Ivan’s POV

The room stayed quiet for a moment after Kirill’s arrival, the kind of silence that felt heavier than noise. The twins slept peacefully in their cot while the children still crowded around them, whispering and pointing as if they had discovered something magical. Betty remained calm beside me, her hand still wrapped in mine, while Kirill stood a few steps away like he was waiting for judgment.

He finally exhaled and looked directly at Betty. “I owe you a proper apology,” he ...