were you? I've been looking everywhere!"
"We were upstairs talking," Anna said gently. "Now we're here to join you."
"Yay!" Sofia grabbed our hands. "Mark says dinner's gonna be awesome, with my favorite chocolate cake!"
Seeing Sofia so happy and Anna by my side filled me with a satisfaction I'd never known.
This was the life I wanted—a lover, a daughter, a complete, warm home.
Sure, dangers lurked outside, but here in this manor, in this home, we were safe. Happy.
And I'd guard that happiness with my life.
Chapter Twenty-One
Anna
Three days later, I was spending the afternoon with Sofia, teaching her how to mix colors. Sunlight streamed through the windows as Sofia painted her imaginary castle, her little face scrunched in concentration.
Alexander walked into the bedroom carrying an elegant gift box. I looked up at him, puzzled.
"There's an important charity gala tonight," he said, setting the box in front of me. "Would you do me the honor of being my date?"
