“Okay.” The guard went to grab my arm, but I stepped forward, rushing out of the apartment. My hands shook as we waited for the elevator.

At the ground parking, he held my door open for me, and I slid inside.

Once outside in the open air, I took a deep breath, trying not to think about what all of this could mean.

The first pharmacy we came to was still closed. The second one had a line outside, and at the third, my nerves were frayed.

He parked the car and as he made to get out, I put a hand on his shoulder. “Keep an eye on me from the car. I promise I’m just going in to buy lady products. I don’t need an entourage.”

“Mrs. Ivanov.”

“I will tell my husband lies if you don’t do this,” I said. I never threatened anyone in my life. After what my sister did, I always tried to be a nice charge. Today was not the day. It was my birthday. I was all alone. My husband had taken off. I was at the end of my patience.

Without another word, I climbed out and entered the pharmacy. I went immediately to the pregnancy tests then to the lady products, picking the brand I liked and the style.

At the counter, I paid with what change I had and offered the man behind the counter a smile.

“I hope congratulations are in order,” he said.

I smiled. “Me too.”

He winked at me, and I took my bag, exiting the pharmacy to get back into the car. The driver ignored me. I’d angered him. Guilt rushed through me, but I didn’t apologize. He took me straight to the apartment. Back inside, I ignored him and went to the bathroom.

With still shaking hands, I read the instructions on the back of the box. Sickness coiled in my gut. It was just peeing on a stick.

Minutes later, hands washed, I stared at the stick, watching as it changed, and my life as I knew it would follow suit.

I was pregnant. Slavik had done what the boss had ordered.

My son or daughter would inherit this legacy, would one day stand in Slavik’s place. Actually, no, just my son. If I had a boy.

Collapsing to the floor, I put both of my hands to my stomach.

Slavik and I were only just getting along, finding a life with each other. Was it all a trick for this baby?

Closing my eyes, I leaned my head against the wall.

My birthday. I should have known it wasn’t going to be a good day.

When the bedroom door slammed open, I jolted to my feet, throwing the test into the trash bin as the guard who now hated me pushed the bathroom door open. He held a phone.

He didn’t say a word as I took it.

Holding the phone, I put it to my ear. “Hello,” I said.

“Aurora, it’s me.”