CHAPTER 81

CHAPTER 81

The chapter opens with Nikolai arriving at the newly prepared estate.
The estate manager and several staff members are already waiting outside to receive him. They respectfully greet him before leading him inside.

Blending detailed descriptions of the mansion. It is elegant, modern, peaceful, and surrounded by heavy security. 

There is a spacious living room, a beautiful kitchen, several luxurious bedrooms, a large garden, and enough space for a child to grow comfortably.

As Nikolai walks through each room, he silently inspects everything.
He notices one empty bedroom and orders the estate manager to transform it into a child's room. He instructs them to decorate it with toys, books, colorful walls, a study corner, and everything a little boy could need.

The manager assures him everything will be completed before evening.
Satisfied with the inspection, Nikolai leaves the estate and drives toward the cabin.

Blend the road description and his thoughts during the drive. Although he refuses to admit it, he finds himself wondering whether Arianna will accept the new place. He tells himself he is only doing it for Noah's safety, yet deep down, he knows Arianna's happiness also matters to him.

After some time, he arrives at the cabin.

The bodyguards immediately bow as he walks inside.
When he enters the bedroom, he finds Arianna already dressed in fresh clothes. She is gently combing Noah's hair while Noah sits happily on the bed.

The atmosphere feels peaceful.

The moment Noah notices him, his face lights up.
"Uncle!"

Noah immediately jumps off the bed and runs toward him.

Nikolai instinctively kneels in front of him and smiles faintly.
He asks Noah how he is feeling.

Noah happily replies that he is feeling much better. He says he enjoyed dinner the previous night and asks what they are having for breakfast because he is hungry again.

Nikolai smiles slightly and tells him breakfast is already prepared and the maid should arrive at any moment.

Right on cue, a maid knocks before entering.

She bows respectfully and announces that breakfast has been served in the dining room.

Noah excitedly turns toward Arianna.

"Mommy, let's go eat!"

Arianna gently smiles before asking the maid to take Noah ahead to the dining room.

She tells Noah she'll join him in a minute.

Noah happily follows the maid out of the room.
The door closes.

Silence immediately fills the room.

Only Nikolai and Arianna remain.

For several long seconds, neither of them speaks.

Arianna lowers her eyes, unsure what to expect.

Nikolai slowly walks closer before stopping beside the bed.
He quietly asks if she is feeling better after everything that happened.
Arianna nods softly.

Nikolai takes a slow breath before saying he has thought carefully about what she told him.
He tells her she was right.

Keeping her locked inside the cabin forever is not the answer.
Arianna slowly lifts her eyes in surprise.

Nikolai notices the shock on her face.
He walks closer and sits on the edge of the bed.
Then he explains that he has prepared another mansion for her and Noah.

She and Noah will leave the cabin that evening.
The new place will belong to them.

She will finally have her own space and Noah will have a comfortable home where he can grow peacefully.
However, his voice turns firm.

She is free to live there.

But she is not free to leave him completely.

He admits he still cannot let her disappear from his life again after losing her for five years.

He promises he will never imprison her the way he once did.
He will give her comfort, dignity, and freedom within limits.
Noah will have the best education, the best protection, and everything he deserves.

Then he quietly tells her the choice is simple.
She can remain inside this cabin.

Or she can move into the new mansion that evening.
Arianna stares at him, completely speechless.

Before she can answer, Nikolai's phone suddenly rings.
He answers immediately.

One of his executives informs him that an urgent board meeting has been called and his presence is required.

Nikolai ends the call after giving a few brief instructions.
He turns back toward Arianna.

He tells her to have breakfast, spend time with Noah, and prepare their things.

By evening, they will be leaving the cabin.

Arianna opens her mouth, wanting to respond.
But Nikolai cuts her off before she can speak.

His expression hardens slightly.
"Don't mistake this for weakness, Arianna."

"You wanted freedom. I'm giving you as much as I'm willing to."
"Be ready by evening."

Without waiting for her reply, he turns and walks out of the room, leaving Arianna standing there, still trying to process everything he has just said.