Anushka's P.O.V. I look from the computer screen to Courtney. I always blamed Stewart for my mom's death, but I didn't think he actually killed her. I wish I could bring him back to life just so I could kill him myself. "I'm glad he's gone," I say quietly. I close the file and move on to the next one. It's my mom's diary. I don't want to read it now because I know it will be too emotional. However, when I see the next file, I know it will be even worse. It's a letter from my mom to me. "Do you want to read this later?" Jordan asks me. I know it will be hard, but I want to read it now. "No." I take a deep breath and begin reading.My Dearest Anushka,If you're reading this, then I am already gone. I need to tell you something that I kept from you for far too long. Stewart is not your father. I'm so sorry that I didn't tell you the truth about who your father was. The worst mistake I ever made was marrying Stewart. You were forced into a nightmare that I couldn't get out of. I
Anushks'a P.O.V.Tears stream down my face as I read my mom's letter again. I'm sad about what she went through, but at the same time, I'm happy she was able to fall in love. The rest of the files are just things Stewart had collected about my mom and the Kondrati family. I need to read her diary, but that will have to be another day."Is everything okay?" Christov asks as he and my brothers come through the front door and to my side. I show them the letter. At one point, my mom was part of all their lives. Chrsitov and Zakhar look shaken as they read."She's right. I did have a feeling she was pregnant, and I suspected she was having a girl. That's why I added that clause to my business. I loved her, and it tore me up losing her, but I understood that our life isn't for everyone." I take his shaking hand, and he sits next to me as he cries. "That's not all. She was murdered." I open the file with her death certificate and the information on what was used to poison her. "S
Gavin's P.O.V.I didn't think I would want to accept a position like the one Jordan offered, but it sounded too good to pass up. Dakota and Anuska are incredible. Courtney and her two little ones are amazing, too. The only thing that I would like is to have a woman of my own. Everyone always says it will happen when it's meant to. I'm tired of waiting. Jordan doesn't trust anyone other than Bobby and me to get food and things for the house. He was going to order groceries and have them delivered. However, Courtney asked if one of us could do the shopping because she didn't trust the store employees to pick out the best meat and produce. So that's why I'm walking through a grocery store, pushing a cart, and looking for items I have never heard of. I'm looking at the salmon, and they all look the same to me."Excuse me." I slide over so a woman can get her salmon. I watch her look at different pieces and return them until she finds the one she wants."Can you help me?" I ask
Gavin's P.O.V.When we reach the building, I drop Dina off on the second floor, where her apartment is, and I continue up to the penthouse. Everyone is preparing to eat lunch, including the Kondrati men, who seem to be hanging out a lot. I was concerned about them at first, but they're not as bad as I had imagined. Sometimes, you can even forget that they're Russian mob. "I hope I got everything you wanted. I had some help at the store. She invited me down to her place for lunch. I just want to check her out to make sure she's legit. She said she has a three-year-old son with autism, and she works from home." I pull out my phone and begin running her information. She didn't give me her last name, but I have her first name and apartment number. That's all I need. Within a few minutes, I read her divorce documents and employment records. I even have her birth certificate. "What's her name?" Dakota asks. "Dina. Her son's name is Noah. I checked her out, and everything sh
Dina's P.O.V. "We're just having lunch right now," Gavin says. I risk glancing at him, and he winks at me. My heart flutters uncontrollably. How can a man that size be so sweet and gentle? Even Noah isn't scared of him. Of course, I think part of that is because the cute little blonde beside him has all his attention. He copies each bite she takes of her pizza. When Dakota notices what he's doing, she slows down to give him time to chew."Can I come down here to play with Noah sometimes?" Dakota asks. Most kids don't understand Noah and ignore him. He doesn't speak much and can get agitated quickly. "You can come and play with him whenever you want. We're here all the time." I answer her. She smiles and begins eating again. I look at Gavin, and he's watching me. I haven't been with a man since Ben left. Being with a man was the furthest thing from my mind because I had Noah to think about. However, sometimes the unexpected happens. Like a man looking fo
Anushka's P.O.V.I was nervous about letting Dakota leave, but I knew Gavin would keep her safe. I'm hoping that the giant teddy bear of a man has found a woman that interests him. He has too big of a heart to be alone. While they were downstairs, the police called and said they had arrested Phillip. He was so scared that he admitted to everything. Now they're looking for Stewart. I wish them luck with that. I can now walk independently, but Jordan still stays by my side. He has been incredible. My dad and brothers have been great, too. I'm starting to wonder if they even have a business because they're always here. Kozar said they have other people who can handle the day-to-day."Dakota's birthday is going to be incredible. I can't wait. Even if it's small, we're going to make sure she has everything she wants, including a fire-breathing dragon and fairies." My dad says. I shake my head and chuckle. When they're planning a child's birthday, it's hard to remember what they
Anushka's P.O.V.As we all sit in the living room, no one says anything for the first few minutes. I can tell Santino isn't quite sure how to take me. He was in love with my mom, and I look like her, but I'm not her. We make some small talk while we wait for dinner. Bobby, Gavin, Courtney, Sarah, and Tyler are eating with us. I insisted that they all stay. Dakota keeps her eyes on Santino, and as everyone begins to eat, she turns to him."Why don't you like my Grandpa Chrissy?" she asks narrowing her eyes at him."Grandpa Chrissy? Who's that?" I believe he knows exactly who she's talking about, but he doesn't want to answer. "Grandpa Chistov." We all look at her in surprise. She said his name perfectly fine."I thought you couldn't say his name," Jordan says. Dakota giggles and shrugs her little shoulders."I just like to give people nicknames." She turns back to Santino and stares him down, waiting for an answer."Why do you think I don't like him?" He asks while takin
Anushka's P.O.V. I wake up and stretch. I can finally sleep with Jordan in our regular bed instead of the hospital bed. My chest still hurts, and it will for a while, but I can move on my own now. I roll over and look at Jordan. He's so handsome and looks so peaceful in his sleep. I can't imagine life without him now. I met with my mom's attorney, who contacted me regarding her inheritance. It had grown so much that it was in the billions. I have no need for the money so I told him to let it sit there. Eventually, I'll have it put into a trust for Dakota and any future children we have. Today is Dakota's birthday. I can't believe she's five, although sometimes it feels like she's a lot older than five. Dad and my brothers said they had everything ready for her special day. All we have to do is show up. I'm a little nervous. This will be our first time going to the compound, but Dad guarantees we'll be safe. I guess I've seen too many movies because all I can picture is there being