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Chapter 56 - chapter 56The Past We Carry, The Future We Owe

Scene: Secret Room – Alia Before History

Alia stands trembling before an old painting, her father's words echoing in her mind—

"You don't know who you are…"

Her vision blurs.

Suddenly—

Her body collapses to the floor.

A soft thud, like glass shattering… then, silence.

---

Dream Sequence – Alia in Darkness

Alia stands amidst a swirling play of light and shadow.

White fog surrounds her—an overwhelming emptiness.

Then, that moment—

A face emerges… blurred yet familiar.

A gentle kiss touches her lips.

Alia whispers with her eyes closed:

"Victor…"

The scene dissolves into blurry darkness.

---

Scene: Present – Study Room, Alia Unconscious

Alia doesn't know when Victor arrived.

He kneels beside her, tears welling in his eyes.

He cradles her, lifts her gently, kisses her forehead—a deep kiss charged with remorse, love, and ancient vows.

Victor weeps quietly.

In a soft, trembling voice, he whispers:

"They didn't tell you everything… but I never left you, Alia. You were always in my heart… in my blood."

The camera pulls back slowly—Victor seated, holding Alia in his arms.

In the corner, the old painting remains—Eronova and Alexander. Their eyes seem to say: this story is far from over.

---

Scene: Morning – Veranda, Three Days Later

Alia stands silently as the sun rises.

Her eyes carry an eerie stillness, as if she's waged an internal battle for three days.

Behind her, Victor watches.

Two suitcases stand ready—one for the teenage boy, another for the little girl.

The driver waits by their car, plane tickets in hand.

Alia walks slowly toward them.

Her older son—almost a teen—senses something has shifted.

He asks:

"Mom… aren't you coming?"

Alia shakes her head:

"You need to be there now. Be safe. I promise I'll come later."

The younger daughter, not fully understanding, clings to her mother.

Victor steps forward and softly bids each child farewell. His face stoic—but only Alia knows the ocean of words and emotions behind it.

Distant airplane hums or birds singing fill the air—an atmosphere both tender and tightly coiled.

---

Scene: The Car Drives Away

Alia and Victor remain on the stoop as the car departs toward a sky of uncertainty.

Alia speaks quietly:

"May they never know… where we ended up. Let them start anew. Without mistakes."

Victor replies in a hushed tone:

"You know the past doesn't simply end like this."

Alia meets his gaze:

"I know. But the future must be paid for… with our past."

The camera lifts toward the sky.

A new chapter begins. The children have been sent away, but truth, love, and buried history now hover like a shadow over Alia and Victor.

---

Scene: Living Room – Evening Light

Alia and Victor sit intimately.

Alia begins softly:

"Our eldest son and daughter… they were artificially born—from both our DNA."

Victor looks up, stunned.

"They grew up so fast… their minds and memories are just like ours."

Alia slightly smiles:

"But that's a terrifying responsibility."

Her gaze drifts to the younger children playing.

"And they… they too have children of their own—a boy and a girl."

Victor's expression turns serious:

"I know…"

---

Scene: Inside - Night

Victor takes Alia's hand and leads her into another room. The door closes softly, locking them into a hidden world.

Darkness envelopes the room. The air feels electric—with tension, irony, and a spark of concealed emotion.

Victor gently pulls at Alia's shirt, his eyes shining with fire.

Alia appears shy and excited—but her eyes hold a strange determination.

Outside: children's laughter, birdsong, playful noise.

Inside: cold breaths, heartbeat rhythms, soft whispers.

Camera focus on Alia and Victor's eyes—an unspoken, intoxicating connection.

---

Cutaway: Outside – Children Playing

The children play joyfully in the rain, oblivious to what unfolds inside.

---

Back to the Room

Victor whispers:

"They won't understand… not yet."

Alia smiles:

"No—their understanding is still far away."

This moment marks the beginning of a deeply private, secret chapter in their lives.

---

Scene: Another Room, Door Closed

The door closes—camera zeroes in on their intimate moment.

Alia's shirt slips to the floor.

Only hands, eyes, and hushed breaths remain in focus. In faint glow, their skin's touch is illuminated.

Silence—only heartbeats and whispers persist.

Scene cut!

---

Scene: Candles in Darkness

Alia and Victor stand locked in one another's gaze.

The air pulses with electric intensity.

Alia slowly reaches for Victor's neck. Her fingers softly trace it.

Victor, slightly startled, opens his eyes. Her touch ignites warmth and tenderness.

Her hands move to his shoulders, embracing softly—melting unseen fears.

He exhales deeply. Their faces draw near. Their heartbeats synchronize.

Alia whispers:

"You're here, and I'm here… that's all that matters."

Victor replies quietly:

"You were always beside me—quietly, silently."

Alia tightens her grip, as if to say: "We're in this together—this moment is ours."

Sound design: heartbeat drum, soft breathing, flickering candlelight.

Camera circles, lost in their closeness and touch.

---

Intimate Exchange

Alia smiles softly, her lips brushing Victor's neck, voice thick with emotion:

"So… you don't have work tomorrow? You're a mafia lord… vacations aren't a thing?"

Victor chuckles—deep and vibrating against her cheek.

"My office is bullets and blood… but tonight… I'm only yours."

A playful glint in Alia's eyes:

"So I'm sharing a home with a gangster now?"

Victor, with a sigh:

"No… you're sharing it with a war‑torn heart."

Silence follows. The only sounds: breaths and candle's gentle flicker.

---

Morning – Kitchen

Sunlight bathes the floor in an almost heavenly glow.

Alia warms milk, stirring gently. Her hair is tousled, unkempt from morning.

Suddenly—Victor embraces her from behind. His warmth flows into her.

He whispers into her neck:

"You're mine… absolutely mine."

Alia laughs while stirring:

"Am I sugar or salt? Leave me and I'll become yours?"

Victor smiles, kissing her shoulder:

"No… you're that flavor my day never begins without."

Alia pauses, sets the spoon down, places her hand in his.

Her eyes glint with peace.

"You say things that make me feel… safe."

Victor, softly:

"No one's safe with someone like me. But you… you're the only exception."

Soundscape: gentle simmer, birds singing, warm background instrumental.

---

Three Days Later – Afternoon Battle

The sky is heavy with smoke, the grey dusk mingling with fire and dust. A nightmarish battlefield.

Demonic mafias have attacked.

Alia and Victor are in the thick of combat.

Gunshots and explosions fill the air. Alia's eyes burn with unyielding resolve.

Abruptly—Alia grips her cane, her presence commanding the air. Time seems to freeze.

Then—BOOM!

An explosion. Fire ripples outward. Screams echo. Smoke engulfs everything.

Alia stands steady. Her cane in hand. Her gaze aflame crimson.

Victor rushes to her side. He pulls her into an intimate, silent kiss.

"We're alive."

Together, they lift their guns with steady hands and blazing eyes.

They fire—side by side.

The demonic forces vanish.

---

Scene: Alia's Apartment, Moscow – September's Quiet Light

Alia sits at the table with her laptop open and a cup of hot tea. Her eldest son, Alexeyvich Demidov, is speaking over the phone from America.

Alia:

"Alexeyvich, how are you? How's school going?"

Alexeyvich (on phone):

"Mom, it's a bit intense, but I'm managing. I'm learning a lot… 'the Game' is truly tough."

Alia smiles softly:

"You know, that game isn't just about mental battles—it's a test of patience too. You make me proud. No one will see you as a child."

Alexeyvich:

"Mom, thinking of you gives me strength. You and Dad—you're both so strong. I want to be like you, but I also don't want to lose myself."

Alia:

"You speak truth, my son. Your mind may be in our hands—but your heart is your real power. Never forget—you are your own person."

Alexeyvich:

"I know you believe in me. I'll conquer this Game—not just for you, but for myself too."

Tears in her eyes, voice trembling:

"I believe in you too, Alexeyvich. You're my secret mission, my hope. No matter where you are in the world, I'm with you."

He chuckles lightly:

"I know, Mom. Without you and Dad, I am nothing. Your love gives me the strength to fight every day."

Alia:

"Stay safe, my child. And remember—you never have to be ashamed to speak what's in your heart."

Alexeyvich:

"I promise, Mom. I love you."

Alia:

"I love you more, my son. May God illuminate your path."

The call ends. Alia pauses, touching her chest as the cold September breeze drifts in. But her eyes shine with maternal hope and unwavering love.

---

Scene: September Evening – Alia's Home

Alia sits on the couch, tired yet with a gentle smile. A video call from Zarin appears on her phone.

Alia answers:

"Hello, my dearest Zarin! How are you, beautiful?"

Zarin (smiling softly):

"Mom, I'm okay—quite busy, but hearing your voice cheers me up. How are you?"

Alia (softly):

"I'm well, and hearing your voice makes me even better. You're the light of my life."

Zarin:

"Mom, distance is always hard, but your words keep me strong."

Alia:

"Zarin, you've grown so much, yet you remain as sweet as when you sat on my lap. I'm always by your side till your dreams come true."

Zarin (opening her heart):

"Mom, without your blessings and love, I wouldn't have this courage. I miss you so much."

Alia's eyes fill with tears:

"I miss you too, my dear. God willing, we'll be together again soon."

Zarin:

"Mom, promise me you'll take care of yourself? Your health matters so much."

Alia:

"I promise, my darling. I'll stay well, for you."

Zarin (leaning on the screen):

"I love you, Mom."

Alia:

"I love you even more, my sweet girl."

As the call ends, Alia holds her phone close, silently smiling as she turns back to her tasks.

!

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