A

are

ou are smarter than me, then I will show you how very repl

d it out of my hand. His grip on my waist tighte

rling would ever threa

ing. I could imagine how flushed her face would be, knowin

n such a disrespectful manner again, I will be force

here would be no need

looked up at him; even though the moment was ruined by Victo

y heart was still beating hard against my chest wh

l. A small, shaky breath escaped my lips as I tr

? You shouldn't be here..." I trailed off. My gaze drifted fr

tened under the sunlight that was slowly setting behind him. His

p," he announced slow

most immediately, the spot hi

nything..." I stopped, realising that his secreta

a deadline for a project t

birthday," I whisp

ed me to the car, where he tended to my wounds, which

o pull my leg away, bu

were laser-focused on my leg as he wiped it do

randmother's

y picked out a dress," he cut me off. How did he k

gift fo

it over to me. I pulled it open, and inside was a se

all out by himself. I did feel a pang of guilt, knowing he could have someho

but magnificent Volkov estate, where the d

I had never been to a party like this before. Victoria and Jack had regarded me as an eyesore, not fit enough t

ough the house into the grand ballroom. Every eye w

ey watched us. People couldn't help but whis

good, or maybe they knew that Roman would rain hel

my grandmot

but it was the first time I was meeting them. I hoped they wouldn't think I was so

dmoth

to the ground. Her eyes softened when they landed

ov; it is nice

e calls me that, aside from hi

er voice was tender. "I was afraid that he would die without any

sure how well Roman would welcome the idea

ied now. Soon, I hope to see

ust a second beside me. We both exchang

u to the rest of the family." She dragged me along and proudly announced to every

ple. Katya Volkov-Roman's sister-stepp

k her hand, and she pulled me closer. "It is nice t

id n

by Katya's side with my mouth slightly open. I

us