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We are interrupted by a knock at the door. Antonio ushers in Dr. Rossini, whose calm demeanor instantly puts me at ease. He glances at me, then at Philippe. The doctor’s eyes ask the same question that Philippe just asked of me. Philippe shakes his head in silence, more tension leaving his shoulders.
Dr. Rossini nods in understanding and smiles at me. He performs a thorough examination, checking both my well-being and that of our unborn child. The steady heartbeat of our baby fills the room, and I close my eyes, allowing the sound to soothe my strained soul.
"Everything looks fine, Tatiana," Dr. Rossini reassures me, a warm smile playing on his lips. "You and the baby are both in good health."
"Thank you, Doctor," I say, tears of relief brimming in my eyes.
The doctor leaves, and I turn to Philippe, tears now spilling. “Il nostro bambino sta bene,” – our baby is okay.
“Il nostro bambino sta bene,” Philippe repeats, leaning closer and caressing my cheeks in the palm of his hands. “I was so worried, Songbird. You have no idea.”
"Philippe, there's something else I need to tell you," I say, steeling myself for the revelation I've been avoiding for so long. "It's about my mother's murder. My biological mother."
His eyes widen slightly in surprise, but he remains silent, encouraging me to continue.
"My adoptive parents told me that I was given up for adoption by my uncle, my mother’s brother. I have some vague memories of my mother, but not of him, and neither of my father." I take a deep breath before uttering the next words.
"My uncle is the man who saved your life today. His name was Viktor."
Shock registers on Philippe's face, but he keeps his composure. "Viktor? Who was also working for the Bratva?"
I nod, tears prickling at the corners of my eyes. "Yes. Viktor protected my mother and me when I was a baby. It turns out my mother's death wasn't random fate after all – it was a well-orchestrated murder, ordered by my biological father."
"And your father is –"
"– the president-elect of Russia. Well, he was that until Viktor shot him."
"Ti amo, Tatiana," Philippe murmurs, pulling me close once more. His reassuring embrace envelops me as I let the truth spill out, unburdening myself of these heavy secrets.
"Thank you for telling me," he says, kissing the top of my head gently. "We'll face this together,amore mio. Whatever it takes to find justice for your mother and Viktor. We'll find the men your father sent to track you down, who killed your mother and hurt you."
I swallow hard, my heart pounding in my chest. "I'm sorry, Philippe. I kept you in the dark about my past." My voice trembles as I speak, fear clenching at my throat. "I was ashamed of my marred family history.”
"Amore mio," he responds gently, his blue eyes never leaving mine. "You don't have to apologize. I understand why you kept it a secret. But remember, from now on, you can tell me anything. We're in this together."
"Thank you," I whisper, tears threatening to spill over once more. His acceptance and understanding mean the world to me.
Philippe's gaze softens as he takes one of my hands in his, tracing the lines of my palm with his thumb. "You know, Tati, your determination to seek the truth, no matter how painful or dangerous, is one of the things I admire most about you." He lifts my hand to his lips, placing a tender kiss on my knuckles.
"Really?" I ask, surprised by his admission. In a world full of deceit and danger, I had always assumed my relentless pursuit of the truth would be seen as an irritant, a weakness.
"Absolutely," he confirms, his eyes burning with admiration. "It takes courage to call out the demons of your past and even more to confront them head-on. It's a testament to your strength,amore mio."
My cheeks flush under his praise, and I feel a warmth spreading through me, chasing away the cold shadows of self-doubt.
"Philippe, I promise to be honest with you from now on," I vow, my voice steady and resolute. "No more secrets, no more lies. Together, we'll uncover the truth and put an end to Vladimir’s reign of terror."
"Ti prometto, Tatiana," he says softly, his eyes full of love and determination. "Together, we'll bring him down and create a better, brighter future for ourselves and our child."
“There’s one more thing,” I admit. “I’m afraid that all this war with the Bratva had something to do with me. You see, my father didn’t want the news of an illegitimate child to come out. He not only wanted me dead, but he also had my parents killed. He had your casinos attacked thinking I’d be there. It was me who brought all this destruction to your doorstep, Philippe.” My voice breaks with sorrow. “I am so sorry… getting the Italians involved in a war with the American Bratva, it was all my fault… none of this had anything to do with you. All your men who lost their lives…” I break down in sobs.
Philippe's face hardens briefly before his eyes soften, and he lifts my chin. "Tatiana,amore mio, you're not at fault here. Your father's actions are his own, not yours. I started to suspect as much while you were telling me. I may have made a mistake in killing their boss here in the States, but if it ever comes back to us, we'll figure it out together."
His words bring both relief and hope. To know that he doesn't blame me for my father's actions is a stone lifted from my chest.
"Thank you," I whisper, my gratitude immense. It's incredible how Philippe manages to take the tangled, torn threads of our lives and weave them into something stronger, something that can withstand the storms that come our way.
"Ti amo, Tatiana,"Philippe murmurs, pulling me close. His touch is gentle yet possessive—a reminder that he'll do anything to protect me and our unborn child.
