low and comforting, but it he

garden gate, his dark eyes filled with an inte

sion clouding her thoughts. Why was

nsure they were alone. "I needed to see

ied now-not just in name, but in the eyes of the world. Patrick was her husband, and Dominic was his bro

asked, her voice b

u suffer. I can't stand knowing that you're trapped in this... t

you suggesting?" She didn't want to hear it. Sh

it all by yourself." He took another step closer, his presence filling the spa

ion. The temptation to leave it all behind-her gilded cage, her obliga

ed now. And Patri

s coming out before she could s

trapped, Ivana. I see it in your eyes every time you

dn't have the words for. Her hand instinctively reached for her abdomen,

here. But what am I supposed to do? He owns everything. My fath

y taking her hand in his.

n seemed to fade away. It was just the two of them, standing in the midst of their shared understa

nd of footsteps approaching. Ivana immediat

rmured, panic ris

ing. "I have to go," he said softly. "But think ab

ne, disappearing into the night, leav

-

the air like a storm cloud. His sharp eyes immediately l

head down, refusing to meet his gaze. She had to stay co

nic?" Patrick's voice was

she said quickly, forcing a s

, but she felt his eyes on her, w

id quietly, his voice dripping

he had just told would be enough to keep Patrick at bay. But deep ins