“I want to protect her.”
His eyes returned to mine.
“Protect you.”
The words hung between us.
Heavy. Dangerous.
I studied him carefully.
My sister’s image surfaced suddenly — vivid.
Chained.
Bruised.
Broken.
The memory sharpened my resolve instantly.
Cold steel replacing softness.
“You have no conscience, Ruslan.”
My voice was steady.
Measured.
“You deserve every single day you spend behind those bars.”
His jaw clenched — pain flashing across his face.
I turned slightly.
“Take him away.”
The officers didn’t hesitate.
They stepped forward immediately.
Strong hands gripped his arms.
The chains rattled loudly as they pulled him back.
“Elena...” he called.
His voice cracked again — desperation breaking through control.
“I’m not the worst person alive.”
His steps were forced backward. “I made mistakes — terrible ones — but I love you.”
His eyes locked onto mine as they dragged him toward the door.
“I love our children.”
His breathing grew heavier. “Please...”
