Thea, seeing his reaction, smiled coyly, her voice dripping with satisfaction.
“After three years of effort, there had to be some result, right?”
Three years. The words hit me like a dagger, cold and sharp. It had been three long years since I lost my ability to walk.
Ruslan grew visibly elated, pulling Thea into a fervent embrace.
“Aurelle is paralyzed,” he murmured, his voice soft yet resolute. “I couldn’t bring myself to touch her. You’re far more than just a passing comfort to me.”
“Don’t worry. I’ll protect you and the baby.”
His words carried a weight of conviction, and Thea leaned in, her eyes glinting with quiet satisfaction.
“What good is protection? My child will still live like me, hidden, nameless, and unacknowledged.”
Ruslan paused, his enthusiasm momentarily tempered by her words. After a moment of thought, he spoke, his voice steady but low.
“When it comes to the child, I’ll handle it. I’ll make Aurelle the godmother so the child can inherit everything, openly and rightfully.”
A slow, contented smile spread across Thea’s face as his promise sank in.