Page 78 of Auctioned to My Bratva Boss

I dragged myself to the eighth floor of the inpatient wing.

Evelyn's door stood half-open. I forced back the moisture in my eyes, plastered on the most natural smile I could manage, and walked in.

She was propped up reading. She looked up and smiled.

Then she noticed something. "Riley, you look like hell. Like you've seen a ghost."

Evelyn was getting better every day. She'd returned to her old self. Blunt. Outspoken.

My mask never worked on my sister. I sat on her bed. My voice cracked the moment I spoke.

"Eve..."

"What happened? Did that Russian bastard come after you again? If he hurt you, I swear even if it costs me my life—"

"No, it's not him. Eve... I'm pregnant."

Evelyn froze. Her gaze dropped from my face to my stomach.

After a long moment, she found her voice. "Is it... his?"

I nodded. "And the doctor said twins."

She didn't speak right away. Just gripped my hand tight.

"Does that bastard know?" She frowned.

"He doesn't know. I can't let him know." I shook my head frantically. "He loves Veronica. He tried to kill me for her. In his world, I'm nothing. These babies are just a problem. I have to hide them from him. Raise them myself."

Evelyn looked at my panicked face. Her eyes reddened. She pulled me into her arms, stroking my hair like she did when we were kids, right after our parents died.

"It's okay, Riley. Don't be scared. I'm here." Evelyn's voice carried strength. "If you're keeping them, we'll raise themtogether. When I get out, I'll find work right away. We'll move somewhere far away where he'll never find us."

I sobbed in her arms.

"Listen, Riley." Evelyn gently pushed me back, looking me in the eye. "You're twenty-four. Your life is just starting. When I get out, first thing I'm doing is taking you to the best bar in Manhattan. We'll order the most expensive drinks. We'll celebrate your new beginning. Then I'll help you find a real man—someone who'll actually care for you, love you. You deserve happiness. Got it?"

Her words soothed the terror deep inside me. I nodded hard. Yes. I had to look forward.

I stayed with Evelyn for a few hours before leaving.

Light rain had started outside. The droplets on my face cleared my head a little. As I passed a convenience store, a surprised, uncertain voice called from behind me.

"Riley?"

I turned. In the light spilling from the store, I saw Adrian.

He looked mostly the same, just shorter hair and a more defined, mature face.

"Adrian?" I was just as surprised. "Long time."

"It really is you! I haven't seen you since I got transferred." He hurried over, looking me up and down. "You look—"

He stopped.

"Terrible, right?" I said with self-mockery. "Been pretty tired lately."

"No, no, you look good." He rushed to say. "Just a little worn out. Work not going well?"