Page 52 of Forced Innocent Bride By the Bratva

She cleared her throat. “Yes. Everything’s fine. Mr. Tarasov asked me to call you downstairs.”

“Okay…” I drawled lazily, my tone laced with skepticism.

Sofiya stood sentinel without moving a muscle, eyes fixed on me.

“Wait, you mean like right now?” I asked, watching her closely.

She nodded.

I heaved a sigh, tossing the book aside as I sprang to my feet, wondering what Daniel was up to this time.

She led the way, and I followed her through the hallway and now down the staircase. My eyes darted toward Daniel standing in the living room. But he wasn’t alone; there was someone else with him, a black-suited man standing by the fireplace, his back to me.

“You asked to see me?” I asked Daniel, strolling into the opulent space, my feet softly padding on the floor.

“I did,” he replied, holding my gaze. “There’s someone here to see you.” He nodded toward the visitor.

I could’ve sworn that I recognized that bear’s broad stance, the slight hunch of the visitor’s back. But before I could put two and two together, the man turned around, facing me.

My breath hitched, eyes widening in shock and surprise.

“Hello, sweetheart,” he greeted me, his Irish accent strong in his tone.

My lips trembled as I stepped forward, blinking back the tears simmering in my eyes. “Dad?”

A smile tugged at the corners of his lips, arms spread wide. Without hesitation, I ran into his embrace, basking in the warmth of his bosom. His grip tightened around my back, and he wouldn’t let go, nor would I. We remained in each other’s arms until we’d had enough.

“How…?” I whispered, pulling back to watch him closely, making sure my eyes weren’t playing tricks on me.

“Your husband,” he said, his voice mild and devoid of the hate he’d once had for Daniel. “He made this possible.”

I turned to face Daniel, who stood a few paces away, arms folded over his chest. His eyes held a glint of satisfaction, as if watching me reunite with my father had brought him some sense of peace. Tears of joy streamed down my cheeks, my lips parting but producing no words.

“I know how much you miss him,” Daniel said, stepping closer, his gaze locked on mine. “Your happiness is my number one priority,printsessa.” He reached out, brushing his thumb over my cheek, his smooth gesture wiping my tears.

I sniffled, overwhelmed with emotions, my heart racing in anticipation. “Thank you,” I mumbled, my voice barely above a whisper.

For a moment there, silence fell as my husband and I stared at each other until Dad broke it, clearing his throat conspicuously.

“You do realize I’m still here, right?” he teased.

An abrupt chuckle burst out of me, my cheeks flushing as I stole another glance at Daniel.

“You look happy,” Dad said to me, his voice soft and tender.

I met his gaze, a faint smile playing on my lips. “I am, Dada. I am.”

He nodded, squeezing out a grin, his gaze shifting to my husband. “I guess I owe you an apology, Tarasov,” Dad began, drawing a deep, long breath. “I should have punished Liam for what he did to your cousin. It was bad of me.”

Daniel was silent for a while, his gaze locked on Dad’s. “I’m not gonna apologize for throwing you in prison,” he stated.

Dad snorted. “Wasn’t expecting you to.” He extended a hand, his eyes never leaving Daniel’s. “To a better future.”

Daniel hesitated for a moment, and I could feel my anxiety brewing with each passing second. My heart had paused, and my breath was hitched. This was a potential alliance between both families, and it would mean the world to me if the two most important men in my life would agree to work together.

Daniel’s expression softened ever so slightly, and he took my father’s hand, his grip firm and welcoming.

“Phew!” I let out a deep sigh of relief. “For a second there, you had me worried,” I said amidst chuckles.

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