My relationship with Maxim hasn’t improved since that night two days ago. The night I suggested he check Dmitri and Viktor, his closest men, as possible rats.
I know I shouldn’t have said it. He trusts them like brothers. But in our world, you can never be too careful. Betrayal can come from anywhere. Still… the way he shut down, the way he stormed out…
He’s been distant ever since. Leaving the house before dawn, coming back long after I’ve gone to bed. I’m not sure if he’s avoiding me, or if he’s just so busy trying to find the real traitor.
Either way, the silence between us has been heavy. Cold.
I look down at my hands, they won’t stop trembling. I'm really doing this. Getting tied to Maxim for life. There's no way out after this.
I remind myself that I’m doing this for my family. If I back out now, it could start a war. Or worse, Milana would be forced to take my place. I’d rather walk into this fire myself than let her burn.
Besides, the thought of being married to Maxim, is no longer as terrifying as it used to be. When he isn't being cold, he's a great lover.
The makeup artist steps back, smiling softly. “Don't bite your lips, you'll ruin your lipstick.”
I manage a weak smile. “Sorry.”
Just then, the door opens. Artyom and Mikhail step inside, both dressed in sharp black suits. My brothers. My protectors. The sight of them makes my throat tighten with emotion.
I turn to the makeup artist. “Could you please excuse us for a moment?”
She nods quickly and slips out, closing the door behind her.
The second we’re alone, I let out a shaky breath. Artyom looks at me with that familiar cold intensity, but there’s worry behind his eyes. Mikhail’s expression is tighter, more volatile, like he’s barely holding himself back from dragging me out of here.
“You don’t have to do this,” Artyom says quietly, voice low. “We can still find another way.”
I shake my head, forcing a brave smile even as my eyes sting. “And what other way is there? Starting a war? I can't allow that.”
Mikhail steps closer, jaw clenched. “If that bastard hurts you?—”
“He won’t,” I cut in, surprising us all. “Maxim won't hurt me.”
They both look like they want to argue, but they don’t. Instead, Artyom takes me in, his expression softening in a way I rarely see.
“You look so beautiful,” he says quietly, voice thick.
Mikhail nods. “Like a queen.”
I manage a small, shaky smile. “Thank you.”
Artyom walks closer, his usual cold mask cracking. He stops in front of me, looking down with deep regret in his steel-gray eyes. “I’m really sorry, Calina. I didn’t want this for you.”
His jaw clenches. “We tried everything. We spent days and nights going through the contract with lawyers… and there was nothing. I failed you.”
Mikhail steps up beside him, shoulders tense. “We both did. We vowed to protect you and Milana, and we couldn’t stop this.”
The guilt in their voices breaks something in my chest. I reach out and take both their hands, squeezing tightly.
“Stop,” I say softly but firmly. “Both of you. There’s nothing to apologize for. This happened because of our father, not because of you. He’s the one who signed the blood contract. He’s the one who created this mess. You didn’t do this. You’ve protected us our whole lives. You still do.”
“I’m fine,” I tell them, even though my voice wavers. “Getting married to Maxim… it’s not as bad as you think. He’s not like Father. He hasn’t raised his voice at me. He hasn’t hurt me. He’s controlling and arrogant, yes, but he’s not violent with me. Not like that.”
The words slip out before I can stop them. I realize I keep defending Maxim to my brothers. But it’s the truth.
In the two weeks I’ve been with him, I’ve seen enough to know he’s nothing like Vladimir.
I squeeze their hands again. “So please… stop carrying this guilt. It’s not your burden. I’ve accepted my fate. You should too.”
