Chapter 12 - The Confession
The lobby was secured in minutes.
Volkov's surviving men surrendered immediately, dropping their weapons in terror.
Roman did not stay to watch the cleanup.
He holstered his weapon and took the stairs back up to the ICU.
His adrenaline was fading, leaving a dull ache in his chest.
He pushed the door to Clara’s room open.
She was sitting up slightly, her eyes glued to the door.
When she saw him, a massive breath of relief escaped her lips.
"It's over," Roman said, leaning against the doorframe.
"Volkov is dead."
"The threat is gone."
Clara looked away, tears pooling in her eyes.
"It will never be over, Roman," she whispered.
"There will always be another Volkov."
"Another shootout."
Roman walked over and sat on the edge of her bed.
"Why didn't you tell me you were pregnant?" he asked, his voice breaking.
"Why did you steal my child from me?"
Clara finally looked at him, her vulnerability exposed.
"Because I saw what you did to the man who betrayed you," she cried softly.
"I saw the blood on your hands."
"I loved you, Roman."
"I still do."
"But I could not let my son grow up thinking violence is the only language in the world."
Roman absorbed her words like physical blows.
She was right.
He was a monster in a tailored suit.
But he was also a father now.
"I will change," Roman swore, taking her face in his rough hands.
"I will burn my empire to the ground if I have to."
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"I will go legitimate."
"I will do whatever it takes to prove to you that I can be a father."
