𝓜𝓲𝓷𝓮

36|junior

D I A N E

"You wish," I smirked as he was about to shake my head. "Do you think I'm that desperate, Viktor?"

I could tell Viktor was angry that I hadn't agreed to his offer, but I wasn't about to give in. I left his house without saying another word, walking down the street and back towards Claudia's.

My head was spinning, and I couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. Something was wrong. I just couldn't put my finger on what it was.

My mind instantly drifted to Isaak, and I found myself wondering if he was okay. But I quickly pushed the thought away, trying to stay focused. "Get yourself together, Diane," I muttered under my breath. I sighed, pulling up to the familiar mansion that was Claudia's home.

I got out of my car and made my way up the front steps, trying to compose myself before going inside.

This time, Claudia must have let the staff know I was coming because the doors were open for me as I approached the house. I was greeted by Claudia at the door, her smile wide and genuine. "Diane, I'm so glad you came over," she said, pulling me in for a hug. I hugged her back, feeling a sense of comfort wash over me. I needed this. I needed my friend.

Although we had worked through our little argument from the day I told her everything I knew about Isaak, I couldn't help but feel that there was still tension between us. I knew she knew more than she was letting on, but I didn't want to ruin the moment by bringing it up. I just wanted to enjoy being with my friend. "How are you doing?" I asked, smiling at her as I stepped into the now-familair interior.

The house was quiet, as per usual and I'm sure she felt even lonelier since Luciano was gone to God knows where with Isaak, risking their lives.

I followed her into the kitchen, leaving my clutch in the living room. I spotted Ms. Rivera, the housekeeper, in the kitchen, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of guilt.

She had been kind to me, and I had betrayed her trust. But to my surprise, she beamed when she saw me as if nothing had ever happened. "It's so good to see you, Ms. Rivera," she said, her voice warm and friendly.

"Diane! I didn't think you'd be able to come over today," Ms. Rivera said, a look of genuine happiness on her face. Claudia looked at me, clearly confused, but I gave her a look that said I'd explain later. "Surprise?" I said, smiling brightly. I was relieved when she returned the same energy. "It's so good to see you!" she said, and I felt a sense of relief wash over me.

The smell of the food cooking was mouthwatering, but my stomach began to churn the moment my eyes landed on the meat being prepared. I felt like I was going to be sick. "Bathroom, now," I blurted out, and Claudia furrowed her brows, but she didn't question me.

"Is everything okay?" Ms. Rivera asked, her brows knitted with concern. Claudia opened her mouth to speak, but I cut her off. "We're fine, we're just going to the bathroom," I said, trying to keep my voice from trembling.

We hurried up the stairs, my stomach churning even more. I was starting to feel lightheaded, and I hoped I could at least make it to the bathroom.

Claudia practically kicked the bathroom door open, and I stumbled inside, heading straight for the toilet. I heaved, puking out everything in my stomach.

I felt lightheaded and sick to my stomach, but I was relieved I had made it to the toilet in time. If I had been a second later, I would have made a mess. Claudia stood in the doorway, concern written all over her face. "Are you okay?" she asked, her voice gentle. I nodded, unable to speak.

I sighed, coughing as I continued to retch into the toilet. I was glad my hair was already in a bun, otherwise I would have had to wash it. Claudia's hand was on my back, rubbing soothing circles. When the heaving stopped, she helped me to my feet. I felt dizzy and weak, and she helped me to the sink. She turned on the cold water, wetting a cloth with it and wiping my face.

"What's wrong with you?" she asked a chuckle in her voice. "Are you pregnant or what?" I nearly froze at her words, feeling my stomach turn again. "I can't be pregnant," I said, trying to sound light-hearted. "I'm a virgin, remember?" I said, still feeling sick to my stomach. I began cleaning myself up, trying to compose myself.

"It was a joke, Jeez."

"Well, it smells like pregnancy to me," a thick Russian accent came from behind me. I didn't need to turn to know who it was. Yulia

"You're supposed to know right? Weren't you both working as nurses at one point?"

A chill ran down my spine as I wondered what she knew. I forced myself to breathe, trying to push away the thought. I looked at myself in the mirror, my face pale and clammy. "Are you okay?" Claudia asked, and I nodded, trying to ignore the feeling of dread that was settling in my stomach.

I tossed the tissue in the trash, but as I did, memories of that night in the cabin came flooding back. Images of Luka and me. The way he had looked at me, the way he had touched me.

No. I couldn't be pregnant. It was impossible.

My hands were shaking as I pulled out my phone, my heart racing. I texted Luka, my hands trembling so much I nearly dropped my phone. "I need to talk to you," I typed out, the words shaky on the screen.

"Stop eavesdropping," Claudia hissed at Yulia, who merely smirked at her.

Isaak gave her a smug smile and then walked away. "Don't mind her," Claudia said, giving me a reassuring smile. I nodded, but I couldn't take my eyes off my phone, anxiously waiting for Luka to respond.

Seconds ticked by, each one feeling like an eternity. Finally, my phone buzzed, and I nearly jumped out of my skin.