Chapter 2 - The Fortress
The gates of Roman Voss’s estate loomed like a fortress in the moonlight.
Armed guards patrolled the perimeter with cold, professional efficiency.
The SUV stopped in front of a massive stone mansion.
Before the driver could even open my door, I was already stepping out.
Roman was waiting for me in the grand foyer.
He looked exhausted, his expensive suit wrinkled and his tie discarded.
"They are in the nursery," he said, gesturing up the sweeping staircase.
I followed him, my legs feeling like lead.
As we approached a set of heavy oak doors, I could hear the distinct sound of three babies sobbing.
My chest tightened with a pain so sharp it took my breath away.
Roman pushed the doors open.
The nursery was massive, filled with the most expensive toys and cribs money could buy.
Three nannies were frantically trying to soothe the children, but nothing was working.
The moment I stepped into the room, the little girl noticed me.
Her tear-filled eyes widened.
She reached her tiny arms through the bars of her crib.
"Mom," she hiccupped, her voice breaking.
I didn't ask for permission.
I walked straight past the billionaire and his staff and lifted her into my arms.
She immediately buried her face in my neck, gripping my shirt with tiny fists.
The two boys saw me and instantly scrambled to the edges of their cribs.
"Mom! Mom!" they cried in unison.
I sank to the floor, pulling all three of them into my lap.
They clung to me, their crying slowly turning into soft, exhausted whimpers.
I rocked them gently, humming a lullaby I had only ever sung to my pregnant belly.
Roman stood in the doorway, watching us with an unreadable expression.
"Who are you?" he finally asked, his voice a dangerous whisper.
"I told you," I said, wiping a tear from my own cheek.
"I'm a waitress who lost her babies fourteen months ago."
May you like
Roman’s jaw clenched tightly.
"And fourteen months ago, I bought my children from an exclusive adoption agency."
