CHAPTER TWO HUNDRED AND EIGHT– WINS AND LOSSES

As Anna reached for the door handle, she paused, a sudden wave of emotion washing over her. The weight of her actions, the potential consequences of her choices, hit her all at once. She leaned against the door frame, taking deep, steadying breaths. "Anna?" Erik's voice came from inside, concern evident in his tone. "Is everything alright?" She looked up to see Erik standing in the doorway, his brow furrowed with worry. For a moment, Anna considered telling him everything – about her meetings with Logan, about Sasha, about her hopes and fears for the future. But the memory of their argument after the failed negotiations held her back. "I'm fine," she said, forcing a smile. "Just a little tired. The baby, you know." Erik's face softened, and he reached out to pull her into a gentle embrace. "Come inside. You should rest." As Anna followed Erik into the mansion, guilt gnawed at her conscience. How long could she keep walking this tightrope between two worlds? And at what cost to her