Chapter 89 Chapter 89
CHAPTER EIGHTY-NINE
Irina
I lay in the hospital bed staring at the ceiling.
Dimitri had just left and the room felt empty without him.
My body ached everywhere from the surgery and the fight with Marina.
But the physical pain was nothing compared to the fear in my heart.
Dimitri was planning to go to war tonight against Viktor Orlov and his army of men.
What if he did not come back?
What if our son grew up without a father?
Tears started falling down my face.
I tried to wipe them away but they kept coming.
A nurse entered the room.
"Mrs Volkov," she said gently. "How are you feeling?"
"Scared," I admitted honestly.
"That is understandable," the nurse said. "You have been through a lot."
She checked my vitals and adjusted my IV. "Your husband loves you very much," she added. "I can see it in his eyes."
"I know," I whispered. "That is what scares me."
"What do you mean?" The nurse asked.
"He would do anything to protect us," I explained. "Even if it means dying."
The nurse was quiet for a moment.
"Then you have to trust that he will find a way to survive," she said. "For you and your baby."
I nodded but I was not convinced. After the nurse left I tried to sleep.
But every time I closed my eyes I saw terrible things.
Dimitri lying dead in a pool of blood.
Viktor standing over him laughing.
Our son growing up alone without parents.
I opened my eyes quickly. I could not think like that. I had to stay positive. I had to believe Dimitri would come back.
Hours passed slowly.
Then finally there was a knock on my door.
"Come in," I called out.
A doctor entered and he was smiling.
"Mrs Volkov," he said. "I have good news."
"What is it?" I asked hopefully.
"Your son's condition has improved significantly," the doctor explained. "We think he will be strong enough to leave the NICU soon."
Relief flooded through me.
"Really?" I asked. "When?"
"Maybe in a few days," the doctor replied. "If he continues to improve."
"Can I see him?" I asked eagerly.
"Of course," the doctor said. "Let me get you a wheelchair."
A few minutes later I was being wheeled to the NICU.
When I arrived I could see my baby through the glass. He looked so much better than before. His color was healthier and he was moving his little arms and legs.
"Can I hold him?" I asked the nurse.
"Yes," she replied with a smile. "But only for a little while."
They opened the incubator carefully.
The nurse lifted my tiny baby and placed him in my arms.
He was so small and light. But he was warm and alive.
"Hello my little fighter," I whispered. "Mama is here."
The baby opened his eyes and looked at me.
Those beautiful eyes that reminded me of Alexei.
But I did not care whose blood ran in his veins.
This was my son.
Mine and Dimitri's.
"You are going to be okay," I told him. "We are all going to be okay."
I held him close and rocked him gently.
For the first time in days I felt peace. Everything else faded away. The war, the danger, the fear. All that mattered was this moment.
Me and my baby. Safe in each other's arms.
"Mrs Volkov," the nurse said gently. "It is time."
I did not want to let go. But I knew I had to. I kissed my baby's forehead softly.
"Mama loves you so much," I whispered. "Always remember that."
The nurse took him carefully and placed him back in the incubator.
"You did very well," she said. "He knows your voice and your touch."
"When can I hold him again?" I asked.
"Tomorrow," the nurse promised. "For longer this time."
I was wheeled back to my room. But I felt lighter somehow.
My baby was getting stronger. That had to mean something good. Trre was a knock on my door.
"Come in," I said.
A gaurd entered. He entered looking serious.
"Mrs Volkov," he said. "I have a message from your husband."
"What is it?" I asked.
"He says the plans have changed," the guard explained. "There will be no attack tonight."
My heart lifted with relief. "Why not?" I asked.
"I do not know ma'am," the guard replied. "He just said to tell you he is safe."
"Thank you," I said.
After the guard left I felt tears of relief.
Dimitri was not going to war. At least not tonight.
That meant he was safe and would come back to me.
I closed my eyes and finally managed to sleep.
This time there were no nightmares.
Just peaceful darkness.
I woke up hours later to someone shaking my shoulder gently.
"Irina," a familiar voice said.
I opened my eyes and saw Dimitri. He looked exhausted but he was smiling.
"Dimitri," I said sitting up. "What happened?"
"I spoke with Mikhail," he explained. "He told me not to attack yet."
"Is he okay?" I asked.
"He is awake," Dimitri said. "Weak but alive."
"Thank God," I whispered.
Dimitri sat on the edge of my bed.
"He said I need to focus on you and our son first," he continued. "The war can wait."
"He is right," I said. "We need you here."
"I know," Dimitri replied. "I am not going anywhere."
He took my hand gently
.
"I made a mistake today," he admitted. I let anger cloud my judgment."
"You were deceived," I said. "We all were."
"But I should have trusted Mikhail," Dimitri said. "I should have believed in him."
"You can make it right now," I replied. "By staying alive."
Dimitri smiled sadly.
"I almost lost everything today," he said. "You, our son, Mikhail."
"But you did not," I reminded him. "We are all still here."
"Thanks to luck," Dimitri said.
"No," I corrected. "Thanks to you."
"What do you mean?" He asked.
"You saved us," I explained. "You came when we needed you."
"I should have been there sooner," Dimitri said.
"You were there when it mattered," I replied.
Dimitri leaned down and kissed me softly.
"I love you," he whispered.
"I love you too," I said.
We sat in comfortable silence for a while. Just being together was enough.
"What did Mikhail say exactly?" I asked.
"He said Viktor is too powerful right now," Dimitri explained. "And that I should not rush into a battle I cannot win."
"That is wise," I said.
"He also said to protect what matters most," Dimitri continued. "You and our son."
"So what will you do?" I asked.
"I will strengthen our defenses," Dimitri replied. "Gather more allies and the hen the time is right, we will end this."
I nodded.
"I am scared," I admitted.
"I know," Dimitri said. "So am I."
"But we will get through this," he added. "Together."
"Together," I repeated.
Dimitri stayed with me for a long time.
We talked about small things. About what life would be lik
e when this was over. About the future we would build together.
It felt good to dream.
To imagine a life without fear. Eventually Dimitri stood up.
"I should let you rest," he said.
"Stay a little longer," I asked.
"I wish I could," he replied. "But I need to check on Mikhail."
"Of course," I said. "Tell him thank you from me."
"I will," Dimitri promised.
He kissed me one more time then left.
I lay back down and closed my eyes.
This time when I slept there were good dreams.
Dreams of our little family safe and happy.