The memories surged back like a rising tide.
He was an exchange student from Vostmark–always alone in the corner and perpetually wearing a black hoodie that never quite fit. With his buzz cut and broad shoulders, he gave off the impression of a bodyguard rather than a student.
Though most kept their distance, whispering behind his back, calling him the Vostmarkan Bear, I always brought him black coffee. He was never into sweet things
“You’re Misha?” I stared at the man before me, who now looked like he’d stepped out of the Vostmark Citadel. “You’ve changed so much”
He smiled wryly “Yes, I’m no longer pretending to be a poor student or hiding the Romanov name. I’ve learned how to be a proper oligarch’s heir. But deep down, I’m still just that boy in the library corner who couldn’t take his eyes off you.”
“Why didn’t you contact me sooner?
Because you had Alexander His tone was calm, but tinged with that quiet melancholy unique to Vostmark men. “The way you looked at him–it was like your whole world lit up I didn’t want to ruin your happiness.
“But in our past life, I got my chance. After Sophia and I married, I looked into her background. That’s when I found out what she did to you. So I kept my distance and was cold toward her. I even considered…”
He paused
+25 BONUS
“Never mind. It’s in the past now. What matters is that you’re here this time.”
I froze. “You said ‘past life? Are you reborn too?”
“Yes. I’ve been reborn.” Mikhail turned to face me, his eyes unwavering. “In the past life, Sophia killed herself not long after our marriage. The world believed I had abused her. But the truth is, she found my room filled with your photos and ended her life out of shame and rage.
“I’ve loved you across two lifetimes, Emma This time, I won’t let the chance slip away.
Outside the window, snow fell in soft sheets, blanketing Droskav in a white blanket,
I stared at this man who felt both foreign and familiar, a storm of emotions rising in my chest.
Just then, my phone rang with an unknown Vostmark number.
Mikhail glanced at the screen. Don’t answer. It’s Alexander. He pulled some strings and got a temporary visa. He landed at Khairnov Airport two hours ago.
But don’t worry. My people will take care of him. In Vostmark, the Romanov family has the final say.
His tone was light, almost casual, but a flash of ruthlessness flickered in his eyes–a sharp reminder that he was a true Vostmark oligarch. It was a quality Alexander, despite all his Dominion Exchange polish, could never match
“What are you going to do to him?”
“I won’t take his life,” Mikhail said calmly. “At most, he’ll spend a few days at our private wellness facility in Nordveil. Let him experience what cold really feels like.”
He reached for my hand; his warm palm closed in a firm grip.
“Emma, give me a chance. I’ll show you what true protection means. It’s not about drugging you to forget, but about making sure everyone who ever hurt you pays for it.”
