Prologue

It had been two months since Alessandra Orlov and Ronan Markov found their way back to each other.

But before that, nothing had been easy.

Their bond had always been undefined—an understanding that never needed words, a pull that had always existed between stolen glances and brief conversations. Yet Alessandra had chosen another, someone she believed—if only for a fleeting moment—could be part of her future.

Then, everything fell apart.

He left.

Vanished the moment he learned she was carrying his child. No explanations, no hesitation, just silence that proved whatever they had was never truly real. Alessandra didn’t break—not when she had been raised knowing that weakness was a luxury she could never afford.

And then, Ronan stepped in.

Not with anger, not with judgment. Just a decision made without hesitation—he chose to stay.

Two months have passed since that night.

But Ronan’s choice was not just his own. The Markov family saw the opportunity in their union—a chance to solidify their empire by merging two of the most powerful forces in their world. The Orlovs, too, understood that with Ronan at Alessandra’s side, their legacy would remain intact. Whatever had happened between them, their families saw only one thing: power.

Now, Alessandra stands in the doorway of Ronan’s office, watching the man who has quietly become a constant presence in her life.

"I want something sweet," she says suddenly.

Ronan lifts his gaze, studying her with an expression that is far too familiar. "And you want me to get it for you?"

Alessandra leans against the doorframe, crossing her arms. "I only said I wanted something sweet. You came to that conclusion on your own."

Ronan exhales, pushing himself up from his chair. He approaches her without hesitation, until the space between them is nearly nonexistent. "Then let’s go," he says, voice calm, deliberate.

Alessandra frowns. "You didn’t even ask what I want."

"Whatever it is, I’ll make sure you have it."

This time, she doesn’t resist the small smile tugging at her lips.

Two months have passed, and one thing remains the same—Ronan is still here.

And for the first time in a long time, Alessandra believes that someone has truly chosen to stay.