I Won't Accept Any of Your Regrets

Chapter 8: Their Fate!

The cold Russian air brushed against Evelyn's face as she stood on the balcony of her family's grand estate. The night was clear, with only the stars dotting the dark sky. The weight of her world—the Maxwell legacy, her unborn child, and Nickolas's ever-looming presence—pressed on her like an invisible force, one that was inescapable. She thought returning to her family in Russia would provide peace, a shield against the storm brewing within her life. But she was learning that even here, safety was only an illusion.

Behind her, the door creaked open. She didn't need to turn to know who it was. Zie Xin's presence was as familiar and grounding as ever.

"Miss Evelyn, you should come inside. It's freezing out here," Zie Xin urged, though her tone carried more concern than command.

Evelyn didn't move right away. She closed her eyes, inhaling deeply, letting the crisp air fill her lungs. "It's never really quiet, is it?" she murmured.

Zie Xin's silence was telling. She, too, had felt the tension simmering beneath the surface ever since Evelyn had returned to Moscow. There was no escaping Nickolas. His reach was too long, his obsession too consuming.

"We'll figure it out," Zie Xin finally said, stepping beside Evelyn. "No matter what Nickolas plans, your family will stand with you. Dmitry is already making preparations."

Evelyn turned, her hand instinctively resting on her growing belly. "It's not just about me anymore. I have to protect this child." Her voice wavered slightly, betraying the fierce resolve she was trying to hold onto.

Zie Xin placed a reassuring hand on Evelyn's shoulder. "You're stronger than you think. You've faced him before, and you will again. This time, you're not alone."

A soft knock at the door interrupted their conversation. Evelyn's older brother, Dmitry De Maxwell, entered with his usual commanding presence. He glanced at Zie Xin, then shifted his gaze to Evelyn. "We need to talk," he said gravely.

Evelyn's heart skipped a beat. She knew this conversation was inevitable. Dmitry had been her protector, but even his resources could only stretch so far.

"What is it?" Evelyn asked, bracing herself for whatever news he was about to deliver.

"Nickolas is still in Moscow," Dmitry said, cutting straight to the point. His eyes darkened with frustration. "He's already making moves to reach you. We've doubled security, but..." He trailed off, clearly weighing his words.

Evelyn felt her stomach twist. "But?"

"But he's not acting alone. We've intercepted communications that suggest some of our business allies are being swayed to his side. He's leveraging the Maxwell name against you."

Evelyn's eyes widened. Nickolas was a master at manipulation, but to use her own family's legacy against her? It was a new level of cruelty.

Zie Xin's expression tightened. "What's our next step, Sir?"

Dmitry ran a hand through his hair, a rare sign of his internal conflict. "I'm taking Evelyn to a secure location, somewhere outside Moscow. Nickolas can't be allowed to get close to her. Not now. Not when..." He glanced down at her belly, a protective glint in his eyes.

Evelyn stiffened. "No. I won't run away. Not again." Her voice was firm, but the fear lurking beneath it was undeniable.

Dmitry took a step forward, his expression softening. "You're not running. You're regrouping. We need time to think and plan. Nickolas won't stop until he has you in his grasp, and I won't let that happen."

Zie Xin interjected gently. "It's not forever, Miss Evelyn. Just until we can figure out our next move."

Evelyn clenched her fists at her sides, the weight of their words sinking in. She hated the thought of hiding, of being forced into a corner by Nickolas's obsession. But she couldn't risk her child's safety.