Recovery

Chapter 34

Frustration could be seen in Victor's face, as he could only wait until his men gained any information about the hunting knife they illegally obtained by bribing the forensic captain to switch the hunting knife with a different item. Victor even hired people to obtain CCTV street camera videos by hacking into the city's date system. Despite his efforts, Victor was growing increasingly anxious as time passed without any leads on the whereabouts of the hunting knife owner. The pressure was mounting as he knew the consequences of not recovering could be severe. Hearing reports that Ivan's older sister, Varinka, was preparing to come to his city to investigate the death of her younger sibling added to Victor's stress. He knew he had to act quickly before Varinka arrived and uncovered his involvement in the crime.

Varinka and Victor were never on good terms since they were young. Varinka was far worse than all of their relatives, as she was known to physically assault anybody that got under her skin, no matter who the person might be. Her overly aggressive nature made Victor even more anxious about her impending arrival. He knew he had to find a way to divert her attention away from the investigation before things escalated further. She is impulsive, and her violent behavior comes from a deep-seated anger that the rest of the Romanov clan could never quite understand. Despite their tumultuous relationship, Victor couldn't help but feel a sense of responsibility to protect their clan.

She was seen burning her ex-boyfriend's house and even killing and rosting her ex-pet dog; she even shot a sales clerk for talking too much or bruitally assulted a random woman because the person was wearing the same clothing as her; Varinka has multiple cases under her belt like Katarine; the difference was that Katarine always gets acquitted for lack of evidence and proof .

But in Varinka's cases , society usually finds her guilty based on evidence and eyewitnesses, but sadly, the case never reaches the courts as she has ways of stopping any of the witnesses from even setting foot in the courtroom to testify. This has led to frustration and fear among the community, as Varinka continues to roam free despite her violent tendencies.

Her erratic behavior had the clan on edge, unsure of what she might do next. Despite her legal troubles, Varinka seemed to always slip through the cracks of the justice system, leaving many concerned for their safety.

Meanwhile, Ethan was recovering very well and was taking things slowly. Seeing that Katarine was acting a bit off, in a good and normal way, she would often visit him and just quietly bring the tray with food as she placed them at the bedside table. Ethan always smiles at her and asks if she could join him and casually talk about certain topics that he had been struggling with mentally. It was a comforting routine for both of them. As soon as Ethan could finally stand up and walk, she would see him looking out of his temporary recuperating room as her father.

Leonhardt Maier Siegert insisted that he stay until he was fully healed .

Even Grand Matriarch Helena Felicie Siegert ad to address the mansion staff to let Katarine do as she wishes and just continue their daily tasks as normal as they could possibly do, Ethan was now comfortable in seeing Katarine. It might look a bit weird, but the cercumstances that led him to this path were also beyond reason, so in his mind, he might as well just go with it and see what will happen next. The days went by, and the two became better acquainted and saw each other side like never before. Their bond grew stronger with each passing day, and Ethan found himself grateful for the unexpected turn of events that brought Katarine into his life. He was frank and open about this toward her.

He always shared his life. When he was still staying at their farm, he would ask Katarine the same thing, but she was always evasive and mysterious about her past. Despite this, Ethan found himself drawn to her even more, intrigued by the air of mystery that surrounded her.

He told her that there were times he couldn't sleep and he could only recall her face; this made Katarine blush, and at the same time, Ethan would further open up that seeing her was making him nervous, and he couldn't explain why. Katarine would simply smile and try to change the subject,

Katarine understood why Ethan seemed to have a peculiar personality. He was raised like this by his parents; he was taught to protect those who were weak and never hesitate to face any situation head on, which explained his protective nature and tendency to be straightforward.

His mother was the one who instilled in him the importance of family, showed and showing his real emotions, never questioned his heart, and taught him the value of honesty, integrity and loyaty.

This upbringing shaped Ethan into the caring, rebellious, and straight forward person that Katarine now admires. She gradually saw his rough but manly good looks; he was len and muscular with a rugged charm that was hard to resist. Despite his tough exterior, she could see the kindness and compassion in his eyes, making her fall for him even more. His upbringing had molded him into a man of strength and character, qualities that drew her to him like a magnet.

Despite his nervousness around her, Katarine admired Ethan's strong sense of duty and loyalty towards others. And his creativity was based on being raised in a small farming town with nothing to do, so tingkering and creating things was his outlet. His hobbies were based on a different way of clearing and meditation, which calmed him whenever he would draw or paint.

His hunting and fighting skills were honed through years of practice with his retired military father. He was a well-trained scapper gentelman. It was something that Katarine created in her own mind; she would smile and somewhat understand what was running inside Ethan's mind.

This made her heart flutter. This made Katarine happy; her standards and preferences were now gone. She knows what's meant by a man who treats her like a queen and will do whatever it takes to make her happy and safe, and he does not care and acts detached to her dark and negative side because he truly loves her and openly accepts her flaws without judgment. This newfound understanding brought a sense of peace and contentment to Katarine, knowing that she had found someone who truly saw her for who she was and loved her unconditionally.

Etan was very vocal about his feelings, and even with his gestures and the way he would look, he and gently brush his hand on her skin and intentionally show his affection, making Katarine feel truly cherished and valued in their relationship.

Within ten days, Ethan never once forgets to say how much he truly likes Katarine. It may come across as cheesy or excessive at times, but it always makes her heart sing. His consistent displays of love and affection created a strong foundation of trust and security in their relationship, allowing Katarine to fully open up and be herself without fear of judgment.

He would always greet her with an open arm and ask her to go near him; it was an awkward but endearing gesture that never failed to bring a smile to Katarine's face. Even a simple flying kiss when she goes out and leaves his room will make her cheeks flush with happiness, knowing that he is always thinking of her. Katarine cherished these small gestures of affection. Their interaction became more intimate and genuine as they continued to build upon it.

Ethan would see Katarine working as she ordered her staff to work along with her in her mother's mini garden while a canopy tent was placed to protect her and the office staff from direct sunlight. The room where Ethan was staying was on the second floor, and it was overlooking the place where Katarine would spend her working time.

The distance was far enough so the office staff t could not identify him or make out any details about him. Ethan enjoyed watching Katarine's as he sat patiently and watched them from afar. Many could see him, but you all assume the person watching was Katarine's relative, as he was always seen waving at her, and she would glance in that particular direction. The staff would always get confused as if she were enjoying the attention the person from the second floor window was getting.

If she was too busy, Ethan would use that time to train and regain the dexterity of his body. Being pampered was not something Ethan was used to, but he appreciated the care he received during his recovery. He knew that he couldn't remain by her side; he knew that one day he needed to prove his worth, even though he had gained a small amount of favor from both her father and grandmother as a gentleman and a potential suitor. Ethan was determined to show his gratitude by becoming the best version of himself, both physically and mentally, in order to prove his worth to her and her family.

The room he was in was fully functional; it had everything from a small kitchen to a cozy small living room area with a bath tub and shower. As Ethan spent hours each day exercising his body, he felt his body be a little stiff from doing nothing while recuperating from the gunshot wound and loss of blood.

He was preparing for the day he would finally leave and take control of his life again, and having Katarine become part of this life was a dream he was willing to work tirelessly to achieve. He had been staying by Katarine's side for nearly 2 weeks now, and even though he was grateful, he still wished to retain his honor and dignity, as he had already accepted the realization that he had fallen for Katarine and planned to ask her out on a date, but being homeless and penniless was out of the question. This world are still bound to social norms and expectations. He knew he needed to find a way to provide for himself before pursuing a relationship with Katarine. Despite his circumstances, he was determined to continue doing his job and establish stability in his life before taking the next step.

Ethan would casually walk outside the room he was in, and from time to time, the mansion was huge and had a modern, simple design with large windows that let in plenty of natural light. The room he was in was just one of the few on the second floor while Katarines room was facing his and was just a ten meters from where he was staying. The bullet wound in his back pierced through his chest missing vital organs by a few millimeters.

Katarine visit were always in time so within those free times Ethan would casually roam the mansion as servant just to pass the time. Despite the pain from his injury, Ethan found solace in exploring the grand estate and observing the intricate and professional staff managing and maintaining this large structure,

Everyone he spoke to was stern and silent, and they only provided him with brief and straightforward answers to his questions. the place was grand but lacks that family and welcoming atmosphere that Ethan longed for. Like what he has back at home, the pictures he wish to see were not there, the panting that were hang on the walls were worth millions but lack emotional connection to him as, even for an artist like him he found these art pieces to be cold and uninviting. Despite the impressive beauty of the artwork, Ethan couldn't help but feel a sense of detachment and longing for the warmth and familiarity of his own home.

The structure of the huge house was more like a museum than a house; every item was meticulously placed and perfectly preserved, giving off an air of sterility and formality that made Ethan feel out of place. The grandeur of the house only served to highlight the emptiness he felt inside, longing for a sense of comfort and belonging that no amount of expensive artwork could provide. The Persian carpet was covering the entire floor, and he knew this was a sign of wealth and luxury, but to Ethan, it felt suffocating and isolating. He couldn't shake the feeling that he was a stranger in Katarines home, surrounded by beauty but lacking the warmth of a true home.

He knew why she was cold and distant and very lacking in emotional availability. It was clear to him that material possessions could never replace genuine connection and intimacy. The mansion was worth hundreds of millions of dollars, but seeing the kind of life she was going home to can truly cause a person to become cold and grow up like a machine that can calculate complex equations but cannot feel emotions. He realized that wealth and luxury could not fill the void of loneliness.

As her father was also distance himself for his own reasons the only thing that made Ethan stop and take some time was seeing a painting that was hanging at the very center of the house where the grand spiral staircase was located. It was a painting of a woman who looked like Katarine, and Ethan assumed it was her mother.

The similarity was uncanny, from the way her hair fell in waves to the gentle curve of her smile. It was as if he could almost hear her laughter echoing through the halls. Katarine saw Ethan once staring at the painting as he was still walking with the help of crusches. She was concerned about his condition but she saw on his face a certain look that she understood.

So Katarine didn't waste time and explained who the person on the painting was; his assumptions were right, and she was indeed Katarine's biological mother. She added that Er Moher passed away after giving birth to her, and this was the very moment when she grew up without a father by her side. The pain of losing her was too much. Katarine grew up surrounded by dozens of servants who didn't truly care for her well being.

But she found solace in her studies and in the idea of what her mother would be like if she were still alive. Despite the lack of familial support, Katarine grew to be a strong and independent woman who faced many hardships and had to navigate social life and societal expectations on her own. She learned to rely on her own resilience and determination to overcome the challenges that came her way, ultimately shaping her into a formidable force to be reckoned with.

" I learned the hard way that being emotionally weak was a burden, so I had to be calculating and cold."

"I can't even talk to my father openly like this."

"But to you, I felt like I could share my deepest thoughts and fears without judgment."

" At times, I truly hate this feeling. Whenever you are near,"

" are way too many occasions when I have to act cold and harsh toward you.,"

"Because I was raised to be cold toward everybody."

"I wish I could let my guard down and show you my true feelings, but it's difficult for me to break out of this habit."

"Maybe one day I'll be able to open up to everybody completely."

I hope you can understand that it's not personal, it's just how I've learned to protect myself."

"By the way, what the hell are you doing?" "

"I appreciate your patience, Ethan , but you can't even stand up without those crutches holding you up."

"I find it interesting that you can talk to me softly, and in an instant you will explode like a fire cracker."

"Don't be a mule and let go back to your room , ok?"

"You're cute like that."

"I'm just trying to help you get better, Ethan. It's frustrating when you resist it so much."

"I know you're in pain, but you need to work with me if you want to recover quickly."

"Yes, doctor, I am just touring your home because the last time I was here, I had to jump out of your bathroom window."

"Do you really need to mention that?!"

"Those were good memories."

"Please don't make this more difficult than it needs to be. Let's focus on your healing."

Those moments were a constant reminder for him, as seeing Katarine concern was genuine and real, so after those days he would still go out from time to time and have casual conversations with the mansion staff until they established camaraderie. Among each other, Katarine would see this personally as the days went on. Ethan would even casually talk to his father and grandmother like they were already close, and she would even witness firsthand how Ethan's charm could make them laugh and even put a smile on her cold smile.

Ethan was an excellent icebreaker for any awkward tension in the air, even with his rough, farming upbringing . His ability to connect with people on a personal level was truly remarkable. Most people would be lowering their heads facing their father and grandmother, knowing how loyal and influential they are.

But in front of Ethan they were mere people who were treated with kindness and respect. He had a way of making everyone feel equal in his presence, regardless of their status or background. It was this genuine humility that endeared him to so many, including her. He has this quality that makes everyone feel at ease and comfortable in his presence. It was clear that Ethan's upbringing instilled in him a deep sense of empathy and understanding towards others, making him a truly exceptional individual.

Ethan knew when to become rough and violent, but he always chose to lead with understanding, compassion, and understanding and only resorted to fighting when he had no choice.

His calm composure in the face of fear and uncertainty set him apart from others. This is what Katarine and the rest saw in him: the memories he gained from staying at the Siegert mansion were coming to an end after two weeks, when Ethan fully recovered and decided to finally leave, and this was not something Katarine wanted to happen.

She was upset and sad; the emotional roller coaster of her feelings was a dream for her. Seeing Ethan on a daily basis was her comfort and joy. She knew that as soon as he met her, Ethan would always greet her with a smile and a hug, which she never expected to happen in the first place , but his relentless kindness and genuine care for her had slowly melted her defenses.

Being hugged by Ethan was her daily pill; it was far more important than drinking coffee. She cherished those moments and found solace in his embrace. Those two weeks their huge mansion became lively as Ethan a six foot-tall, lean muscular young man, could change the flow of their structure and well crafted lifestyle to a sudden stop and uproot everything from the ground up.

They never expected that he had that gift; everybody at that mansion was like program mannequins. His presence brought new energy and unpredictability to their previously stagnant environment. Ethan's ability to disrupt their routine and inject life into their home was both surprising and invigorating.

She couldn't bear the thought of him leaving now, as he had become an integral part of her daily routine and a source of happiness. She was holding her tears , while Ethan was reluctantly trying the same thing. The casual conversation with everybody and sharing details of their lives and dreams was so refreshing and comforting. It was as if they had known each other for years, despite only meeting recently. Their connection felt effortless and genuine, making her cherish every moment they spent together.

"Thank you, Chef Albert. I know your eldest daughter will become as great of a chef as you one day," he said with a smile, genuinely grateful for the opportunity to learn from him. Ethan thanked Maid Roberta and the rest of her other coworkers. Ethan thanked each mansion staff member by name and gave them a handshake or a hug.,

Ethan thanked Butler Krauss for letting him play chess with him in the evenings, as it had become a cherished pastime during his stay at the estate. Ethan expressed his gratitude for the warm hospitality and unforgettable experiences that made his time there truly special.

Ethan hugged Grand Matriarch Helena Felicie Siegert and even promised to become a great man in front of her family. Ethan received a kiss on the cheek and was blessed. Then he went toward Leonhardt Maier Siegert, and what Ethan asked made every smile and gast with delight.

"Sir, this might sound a bit rude and out of place, but I would like to ask you for permission to court your daughter."

Leonhardt Maier Siegert's eyes widened in surprise, but a smile slowly spread across his face. He nodded approvingly and replied,

"You have my blessing, young man. Treat her well."

He replied, his voice warm and reassuring. 'Treat her well.' Relief washed over Ethan like a gentle breeze, and gratitude swelled in his heart. He thanked Leonhardt profusely for his kindness, and as he turned to face Katarine, a wave of mingled excitement and nerves coursed through him. However, to his dismay, Katarine, who had been standing behind her father, abruptly walked away, her footsteps echoing through the grand hall. Ethan's heart sank as he watched her rush out of the house and disappear into her late mother's garden, leaving him standing alone with a sense of uncertainty. He knew he had to follow her and find out what was troubling her.

When he reached her she was staring at the flower path her late mother planted ,her hands were clenched at her sides, and tears glistened in her eyes. Without a word, Ethan reached out and gently took her hand,

" I HATE YOU!"

" came into my life just like that, and you are leaving."

"Can't you stay with me here?"

Ethan smiled and explained his side. "I understand why you feel that way, but I promise I'm not going anywhere. I'll always be here for you," he reassured her, squeezing her hand gently. Ethan then led her back to the garden bench, where they sat together, watching the flowers sway in the breeze as he shared his feelings with her.

" I am sure that the feelings I have in my heart are true and not a passing moment; you are like my poison and medicine."

"The reason our lives got entangled wasn't just a coincidence; it was fate bringing us together," he whispered softly, gazing into her eyes with sincerity. With a smile, she leaned in closer, feeling grateful for the connection they shared and excited for what the future held for them.

"This is not goodbye, but an assurance that whatever you are feeling is real and reciprocated."

intertwining her fingers with his. As they sat there in silence, Katarine was still questioning so many things about her emotions. Ehan wanted to know if she could truly trust her heart. And not just act out of guilt or obligation. They both knew that true love required vulnerability and honesty, and she needed to understand and be truly committed to what she was feeling.

Being apart was a simple test of their connection, a way to see if their feelings could withstand the distance and time apart and claim their dreams while at the same time balancing their own lives and finding time to embrace another person into their lives . Ehan squeezed her hand, silently promising to be patient and understanding as they navigated this new chapter in their new but still young relationship.

"Okay, fine, but you have to text or call me."

"I can't promise that."

" why?"

"Loving a person is neither a forceful responsibility nor a chore. It's a choice we make every day, and I want to choose you." His words warmed her heart, knowing that their love was based on mutual respect and understanding.

Katarine pouts her lips and gives out a deep sigh. She was dissatisfied and felt a twinge of insecurity creeping in, wondering if she was asking for too much. She knew deep down that communication and compromise were key in any relationship, but she couldn't help but feel a bit vulnerable in that moment.

She was thinking so many questions in her mind, knowing well that Ethan could meet another person, and like any other woman she was afraid of losing him. Despite her fears, she knew that she had to trust in the right flow of their lives.

"How many boy friends did you have?"

"Huh! What kind of question is that?"

Ethan's defensive response made her realize that perhaps she was being too insecure. She took a deep breath and decided to focus on building a foundation first.

"So you have no idea how to deal with these new feelings, huh?"

Katarine's silence spoke volumes, confirming his suspicions that she was just as lost as she was new to this concept. She assumed it was easy; in Katarine's mind having sex was a normal thing to do with guys she liked; this was based on the norm within the upper class. She hasn't gotten past that idea because every time she was about to make love with a guy, something would happen and ruin the moment or nearly kill the person.

So in reality, Katarine was struggling to navigate her emotions and physical desires in a way that didn't result in disaster. It was clear that she has no clue about these things; everything she perceives about love is based on sex and physical attraction, which is a shallow understanding of relationships. Katarine needed to learn how to form deeper connections and prioritize emotional intimacy first .

So the two weeks of interacting with him were actually her first time getting close to a man, who wasn't trying to make her a casual fling. This experience was truly new to her; she assumed it was normal, but now she understands the annoying feeling when she sees Ethan talking with another female. She realized that jealousy stemmed from her newfound emotional attachment to Ethan, something she had never experienced before. This realization made her reflect on her previous shallow perceptions of love and relationships.

She now understands what Ethan was emphasizing; she needs to truly confirm if her feelings toward him are real and not shallow, clingy, or possessive. This newfound self-awareness has prompted her to communicate openly with Ethan about her emotions and expectations in order to build a healthy and genuine relationship.

"Now you finally get it."

"We will start slow and work things up. ok"

"We can take our time to build something real and meaningful between us."

"I appreciate your honesty ."

Suddenly, Ethan's lips were on Katarine's, and she was taken aback by the unexpected gesture. However, she quickly welcomed the kiss with an open heart, allowing herself to feel the sensations that came with it. This was the first time she had ever experienced a true kiss, and the feeling was both overwhelming and relaxing at the same time. She could feel the dots of his lips, the texture and warmth of his mouth, and it was a sensation that she had never felt before.

As they continued to kiss, Katarine's emotions were not running wild, and she did not feel anger or any other negative feelings. Instead, she was filled with a sense of pure bliss and contentment. It was as if time had stopped, and all that mattered was the connection between their lips. She could feel herself melting into the kiss, losing herself in the moment and forgetting about everything else.

The kiss was gentle yet passionate, and Katarine could feel the love and affection that Ethan had for her in every touch of his lips. It was a moment that she would never forget, and one that she would cherish forever. She knew that this was the beginning of something special, and she was ready to embrace it with open arms. The kiss was a testament to the strong bond that they shared, and it was a reminder of the love that they had for each other.

As they finally pulled away from each other, Katarine could not help but feel grateful for the kiss that Ethan had given her. She knew that it was a moment that she would never forget, and she was ready to see where their relationship would take them. She was excited for the future, and she knew that she had found someone who truly cared for her. The kiss was a turning point in their relationship, and it was a moment that would stay with them forever.