ANNA
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When I opened my eyes again, I noticed I was in an unfamiliar room. It took me a moment to realize I was in a hospital ward. I saw Zoya seated beside me.
I blinked, trying to adjust to the light shining directly into my eyes.
A doctor entered, flipping through his clipboard. “You collapsed from exhaustion and dehydration. Have you been pushing yourself too hard?”
I forced a smile. “It’s nothing. Just stress.”
His frown deepened. “You should take it seriously, Mrs. Romanov. Given your medical history, excessive strain on your legs isn’t advisable.”
I nodded. The doctor left after examining my current condition.
I sighed. “How long?”
“Three hours now. I found you collapsed on the dance floor and called an ambulance immediately.”
“Did Gleb know?”
“Yes. I informed him as soon as we arrived. He stayed for a while... but then he left.”
I nodded.
“I don’t mean to pry, but is anything troubling you?” Zoya asked. “I promise not to judge if you tell me.”
“Well, I might have to return to Italy by the end of this month,” I said.
“Why? I thought you had to bear an heir before the marriage would be dissolved?”
“That was the original agreement, but it’s been three months, and I’m still not pregnant. His family isn’t having it, so they said if I don’t conceive in a month, our marriage will be dissolved.”
“Oh my! And that’s why you’ve been this sad?”
“It’s part of it. “I guess I’ll have to find a small town to stay in after our marriage is dissolved. If I even make it that far. My family in Italy is just as dangerous as the Romanovs... maybe worse. But I don’t have a choice.”
“Have you seen a doctor? Maybe to check if there’s a reason you haven’t conceived?”
I smirked. “I’m fine. The problem is with Gleb.”
Zoya frowned. “What do you mean?”
“He finds me disgusting. He won’t even touch me.”
Her brows furrowed. “You mean... your husband hasn’t had sex with you?”
“Not even a kiss. That’s how weird this stupid marriage is. I’m glad I’ll be out in a month. It’s already suffocating me.”
Zoya suddenly went silent, her gaze dropping to the floor.
I raised a brow. “Zoya?”
She snapped out of her trance and offered a small, sad smile. “I’m sorry this is happening to you, Anna.”
I studied her face. Something felt off. “You just got lost in thought. Is there something I should know?”
“It’s nothing,” she said quickly, but she swallowed hard, like she was keeping something in.
