"What will be my fate now, Dmitriy? How bad is my condition? Will I be able to walk again? I feel so much pain," I was afraid to even ask.

I dreaded the response I was going to get. The accident had been dangerous and if my mother's words were to be trusted, life-threatening. That was sure to have some impact.

He straightened up and looked at me. There was a sadness in his eyes I had never seen.

"You will be okay, Roza," he softened his tone, I know you are in pain, "But believe me. You have no other complications except the fracture. It will heal eventually, I believe. The doctors had suspected internal injuries but all the tests say to the contrary..."

He stopped and looked away.

"There's something you aren't telling me," I said slowly, "If it is about me, I have the right to know."

"Well the doctors refuse to give guarantee on how far your legs will heal. It may not be the same again," he said still not meeting my eye.

"The accident was deadly, I shouldn't have been alive, it's a miracle that I am," I shuddered.

"Roza," he turned around and took my hands in his. Placing it on his chest he said, "Do you believe that we can be together in spite of everything? Do you believe if we are together we can fight anything in life?"

I could feel his heart thumping in his chest.

"Whatever happens," I replied, "Even if I can never walk again, I will be there with you for as long as you want me. My life is centered on you Dimka. You are the only thing that matters in my life. You are my priority. Other needs can wait."

He looked at me with a familiar kind of longing and my heart fluttered again. It was as if we were falling in love again. I felt the bliss and the thrill of a new love.

Someone cleared her throat standing in the doorway.

I looked up to find a tall stately lady in her mid-forties. She had a demure look with gorgeous brown hair and her lovely eyes exuberated a different kind of warmth. She was smiling at us.

"Мама (Mama.... Mother) ? You here?"

Oh my God! I noticed the similarity. Dmitriy's mom.

I tried to sit up and he immediately held me against the bed in a strong grip.

"Are you crazy? What do you think you are doing," he chided.

Getting a scolding I surrendered and simply greeted her, " Доброе утро (Dobroe utro... Good Morning) "

"Привет, Как Дела? (Privet, Kak dela?...Hello, How are you?) "

"Ya v poryadke,.I am fine,"

"Mama," Dmitriy interrupted, "For God's sake, she is not Russian."

"Oh! I didn't know," she replied in a soft voice, "So sorry dear. He never told me anything about you. Not even your name. My Dimka can be so mysterious sometimes. You greeted me in Russian, so I thought..."

"It's okay, Mrs. Ivanov," I replied, "Please don't mind. Dmitriy is simply overprotective. I can understand a bit of Russian."

She came near me and looked at me with a kind of motherly affection. The look itself made me feel loved.

"Dimka, what have you done? You came here and the media will be after her now," she went and exclaimed at Dmitriy.

I shuddered remembering the incidents of the previous night. The press, the questions and the fear, which led to this disaster.
Dmitriy felt my fear and immediately held my hand more tightly as a symbol of reassurance.

"Mama, I am not a fool. After yesterday's incident, I posted security outside the hospital and have the hospital authorities into confidence. None, not even the police can enter here," he said shaking his head.

"Спасибо(Spasibo... Thanks)," I whispered.

Then meeting her eyes I introduced myself, " Меня зовут Розелла. Приятно познакомиться, Мем.
(Menya zobut Rozella. Priyatno poznakomitsya mem....My name is Rosella. Nice to meet you, Ma'am.) "

"Меня Варя (Menya Varya... I am Varya) ," she moved a step towards me, "And I have something for you. Please don't call me ma'am. I am like a mother to you too."

She took out a small case from her purse and opened it. There were a pair of beautiful drop earrings, traditional Russian with brown hearts and engravings. It glimmered in the hospital lights.

But why was she suddenly giving me such an unusual thing? I was confused.

"Umm...Thank you," I said reaching for it.

Dmitriy snatched it midair and looked at his mother with an expression which was nothing but anger.

"Mama, why did you bring this? I told you..." he began but was cut off by his mother.

"I want to secure this bond. I can't see you like this anymore..."

"Mama..."

"It's for your own good. Ask her consent if you are still unsure..."

"What exactly is happening? Dmitriy give it back to me...." I looked from mother to son.

"Roza, before you accept this you need to know what they are. What they mean," Dmitriy came near me and held out the earrings, "These may seem ordinary to you, but by accepting this you bind yourself to me forever. Are you ready for that?"

"Wait, I am confused," I was puzzled by this sudden talk, 'What do you mean?"

"Rose, in Russia we have a tradition," he replied, "A married, older lady gifts a bride-to-be, a pair of earrings to form a bonding. It's like this that by accepting these from my mother, you are unofficially engaged to me by our traditions."

That was unexpected and I could feel the shock evident on my face. Dmitriy cringed at my expression.

"I didn't want to force this on you, but mama wants to secure you for me. Will you, Rosella Lytton..." he struggled to get down on his knees beside my bed. Then he takes my hands in his and says gallantly, "Will you marry me? Do you choose to be mine forever?"

I honestly hadn't thought about this after the accident. My heart skipped a beat. Was I ready? This time it was a question of life and faith, trust and belonging. Could we unite in wedlock?

I looked at Dmitriy and then at Varya. Both faces shone with excitement and I could feel the fear and anticipation in their eyes.

"Да (Da... Yes), Dmitriy Ivanov," I replied shyly.

I felt so embarrassed that my cheeks were hot. But yet I felt a happiness as I had never experienced before.

My mother came in just then and as Varya moved towards her to complete all introductions and building new relationships, Dmitriy came to me.

"Dmitriy," I whispered, "I don't want to be a burden on you. What if I never heal? What if I can't walk again? What will you do with me?"

"Roza, he said in my ears, "I love you for what you are on the inside, the purest and the truest soul, the caring and the bravest soul. None of these matters to me if my soul can find its redemption in yours. You will be mine and that matters."

"But..." I protested, unsure of what to say.

"As for your getting well, I will be with you in this fight. You will win this fight. You will go home healed, I believe in that. Do you believe, me?" he whispered against my cheeks.

"I do," I blushed.

I knew he would fight along with me always. Only what I didn't know was what awaited us next. But whatever is out there in this world, we would stand against it together and none can defeat Romitriy.

Ignoring our surroundings, he gently touched his lips to mine, his soft warm lips on mine felt like fire in frost. And as I drowned in that purest and gentlest kiss ever. I felt that desire, one which had been hidden for years, surge through me again, overpowering my senses.

I wanted to own him in every way. This was what fate had planned for us. This was destiny, the destiny which had found the love letter in the attic for me.

A/N So With Love ends here. Do you want an Epilogue? Please comment if you do.

Thanks to all for reading. I am crying because I will miss this story so much. The writing, the comments, the anticipation, I will miss it all. The story talking its own course. Destiny which bonds. This story sometimes surprises me. How could I have created this?

Thanks MaryFahey my guide. morema_m mampty Pipigrin StarBrightUser pamirayo teamhathaway joharateregeyo StarBrightUser wattpawormss nana_gn, pamirayomy best readers for ever encouraging me. Thanks mystery for this awesome contest. Love you all guys and your views and votes are most desired. Your shares are also welcome. Help me by sharing with your friends. ❤️💕💖❤️💞