Total pages in book: 79
Estimated words: 75209 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 376(@200wpm)___ 301(@250wpm)___ 251(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 75209 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 376(@200wpm)___ 301(@250wpm)___ 251(@300wpm)
They could take me away now and execute me, and I’d die a happy man. In the short time I got to know her, my world was made brighter. More vivid. She is my everything.
Zofia Ivanov stands. “And on that note, I have something to say.” All eyes go to Vera’s mother. She stands with grace and holds her head high, much like my own mother back at home.
My heart aches to go home. To be reunited with my family.
Zofia clears her throat. “This family is ruled by hierarchy—it always has and it always will be. Killing Nikko Romanov will ensure war with our family and theirs. Instead of further bloodshed, I urge you to make the decision that will ensure our family is strengthened.” She bows her head. “That is all I have to say.”
She sits back down. Vera leans over and hugs her.
I sit stoically as the high-ranking members of the Ivanov Bratva discuss my future. I prepare myself mentally for the possibility of execution and remind myself of the words of Marcus Aurelius that Kolya, my family mentor, drilled into us at a young age. “You could leave life right now. Let that determine what you do and say and think.”
Kolya told us we should wake every day knowing it could be our last.
I draw in a breath and ask myself. . . could I live with the choices that I’ve made if this were my last day on earth?
Yes. Yes, I could. I did all that I’ve done out of love and loyalty to my family, and in the course of doing so, I fell in love with a woman I’m prepared to die for. I will not plead for my life. I will not beg for mercy. I will not apologize for who I am.
After a few minutes of discussion, the Ivanov leadership reconvenes.
“We will consider sparing your life, Romanov, but our mercy comes at a steep price. You will personally oversee the negotiations for this alliance between our families. Fail to secure a treaty that benefits both the Ivanov and Romanov families, and it won’t just be your life at stake. We will retaliate against everyone you hold dear.”
I hold my breath, the gravity of the threat weighing heavily. I’ve been granted an opportunity I won’t take lightly. I clench my fists. “I accept,” I reply. “I will not fail you.”
He nods. “I will not speak poorly of my deceased leader, but I will say this. You have the potential to lead our family to much greater strength here in Moscow. We would never defy the wishes of a dying leader. Doing so would bring curses upon our family. We acquit you of all charges with the knowledge that you will bring our family the strength and solidification of allies and resources that will make joining you worthwhile. Are we in agreement?”
We shake hands.
“Agreed.”
The leader nods to Vera. “With your permission, we would like to expedite this as soon as possible.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
Vera
The next twenty-four hours pass in a whirlwind.
I’m so thankful that my mother’s with me.
I want to be alone with Nikko as we have so much to talk about and so much to share.
I want to tell him I forgive him. I want to tell him I love him.
His testimony at that trial. . . And the results.
I don’t know how a woman like me, who has a higher level of education, can’t wrap her brain around the simplest of things. But I can’t quite comprehend the fact that we’re getting married. I never imagined that I would end up in an arranged marriage. But also. . . engaged to the man I love.
Is he really the man that I love? Yes. Yes, my God, I love Markov. . . No. Nikko. I don’t care what his name is or who his family is; I love this fierce, strong, selfless man who would lay down his life for me.
“Are you okay?” my mother says in my ear. Nikko’s mother, Ekaterina Romanov, has set us up in a beautiful guest room on her estate. We only just arrived an hour ago, and while I’m tired from travel, I’m energized with what will happen in the days ahead. I am eager to put all of this behind us. Eager to be united to Nikko without false pretenses.
The insistence of leaders that we get married soon worked well for me because it meant I could leave Moscow. Professor Morozov and I will resume our studies together, away from the college that’s riddled with memories. But we won’t begin for another month, which means I get to spend time in America.
“I’m so glad you’re with me,” I tell my mother. “Mom, there’s been so much. . .” My voice catches. I will not cry. Not when I have to be the strong daughter of the Ivanovs. There are only us women now.