Page 44 of Vendetta Crown

"I'm pregnant," she whispers.

Everything narrows to this one moment, this single confession floating in the air between us.

Pregnant.

She's pregnant.

"You're certain?" My voice comes out strange, half-strangled with emotion.

She nods, lifting the small white stick in her hand. "Two lines. Both very clear."

I cross the distance between us in two strides and gather her into my arms, careful to be gentle with her still-bruised body. I bury my face in her hair, breathing in the faint scent of coconut.

"A baby," I murmur against her temple. "Our baby."

She pulls back slightly, searching my face. "You're happy about this?"

"Happy?" I repeat, almost laughing at the inadequacy of the word. "Zarechka, I'm." I struggle to find the right words, emotions overwhelming me. "I never thought I'd have this. A family of my own."

I place my hand gently on her still-flat stomach, stunned by the miracle growing beneath my palm. Something fierce and protective surges through me, making my chest tight and my eyes burn.

Aurora's tears start falling, happiness radiating from her smile despite the wetness on her cheeks. I find myself matching her expression, my chest so full I can barely breathe.

Then her smile falters as a shadow crosses her face.

"What is it,zarechka?" I brush a tear from her cheek with my thumb, careful to avoid the bruising.

"I just..." Her voice catches. "I wish my parents were alive to see this. To meet you. To know that they're going to be grandparents."

My heart twists painfully in my chest. I take her hands in mine, feeling their delicate strength.

"I know," I whisper, because what else can I say? No words will bring her family back.

"But that's why it's so important we do this documentary," she continues, squeezing my fingers. "I need to show the world what Kristofer took from me. What he stole from our child."

I nod, pulling her closer. "And I'll be here to do it with you."

"We should tell the girls," she says, her expression brightening slightly. "Tell them they're going to have a little cousin of their own."

The thought lightens my heart too. Mikayla, Sofia, and Stella will be thrilled—especially the younger ones. I can already picture them fighting over who gets to hold the baby first.

But beneath this momentary joy, a darker thought intrudes.

Tamara.

This pregnancy is one more thing for her to hate Aurora for. Not only has Aurora taken me—the man Tamara has obsessed over for decades—but now she carries what Tamara always wanted: my child. A family with me.

The thought of Tamara's rage only intensifies the protective fire burning inside me. I place my hand gently on Aurora's stomach again, making a silent vow to our unborn child.

I will protect you both from all our enemies.

From Semyon's greed. From Kristofer's obsession. From Tamara's jealousy.

And this time, I swear to myself, I won't fail.

I can't.

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