At Anna's question, Alia felt a bit embarrassed. Anna looked at her with arched eyebrows because she knew Alia had grown up in the Russian underworld and was well-versed in the language.
Anna: (With a mysterious smile) "Actually, Bhabhi, tell me something—you know Russian yourself quite well. So why did you make me translate everything? Did those words sound different coming from Brother's mouth?"
Alia was about to say something, perhaps that Viktor's deep Russian diction sounded particularly intense. but at that very moment, her whole body shuddered. A shadow of pain crossed her face, and she instinctively gripped Anna's hand tighter.
Alia: (Gritting her teeth, in a very low voice) "Ah... Anna... my stomach hurts. It's an unbearable pain..."
Beads of sweat began to form on Alia's forehead. She was feeling the full toll of attending the parade while unwell. Her abdomen felt as though it were twisting.
Seeing Alia's condition, Anna's playful mood vanished instantly. She put her arm around Alia's shoulder, forgetting her jokes.
Anna: "Bhabhi! You've overexerted yourself. I'm calling Brother right now; we need to get out of here."
Alia curled up slightly on the sofa in pain. Standing at the front of the stage, Viktor might have been receiving salutes, but his sharp eyes fell on the now-rigid Alia. He realized his Queen's body had begun to rebel. Viktor took a step to break protocol and reach her, his blue eyes shimmering like sapphires with worry.As Viktor hurried toward Alia, his father, Stepanovich Alexeyevich Petrov, blocked his path. There was an aura of such gravity in Stepanovich that even Viktor had to pause.
Stepanovich: (In a grave, regal voice) "Viktor, fulfill your duty. Thousands of soldiers are waiting for your command. Go back to your work; I will look after Alia."
Viktor looked into his father's eyes—the same blue, the same stubbornness. He knew that since his father had taken charge, Alia was safe. Reluctantly, Viktor returned to the stage, but his mind remained at the VIP stand.
Stepanovich walked slowly toward Alia. She was stunned to see him approaching. His face was exactly like Viktor's—the same sharp nose, silver hair, and royal aura. Only the marks of time had added a layer of seasoned elegance to his features.
He sat beside Alia and embraced her with immense affection. In the touch of this terrifying man of the underworld, there was now only the tenderness of a father.
Stepanovich: (In a very soft voice) "Calm down, child. Don't focus on the pain. Tell me, exactly where are you feeling the pain? Your eyes tell me how unwell you are."
He placed a hand on Alia's head. For a moment, Alia forgot that he was Viktor's father and the true sovereign of this vast empire. In his touch, she found a mental peace that somewhat soothed her physical agony.
Alia: "Father... my stomach is twisting unbearably... I can't even sit upright anymore."
Stepanovich looked at Anna and gave a subtle gesture. He shielded Alia, reassuring her as if he were her armor in this distress. From a distance, Viktor saw his father taking care of his Queen just as Viktor would have done himself. Today, Alia realized that Viktor's protective and caring nature was a legacy inherited from his father. As Stepanovich was guarding Alia, Viktor's mother, Demidov Anna Petrov, arrived. She was dressed in her usual regal elegance, but seeing Alia's condition, a deep sense of maternal care appeared on her face.
Anna Petrov sat slowly beside Alia. Stepanovich moved aside to make room for her. With great affection, Viktor's mother wiped the beads of sweat from Alia's forehead using her silken handkerchief.
Anna Petrov: (In a very sweet yet grave voice) "Don't be afraid, child. I know how painful this time can be. Stepanovich, you're holding her a bit too firmly; she's getting scared."
She took Alia's hand in hers. There was a strange coolness in her touch that brought relief to Alia's feverish body. Just as seen in the old photos, Anna Petrov's personality still held that same magical influence.
Alia: (In a faint whisper) "Mother... it hurts so much. Can I go back?"
Anna Petrov: "Of course, you will. But first, you must calm down. Viktor is exactly like his father blinded by duty. But as long as I am here, I won't let my daughter suffer."
She gestured to Anna (Viktor's sister) to bring something specific from the car. Anna Petrov pulled Alia close to her, as if shielding her from the harsh outside world of the mafia.
From the stage, Viktor breathed a sigh of relief seeing both his mother and father by Alia's side. He realized his Queen was now in the safest refuge in the world. These two pillars of the Petrov family Anna and Stepanovich stood today not just as mafia sovereigns, but as a reliable mother and father to Alia. It was 1:00 AM. The entire Petrov Palace was submerged in silence. Beside the sound of falling snow outside, there wasn't a whisper. Both Viktor and Alia were in a deep sleep. Viktor held Alia tightly in his sleep, as if ensuring his Queen's safety even in his dreams.
Suddenly, that silence was broken by the sound of Alia's muffled sobbing. The sharp, twisting pain in her stomach had returned with a vengeance. This time, it was so unbearable that she could no longer hold it back.
Alia clutched her stomach with both hands and curled up in pain. Her body began to drench in sweat from the agony. She let out a choked cry.
Alia: (In a tearful, faint whisper) "Ah... ugh... Viktor... it hurts so much... I can't take it anymore..."
The moment the sound of her crying reached Viktor's ears, he snapped awake instantly. The reflexes of a formidable Mafia Don and a High-Ranking Officer kicked in. He sat up abruptly and switched on the bedside lamp.
Viktor saw Alia turning pale with pain, tears streaming down her face. His blue eyes filled with frantic worry. He quickly pulled her close to his chest.
Viktor: (In a desperate voice) "Alia! Alia, look at me. I'm right here. Sweetheart, calm down... is it too much?"
Viktor began to gently massage her stomach with his large hands, hoping his warmth would soothe her pain. He repeatedly kissed her forehead and hair.
Viktor: "I'm calling the doctor right now. Why was I sleeping so soundly? Forgive me, Alia."
Alia was still crying, clutching Viktor's T-shirt tightly. A man as hardened as Viktor couldn't stand the sight of her tears. He swept her up into his arms, carrying her in a bridal carry as he paced the room, trying to soothe his Queen like a child to give her some comfort.When the doctor arrived, Viktor was still pacing with Alia in his arms. There was such a fierce look in Viktor's eyes that any ordinary person would have fled in fear. The doctor quickly opened his bag and began the check-up. Viktor laid Alia down carefully and held her hand firmly.
The doctor checked Alia's pulse and began asking questions.
Doctor: "Ma'am, stay calm. Tell me exactly—how many days has your period been going on? Is today the third day?"
Alia was too pained to speak clearly; she just nodded, indicating it was indeed the third day. The doctor then turned to Viktor with a crucial question.
Doctor: "Mr. Viktor, for medical reasons, I need the truth. Did you have intercourse right before the period started? Sometimes, intimacy right before a cycle increases uterine pressure, which can cause this kind of extreme cramping later."
Viktor went silent for a moment. A sense of guilt flickered in his blue eyes. He replied in a grave tone.
Viktor: "Yes, we did. But I didn't realize it would be this painful for Alia."
The doctor sighed while preparing an injection. "Due to hormonal changes right before a cycle, the body is very sensitive. In such cases, intimacy can multiply the intensity of Menstrual Cramps. Don't worry, I'm giving her a painkiller; the pain will subside soon."
Viktor placed his hand on Alia's forehead and whispered, "I'm so sorry, Alia... I didn't know my desire would put you through this. Please forgive me."
Despite the pain, Alia squeezed Viktor's hand slightly, as if to say she didn't blame him. After the injection, her body slowly relaxed, and she drifted back to sleep, safe in Viktor's arms. The atmosphere in the room was shrouded in a heavy silence. Just after the doctor left, there was a knock at the door. Viktor looked up to see his father, Stepanovich, standing there. Even at this late hour, he looked perfectly composed and grave.
Stepanovich walked slowly to the bedside. Seeing Alia's pale face and the guilt in Viktor's eyes, his experienced gaze understood everything.
Stepanovich: (Looking at Viktor, in a low but deep voice) "What did the doctor say? How is she now?"
Viktor replied with his head lowered, "The pain was too much, Father. She's been given an injection; she's calm now."
Stepanovich placed a hand on Alia's forehead. The formidable sovereign of the mafia world was now just a compassionate father-in-law. He placed a hand on Viktor's shoulder and led him toward the window so as not to disturb Alia's sleep.
Stepanovich: (In a voice full of Russian elegance) "Listen, Viktor. You can rule the world with power and prestige, but to understand your Queen's body and soul, you must be more patient. Petrov men may be as hard as stone outside, but they are kind inside their homes. Alia is not just your wife; she is the honor of this empire. Do not let there be any lack in her care."
Viktor looked into his father's eyes. He realized his father wasn't just scolding him but teaching him how to be a responsible husband.
Stepanovich: "It's late. Stay by her side. I'm telling the guards outside to ensure no one disturbs this room until morning unless it's an emergency."
With one last look at Alia, he quietly stepped out of the room. Viktor realized he wasn't alone in this massive palace; his father's silent support gave him a strange sense of strength. He returned to Alia's side and took her hand in his, just as his father had taught him.