Chapter 64 ANYTHING FOR YOU PRINCESS
••Luciana••
I woke up to Roman sitting beside me. I felt a touch on my hand, warm and steady, and the soft scent of tea with honey drifted through the air, gentle and comforting. For a moment, I thought it was a dream, one of those fragile morning illusions that disappear the second reality settles in, until I opened my eyes and saw his face clearly, watching me with a smile that looked almost… peaceful.
Roman Orlov was sitting beside my bed, holding my hand, and smiling at me. Wow.
I blinked slowly, trying to adjust my vision to the room as sunlight filtered through the curtains in pale golden streaks. I sat up carefully, and the smell of tea with honey became even stronger, wrapping around me like warmth on a cold morning. I turned toward my bedside table and saw it waiting there. Tea and toast arranged neatly on a tray, steam rising softly as though it had just been prepared.
"I got you breakfast," Roman said.
"Oh! Thank you." I smiled, still slightly stunned by the sight before me.
"I have to go out now, I should be back before evening," he said. Before I could even respond, he lifted my hand gently and kissed the back of my palm, lingering just long enough to make my heart skip.
"Have a nice day, princess," he added before walking out of the room.
I watched the door long after he left.
This new Roman is amazing. He actually meant everything he said yesterday. I guess me telling him I still need time didn’t count to him. I felt like a newly wedded wife right now, the kind from stories who wakes up to unexpected tenderness and begins to question whether reality has quietly changed overnight.
The day passed slowly, wrapped in calm comfort. I enjoyed my breakfast, took my time getting ready, and before I knew it, noon had already slipped away. I had just finished lunch and was sitting at the dining table when I heard Roman’s voice echo faintly from the hallway.
He’s back early today.
He walked into the kitchen and settled into the chair opposite me.
"Welcome," I greeted him.
"May I have a glass of wine, please?" he said to Ami, who was tidying up after cooking.
"How are you, Luci?" he asked, turning his attention fully to me.
"I'm fine," I replied simply.
"You've had lunch already," he observed. "I wanted to take you to eat at my favourite restaurant."
"Oh, I’m afraid my stomach can’t take any more food," I said honestly.
"Hmm… how about a milkshake then?" he asked, eyes glinting with mischief.
I could never say no to milkshakes, and he already knew that. "There’s still space for that," I smirked.
He burst into laughter, and I joined him almost immediately.
"Of course I know," he said between laughs.
Shortly after, I changed out of my joggers and top into something nicer, and by the time I returned, he had already finished a good portion of the red wine. We walked toward the garage together, and suddenly he reached for my hand, holding it firmly in his.
I looked at him, shocked and completely surprised.
What in the world is he doing?
He didn’t let go. Even though I felt shy under the curious gazes of the workers and guards, even though Theo’s knowing smile when we passed him beside the Mercedes-Benz made my cheeks warm, Roman acted as if none of it mattered.
He held my hand like it belonged there, like he was holding a trophy.
When we finally drove out of the estate, I turned to him. "What was that for?" I asked.
"What?" he replied, pretending ignorance as though he truly had no idea what I meant.
"Holding my hand like that," I clarified.
"Can I not hold my wife's hand?" he asked calmly.
"That’s not what I meant… I mean, in front of everyone. They were all looking," I stuttered.
He was cornering me with his words, and I knew exactly what he was doing.
"They do not matter. We are married, and that’s what couples do," he said in defense.
I nodded quietly and decided to remain silent. If I kept arguing, he would definitely win, and I wasn’t ready for that conversation yet.
Instead, I looked through the window, appreciating the scenery as Moscow moved around us. Buildings passed in elegant rows, billboards flashed bright colors, and the city felt alive in a way I was slowly beginning to understand.
Then I spotted an ice cream shop.
It suddenly occurred to me that I hadn’t had ice cream in a long time. "Roman," I called, turning toward him.
"Yes?" he answered.
"Can we please have ice cream first?" I pleaded.
"No more milkshakes?" he teased.
"Of course I’m still getting my milkshake. I’m just suddenly craving ice cream now that we’re close to an ice cream shop."
"Anything for you, Princess," he smirked.
I muttered a soft thank you as he slowed the car and turned into the shop.
"What flavour do you want?" he asked once we sat at a table.
"Mint chocolate, my favourite," I said, smiling. "And vanilla too."
He adjusted his chair and stood to get the order.
"What flavour will you have?" I asked.
"I don’t take sugar," he replied.
"So what are you going to do while I’m having my ice cream?" I asked, though he didn’t respond.
"The biggest bowl, please," I called louder as he walked away.
He returned with an enormous bowl of ice cream for me and a cupcake for himself.
"Do you want to share?" I asked when he sat down.
"No, princess," he said firmly. "You know you can’t finish this bowl, right?"
"Says who?" I challenged. "It’s not even enough."
"Okay," he replied, focusing on his cupcake.
For several minutes, I happily dove into my ice cream while Roman watched me with an expression that suggested he was questioning how a fully grown woman could behave like such an excited child. I ignored him completely and continued enjoying every spoonful.
Eventually, my stomach protested. I slowed down, then finally pushed the bowl toward him.
"Have some."
"I told you I don’t want it," he said.
"Just a little," I insisted.
He pushed it back toward me. "Enjoy your ice cream."
"I’m full though," I admitted at last.
He laughed softly. "Oh, I thought it wasn’t even enough."
"That’s what I thought too," I replied.
I continued pestering him until he finally gave in and started eating it. Even though we didn’t finish the bowl, I made sure he took several generous scoops.
"Now I’m going to have to work out extra because of the sugar you forced on me," he complained.
"But you said anything for me," I teased.
"Anything, not sugar," he said, already sounding defeated.
I laughed, completely satisfied with my victory.
After getting my milkshake, we headed back home. I leaned against the seat, replaying the entire day in my mind, and a strange warmth spread through my chest.
If he kept treating me like this, I might forget I hadn’t said yes yet.