♥♥♥♥♥

I could not believe that Artan would go through such length just to prove a point and ruin my relationship with Nikolai. I have told him so many times that we will never happen, that I love Nikolai and not him but he would not stop.

I know I'm the reason why Nikolai is still not plotting Artan's demise. I made him promise many times before not to do something to Artan because of Aria. I have practically tied Nikolai's hands and in turn it has made Artan invincible against my future husband. And knowing Nikolai, he's the kind who hates losing control over a situation. I absolutely understand why he acted the way he did the past few days. I was giving him no choice. I was slowly killing him.

"Nikolai, these pictures are nothing. This happened in the race track, that time when I went to the privy. Look at my dress. I didnt know that Artan was there. He was forcing his way to me so I begged him to stop. And then after I went out to get some air, Artan's men are already pointing guns at us. It all happened so fast. I didnt tell you because there's so much chaos going on and I did not want you to harm Artan. He's the only one left for Aria and you know that."

"So you would rather protect Artan and the Albanians than protect our own family?"

Nikolai's words cut like a knife. I did not know how to respond.

"Nikolai, you know that's not true." I wrapped my arms around his neck to hug him tight.

"Do you know how much pain you have just caused me baby?" Said Nikolai while sounding all defeated.

"I'm sorry Nikolai, please listen to me. We need to get past this I beg you. Be strong for me." And for our baby... I am tempted to tell Nikolai about my possible pregnancy but I dont want to keep his hopes up if Im still not sure.

"You chose to protect Aria and Artan than to protect us." Continued Nikolai without listening to my plead.

I know that Nikolai and Alexei think that I betrayed them. Deep in my heart, it was never my intention. Nikolai is right, I chose Artan more than our own family the moment I kept what happened in those pictures. And I know I have hurt Alexei so much. He made me promise not to keep secrets from them but I broke that promise.

I held hands with the two and kissed the back of their hands one by one. They just dont know how much I need the two of them now more than ever.

"Nikolai, what do you want me to do? Tell me baby."

I kissed Nikolai on his lips but it was emotionless. Nikolai did not even attempt to kiss me back. He looked so disappointed in me. Several seconds later, Alexei spoke in Russian which made Yuri pull over the SUV.

"Where are you going Alexei?" I grasped his hand but he remained still and indifferent. I slowly loosened my grip and let go of him. I know at this point Alexei is too upset to talk.

Alexei left without saying a single word to me. He transferred to the other SUV and went away. I feel like my eyes are being pinched by tiny needles. Alexei only gets upset when he thinks I have done something that would put me or anyone of us in danger. And I think I did just that.

I palmed Nikolai's face hoping that he could listen to me. "Nikolai please baby... look at me."

"You are going back to the penthouse."

"Why only me?"

"Because I have a business to run and a family to protect Belle."

I wave of pain in the heart instantly struck me. I swallowed the lump in my throat and decided to let it go.

"Of course. I'll find my way to the penthouse. You go take care of business and your family Nikolai."

I went down the SUV, slammed the door and crossed over the street. Nikolai did not even bother coming for me. They sped away the moment I was out of the SUV.

Since getting engaged, Nikolai has never allowed me to go out without my security detail. This is the first time that Im on my own.

I sat on the chair outside a coffee shop to pull myself together. I breathed in and out to relax my nerves. Everything is going to be alright Belle. You can still fix this.

I found a drugstore several doors down the street and bought pregnancy test kits.

The lady from the counter smiled at me while punching the cash register. "Expecting? Or Hoping not to have one?" She asked referring to the pregnancy test kits. Isnt there a policy in customer service not to size up and be nosy about customer's life? This woman needs to be reevaluated. I am tempted to tell her that its none of her damn business but I have so many important things to do than to pick a fight with this woman so I decided to go along.

"Expecting."

"Ahh..good for you." She looks at the ring Nikolai gave me and basically all of my accessories including my bracelet and necklace.

I paid for the kits that I brought and left but not without her screaming before I get to reach for the door. "Good luck!"

I decided to walk down the street and just stroll around hoping to somehow calm my mind. Despite what's happening, my heart is instantly filled with warmth just by the thought that Nikolai and I might be having a baby. And I'm sure that Nikola will be thrilled to know If I really am pregnant.

A few seconds later I passed by a cellphone store. I decided to buy myself a new phone. There were a lot of new ones with wide touch screen and hundred of apps but my eyes caught the attention of this ancient looking small black phone with silver keypads. It has a box like small sreen and to top it all up its still analog. This is perfect. Nikolai can break this anytime he wants I wont even bat an eyelash.

I decided to call Amy,

"Hello?" He answered with hesitation.

"A."

"B? You know, you have like four or five numbers here, Im not sure where exctly to contact you now. For goodnes sakes make up your mind and buy a damn phone."

I have been calling Amy using the Russian boys' numbers the past few weeks and I know she's already pissed because she cant contact me directly.

"This is my new number. I just bought a new phone."

"Oh you did? Good. So do you have something to wear for the concert?"

"About that."

"Oh no no no, dont tell me what I think youre going to tell me."

"A, listen to me. I can't come. Nikolai, Alexei and I are in a rough patch right now.

"You just got home from asking your parents to marry Nikolai, now your on a rough patch? Well that escalated quickly."

I did not respond to Amy. She's right but she's not really helping right now. There's a moment of silence before she spoke again.

"Look B, I'm sorry. Where are you? Do you want to talk?"

"Maybe later, is Dylan there?"

"Yah."

"Hand him the phone please."

"Big brother its B!!!!!!!! She wants to talk to you." Said Amy screaming for her brother.

A few moments later Dylan is on the line.

"Belle, what's up?"

"Hey Dy, can you come for me?"

"Oh, where are you? Are you okay? Who are you with?

"Uh.... I'm by myself. Ill text you the address."

"Okay stay where there are people or the police."

Well this man is paranoid. "Okay."

♥♥♥♥♥♥

(looks all puzzled as he stares at the phone) She doesnt have security detail with her. I think she's out in the streets.

Oh my god. Something must be really up. The Ultra Boss never lets her out without body guards. Brother, you have to go now fast!

Call her back and make sure she stays on the line until I get to her.

Okay. (Amy dials her phone to call Belle immediately.)

♥♥♥♥♥♥

I decided to confront Artan and fix this issue once and for all. I will ask Dylan to bring me to him. Artan needs to stop so that this issue will not come between the three of us again. Moments later, my phone made this very cute ancient monotone. The person sitting next to me on a bench stares at me like she cant believe what she's seeing.

Moments later Amy called back and she sounds worried.

"B, listen to me. Stay where you are and make sure that there are people around okay?"

"Okay, stop worrying. I'll be fine. What is wrong with you people?" I said already running out of patience. They should really calm the eff down.

"What is wrong with us? Youre out in New York city without your body guards. Almost all in the underground criminal world knows you're the wife of the Russian Mafia Boss and Underboss. You basically have target in your back B!"

"Well if that's the case they should not be messing with me right?"

"Wrong! Your Nikolai and Alexei have enemies B! Why the hell did those morons let you go out without bodyguards anyways?""

I rolled my eyes and sigh in frustration."A, Since when did you become an expert in underground criminal world?"

"Since my brother joined the Mob. I have been getting valuable infos B. You should be doing that yourself."

I was not able to retort back to Amy. Ive got so much in my plate right now. I just dont have enough energy. My bestfriend was able to sense it so she stopped pushing.

"B, are you okay?"

"Uh..not really." I said as a matter of factly.

"What's wrong?"

"Artan sent Nikolai pictures from the time that he sexually harrassed and assaulted me in the privy at the race track."

"Oh my gosh B."

"And he made it appear like we were doing it consentingly. Now Nikolai and Alexei think that I betrayed them."

"I'm so sorry B."

"I'm going to Artan to confront him once and for all."

"Are you sure about this? Do you want me to come with?"

"It's okay A. I have to do this by myself. Dylan will be there. You know he will never let anything happen to me. Stop worrying okay?"

"I cant do that. It's my job to worry."

I suddenly saw Dylan pull over his bike just in front of the bench where I'm sitting. He instantly went down the bike and removed his helmet off.

"Hey A, Dylan's here. Talk later."

♥♥♥♥♥♥

"Are you sure about this?" Asked Dylan as we approach the steel elevator. We went to the pier where Artan's shipping company is based. Dylan told me one of Artan's many businesses is a cargo and freight company. And that Artan oversees Bogdani Cargo personally. I think they also do their Mafia business here assuming the level of security employed in the whole place.

"Yes Dy. Just trust me on this."

We went in one of the several buildings inside the compound. It's the oldest amongst the buildings and most of its materials are rusty steel and concrete.

"The Boss is here but I can't come with you inside. He wants to talk to you alone."

I swallowed the lump in my throat. I know Artan would never hurt me but what Im not sure is if Artan will keep his distance from me.

"I'm going to be fine Dy."

"I'll be outside the door if you need me okay?"

I nodded at Dylan in response. As we near the door where Dardan and two other men wearing suits are standing Dylan grabbed my arm and made me face him. I held his hand and gave him a reassuring smile.

Dardan walks beside me and took my attention.

"The Boss is waiting for you Ms. Belle."

I looked at Dylan one last time, squeezed his hand and gave him a faint smile. Dardan opened the door for me leading to a room which looks nothing like the outside. The whole room is quite big and covered with intricate carpeting and leather sofas and chairs. To the left is a huge wooden shiny table where papers are stacked. Artan is standing, his back is facing me and it looks like he's on the phone talking to someone.

Dardan cleared his throat to catch Artan's attention.

"Boss."

Dardan pointed me towards the sofa's in the middle of the office.

"No, it's okay. I'm not gonna be staying long." I said straightforwardly.

Dardan just nods and closed the door on his way out. When I looked at Artan's direction he's already looking at me intently. Artan's domineering presence instantly hit me. Oh my god what is happening to me? I cant help but compare him to my Nikolai. He has this aura which is indescribable just like the first time that I met him in his mansion. And his presence is comparable to Nikolai and Alexei as well. It's like the Mafia Bosses have similar wavelength when it comes to charm.

He walks towards my direction without getting his eyes off of me.

"Stay right there." I took a step back just to make sure he doesnt reach for me.

"What brought you here Belle?" Artan unbuttoned his suit and sat on the leather sofa while holding his tie towards his chest.

At this point my palm is already itching to slap Artan on his face for every trouble and pain that he has caused me and my relationship with Nikolai and Alexei. I'm already struggling to keep it together.

"Where you the one who sent the pictures to Nikolai?"

The Albanian Mob Boss took a drink from the table in the middle of the leather sofa's and pours a small amount in his glass.

I went to his direction and instantly grab the glass from his hand and placed it on top of the table. "Stop drinking. You should take care of yourself for Aria."

His lips slowly pulled to the side and formed a small smile.

"Wow. I have never had this feeling in a long time. Someone who scolds me for drinking."

"I'm not really concerned about you. I'm thinking about Aria. What do you think will happen to her if you die because of drinking and smoking? You know youre the only one left for her!"

"We have you."

"Artan! I will never be yours!"

A gasp escaped my mouth when suddenly, Artan stood up and attempted to grab me towards him but I was able to quickly step back.

"Did you send those pictures?" I said as I continue stepping back while Artan continues to step forward.

"Yes."

"Why are you doing all of these Artan? I told you and Im telling you again right now that I dont love you. Nikolai owns my heart and you can never ever change that no matter what you do."

"Your Nikolai is cheating on you. Is that what you call love?"

I halted and fist my palm in anger. Nikolai will never do that to me. I know that I'm the only one for my future husband and I trust him one hundred percent. I know that Artan is just saying this to spite me.

"You will not ruin my relationship with Nikolai."

"Are you sure? Then why are you here? Why are you telling me to stop pursuing you if your so called love is so strong?"

Artan's words hit me through the heart. I blinked twice to keep my eyes from slowly forming tears.

"I want to protect you from Volkov." Said Artan as he pulls me towards him. I flinched the moment our skin touched but Artan tightens his grip around my waist even more.

"Nikolai and I are getting married and I want you stop your foolishness Artan. You and I are never gonna happen. Now let go of me." I looked at him in his eyes while I utter each and every word.

Artan lets out a sigh and runs his other hand through his hair in frustration. His grip on me loosens so I quickly remove myself from him and turn my back. As I near the door to exit, Artan spoke again.

"Yrina."

My heart suddenly jumped from my chest the moment I heard her name. I halted and waited for Artan to continue.

"Her name is Yrina Yvanislov. She's here in New York for the merger of Volkov Holdings and Yvanislov Investments. She's Volkov's fuck buddy and constant pussy when your Nikolai visits Boston and now she will be in New York for good."

I turned around to face Artan. "Your just saying that because you want to ruin us!" I paced quickly towards his direction because at this point I wanted to vent out my anger. I don't know why and to whom exactly I'm angry but I feel like my heart is going to explode if I dont let this out.

"Stop doing this to me please!" I said as I slam my hand on Artan's chest.

"I'm just protecting you from him."

"No, you just want to destroy us!" I continued slapping Artan but he pulls me even tighter and closer to him. My legs are slowly weakening and my body has completely given up from exhaustion. I am so confused. I know that Artan is lying but there's a part of me that tells me that maybe what Artan is saying is true.

I wasnt able to hold it anymore, the tears went flowing uncontrollably. I leaned forward and buried my face on Artan's chest. He then wrapped his arms around me and held me tight against his body.

A few moments later I realized what is happening so I removed myself from Artan and wiped my tears from my eyes and cheeks. I took a step back and look at Artan directly to his eyes.

"Stay away from me and from my life Artan." I turned my back on him and exited the room.

♥♥♥♥♥♥

I took a cab back to the penthouse. I told Dylan not to come with me anymore because if Alexei knows that I went to see him again, he will place a hit on Dylan's head and I don't want that to happen.

I keep on thinking about what Artan said about Nikolai cheating on me. My heart tells me to trust Nikolai and not allow anyone to get in my head but my mind tells me otherwise. I know that he told me that Yrina is just a business partner but right now, I would be lying to myself if I dont admit that I'm hurting.

I quickly brush off the thought. I will trust my future husband and Alexei. They will never cheat on me. They have showed how much they took care of me and our relationship. We have been through so much and we were able to hurdle every obstacle that came our way. I am determined not to put that into waste.

When I arrived at the penthouse, the chef and the woman are already preparing to leave. I smiled at them faintly and went directly back inside the room. I instantly took the pregnancy test kits from my purse. I bought two kits just to make sure. It will turn blue at the tip if I'm pregnant and red if not.

I went inside the bathroom, held the pregnancy test kits in my hands over my chest and took a deep breath. This is it.

A few seconds later......

I held the tip of the white thingy and covered it with my palm. The anticipation is already killing me. My heart is beating a thousand times as I slowly remove my palm from the tip.

Oh. My. God.

I covered my mouth while looking at the result.

Blue.

I think I'm palpitating. I smack my chest a couple of times while catching my breath. I'm pregnant. I'm having a baby. Nikolai and I are having a baby.

I took the other pregnancy test kit and it yielded the same result.

Blue.

Yup. I am definitely pregnant. I am carrying Nikolai Vyacheslav Volkov's baby. The Russian Mafia Boss' baby.