Page 113 of Queen’s Gambit

“How do I explain that I didn’t announce that you were in labor and had twins to my parents?”

“That’s not my problem. I had our child. You are the one lying to people, so figure it out,” I snapped back.

Christov stomped away and then turned to face me.

“I fucking hate you,” he growled.

“The feeling is mutual. We’re in this mess because of you, so if you want to blame someone, then look in a mirror. I never wanted to marry you, but you forced me. Remember?”

“My father ordered me to marry you.”

I’d already figured that out. Whether I was the initial intended victim of an arranged marriage to Christov didn’t matter. When the opportunity was presented to Mr. Ivankov senior, he jumped at the chance. As if they would openly allow their son to marry someone with no name, wealth, or power and who had worked in a brothel.

“Look, it’s obvious that we despise one another, but we’re stuck. So, here’s the deal, Christov. I looked the other way when you moved Alina in here, and I don’t go near her. I can either scream from the rooftops about your ongoing affair and make sure that no one ever believes that child is mine, or….” I held up my hands before he had another meltdown. “I continue to look the other way and sign the papers to appease your family. But I want more than the visits. I never want you to come near my daughter. I know you don’t and won’t love her, and I don’t want her life tainted with your hatred for me. Leave us alone. I’ll leave you alone, and we all win.”

He looked back at Lilya’s door, and I could feel him thinking.

“This isn’t difficult. I know that your friends don’t care who you sleep with, but you’ll never see a dime of your inheritance if your parents find out Sabastian isn’t mine.”

Was it true? Based on what I knew, most likely. But it was still a bluff because men in this world paid handsomely to keep lies hidden. They didn’t care who they hurt or about the truth.

“Fuck…you better sign this paperwork,” he growled before he turned and marched away. I waited until he got to the top of the stairs and called his name.

“Oh, and Christov….” He looked over his shoulder at me. “If you ever hit me again, I don’t care what contracts we have in place. I’ll make it my sole mission to destroy you, your reputation, and your life.”

He looked like he was going to blow a gasket as his face turned bright red. Instead of responding to my threat, he jogged down the stairs, passed my guard, and disappeared. Vlad came up with a plate of food in his hand and looked at me.

“I’m okay. I promise,” I said, collapsing into the chair.

Lilya began to cry again, and I groaned.

“Come on, baby girl, give mommy a break. I need sleep, too.”

“I’ve got her,” Vlad said.

“You sure?” He nodded and slipped into Lilya’s room.

This would’ve been so much easier with Frida here, but Christov had banned her from the property after Lilya was born. He just didn’t want anymore potential witnesses to whatever they were planning. Prick. Vlad and Mylo got a pass because he still thought they worked for my father. I was sure that one day he would figure out they didn’t, and then I was really going to be all alone with him and Alina. I shuddered but was too tired to move. As Lilya quieted, I felt my eyes grow heavier.

Lilya – One-Year-Old

No matter what Christov agreed to, I didn’t trust him.

Anytime Eddie and I met up, I took his jet with an altered flight plan so Christov couldn’t track where we went. It was worth it for the look on Eddie’s face when he got to see Lilya in person. What was even better was her smile when he lifted her into the air and then refused to leave her side until she was asleep. Even then, I would find them napping on the couch together. Lilya on his chest, and his hand on her back. If she moved even a finger, his eyes popped open and then closed again.

But today was Lilya’s birthday and I’d refused an invitation from my father. His note said that he wanted to bury the hatchet, but I didn’t trust him not to pull it out, only to drive it deeper into my back. Especially since I knew that his businesses were taking a hit with Eddie’s constant harassment of his shipments, blocking his deals, and generally making his life a living hell. My father was still powerful with his political ties, and that would never change, but Eddie had found other ways to make him suffer.

“Happy birthday, dear Lilya. Happy birthday to you,” we sang.

It was a small yet dedicated group that had gathered at my mother’s retreat. Mom, Frida, Vlad, Mylo, Marcus, and Eddie.

“Yay,” we cheered and clapped as Eddie blew out the single candle while Lilya reached for the cake.

She grabbed handfuls of the chocolatey frosting and smeared it all over her face as we laughed. I took dozens of photos like the paparazzi and couldn’t stop smiling. It might have seemed small in the grand scheme of things, but Eddie getting to spend time with Lilya on her birthday…was priceless.

Lilya – Two Years Old

Watching my daughter and her father bond was my favorite pastime.