Dangerous Husbands, Broken Wives [18+]

THIRTEEN: INVISIBLE BATTLE

Ana, five months into her initial pregnancy, was overwhelmed with anxiety. While her mother had warned her about morning sickness, nobody had mentioned the accompanying mild headaches, swollen ankles, and constipation. It wasn't until she confided in the doctor, who Ivan had contacted, that she realized these were normal parts of the journey. However, admitting that these reassurances made her any less anxious and troubled would be dishonest, because she knew that she and her baby were doing well, yet other concerns started to plague her.

So far, Ana had successfully concealed her true feelings about Ivan's mysterious business dealings. He might have believed she was too naive or foolish to see through his deceit, but perhaps he didn't truly understand her. She couldn't really blame him for that. Initially, she hadn't been thrilled when her father informed her that she would marry a man of his choosing. At that time, she was still in college, working towards completing her degree. When she attempted to persuade her father against a marriage she clearly wasn't ready for, he insisted she at least meet the man once before making a decision.

During her first encounter with Ivan Volkov, Ana immediately noticed the age difference between them. He had to be in his late thirties, while she was barely in her twenties. However, this disparity didn't change the fact that she was inexplicably drawn to him. Ivan possessed an irresistible charm that set her heart aflutter. He towered over her father and cousins, and his face had a captivating quality that could easily capture attention. She observed the way he walked, like a confident predator with his eyes fixed on his prey. And oh, the way he tenderly grasped her hand and planted an unexpected kiss upon it—a moment that took her breath away.

The words he uttered during their introduction were etched in her memory forever. "Your beauty precedes you, Ms. Novikoff," he had said, his intense eyes locked with hers. "You are an extraordinary woman, and I can't wait to see what lies ahead of us."

[ANASTASIA]

I never expected it to be a piece of cake, going back to the Volkov mansion—the very place that still haunts me to this day. But that thought doesn't exactly make it any easier to handle.

The moment I caught sight of the immense estate, painful memories from the past flooded in, and I couldn't look at it without feeling its sting. It reminded me of how my father and Ivan had deceived me, taking advantage of my innocence. They kept me in the dark for as long as they could, and when the truth could no longer be hidden, Ivan's cruelty only intensified.

The words he whispered into my ear before we even stepped foot into the mansion sent a shiver down my spine. It was as if he could read my thoughts, because, from the moment we got into his car, all I could think about was finding a way to escape him.

"Ms. Ana," a familiar voice reverberated through the vast room, and as soon as I recognized who it belonged to, tears welled up in my eyes.

I turned to face Lena Popova, an older woman in her early sixties who had been by my side through thick and thin. Lena, the head maid of the staff, was more than just an employee to me; she had become a mother figure I had never had.

"Lena," I exclaimed, almost rushing towards her and embracing her tightly. Ivan had gone upstairs to put Tatiana to bed, so I had a moment alone with Lena in the corner of the hall before he could notice.

"How have you been, Lena? I've been so worried about you. Why didn't you leave?" After Lena had helped me escape from the security guards stationed outside that fateful night, she had assured me that she would leave the mansion as well. However, seeing her standing there now, it was clear that she had never followed through on her words. I couldn't help but wonder if Ivan had played a part in her decision.

Lena gently held my face, tears streaming down her cheeks. "I couldn't, Ana. After you left, things changed. Mr. Volkov... he turned..." Her voice trailed off as her gaze shifted upstairs, and a coldness overcame her expression.

I didn't need to look to know who it was. I took a step back from Lena, realizing that we could continue our conversation later, once Ivan had left for one of his frequent business trips. He was always on the move, his presence demanded elsewhere.

"You can go back to your work, Lena," he instructed, coming up behind me and placing his hand on the small of my back, pulling me towards him. "I've got this."

I couldn't help but feel my entire body tense up in his presence. I didn't intend to show him how much he still affected me, but it was difficult to feel nothing at all. For a brief moment in time, this man had been my lover. He had been the husband I loved before he transformed into the devil who shattered everything we had.

Lena avoided meeting his gaze and instead lowered her eyes. "Yes, sir. Lunch will be ready in a few hours."

I forced a faint smile and nodded to Lena. "Thank you, Lena. I'll see you later."

Lena nodded back, her eyes filled with a mix of sympathy and concern. It was as if she understood the invisible battle I fought every day. With a last fleeting glance, she turned and quietly made her way down the hall, leaving Ivan and me alone.

Ivan's voice dripped with an unsettling charm as he spoke, his breath caressing my ear. "You're still as charming as ever, Ana. Don't think I've forgotten our past."

There was a hint of sarcasm in his tone, not escaping my notice. However, I clenched my jaw and resisted the urge to respond. Now that I was back here, I had to remember that I wasn't alone. I had Ivan Jr. and Tatiana with me, and they were no longer little enough to be oblivious to what was happening right in front of them.

Stepping away from him, I rubbed my neck and said, "I should check on Tati and Ivan."

It was the best excuse I could come up with to avoid engaging with this man, but he likely knew exactly what I was trying to do. As soon as I turned, his fingers curled around my elbow, yanking me back until my back collided with his unyielding chest. A gasp escaped my lips at the sudden jolt, and I realized how much my legs were trembling.

Frowning, I squirmed in an attempt to free myself from his tight grasp. "Let me go, Ivan!" I gritted through my teeth.

"What if I don't want to?" he replied, his tone laced with amusement as if he believed I was foolish to think I could get my way with him.

I turned to face him, lifting my gaze to meet his, snapping back at him, "I don't care what you want. Right now, I want to see my kids." I forcefully pulled my arm away, resisting the urge to rub it, wondering if he had left a bruise. "I don't care about your plans, Ivan, but let me make it clear: if you try to come between me and my children, I will fight you every second of my life."

A/N: Do you think Ana will stay true to her promise? :P