Episode 13

"It seems like you still haven't learned how to treat a woman. Ivanov's voice grew sterner."

"I'm sure you know how to do it and practice it with my wife." Nicolas replies, but his gaze remains on me. I can tell Ivanov is slightly thrown off, but he quickly hides it. Deciding to intervene as the atmosphere becomes more tense, I turn my face towards Ivanov.

"I'll go with him. Thank you for everything. I'll come to your house later, okay?" I say to Ivanov.

"You have my number, I'm at your entire disposal. Just give me a call." He answers with a friendly voice.

"I know, thank you." I say with a kind smile, and he bids farewell with a gentle kiss on my cheek. I can't see Nicolas's gaze as he has once again put on his sunglasses, but his aura keeps growing heavier.

"That's enough, Anna. Get in the van." Without saying another word, I retreat and head towards the van. Once I arrive, the driver opens the door for me and I get in without even greeting him. I know it's not his fault, but the annoyance I feel right now because of Nicolas's attitude clouds my thoughts.

I turn my head to where I was just seconds ago and see Nicolas and Ivanov exchange a few more words before each heading to their respective vehicles.

Nicolas gets in and sits next to me.

"Where have you been staying?" Nicolas asks, without looking at me.

"Nowhere." I respond calmly.

"Where did you spend the night?" His voice is flat, devoid of emotion.

"At Ivanov's mansion." I say curtly.

"I see."

We're going to The Ritz-Carlton, he tells the driver.

"As you wish, sir." Without saying more, we head towards the hotel, one where I will not be staying. Although my business is growing, I cannot afford such luxury yet.

Silence takes over the space, and it's somewhat uncomfortable. I'm still not sure if Nicolas knows that I am carrying his child, and it's driving me crazy.

Deciding to distract myself, I look out the window. This is my first time in this country, and unfortunately, I won't be able to explore anything. I sigh and try to relax my body. After a while, the vehicle stops along with three other vans, one in front and two behind us. It seems to be Nicolas's security team, which I hadn't noticed before. I wonder why he has more security here than in Los Angeles. Apart from his strained relationship with Ivanov, it's evident they have known each other for a long time.

Two men who descend from the rear van approach and open the doors for us. Nicolas heads towards the entrance, and resignedly, I follow. The interior of the hotel is golden, reflecting the beauty of 19th-century classicism. I can't appreciate much as Nicolas walks straight to the elevator. We go up to the top floor. The room is simply marvelous, emanating an elegant and sophisticated air. The bed is enormous, and the view is perfect, being located next to Red Square.

I see Nicolas take off his jacket and tie, roll up his shirt sleeves, take a seat, and motion for me to do the same in front of him.

"I'm waiting for you to speak." It's the first thing he says without taking his eyes off mine, and despite my attempts to hide it, I'm truly nervous.

"I don't know what we can talk about unless the divorce matter has been resolved."

He looks at me suspiciously.

"I think we have a more important common topic,"wife."" His tone now turns sarcastic.

"Be explicit; I don't like reading between the lines." I reply while fidgeting with my fingers. I hate feeling like he has control over the situation.

"Fine, I'll be direct." He stands up, circles the small table separating us, and squats in front of me, bringing his face close to mine. His gaze reveals some anger that he quickly disguises, returning to his usual expressionless state. "What about we talk about the child growing in your womb?"

Quickly, I stand up and turn my back to him, he mimics me by standing up behind me.

"I don't know what you're talking about. Explain yourself better." "Yes, I know I'm deep in the sea, but what can I do? I don't know what to say, I feel like when I did something wrong in school and they put me in front of the principal."

"Why lie?" He turns me around, making me face him, his penetrating gaze leaves me completely exposed. There's only accepting it and facing the consequences head-on, or the rock in front of me.

"I didn't dare look at the results at that moment, I was scared and you were pressuring me... I'm sorry, I acted childishly, I know, I didn't know how to react, all of this is new to me."

"Do you plan on having an abortion?" His question sounds so casual that it makes me explode, anger takes over me.

"No, and if that's why you're here, to ask me to do it, let me tell you that you wasted your time! Stay away from me, end your plans for divorce once and for all, my child and I will be perfectly fine without a psychopath like you by our side!"

"Perfect, that's all I wanted to know. The divorce is off." He grabs his jacket and walks towards the exit. "Don't even think about going to Ivanov's house, work matters are not dealt with at home. I told you my wife won't spend the night under the same roof as another man, I don't like to repeat myself, I hope I'm being clear."

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