Page 68 of The Russian's Kidnapped Bride
It’s Friday night, and in usual Lukov fashion, that means we’re going out again.
The club from that night looks the same, but feels different now. This time, I enter it as one of them, and not just as a student.
This time, I’m more tired. Under more strain than I had been.
I tried to object and considered using nausea as an excuse to stay home despite feeling alright, but I don’t. Instead, I follow Mikhail’s explanation about morale and unity despite everything going on in the background.
He didn’t give me much of a real choice.
My dress is dark, simple, and comfortable enough for me to bide my time in. But the moment we walk inside, my senses are overwhelmed by everything.
The music pounds, making me feel off-kilter and unsteady; the lights put me on edge, and the smell of expensive perfumes and liquor surrounds me, making my stomach turn.
It’s too much, and I want to leave immediately, but I hide it as best as I can.
Mikhail keeps me close, hand lightly pressed against the small of my back like usual, almost like he’s tethering me to him. It’s possessive but not cruel, as if hoping to keep me steady.
Of course, his family is already here, sitting in a private section away from most of the action.
I catch sight of Elena as she laughs with Sergey, her lips painted a shade of red that matches her perfectly. She raises her glass upon noticing us, beckoning us over.
Roman and Victoria sit nearby, having a conversation of their own while having a night off from their usual responsibilities. Ivan lounges with someone on his lap, and Nikolai nurses a drink while watching the crowd outside the VIP section with cool disinterest.
“Lily,” Elena greets me warmly, pulling me in for a gentle hug. “You’re glowing tonight.”
I smile at her, shrugging off the compliment. “It’s probably just the lighting.”
She hums. “I’m sure it’s the baby.”
My stomach twists, and I can’t help but stare at her.
Victoria beams. “I was wondering when the announcement would come.”
Noticing my reaction, Elena chuckles and puts a supportive hand against my arm. “I only know because Mikhail couldn’t keep it to himself. He was too excited.”
Still dumbfounded, I glance over at him to find a vaguely sheepish smile on his lips. Otherwise, he seems almost expectant of the conversation. Looking back at Elena, I sigh.
“Surprise?”
His brothers offer us both congratulations at the confirmation, and soon enough, we’re swept into the middle of it.
That’s it—the secret is out.
For a moment, everyone looks genuinely happy, sharing toasts and smiles, and teasing as they normally do. Despite the exhaustion I’ve been carrying around, the atmosphere around us feels light, almost like we’ve been pulled out of the chaos for a little while.
Mikhail smiles, allowing his pride to shine through while he talks to the others, basking in the glow of it all. I already know he’s looking forward to the baby and everything that comes with it, but to see it candidly is something else entirely.
It makes my heart warm, and for once, the hope doesn’t just feel like the kind he’s been trying to offer me. This time, it’s real, and it’s my own.
Eventually, Elena pulls me aside, guiding me somewhere outside of the VIP section to a quiet space. Mikhail keeps an eye on us for a moment longer, then returns his attention to a conversation with Sergey just within the bounds of the plush furniture.
“How are you really doing?” Elena asks gently, giving me that kind smile of hers.
Looking at her and seeing just how kind she is, I’m tempted to lie. But she’s used to her brothers, and surely, she’d just see through it anyway.
“Honestly, I don’t know,” I admit quietly, trying to articulate my words as best as I can. “Everything has happened so quickly, it’s hard to wrap my head around. Some days, it feels like I’m living someone else’s life.”
Elena nods her understanding, not judging me for even a second. “I can see why. A lot has changed quickly for you. I can’t say things will ever slow down, but you get used to it, at least.”
