Mafia's Ex-Wife On The Run

12

(Flashback)

Ivan entered the fancy mansion and discovered Anastasia restlessly walking around the living room. Her face displayed a deep frown, and her body appeared tense, indicating she was preoccupied with something. Intrigued and unable to comprehend the cause of her distress, he approached her and positioned himself in the archway, leaning against the frame.

“What’s happening here?” he inquired softly, mindful of not startling her with his sudden presence.

Anastasia glanced up from her thoughts and abruptly halted her pacing. “Ivan, when did you…?” she trailed off, seemingly questioning the relevance of the timing. After all, he was here now, and she should be grateful for his safe return.

Ivan shifted away from his previous spot and moved closer to her, bridging the gap between them and enveloping her petite waist in his arms. “Why are you so tense, malysh? Is everything alright?”

Anastasia bit her lip and swallowed hard. “I have…I wanted to tell you something.”

Ivan arched an eyebrow, brushing aside a stray curl from her face. “And what’s that all about?”

She blinked, pausing briefly to gather her courage. She had no clue how he would respond, but she had to share this with him, sooner or later. There was no point in keeping it a secret any longer.

“You’re causing me to worry, malysh,” he said, gently lifting her chin to meet his gaze. “What’s the matter?”

“I’m pregnant, Ivan.”

(Flashback Ends)

* * *

[IVAN]

The silence in the car is suffocating, but I do everything I can to not slice it with my voice. I don’t want her to think that I’m mad, that I’m holding a grudge against her for taking my kids away from me.

But I do want her to know that she broke my heart, and shattered me when she left me alone with nothing but a big ass void in my life. A void that was impossible to fill in her absence. Countless nights I spent simply staring at the ceiling with the muzzle of the gun pointed at my temple.

Only I couldn’t pull the trigger.

Not because I was weak, but because I had a lot more to live for than die alone. I had Ana and our kids, and whether she agreed or not, since the moment they became part of my world, they became my responsibility.

But that isn’t the only reason my heart is beating so loudly in my chest.

Throughout the entire drive, I keep my gaze fixed outside the window, even though every fiber of my being strains to see what’s happening behind me. Though we’re physically together in this car—Ana, the kids, and I—it feels as if we’re worlds apart. Not a single word is uttered, not even by my children. I want to hear their voices, to experience the way they talk, the excitement in their tone, and the warmth of their touch when they finally allow me to hold them after such a long time.

Tatiana was just a toddler when Ana left, so it’s hard to say if she remembers me. But Ivan Jr., there’s something about him that makes me think he recognizes me, or maybe he’s just as startled as I am by our striking resemblance. At just seven years old, he’s already tall for his age, and those piercing dark eyes of his give him an air of maturity beyond his years. His face, though small, has a length to it, and there’s a distinct edge to his jawline when he clenches it tightly in silence.

I didn’t have much time to truly observe them—the weight of past guilt was already creeping up on me. However, there’s no denying that little Tatiana carries the unmistakable features of her mother. Her long, slightly wavy light brown hair is neatly arranged in two playful pigtails, yet rebellious tendrils of curls defiantly escaped their confinement, revealing the spirited and stubborn nature that she inherited.

Her eyes, much like her mother’s, held a depth and warmth that instantly drew me in. They were a captivating shade of hazel, with flecks of amber that danced in the sunlight. As I caught a fleeting glimpse of her face, I noticed the delicate curve of her small nose, mirroring Ana’s graceful features.

Finally, the car grinds to a halt in front of colossal black gates, imposing and formidable. Four guards stand sentry, their presence commanding respect. Two of them clutch massive weapons tightly in their hands, their vigilant gaze scanning the surroundings, while the other two conceal smaller guns, ready to spring into action if needed. After verifying my identity, they signal for the gates to open, granting the car passage through the secure entrance.

Beyond the imposing gates, the estate sprawls before us, revealing meticulously maintained gardens on either side of the narrow road. A colossal mansion looms ahead in the distance, and I steal a quick glance at Ana, knowing deep down that she won’t be thrilled about returning here. However, I couldn’t resist the pull myself.

Yet, Ana’s attention isn’t on the view outside the window. She’s focused on Tatiana, who is peacefully curled up in her lap, fast asleep. Meanwhile, Ivan Jr. sits beside them, alert and observant. His dark eyes are fixated on everything around us. As the car draws nearer and nearer to the mansion, he leans his head against the window and his mouth opens in a wide “O” of wonder.

As soon as the car halts, two of the stationed guards rush towards us, swiftly opening the back doors on each side before assuming a rigid stance.

I step out, straightening my coat sleeves, and quickly make my way around the car to assist Ana with the children. However, before I can even reach her, Ivan Jr. is already on the ground, looking around with obvious curiosity in his dark eyes. Meanwhile, Ana carefully maneuvers, delicately placing one foot on the solid concrete ground while ensuring she doesn’t disturb the peaceful slumber of Tatiana cradled in her arms.

“Give her to me,” I say to her gently and open my arms so I can take Tatiana from her. Ana looks tired enough and now that she is here, I don’t plan on letting her do this alone. I want to be part of this journey that she is on with our kids. I want to be part of this small family that we made.

A frown cuts across her beautiful face as she flicks her sharp hazel eyes from my hands to my face. But once she meets my eyes, something softens in her eyes. She purses her lips and while she tightens her grip on the daughter that we both have made with nothing but love, she eventually lets go. She averts her eyes and releases her grip, and gently shifts Tatiana’s small body to my arms.

The moment I pull my daughter close to my chest, something warms my entire being. Her small face falls in the crook of my neck while she stirs a bit and wounds her tiny around my neck.

I love the way she instantly curls into me, and how light he feels. But I’m also aware of the instant protectiveness that claims me the longer I hold her close. Just the idea of my baby getting hurt fills me with rage.

Ana interrupts my deep thoughts, reaching out to adjust Tatiana’s jacket. Her touch brings me back to the present, and in that moment, I grab her wrist, pulling her closer to me. I turn her around so she’s facing the mansion, and in a soft whisper, I speak into her ear.

“Welcome back home, malysh,” I murmur, pressing a gentle kiss just below her earlobe. I feel a tremor pass through her beneath my lips. “This time, you will never escape my grasp again.”