“I know. Thank you,” she said, leaning in to kiss him on the neck.
Spartacus immediately wrapped an arm around her as they kept driving. It was one of those peaceful, perfect moments that feel like they’ll last forever.
But when they pulled up to the house, they noticed several cars parked outside the gate. Nadya’s smile faded.
“It’s my father,” she said, her voice a mix of dread and disbelief.
Before she could rush out, Spartacus grabbed her hand. She turned to him with questioning eyes.
“Promise me you won’t leave me?” he asked quietly, almost pleading.
She didn’t answer. She just gave him a faint smile and shook her head.
Spartacus stayed in the car. Something bitter stirred inside him. He didn’t want to go inside. Not now.
“Hello,” Spartacus said, finally entering the house.
Guests were already seated in the living room—Nadya, her mother-in-law, and her father. Uncle Pasha and Styopa had gone to work.
“Hello,” her father replied, cold and composed. Nadya sat beside him, wiping tears from her cheeks.
“Why are you crying?” Spartacus asked, concern tightening his voice.
“Because her illusion of happiness has come to an end,” her father replied before she could speak.
“That’s not true,” Spartacus shot back. “She’s my lawful wife. You have no right—”
He caught the man’s eye and noticed a paper on the table. He walked over, picked it up, and began to read. A statement. From a doctor. Claiming he had threatened her to issue a fake pregnancy certificate. Spartacus went pale.
“I never threatened anyone,” he said, his voice hoarse.
“You can read it yourself. And soon enough, medical experts will confirm if she was ever pregnant. Tests, scans… I know how to get answers,” Nadya’s father said, rising to his feet.
“Why are you doing this?” Spartacus asked quietly. “We love each other. Isn’t that enough? Maybe she is pregnant now!”
The man stepped closer, towering over him.
“She leaves with me—now, or later, after I have you locked up. Your choice.”
“Dad!” Nadya cried, falling to her knees before him. “Please, don’t hurt him! It’s all my fault! I forced him to marry me!”
“What?” her mother gasped for the first time, breaking her silence.
“I’m sorry!” Nadya sobbed, burying her face in her hands.
Spartacus stepped forward.
“It doesn’t matter how it started. We’re a real couple now. We have feelings. We live like husband and wife. Whoever tries to tear us apart is making a huge mistake.”