Page 25 of Tainted Empire

“I may be your husband legally, but that power now lies with you,” I continue. “I won’t force you to stay with me. Instead, I want to take it slow. Court you, give you the experiences and choices I denied you when I forced that ring on your finger.”

The words feel like a vow, a promise to do right by her, to show her the love and respect she deserves.

“And at the end, if you decide this isn’t working, I will let you go,” I finish, the words painful yet necessary. It’s a declaration of my love and my willingness to put her happiness above my own desires.

Gabriette looks up at me, shock and disbelief etched across her beautiful features. “Mikhail, I... Are you serious?” Her voice is a mix of surprise and uncertainty, reflecting the turmoil that must be churning inside her. “You would... do that for me?”

“Yes, Malyshka, I’ve never been more serious about anything,” I affirm, my eyes locked onto hers, willing her to see the sincerity in my gaze. “You deserve to choose your own path, to make your own decisions. I’ve taken so much from you; it’s time I gave something back.”

“But... after everything, how can you just...” she trails off, her eyes searching mine for an answer.

“Because I love you,” I say simply, yet with every ounce of truth in my soul. “And love means respecting your choices, even if they might not include me. I’ve realized that I can’t just expect things to go back to how they were. I need to earn your trust, your love, all over again. I want to show you the man I can be, the man you deserve.”

She takes a deep breath, a myriad of emotions dancing across her face. “I don’t know what to say, Mikhail. This is not what I expected.”

“You don’t have to say anything right now. Just... take your time. I’ll be here, waiting and hoping,” I reply, giving her the space she needs, the respect she deserves.

She nods slowly. “I... It’s a lot to process.”

“I understand. And I’ll give you all the time you need; there’s no rush, no pressure. Just know that whatever you decide, I’ll respect it.” My voice is steady, but inside, I’m a fucked up tornado of of hope and fear.

For a long moment, we stood there in silence, the weight of my words hanging between us. Then, knowing I should leave her to process everything, I lean forward and gently kiss her forehead, a tender gesture that conveys all the love and respect I feel for her.

“I’m proud of you, Malyshka,” I whisper, my voice thick with emotion. “You played beautifully tonight. It was truly mesmerizing.”

Stepping back, I give her one last lingering look, memorizing her features, etching this moment into my heart. Then, with a heavy heart, I turn and walk towards the door, each step feeling like a mile.

As I leave her dressing room, I’m filled with a mix of sadness and hope. Sadness for the pain we’ve both endured, but hope for a future that might still hold a place for us together.

The choice is hers, and whatever she decides, I’ll cherish this moment, the moment I offered her the freedom she always deserved.

Chapter 15

Gabriette

As I watch Mikhail walk away, his confession hanging heavily in the air, I’m left grappling with a whirlwind of emotions. The door closes softly behind him, leaving me alone in the dressing room, surrounded by the lingering scent of his cologne and the echoes of his words.

He’ll let me go? Just like that? After everything we’ve been through… he’ll let me go?

I don’t know how to feel about this. A few months ago, I would have given anything for this option, but now I don’t think I can just walk away from him.

Lee walks in a moment later, her eyes scanning my face, reading the turmoil written across it. “What happened?” she asks, her voice laced with concern.

I turn to face her, my mind still reeling. “Mikhail was here, he... he gave me a choice, Lee. A way out,” I say, the words feeling surreal even as they leave my lips. “He said he’ll let me go if I decide I no longer wanted this marriage.”

Lee’s eyebrows shoot up, surprise etched on her face. “He did what? Mikhail, giving you a choice to leave?” she says, leaning against the dresses and crossing her arms over her chest. “That’s... unexpected.”

I nod, feeling a strange mix of relief and confusion. “He said he’d court me, take it slow. And if I decide this isn’t working, he’ll let me go without question,” my voice is a whisper, the implications of his offer slowly sinking in.

Lee walks over and sits down beside me, her expression softening. “That’s a big step for him, Gabi. Mikhail’s not the type to easily let go of control. He must really love you enough to do that.”

I let out a shaky breath, trying to process it all. “I know. It’s just... after everything, I don’t know how he can say that. Why would I want to go after all we’ve been through together? How can he even say something like that? A few months ago I would have leapt at the opportunity, but… I don’t know anymore.”

She places a gentle hand on my shoulder. “It’s okay to feel that way. You’ve both been through a lot. But Gabi, this is your chance to decide what you want, on your terms. Mikhail’s giving you the power to choose your future.”

A silence falls between us, filled with the weight of unspoken thoughts and emotions. “I… I don’t know what I want.”

Lee nods, understanding. “Take all the time you need. This is about you, your feelings, your choice. Whatever you decide, I’m here for you.”