Natalia’s POV
The morning of the festival arrived with clear skies and warm sunshine. I woke early, before the kids, and lay in bed staring at the empty space beside me. Andrei had never come to bed last night.
Again.
I dragged myself out of bed and got dressed. Hope was already awake and babbling to herself in her crib. I picked her up and carried her downstairs, where I found Andrei asleep at his desk in the study. His face was pressed against a stack of papers, and his mouth was slightly open.
I didn’t wake him. Just covered him with a throw blanket, then closed the door quietly and went to start breakfast.
Grace arrived around mid-morning with Damon trailing behind her. She was carrying a large bag and grinning almost impishly.
“I’m here to help you get ready,” she announced as
