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What?
“H– how?” I stuttered.
“I received a call from Nikolai earlier and he explained everything to me. He did the most honorable thing in this situation.”
Of course he did. That sneaky bastard.
I was silent, wondering what exactly Nik had told him.
“I know you're carrying his child, Ashley,” he said calmly.
When I heard these words coming out of his mouth, I lowered my head in dismay. I couldn't look up at him. There was no condemnation in his voice, but I just couldn't bear it. It was harder than I thought.
“He proposed to marry you, or rather, he told me.” Said Dad ironically. “This arrangement would be beneficial to the family business.”
“We can reject the offer,” I said, managing to raise my head.
He sighed again, “We both know how bad it will be if I refuse him.” He sat up straight and leaned against the frame of his bed.
My father looked at me sternly as he asked, “Do you like him?”
I just shrugged; I didn’t have an answer. To be honest, I wasn't quite sure. I didn't know what I felt for him. Was it love, lust or just infatuation? But I knew I was attracted to him, that was already clear. Did I like him enough to spend the rest of my life with him?
“This arrangement will be particularly good for business. It would benefit the company. But I would never give my daughter away to a man she doesn’t want to be with for my own sake.” The resentment in his tone was clear to hear. “I'm prepared to fight it with everything I've got …”
“—No, Dad …” I tried to dissuade him, but he wouldn't give in.
He coughed and continued, “We can take care of the child ourselves if you decide to keep it.” He stared at me, expecting me to actually make him a grandfather. “But the Russians aren't known for ever leaving their blood behind, that could lead to a bloodbath.”
“I can't do that to you. I won't,” I got out of the chair and sat down at the side of his bed. I hated the fact that he was in this mess because of me. “I'm not going to make you suffer for my mistake.”
“Don't worry about me, my darling. Only your happiness is important to me. Eternity is a long time to spend with a Russian mafioso.”
“If that would ensure your safety … then that is a sacrifice I am willing to make.” I swallowed.
Forever is a long time.
“Nik isn't all bad,” I said, trying to convince myself that I wouldn't make a decision I would later regret. “He's a bit misguided, rude and condescending at times ...” A chuckle escaped me at this point. “He may be ruthless, perhaps the embodiment of cruelty, but that's the way it is in business. I know he would protect me and the baby.”
“I noticed you called him Nik,” he said to me.
“Um … that's his name, Dad.”
“What happened to ‘Mr. Wolkov’ or ‘Nikolai’?” he asked cheekily.
Oh, now I see what you're up to.
“Listen, Ashley ...,” my father said to me, and my thoughts ran over for a moment.
Oops! He called you Ashley. You know what that means.
Dad is about to hit me with some advice.
He continued, “Nikolai may be a successful businessman, but he's also part of a criminal family. An extremely dangerous one. If you really want to be with him, you need to be prepared for mafia life.” He exhaled sharply and added: “Have you thought about the age difference? He's almost twice your age, Ashley.”
“I know,” I replied, nodding gently. “And I'm ready. I'll say yes to Nik's proposal. It's the only way to avoid bloodshed.”
“But you don't love him?” I wasn’t sure whether this was a question or rather a statement. But my mind was already made up.
