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Fine. For now, I’ll play along. I’ll make him believe I’ve stopped trying to run. I’ll be good. I’ll let him think he’s won. And when he finally relaxes, when he least expects it… I’ll disappear.

But not to New Jersey. He’ll find us there in a heartbeat. I need a better plan. I’ll reach out to my boss today and see if I can transfer back to the New York branch for now instead.

I’m still lying in bed, lost in my thoughts, when the bedroom door handle starts to jiggle. Someone is trying to open it from the outside but can’t quite reach the knob properly. A small smile tugs at my lips.

Anya.

I push myself up, ignoring the soreness between my thighs, and swing my legs over the side of the bed just as the door swings open.

Anya bursts in like a tiny hurricane, her hair flying, face lit up with pure joy. She jumps onto the bed, crawling straight into my lap.

“Mommy!” she squeals, bouncing excitedly. “It’s today! It’s today!”

I laugh softly, wrapping my arms around her. “Someone is very excited this morning. What’s today, baby?”

“It’s Mommy’s wedding!” she announces proudly, beaming up at me like she just told me the best secret in the world.

I blink, confused. “What are you talking about, sweetheart?”

“You’re getting married to Daddy!” She claps her little hands. “And my dress is so beautiful. Daddy showed me.”

I stare at her, my smile fading. “No… Where did you hear that from?”

“Daddy told me!” She nods vigorously. “He said today is the day. And your dress is beautiful too.”

I’m genuinely lost. My brain is still foggy. “Anya, I don’t—”

Before I can finish, Andrei walks into the room, calm and composed as always. He scoops Anya up into his strong arms effortlessly. She giggles and wraps her arms around his neck.

“Go meet Daria in the kitchen, malyshka,” he says gently. “She’ll help you get ready while I talk to Mommy.”

“Okay, Daddy!” Anya plants a quick kiss on his cheek, then wiggles until he sets her down. She runs off excitedly, her little feet pattering down the hallway.

The door clicks shut behind her.

I sit there, heart starting to race. “What is going on? Why is Anya saying we’re getting married today?”

Andrei turns to face me fully. “Because we are.”

My stomach drops. “What?”

He reaches into his pocket and produces a small velvet box. He opens it, revealing a stunning engagement ring, a large, flawless diamond that catches the morning light and throws it back in brilliant sparks. Without a word, he takes my left hand and slides the ring onto my finger. It fits perfectly.

“Rosie,” he says, voice low and final.

I stare at him, completely bewildered. “Yes…?”

He smiles, slow and satisfied. “She said yes.”

I snatch my hand back, staring at the massive rock now glittering on my finger. “What are you talking about? What is this ring for? Yes to what?”

“To being my wife.”

My mouth falls open. “No. I didn’t say yes. I’m not getting married to you!”

Andrei doesn’t even blink. “Well, we are getting married. The priest is already on his way. Your friends will be here any minute.”

He glances down at his phone, checking something, then looks back at me with that calm confidence that makes my blood run hot and cold at the same time.