Katerina Alexandrovna, in her own way, decided to honor her daughter-in-law with something special—a family heirloom passed down for generations.

“I nearly sold it once,” she confessed, holding a small velvet box. “When the fire happened… Spartacus was ten, and we had nothing left—no home, no husband.”

She sighed deeply. They were sitting on the couch, and Nadya gently took her hand.

“Thank God I didn’t,” Spartacus’s mother added with a warm smile, stroking Nadya’s cheek. “Now it’s going where it belongs.”

“Thank you… it’s an honor,” Nadya replied softly as she accepted the gift.

“It’s emerald with diamonds,” the older woman explained. “It’s worth a good amount of money, but I want you to sell it only if there’s absolutely no other choice.”

“Don’t worry, Mama. We won’t sell it. One day, we’ll pass it down to our children,” Nadya promised, earning a proud tear in return. They hugged like true family.

New Year’s came with laughter and fireworks. And during the holiday break, Spartacus and Nadya made a decision—they would buy a car.

A big trip no longer appealed to either of them. They had enough saved for a decent vehicle. They went to Krasnodar and returned behind the wheel of their new Kia Optima.

Spartacus looked great driving it, and with the rest of the money, they bought clothes—both for themselves and for the whole family. Now, Nadya sat in the passenger seat with a half-smile tugging at her lips. Spartacus reached over and took her hand.

“Hey… What are you thinking about, my love?”

“I was just remembering that first trip to Krasnodar. That night.”

He threw his head back and laughed.

“A night that changed everything.”

“Yeah… and when I saw your stepfather, I realized he was the one who sent you to me.”

“True. But does it matter now? We did want to help you.”

“I know. Thank you,” she said, leaning in to kiss him on the neck.

Spartacus immediately wrapped an arm around her as they kept driving. It was one of those peaceful, perfect moments that feel like they’ll last forever.

But when they pulled up to the house, they noticed several cars parked outside the gate. Nadya’s smile faded.

“It’s my father,” she said, her voice a mix of dread and disbelief.

Before she could rush out, Spartacus grabbed her hand. She turned to him with questioning eyes.

“Promise me you won’t leave me?” he asked quietly, almost pleading.

She didn’t answer. She just gave him a faint smile and shook her head.

Spartacus stayed in the car. Something bitter stirred inside him. He didn’t want to go inside. Not now.

“Hello,” Spartacus said, finally entering the house.

Guests were already seated in the living room—Nadya, her mother-in-law, and her father. Uncle Pasha and Styopa had gone to work.

“Hello,” her father replied, cold and composed. Nadya sat beside him, wiping tears from her cheeks.

“Why are you crying?” Spartacus asked, concern tightening his voice.

“Because her illusion of happiness has come to an end,” her father replied before she could speak.

“That’s not true,” Spartacus shot back. “She’s my lawful wife. You have no right—”

He caught the man’s eye and noticed a paper on the table. He walked over, picked it up, and began to read. A statement. From a doctor. Claiming he had threatened her to issue a fake pregnancy certificate. Spartacus went pale.

“I never threatened anyone,” he said, his voice hoarse.

“You can read it yourself. And soon enough, medical experts will confirm if she was ever pregnant. Tests, scans… I know how to get answers,” Nadya’s father said, rising to his feet.

“Why are you doing this?” Spartacus asked quietly. “We love each other. Isn’t that enough? Maybe she is pregnant now!”