Page 139 of Between Us

Although they had started to talk more seriously about having children, Roman was willing to wait a few more years for her to finish her education and maybeeven get a job. She knew it was his duty to ensure the Leskov legacy carried on, and she could admit to feeling the pressure to some degree. But she didn’t feel ready for that milestone just yet, and her husband didn’t seem to have an issue with it.

Vitaly though, even barely able to form full sentences, was sure to mention it to her whenever she visited, which wasn't that often to begin with. He had Tatyana who still doted on him, plus an army of nurses and physical therapists to help with his recovery. And then there was Yana, who was now more of a caretaker than a wife, which she resented with every inch of her fake body.

Roman's voice drifted away as he walked into the closet to look for clothes.

Alessandra returned her attention to the outside world where the squirrel made another appearance. It jumped from the oak tree and landed into the fresh snow before scurrying away and hiding behind a withered rose bush covered in white.

Her thumb ran across the white gold bands on her ring finger. She felt the smooth texture of the gold and the roughness of the indentations where the diamonds were encased into the wedding band. Her thoughts floated away again, but not before lingering for a moment on the sensation in her digit.

Smooth and rough.

Just like her life.

And she wouldn't have it any other way.

THE END

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