Chapter 4

Vera：POV

"You don't need to worry about my business. I'll handle it myself," Viktor answered coldly, not even bothering to look at me.

My heart twisted painfully in my chest. I lowered my eyes to hide the tears threatening to spill over. Why did I even ask? What was I hoping for—that he'd suddenly decide to stay home with me instead of rushing to his ex-girlfriend?

"I understand," I whispered, my voice barely audible.

Viktor checked his watch impatiently. "I'll be late tonight. Don't wait up."

"Viktor," I called out as he reached the door. "Will you at least tell me if you're—"

"I said don't worry about it," he cut me off, his tone sharp enough to make me flinch. "This doesn't concern you."

The door closed behind him with a decisive click, and I collapsed onto the edge of the bed, wrapping my arms around myself. The emptiness of the room crushed down on me, making it hard to breathe.

I pressed my hand against my still-flat stomach, thinking of the tiny life growing inside me. My baby, hated by his father before he was even born.

"What will happen to us?" I whispered to my unborn child.

I found myself wandering into the living room later that morning, emotionally drained and physically exhausted. I sank down onto one of the plush sofas, staring blankly at nothing.

"Vera? Are you alright, dear?" Marina's voice startled me from my thoughts.

I quickly wiped my eyes, plastering on the fake smile I'd perfected over the years. "I'm fine."

Marina glided across the marble floor in her designer dress, settling beside me with practiced grace.

"Viktor left in quite a hurry this morning," she observed, her tone casual but her eyes sharp. "Did he have an important meeting?"

"I think so. He said he'd be late."

"Hmm." Marina smoothed an invisible wrinkle from her skirt. "I noticed his favorite cologne was missing from the bathroom. He only wears that for special occasions."

The observation hit me like a physical blow. That cologne—the one he'd worn on our wedding day, then never again with me. Now he was wearing it for her.

"Did he go to see Natalia?" Marina asked, her voice dripping with false sympathy. "I heard she's back in town."

I swallowed hard, fighting a fresh wave of tears. "Yes, his first love returned today."

Marina patted my hand; she smiled and said, "Viktor knows he's married. I'm sure he'll be... appropriate." She paused deliberately. "Their relationship was quite passionate, you know. Everyone expected them to marry. If not for your... unexpected appearance in Viktor's life..."

"Viktor's grandfather insisted on our marriage," I said quietly, hating how my voice trembled.

"Of course, dear. No one blames you," Marina replied, though her tone suggested otherwise. "You should try to understand your husband. The situation is complicated for him. Those feelings don't just disappear overnight."

"It's been three years," I said, more forcefully than I intended.

Marina studied my face, her eyes narrowing slightly. "You're looking pale. Are you feeling better? No more nausea or vomiting?"

My hand instinctively moved toward my stomach, but I quickly realized I might have revealed something. "I'm much better, thank you," I said quickly, standing up. "Don't worry about me, Mom."

As I walked away, I felt her gaze burning into my back. The walls of the mansion seemed to close in around me.

I vaguely felt that Marina might not be as kind and caring as she appeared, and that she seemed to be constantly testing my boundaries and prying into my secrets.

Viktor strode through the ornate doors of Serebryanaya Lozhka, Moscow's most exclusive restaurant. The maître d' spotted him immediately, approaching with a deferential bow.

"Mr. Korsolov, welcome. Your guest has already arrived. Right this way, sir."

Across the room, Natalia Petrova sat at the best table, positioned to be seen by everyone. She looked exactly as Viktor remembered—flawless. Her platinum blonde hair cascaded over bare shoulders, her blue eyes lighting up as she spotted him approaching.

"Viktor," she breathed, rising gracefully from her seat. Her designer dress clung to her model's figure as she leaned in to kiss his cheeks. "It's been too long."

Viktor didn't return the embrace, instead stepping back slightly. "Natalia. You're looking well."

"I've missed you terribly," Natalia said, leaning forward across the table. The movement deliberately emphasized her décolletage. "Have you missed me? I've thought about you every day since I left."

Viktor was unfazed and signaled for the waiter. "I'll have vodka."

"Still so serious," Natalia sighed, touching his hand lightly. "I remember when you used to smile more."

"That was a long time ago," Viktor replied, removing his hand from hers. "I'm married now, Natalia. This kind of talk is inappropriate."

"Married. It was your grandfather who forced on you." She took a delicate sip of her champagne. "Do you love her, Viktor? After everything we meant to each other?"

Viktor's jaw tightened. "I won't get divorced."

"You didn't answer my question," Natalia pressed. "You sacrificed so much for me before. I don't believe you don't love me anymore?"

"What exactly are you trying to say, Natalia?" Viktor cut her off, his voice low and dangerous.

She said simply, "I never stopped wanting you. And I think you feel the same." She reached across the table, her manicured fingers lightly brushing his hand. "I should have tried harder to make your grandfather accept me. It was all my fault."

Viktor finally sighed. "There's no point discussing this.We can still be friends. Let's order."

Natalia smiled, undeterred. "Viktor, we will be together again."

I was watching TV in the living room while Marina was calling Evgeny to plot the murder of me and my child. I suddenly felt stuffy indoors and wanted to get some fresh air. I thought about telling Marina I was going for a walk and asking if she wanted to join me. I looked around the house but couldn't find Marina.

I guessed she might have gone back to her bedroom. I walked to her door and happened to overhear her saying, "This plan must be foolproof, make sure nothing unexpected happens."

I knocked on the door and then opened it, asking, "Mom? What plan are you talking about?"