Page 6 of Love Me Always

"Wow, Ana, you look incredible..." His eyes welled up slightly as he took a deep breath. “Stunning.” He extended his arm, and I took it without hesitation.

“Thank you.” I felt his other hand squeeze mineas it rested tensely on his arm; I wasn’t sure if he sensed my discomfort or simply wanted me to know he was there... but in that moment, I was grateful for him.

The silence was deafening as we walked arm in arm along the winding hallways. My heart was racing beneath my chest, while my expensive heels clicked against the marble.

"Flower, try to relax." There it was... the one name my father knew could instantly soothe me, a namehe called me on many occasions. It all began when he noticed me sleeping beneath my mother's flowerbed, inhaling the fresh aroma that matched hers.

“That’s easier said than done, isn’t it?”

“Anastacia, it will be easy, being with Lorenzo will be easy, maybe not right away but over time, who knows.” I could tell he was trying, but the truth was I was sick of hearing it.

“No matter how much you, Mama, and his parents want it, I refuse to play happy families with him. There will be nothing except a contract between two individuals who despise one other. Do you understand?” I kept my voice calm and steady, but I was raging on the inside.

“So, no grandchildren then?” There was a hint of a smile on my father’s face as I glanced up.

“You kissed goodbye to the chance of grandchildren the day you signed that deal.” I huffed in annoyance, I never gave children much thought, especially not with someone like Lorenzo.

"It is your duty to provide Lorenzo with an heir if he desires one. If he wants an entire football team, you'll make sure you give it to him." He kept a smile on his face the entire time.

“Whatever.” I scoffed.

I put on my finest smile, just as he did, and we continued our journey in silence.

As we got closer to the stairwell, I could hear my mother and brother's voices, as well as what I assumed was Franco Ricci's laughter.

“Papa, I’m not ready. I can’t do this.” I snatched my arm away, before turning my back to my father.

“Anastacia.” I didn’t get far before his hand gently caught my wrist almost immediately, pulling me back towards him. The expression he wore was nothing like I expected it to be, his eyes barely met mine as his large hands clasped my smaller ones.

“Flower, I know you hate this, and sometimes deep down, so do I.”

“Then, why carry on with it? I need a valid answer, one that doesn’t make me think it’s just to get rid of me. Did you do it because you thought I would grow up to be unlovable, that me marrying Lorenzo was a safe bet?” My voice cracked at the end.

“Anastacia, please tell me you don’t think that way.” As he held my hands between his, I realised that my comments had a deeper effect on him than I had expected.

“I don’t know anymore, Papa. I know you only wanted a daughter to fulfil this marriage arrangement. I understand I may have been a thorn in your side, and that I was only there for business.” My voice trembled with each word I spoke.

“Listen to me, you have never been just a business deal to me. I fucking adore you. Apart from your mother, you are the most lovable woman I've ever known; Lorenzo will be damn lucky to be able to call you his wife. I didn’t do it because I thought he would be a safe bet.” He took a deep breath. “I did it because I knew there was no one else other than myself that I would trust more to protect you than him. I've seen the ruthless man he's become over the years, and while I used to be concerned, knowing that you'll be secured and protected when I'm no longer here gives me peace of mind."

"But you had no clue who Lorenzo would grow up to be when he was seven." I didn't know what else to say in response to his confession.

"That'scompletely true; I didn't. But I have trust in his father and his family." When his eyes met mine, I saw a mix of affection, concern, and sorrow in them. "Please, Anastacia, accompany me downstairs. He'll be waiting." He let go of my hands and extended his arm to me once again.

I knew deep down that if I backed out of this evening, if I backed out of this deal, my father's name would be ruined. He had worked too hard for me to ruin his reputation.I'll do this for him and him alone,so he won't becomethe Bratva leader whose daughter fuckedeverything up.

"Do you mind if I meet you downstairs? I need a few moments." As though he didn't believe me, he raised his brow. "Papa, I'm not going to disappoint you; I'll be there."

He lowered his arm before pressing a kiss on the tip of my nose.

“I know you will. You’re a Fedorov.”

“Not for much longer.” I sighed.

"No marriage certificate will ever erase the fact that you're a Fedorov to me." He rounded the corner to take the stairs down into the lounge, leaving me alone once again.

This was fucking tedious;I’d rather be shot at than stand here waiting for the Fedorov princess. Her father emerged at the top of the stairs; the power radiating from him. He lived up to the expectations, that was for sure. Even though he acted as if everything was running smoothly, I sensed tension in his posture; something had happened before he joined the five of us.

“Lorenzo, welcome.” Victor swiftly joined us, his wife handing him a drink as soon as he arrived.

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