The memories surged back like a rising tide . He was an exchange student from Vostmark - always alone in the corner and perpetually wearing a black hoodie that never quite fit . With his buzz cut and broad shoulders , he gave off the impression of a bodyguard rather than a student . Though most kept their distance , whispering behind his back , calling him the Vostmarkan Bear , I always brought him black coffee . He was never into sweet things " You're Misha ? " I stared at the man before me , who now looked like he'd stepped out of the Vostmark Citadel . " You've changed so much " He smiled wryly " Yes , I'm no longer pretending to be a poor student or hiding the Romanov name . I've learned how to be a proper oligarch's heir . But deep down , I'm still just that boy in the library corner who couldn't take his eyes off you . " " Why didn't you contact me sooner ? Because you had Alexander His tone was calm , but tinged with that quiet melancholy unique to Vostmark men . " The way you looked at him - it was like your whole world lit up I didn't want to ruin your happiness . " But in our past life , I got my chance . After Sophia and I married , I looked into her background . That's when I found out what she did to you . So I kept my distance and was cold toward her . I even considered ... " He paused +25 BONUS " Never mind . It's in the past now . What matters is that you're here this time . " I froze . " You said ' past life ? Are you reborn too ? " " Yes . I've been reborn . " Mikhail turned to face me , his eyes unwavering . " In the past life , Sophia killed herself not long after our marriage . The world believed I had abused her . But the truth is , she found my room filled with your photos and ended her life out of shame and rage . " I've loved you across two lifetimes , Emma This time, I won't let the chance slip away . Outside the window , snow fell in soft sheets , blanketing Droskav in a white blanket , I stared at this man who felt both foreign and familiar , a storm of emotions rising in my chest . Just then , my phone rang with an unknown Vostmark number . Mikhail glanced at the screen . Don't answer . It's Alexander . He pulled some strings and got a temporary visa . He landed at Khairnov Airport two hours ago . But don't worry . My people will take care of him . In Vostmark , the Romanov family has the final say . His tone was light , almost casual , but a flash of ruthlessness flickered in his eyes - a sharp reminder that he was a true Vostmark oligarch . It was a quality Alexander , despite all his Dominion Exchange polish , could never match " What are you going to do to him ? " " I won't take his life , " Mikhail said calmly . " At most , he'll spend a few days at our private wellness facility in Nordveil . Let him experience what cold really feels like . " He reached for my hand ; his warm palm closed in a firm grip . " Emma , give me a chance . I'll show you what true protection means . It's not about drugging you to forget , but about making sure everyone who ever hurt you pays for it . "