“You didn’t know they existed three months ago. Most men wouldn’t bond with four-year-olds that fast. But you did. You chose to.”
“Where is this going, Maxim?”
He sits in the chair across from my desk. “I was threatened. I saw you building something new, and I thought it meant I was being replaced. That Mila and Alexei would take my place as your heir. That Anna would convince you to cut me out.”
“And now?”
“Now I see that’s not what’s happening. You have room for all of us. The twins don’t replace me. They’re just…additional family.”
“Additional family. That’s one way to put it.”
“They’re my siblings. Half-siblings, technically, but siblings. And I treated them like threats instead of family. That was wrong.”
I study him. Looking for the angle. The manipulation. But he seems genuine.
“What changed your mind?” I ask.
“Pavel showed me security footage. You reading bedtime stories. Building train tracks. Letting Mila put flowers in your hair. You looked…” He trails off.
“Looked what?”
“Happy. I’ve never seen you look like that. Like you’re enjoying yourself instead of just tolerating a situation.”
“I am enjoying myself. The twins are remarkable.”
“I know. I mean, I don’t know them yet. But I’d like to, if you’ll let me. If Anna will let me.”
“That depends on whether you can behave yourself.”
“I can. I will. I want to be part of this family. Not just your son and heir. I want to be their brother. A real brother who doesn’t make them cry at dinner.”
“That’s a low bar.”
“I know. But I’m starting there and working my way up.”
I push off the desk and walk to the window. Maxim follows. From here, I can see the twins still in the garden. Alexei hasenlisted Elena to help with his train track vision. Mila is weaving flowers.
“They asked me if you’re mean,” I say.
Maxim winces. “Fair question.”
“Mila doesn’t want you staying for lunch because she’s worried you’ll eat all the sandwiches.”
“Jesus.”
“You scared them. Children don’t forget that easily.”
“I know. I’ll apologize. To them and to Anna. Properly this time.”
“And if they don’t forgive you?”
“Then I’ll keep trying until they do. However long it takes.”
We stand there watching the twins play. Alexei is running now, arms spread, making train sounds. Mila chases him with flowers.
“There’s something else you should know,” I say.
“What?”
