Chapter 32

"Yes, you're right. Leaving her to take care of another being is the same as condemning the child to suffer. Fine, Camila and I will help you escape and have this baby far from Luara and Samuel."

"My problem isn’t Samuel, to be clear. The problem is your sister. Pavel will be arrested, and Luara? She will stay here, with her cold and bitter ways." He looks at me and then, unexpectedly, hugs me.

"How did you fall in love with Samuel Colt?" Iurih steps back and looks at me curiously, waiting for my answer.

"I fell in love with the darkness that resides in that man. I can understand his pain, even if I don’t agree with his actions. Samuel carries this immense darkness within him, and it makes me want to be part of it. I fell in love with who he is, even with his authoritarian and arrogant nature. His pain is vast and has a depth that might be impossible to measure, but I identify with his fears. He’s been through so much, and I know there’s a reason he’s like that. I know there’s so much more to him than he shows. Colt uses a layer of protection made of arrogance. He’s not just a great leader; he’s unique and eccentric."

Iurih smiles, impressed by my response, and then walks to the door.

"Tomorrow, we’ll sneak out for you to meet Camila. I’m sure you’ll get along great." He disappears as I stand, gazing out the window.

I walk to the balcony, taking a deep breath as my thoughts conflict. I don’t want to leave Samuel, but I have to protect my baby from this family. It won’t be easy to stay away from him, to resist missing his touch or the addictive desire I feel when we’re together, but it’s necessary. My thoughts are interrupted by two hands wrapping around me from behind. I imagine it’s Samuel.

"Samuel, I can’t do this right now." When I turn around, I see John.

"Samuel?" He smiles at me and kisses my cheek gently. "Sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you!"

"You always like to scare me. I know you do."

"Just a little."

"How do you feel about your mother being here, becoming part of your lives again?"

"I’m happy. I never imagined my father was lying. I wanted to tell you something before someone else does."

"Of course, what is it?"

"Agatha and I set a wedding date." I don’t know what to think about what John just told me.

"Are you happy about marrying Agatha?"

"No, Tatyana, I don’t love her. Even though she’s a calm person, I still can’t feel anything for her," he admits, saddened.

"Can’t you call off the wedding?" John looks thoughtful.

"It’s part of the rules of the code."

I walk back into the room, and John follows, sitting next to me on the bed.

"A Colt can only marry another Colt, and the Brotherhood won’t allow that to change."

"Have you ever tried to change this rule?"

"Not really, but it’s been mentioned in past meetings, and they didn’t budge. They trust the Colts and believe bringing outsiders in could lead to betrayal."

"I think that rule should change. Pavel’s actions only prove how flawed it is—a Colt betrayed his own children. That rule doesn’t make sense, not given the circumstances and recent events."

John’s eyes light up, and he exhales a breath that seemed trapped in his lungs.

"You’re right! That rule doesn’t make sense anymore. For those already married to a Colt, fine, but it shouldn’t be mandatory anymore."

"It only drives you all to madness. It’s painful, disgusting—no one should be forced to marry a relative without love. If you loved each other, if it were natural, that would be one thing. But by force? It’s unfair. I believe in love in its purest form, and it can happen with anyone—but not by obligation!"

"You’re right. There’s a difference between loving and being forced into something. Every time I look at you, Taty, I see hope! I’ll let you rest. I know you’ve had a rough night."

John kisses my cheek affectionately and leaves the room.

I lie on the bed and close my eyes. I need to rest and reorganize my thoughts, but it’s clear I can’t stay in the Colt mansion. I’ll never let Luara lay her hands on my child. She’s cold and would mistreat the baby just because I gave birth to it. I’ll leave as soon as possible, and with Iurih’s help, they’ll never find us.

I pick up my phone and send a message to my father.

"Dad, I need you to disappear for a while. I can’t give up my baby. What should I do?"

He quickly replies.

"I miss you so much, and I’ve already caused too many problems in your life. Run and never let this crazy family find you and the baby. Dying is just the consequence of my choices. Know that I love you very much, my daughter, but now it’s time for you to live your life as you truly deserve!"

"I love you, Dad. I can’t lose you," I reply, heartbroken at the thought.

"You’ll never truly lose me. Focus on the baby. You already know the answer you need. I love you, my daughter."

"I love you, forever."

I turn off my phone and reflect on my father’s words. I completely changed my life for him, to free him from this death sentence. I spent my days devoted to saving every ruble to keep him safe. From the moment I first saw Samuel Colt, something inside me told me my life would change drastically. My life and my priorities now revolve around my baby. I have to believe Samuel won’t kill my father when I’m no longer by his side.