No one has ever treated me like this before. My father was distant, my mother vanished, and my stepmother only everlooked at me like I was a stain. But Dmitry… he’s patient, steady, warm.
When he’s done, he stands behind me and wraps his arms around my waist, pressing his lips against my hair. “We can study,” he says softly. “Or read. Whatever you want.”
I smile. “I’d like that.”
It’s my first time in Dmitry’s house. It’s a mansion, way bigger than my parents’ home. Yet, I don’t feel like an imposter here. He has made me feel comfortable, made me feel like I don’t have to be self-conscious.
He takes my hand, guiding me down the hall. The marble floors gleam under our feet, and the house is quiet except for the faint hum of air conditioning and the distant sound of birds outside.
We turn a corner, and almost bump into a woman carrying a basket of laundry. She stops, eyes widening when she sees us.
“Dmitry,” she says, her voice light and teasing. “You didn’t tell me you were bringing someone home.”
Lena Antonova. She’s his sister-in-law. He warned me that he lived with her and his older brother, Aleksei.
I recognize her from the stories Dmitry told me. She’s American, too, and she went to Allister, but didn’t graduate. She’s beautiful in a soft, natural way, her hair tied up in a loose braid and her clothes casual but elegant. She has a kind face, with that calm energy that comes from someone who’s found her peace.
Dmitry clears his throat. “Lena, this is Callista. My girlfriend.”
Girlfriend. Hearing him say it still makes my chest flutter.
Lena’s eyes brighten, and a knowing smile spreads across her lips. “I see. So that’s how it is.” She glances at Dmitry. “Don’t worry, I won’t tell your brothers.”
He sighs in relief. “Thank you.”
Lena laughs softly. “Leo’s in Russia, and Aleksei’s not home. He’s out with Anechka. So it’s just me and Konstantin today. I was baking cookies. Want some?”
Cookies. Real, homemade cookies. I can’t remember the last time anyone offered me something made with care.
“Yes, please,” I say, trying not to sound too eager.
Lena crooks her finger. Dmitry and I follow her without a protest.
The kitchen smells like heaven. Sweet butter, vanilla, and chocolate swirl together in the air. The oven light glows warm against the tiles, and for a moment, the mansion doesn’t feel intimidating. It feels like a home. Dmitry pulls out a chair for me, his hand brushing mine as I sit.
“This place is beautiful,” I say softly.
Lena smiles as she takes out a tray of cookies. “Thank you. Aleksei wanted a fortress. I wanted a kitchen. We compromised.”
I laugh, and so does Dmitry. The sound feels natural.
Then a faint cry breaks the moment. Lena looks up. “That’s my cue.”
She disappears down the hall, and I turn to Dmitry. He leans close, stealing a quick kiss, his lips soft and tasting faintly of the vanilla air. “You look good here,” he murmurs. “You belong here. In my house. Lena sensed it, too. You blend into our family so easily.”
“You think so?” I tuck a wet strand of hair behind my ear. From the moment I stepped in, I fell in love with Dmitry’s house. And his family—or at least what I’ve seen of it—seems great. Lena accepted me warmly, welcomed me with open arms. Even my own family doesn’t treat me so well.
“You would look so good walking around with a swollen belly.” Dmitry bites my ear. My face heats up when he kissesmy belly, but he straightens himself when we hear footsteps echoing.
Before I can compose myself, Lena returns, holding a chubby baby with dark hair and piercing eyes. “This is Konstantin,” she says, smiling. “He’s cranky, but sweet.”
“Can I hold him?” I ask without thinking. I love babies, and he’s so cute.
Lena nods, transferring the baby into my arms. He’s warm and solid, with little fingers that curl around mine immediately. My heart melts.
“Hi there,” I whisper, rocking him gently. He blinks up at me, curious and calm. For a moment, I can’t look away. Something inside me aches—a longing I didn’t know I had.
Dmitry makes a funny face, trying to coax a laugh from the baby. Konstantin stares for a second, then bursts into tears.
