Timofey leans back slightly, studying me.
“Let’s stay one more day,” he says.
I pause.
The offer is tempting.
Too tempting.
I let the silence stretch for a moment as I think about it.
Because I know the truth.
This, this peace, it won’t last.
I set my fork down slowly. “I want to,” I admit.
His gaze sharpens slightly. “But?”
“But we can’t,” I add.
The softness doesn’t disappear, but something heavier steals between us.
“Staying here….” I exhale softly, shaking my head. “It feels good, yes. But it’s just hiding.”
He doesn’t interrupt.
“Running from Anton doesn’t solve anything,” I continue. “It gives him time. Time to grow stronger. Time to take more.”
My hand moves instinctively—
Resting lightly over my stomach.
The weight of it feels different now.
“Now….” I swallow slightly. “It’s not just about me anymore.”
His gaze drops to my hand.
“This child…” I continue quietly, “is ours. It’s my father’s legacy. Everything he built…everything he fought for.” My voice steadies. “I’m not going to raise my child in fear.”
I lift my gaze to meet his. “I won’t spend my life running while Anton sits on what belongs to my family.”
Silence settles between us again.
I see it in his eyes the moment it clicks.
He understands.
Completely.
There’s no argument. No hesitation.
Just a quiet, mutual decision passing between us.
We’re done hiding.
“Can we take another walk before we leave?” I ask after a moment.
