A Lifetime With You by Athrhteera

Chapter 81

Matteo

Despite receiving a deathly glare from Mikhail, Alena and I didn't let go of each other. My hand was wrapped around her waist as she leaned against me, somehow asking for my full protection. I had no intentions of letting her go either.

Everyone else in the room stayed quiet, afraid to make a sound,

I had expected Alexei to stand by his father but this time, he stood still at his spot. His expression was also different this time and I couldn't understand the true meaning behind it. As long as Alena was safe in my arms, I didn't mind what was in their heads. Angelo a and I Luca seemed prepared to defend me if Mikhail decided to involve weapons. However, I didn't feel threatened or scared by him even though we didn't have any weapons with us. We surrendered ourselves fully on the way here because we knew, we didn't mean any harm. "Matteo..." Alena muttered under her breath.

T

I glanced down at my wife, seeing the look on her face.

It surprised me because instead of determination, she looked defeated. I hadn't seen my wife that way and knew the dark circles under her eyes explained it-she was a strong woman but something must've brought her down.

"It's okay. I'm right here with you," the words slipped my mouth.

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+

My mind went blank and I didn't know what else to say. I continued to look between Mikhail and Alexei, trying to read their expressions. I wasn't bad at reading people's mind through their facial expressions but for once, I was more concerned about my wife's mind. Yet, I had trouble trying to understand her.

"Just in time for dinner." Mikhail stated before he walked away, down the hall.

A

A

couple of his men followed behind him. Within seconds, Alexei gestured for us to come along and we didn't waste any second but to trail behind him.

We walked down the hallway until we reached the dining room. I hadn't been in this mansion before but I heard stories about it being huge, people tend to get lost. As soon as we entered the dining room, the dining table was well set and served with different food but it was only enough for seven people.

Seven people which meant us, including Alena's Mama.

Angelo stood by me, as a way of showing he could protect me.

"Have a seat, gentlemen." Mikhail said, as he sat down.

I watched as Mikhail and Alexei sat down, leaving the rest of us to stand. When they were seated, they turned to look at us, waiting for us to take our seats. I pulled out the chair for Alena and helped her before I took a seat of my own, gesturing for Luca and Angelo to do the same.

mother-in-law walked in with a smile plastered on her face before she took a seat beside Mikhail. She couldn't keep her eyes away from her daughter and based on the look on her

being in this situation especially for Angelo

IL

and kept

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08:12 Tue, Nov 5

Chapter 81

walked out of the dining room,

hand, wanting to assure her that she was safe with me. I couldn't read Mikhail's mind and I didn't know what he had planned for us tonight but I hoped we could settle things as

!

were trying hard not to involve

all of this. I hope it's to your

a few bites of her food. I couldn't keep my eyes off of her but I

meaning behind all of this?" She

discuss a few things. I thought it would be nice to

I wanted to. It was nice to see her stand up for herself and for me. She seemed like she had enough of the things that happened for the past few weeks but she still had the fire inside of

I Knew

know I never

really hated Matteo."

never really liked

as he sighed, "Sit

plan for everything. You want things to go your way because you hate it when you can't be in control. Matteo means well to come here and discuss

listening to

Ou

never raised you to be like this, Alena. What happened? What happened to my baby girl?" Mikhail said, shaking his head. "You made me this way, Papa. You're selfish and you only care about your power. What happens to Ana when she comes back? Do you plan to marry her off as well? Do you stay awake at night and plan to ruin our lives? Do you She replied, looking at Mikhail before she turned to look at the rest of us. find peace in

only care about your safety. Believe it or not, everything I do is for the sake of our family. Everything I sacrifice is for your future. Do you think all of this was built on free will? Your family sacrificed a lot of things to achieve what

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Chapter 81

it. You weren't given a choice," he

wrist before he tried to

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0

had pulled her hand roughly as she took a few steps back, staring

of staying still in my seat, I stood up to close the distance between us. Angelo and Luca followed to stand up after me as they watched us,

Both