Page 100 of Vendetta Crown

"How's the trailer doing?" I turn to face him.

The trailer went live this morning. A two-minute distillation of the most traumatic moments of my life. Edited to perfection, designed to draw viewers in, but more importantly, fashioned to destroy Kristofer's reputation.

Ruslan's face shifts to quiet intensity. "Seventy thousand views since this morning. Good engagement across social media as well. It's picking up traction."

"I can't believe people actually want to watch it." My hands tremble slightly. "It's so personal."

"That personal touch iswhyit's picking up traction." Ruslan's eyes flash with vindication. "This is how we nail that bastard to the wall."

My throat tightens.

Just like on my wedding day, my family's absence feels more prominent than ever on my mind.

A tiny sound escapes my throat.

"What's wrong?" Ruslan asks.

"I miss them," I finally confess, stroking my swollen belly. "I wish my parents could be here for this."

I try to keep my tone light, but the ache in my chest makes it impossible. When I blink, I can feel the sting of tears building in my nose.

"I'm sorry." I shake my head. "This is supposed to be a happy day."

"You don't have to apologize." Ruslan's grip tightens on my hand. "It's okay to miss them, especially today."

"I wonder if they'd recognize me now." I take a shaky breath. "If they'd be proud of who I've become."

Those golden eyes of his soften.

"They would be so proud of you. Look at everything you've survived. Look at what you're building now. This life, this family. None of this could've happened if it weren't becauseyouare who you are."

He caresses my growing belly adoringly.

"Your parents loved you. They may not be here, but their love hasn't disappeared. They're part of you, part of your babies, and part of all the stories you'll tell them."

"Thank you," I whisper against him.

He smiles at me, and kisses the top of my forehead gently. I turn and bury my face against his chest. The expensive fabric of his suit absorbs the few tears that have managed to escape despite my efforts.

"Stupid pregnancy hormones," I mutter, though we both know it's far more than that.

The door creaks open, and I hastily wipe my eyes as Hannah pokes her head in.

"There you are!" She bounces into the room, her red hair bouncing with her. "The bratva wives are starting to arrive. I've never seen so many diamonds in one place."

She pulls a small wrapped package from behind her back.

"Which is why I wanted you to have this before all the fancy gifts start rolling in." She holds it out. "It's probably nothing compared to what the other wives will bring, but..."

I unwrap it carefully and find two delicate ornaments for the nursery mobile, made from the small ceramic bird fridge magnet that we bought after we first moved into that apartment together, and a mini-mug from our favorite coffee shop down the street.

"Oh, Hannah."

"I thought the twins should have a piece of who you were before all this." Her voice softens. "Before you became Aurora Dragunov, queen of the bratva wives."

I laugh through my tears, pulling her into a hug. "I love it. These are perfect."

I'm arranging the ornaments that Hannah gave me on a small side table when I hear a dignified voice from the doorway.

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