Hey Everyone! I apologize for barely ever posting anymore. I kind of lost motivation for this story for a while so it was only partial effort and you all didn't deserve that. I've already started on the next chapter, hopefully it will be up soon. Thank you to everyone still reading. Hopefully this story wraps up soon! You all deserve a good happy ending after all of these years. Geez I can't believe that much time has passed.

I was standing in the wings waiting for this night time show to start recording. They had an opening comedian out there warming up the crowd. Most nighttime shows are pre-taped but this was one of the rare ones that is recorded live. I was given quite a few warnings about that. Since there was only a small delay, I had to watch what I said and make sure not to say any of the bad curse words. I've actually done really good with all of that so far so I was cautiously optimistic.

"Can't stand her. Why is she on my show?" I heard the host, Rob, complaining to someone. I looked over and saw him over by a director or producer, I wasn't sure which one. The director/producer looked over at me and gave me an apologetic look. I kind of shrugged and brushed it off before turning back to my friends.

"What an ass," Mia said softly.

"Oh well, let's just get this interview done. Hopefully it won't be too long," I said. They signaled the show was starting.

As they announced the host he brushed past me, roughly knocking into my shoulder causing me to stumble into Butch. He didn't turn or apologize, just kept going. As he started a cheery monologue, I looked over at the girls in shock. I shrugged assuming maybe he was just running late and didn't realize he'd knocked into me. As he got closer to introducing me after doing all of his solo bits, he started making kidnapping jokes that weren't exactly bashing me but done in poor taste. Next thing I knew he was introducing me. I smiled and walked out waving to the crowd. He smiled at the crowd but barely acknowledged me except to point to the chair by his desk as if I wouldn't know that's where I was supposed to go.

"So Rose, new album. Are you excited?" He asked.

"More than excited. I had a lot of fun writing and recording this album," I smiled.

"What do you think about people saying you only got your record deal because your father owns the company?" he asked. I was shocked because we've never released that information. I tried to smile and pretend I was not as taken back as I was.

"I would say, that I'm wondering who your sources are," I smiled like I was teasing.

"Your lovely publicist Amanda spilled a lot of secrets before her untimely death," He smirked.

"Well you realize she also tried to kill me and kidnapped me twice and also stole someone's identity. I wouldn't take everything she says as the truth. In this case, because I'm not ashamed of it, yes, I recently found out Abe Mazur is my biological father. It had nothing to do with me getting a record deal, he wasn't a part of it and the lovely lady that signed me didn't even know herself."

"You say not to believe her then say she was right? How does that not have anything to do with it? He's the CEO."

"Just because one thing she said is partially true doesn't mean everything she says is. I'd take everything she said with a grain of salt," I told him. "You mentioned her unfortunate untimely death but failed to mention it was during her kidnapping me for the second time with a gun pointed at my head so no, I wouldn't believe everything she told you."

"She obviously needed some mental health help, I don't think that means she deserved to die."

"I completely agree she needed help and that the system failed her by ever releasing her in that state but she was also very convincing and conniving. I hate how it all ended but, I'm not going to be upset that I'm alive now." I was already ready to walk off. I couldn't believe that he was out here defending a woman who had a gun to my head. Like I don't already live with the nightmares and trauma from it. I looked around wondering why the producers/directors weren't stepping in.

"Ok well, back to my question, how does him being your father not affect your career?"

"Because he had no part in my signing. He did tell the A&R rep to check out the bar I was playing at during an open mic night but that was it. After that he let Alberta, his vice president, handle whether or not to sign me and she decided to. I didn't know about the connection until months later. If you've ever met Abe, you would know he's not a fan of nepotism. He's a businessman and it doesn't matter if I'm his daughter, if Alberta thought I wouldn't cut it, he would not have allowed her to sign me. All I have to say is to listen to my music and know that I do deserve it," I smiled at the crowd trying to pretend I wasn't ready to bolt from this interview. A part of me wondered why I was still sitting here but I also knew if I walked off it would somehow come back on me negatively.

"Feisty huh?" he laughed. "Just doing my due diligence to get all of the information. So, twins huh? How's that going?" he asked with a grin and already I could see he had a plan but was pretending to be innocent.

"It's going really well. Dimitri and I are very excited!" I smiled, rubbing my belly.

"What do you think about all of the people who say that you don't deserve to be pregnant again after all of the previous mistakes you made?" Shock rattled through me. I tried my best to not let it show as I processed. That was my breaking point.

"I would say that you need to be careful about what you ask because you never know what could trigger someone by asking messed up questions like that. People make mistakes every day and I will always live with mine but that doesn't make me any less deserving of a family or of happiness than it does assholes like you. I would say you need a personality check. I gave you grace when I heard you trashing me backstage and again when you ran into me backstage and didn't even apologize. Keep in mind it was hard enough my bodyguard had to catch me from falling. I still didn't take off when you asked invasive questions that you had no right to or when you insulted me. You brought up my kidnapping even though it was in my list of things I was not going to talk about that you agreed to and even called my would-be murderers' death untimely and tried to make me feel guilty for being alive when she isn't. This though? This is way too far."

"Again, just doing my due diligence," he smirked.

"Well last I checked this was a late-night show that's been consistently dropping in ratings so maybe stick with the jokes because you're not being very successful trying to be a mediocre journalist," I said getting up and walking off. I walked by Mia and them as I started trying to yank the mic off, Stephanie and one of the backstage techs ran over and helped me take it off as the producer ran over.

"I'm so sorry Rose, he went completely off script so I had no idea he was planning that. He's an asshole and I have a feeling after that won't be around much longer. I kept trying to get them to go to commercial but the director wasn't listening," He explained as I heard Rob making jokes about me being too sensitive.

"It's not your fault he's a prick but if you don't mind, I need to get out of here."

"Of course! Absolutely! There's a back entrance that we keep fans away from, you can sneak out there."

"It's fine, I'll go out the normal way."

"You sure?" Mia asked, Vika and Lissa standing right there beside her.

"Yes, even though I'm livid and upset right now, those people have been waiting out there for hours, I'm not going to ditch them now."

"Ok, let's go so we can get out of here."

As we walked out the crowd cheered and clapped. Many were asking for autographs and pictures, I tried to get as many of the autographs as I could and took a couple of pictures. The crowd had seen the live show so they were asking questions and giving me compliments for sticking up for myself. I didn't address any questions but thanked those that said positive statements. A few made some not so nice remarks but I ignored them and internally laughed when the other fans put them in their place. By the time I finally collapsed into the SUV I was ready to just go to bed and stay there but I didn't say anything. Somehow, I was in between Butch and Lissa. She didn't say anything, just wrapped her arm around me in a hug. I leaned into her and put my head on her shoulder.

"So that guy was an ass," Mia stated from the 3rd row. We all laughed at her bluntness.

"That's putting it nicely," Butch muttered.

"Yea, dude was a dick," Chuck spoke up from the driver's seat. I chuckled.

"Nice alliteration," Mike teased from beside him.

"I use those school smarts sometimes," he laughed.

"Good one," Mike retorted.

"I still have your phone and Dimitri is calling," Stephanie said from behind me.

"Can you message him and tell him I'll call him when we get back to the room?" I hated having her send messages for me but I didn't know how much longer I would be ok so I didn't even want to message him right now. I knew his first response would be to ask if I'm ok. Truthfully, no I'm not. After all of the progress I've made, he still managed to pick at that wound that keeps scabbing over but doesn't fully heal.

"Sure," she said and I heard the tapping of keys.

"You ok?" Butch asked softly from beside me.

"I'll be fine. Like he said, ``douche dude was a dick," I said, giving him a smile I didn't feel.

"Hey you made it better," Chuck smirked.

"Well, she is smarter than you, which isn't hard," Mike teased him from the front. I knew they were trying to make me laugh and I appreciated it.

"Did you decide on someone staying in the room?" I asked Butch.

"Yea, I'll stay in there tonight and let the guys get some sleep themselves."

"Good, I'm glad."

We spent the rest of the way with those around me not mentioning it again but trying to banter and joke to lighten the mood. As we got to the hotel there was a crowd outside. Normally I would consider stopping for autographs but by then I was exhausted and wanted to go to my room. As we made our way to the elevator, the girls stopped and grabbed Mike.

"We're going to get food and junk food for a girl's night while you go talk to Dimitri," Mia spoke up.

"Thanks," I smiled softly knowing they were just trying to give me space. Butch and Chuck walked up with me. Chuck stayed guard at the door to give Butch a break before he spent the night on duty. When I walked in, I immediately started stripping to put on comfy clothes as I sent Dimitri the facetime request. I quickly pulled on some old softball sweats and one of Dimitri's hoodies that I stole.

"Roza," Dimitri sighed in relief as it clicked on. He was at the condo on the couch.

"Hey," I said softly crawling into bed and propping the phone up on a pillow. "How much trouble am I in?"

"Why would you be in trouble?" he asked, confused.

"I cussed and walked off a live interview."

"Babe, people are wondering how you stayed as long as you did. Honestly, I'm wondering how you lasted as long as you did. I wanted to punch him for you as soon as he started speaking. Especially when you told everyone he shoved you. He better hope I don't run into him anytime soon."

"It's fine," I sighed.

"It's not fine at all. Are you doing ok?"

"Douche dude was a dick," I shrugged. He looked confused. "It was Chuck's way of trying to cheer me up. No, I'm not ok but I'll be fine."

"You know nothing he said mattered right?"

"Didn't it though? He just said what a lot of people were thinking and now will be thinking. I got where I am because daddy pulled the strings and I have a life I don't deserve. Oh, and apparently I'm the bad guy for not letting an insane woman shoot me."

"Roza. First of all, I'm not even addressing that last part because anyone who believes that is just as insane as she was. Second, you know you can't think like that. Don't let them make you second guess yourself. It's like you said, you've made mistakes, we all have but that doesn't mean we don't deserve happiness. You are not responsible for what happened with Connor. It was a tragic accident. You've more than paid your dues. What would you tell Peyton?"

"Oh my gosh! I'm terrible, I haven't checked in on her in forever!" I said realizing it has been weeks, if not a couple of months since I last checked in on how she was doing. Last time I talked to her she had said she'd finally told her mom and her mom was helping her.

"You're not terrible, I'm sure she understands. Back to my question. If Peyton was the one on that show, what would you tell her?"

"I would tell her to screw him. He doesn't know what he's talking about. She deserves all of the happiness and he can get over it."

"Why wouldn't that be the same for you? I made just as bad of mistakes, do I deserve happiness and these babies?"

"I see what you're doing."

"Ok so answer."

"Yes, you absolutely do. You're going to be a great father and these babies are lucky to have you. And I know what you're doing but knowing in my head and heart are two different things. Rationally, I know you're right and I do believe I deserve happiness. It's just one of my triggers. I hate that someone like him is able to make me feel this way," I said, a tear finally escaping.

"I know Roza, and I hate that you still feel this way, especially since I'm not there with you but you need to keep reminding yourself how wrong he is. No one deserves these babies as much as you. You are a great mother and will give them so much love and happiness. Do you want me to fly out?"

"As much as I do, no. I'll be fine. Just let me have a little bit of insecurity and I'll be ok. I hate using you as a crutch plus, it's a girl's weekend so it wouldn't be very fair to the girls."

"You know they'd understand. But I get it. I just hate not being there for you."

"You are. You're here on the phone talking me down. I know they would understand but it's not fair to them. I want this girl's weekend. We've been looking forward to it for weeks."

"Ok, What do y'all have planned for tonight?"

"I'm not sure. In order to give me time to talk to you, they went to buy food and junk. We'll probably binge out, they'll drink, and maybe we'll watch a movie or two."

"Ok, do you need to go?"

"Probably pretty soon, not yet though. I haven't heard them enter."

"Ok good. So, how are the babies liking New York?"

"They think it's cold," I laughed.

"Well, it is almost Thanksgiving."

"I know, I'm excited to go back home for all of that food," I smiled, rubbing my belly. "Mama Belikova makes the best thanksgiving dinner."

"Yes, she does. Though, I hope she makes enough dessert because it would be a shame to have to fight my pregnant wife over baklava cheesecake or honey cake."

"Like you would win," I scoffed. "You would be going down!"

"Whatever you say Roza, you have the babies now so you can't move like you used to," he smirked.

"Are you calling me fat?" I asked with mock offense.

"Uh-oh someone's going to be in the dog house,'' Vika's voice from the doorway.

"She told me to," he defended.

"Why would I tell you to call me fat?" I laughed pretending to not know what he was talking about.

"First calling her fat then lying, you're digging a hole there big brother," she laughed coming over and sitting behind me so she could see the phone.

"It's pointless with you two," he smiled. "No, Roza. I do not think you're fat and you know that. I think you're beautiful."

"So, fat means ugly?" I asked twisting his words to mess with him.

"I quit," he sighed.

"You know we love you," she teased him.

"Not as much as you love teaming up on me," he retorted.

"That is in debate," she laughed.

"Alright well seeing as the girls are back, I'll let you go. Call me before you go to bed if you want. Or during the night if you need to."

"I will," I told him. "Ya tebya lyublyu."

"Ya lyublyu tebya moya dusha,"

"Gag," Vika laughed.

"Love you too Vika," he smiled.

"Love you too big bro, now I'm stealing your wife," she smirked.

"Bye you girls have fun tonight, you deserve it."

"Bye comrade," I told him before clicking the end. I rolled over so I was leaning against her leg that was propped up on the bed.

"So why does Dimitri think you told him to call you fat?" She asked and I laughed.

"It's a long story. Pretty much I told him he was too nice and I didn't like it because it made me emotional so I needed him to not be so nice," I smiled remembering that conversation in the parking lot just a couple of weeks ago.

"Ah makes sense," she nodded, though I could see she was confused by my reasoning.

"One day, you'll be pregnant and emotional and understand," I teased.

"Nope, not for me!" she laughed.

"We'll see about that one," I joked.

"Alright, out of bed. We have all the junk, plus some normal food, booze for the non-preggo's, and boys to discuss and movies to watch," she laughed playfully smacking my butt as she stood up. She did so slowly enough so I wouldn't fall as she got up.

"Alright, but I think I need help up," I laughed, reaching out for her.

It took me a little while to completely loosen up. I still had it in the back of my mind but, they did a great job at distracting me. Lissa told us she'd found a place in LA and that her and Christian were finally moving in together. She showed us the video of her telling AJ about the move and living with Christian, his enthusiasm and excitement warmed me up to Chris. It made it even better to see Christian signing with AJ in the video showing he fully accepts him. Kids were naturally intuitive, especially AJ, so the fact he was so excited about it told me Chris must be treating him well. Viktoria shared she finally had a graduation date and still was planning on moving out to LA when she graduated to pursue a career in writing. I was happy to see my friends happy and living their best lives. I looked over at Mia and Stephanie though and knew there was still work to be done. I hoped that Mia would be able to fight her demons and come around because I honestly believed that her and Eddie would be great together. I wasn't sure what's going on with Stephanie but she had me concerned. I know she's the newest to our group but that doesn't mean I care any less. She hasn't shared much of her personal life but I can tell something is going on with her and could only hope that maybe one day she would feel comfortable enough to share.

Once the evening started wearing down, we decided to put on a movie. Stephanie and Mia had never seen Billy Madison so we ended up putting that on. Vika and I had a blast annoying everyone as we quoted the movie off and on. Twice Lissa and Mia threw pillows at us making us break into laughing fits. I ended up taking a picture of us all laying on my bed surrounded by candy and junk food and shared it on Instagram with a sappy caption about friends and junk food. I needed to show that after tonight I was ok. Within minutes of posting, I had dozens of likes and comments and they just kept coming. I don't think I will ever get used to that.

After the movie, the girls went to their rooms. Lissa asked if I wanted her to stay but I told her to go call Christian because I knew she was dying to. I reassured her I was fine and she finally left. Then it was just me. I heard a knock on the cracked bedroom door, before Butch peeked his head in.

"Am I good to come in for the night or do you want me to stay out in the hallway for a while?"

"You're good. Make yourself comfortable," I smiled.

"Alright, let me know if you need anything," he smiled softly. He backed out and closed the door. It was pretty late so I didn't want to call Dimitri and wake him. I attempted to go to sleep but kept replaying the interview over and over in my head. After tossing and turning for a while, I decided I needed some water. I peeked out and saw Butch sitting on the couch playing on his phone with the lamp on beside the couch.

"The whole point of you coming in was to get some sleep," I teased, walking to the fridge and grabbing a water.

"I'm not great at that so I'm reading, trying to make myself fall asleep," he chuckled, glancing up at me. "I thought you were supposed to be going to sleep?"

"I couldn't sleep," I sighed as I sat down on the opposite side of the couch facing him and leaning against the back of the couch. He waited knowing I would talk when I was ready. "I hate that I'm letting him get to me like that. I hate that a woman is dead because of me."

"Rose, look at me," he said, pausing until I did as he said. "You are not responsible for her death. I pulled the trigger and I would do it again in a heartbeat. He was right, she did need help but, at that point she was too far gone. It was her or you and those babies and I don't regret it one bit. She attacked and kidnapped you because of her and Tasha's baseless delusions. If anyone is responsible, it's Tasha for feeding her those lies and getting her to that point. Don't let any asshole make you feel less than for something that was completely out of your control."

"Thank you. Rationally, I know you're right. I don't regret you shooting her because I truly do believe it was like you said, her or me and the babies. I just hate that it came to that."

"I do too but, unfortunately there's nothing you could have done to change that. She put herself in that situation. Every time his remarks make you feel bad, think of those babies growing in there that wouldn't be here if things had been different. Think of your wedding that would never have happened. All your family that would be devastated by your loss. For everything else he said, fuck him. You're a talented artist that's busted your ass to get where you are. Plus, you connect with the fans like no one else I've ever seen and they see that and know that. I don't know anyone else that would have signed autographs, taken pictures, and met with fans after that ridiculous interview. and you're already a great mother.

"You really are a great guy, you know that?" I smiled softly, rubbing my belly softly as I laid my head against the back of the couch.

"I don't know about that, but I tell it how it is. I'll never bullshit you."

"I really do believe that. Can I ask you a personal question?"

"I guess I would be a hypocrite if I said no," he said with a hesitant smirk.

"Well, you don't have to answer me but you and Stephanie? You like her don't you?" I asked.

"She's a nice girl. I'm worried about her. Something is going on with her."

"I've noticed that too but she won't say anything. I keep hoping she'll open up and maybe I can help her through whatever she's dealing with, but she'll have to on her own time. You didn't actually answer the question though," I smiled.

"She's a client," he stated.

"Technically, I'm the client. She's fair game. Though, if you want to call her a client that means I win the bet," I teased.

"You're the main client but we still protect her as well. You haven't won anything because nothing has happened."

"But you want it to?" I asked as I yawned, exhaustion finally catching up with me.

"It doesn't matter if I do or don't."

"I for one think it definitely matters and I think you should go for it. She needs a good man like you in her life."

"I was just saying how I don't regret shooting a mentally ill woman. I'm not exactly a good guy."

"You're one of the best Butch. You may have done some not so great things, but they were with good reason. Like you said, you had no choice, it was her or me and the babies. When I was kidnapped, you worked harder than anyone to find me. When I was struggling with morning sickness, you got me crackers. I'm not going to lie and pretend I know your life but I know deep down, you are a good man. Any woman whether it's Stephanie or someone else will be extremely lucky to have a man like you at her side. Or man if you'd prefer that," I teased. He rolled his eyes at me but smirked. "Just trying to be inclusive over here. Like I said, I don't know your life. For all I know that could be why you haven't made a move on Stephanie."

"I appreciate you being inclusive but no, just interested in women over here. Though my brother is gay," he shrugged. "And like I said she's a client."

"Everybody has a reason not to take the risk. Lord knows I had a million. What I can say is, I've yet to regret taking the risk but, I know I would've regretted it every day if I hadn't."

"Look at you, married for a couple of months and already the love expert?" He teased me.

"I mean, I'm an expert in many things," I laughed. "But I would not say love would be one of them. I just tell it how it is. Like you said, I don't bullshit. Plus, I like seeing my friends happy. And unfortunately for you, I now have you in that category, so you're stuck with my unsolicited advice."

"I wouldn't say unfortunately. I've guarded many people but not many could I say I would consider friends."

"Well then I guess I'll consider myself lucky," I smiled.

"I didn't say I'd consider you one either," he joked.

"You don't have to, I already know. I'm your favorite client," I teased.

"I don't know about favorite client. There was a Russian ambassador. That one was pretty fun. Car bombs, explosions, gun fights."

"Ah so what you're saying is you're really an adrenaline junkie and I'm boring you," I laughed.

"There may not have been any explosions this time around but, it's been far from boring. Seriously though, I do consider you a friend. I sometimes check in with clients to see how they're doing after I'm gone but I have a feeling after this assignment, I won't get away with just checking in every once in a while," he smiled.

"Absolutely not. After everything we've been through together, you're practically family. That means I expect visits, phone calls, holidays, though I can be flexible with those because I know you have your own family as well. I hate to break it to you but you're stuck with us. As much as I hated the idea of a bodyguard, I'm glad it was you and Chuck. Plus, you're going to marry my assistant so…"

He laughed at that. "You're something else. You know that? You know what I find most endearing about you though? That you take everyone in. You make everyone feel like family. That girl at the concert, Stephanie, Mia, Sydney, Chuck and I. You may have to end up building on to your cabin just to fit everyone you keep taking in."

"I grew up feeling alone most of the time. I had the Belikovs but still had to go home to an empty cold house every night. I don't want anyone to ever feel like that," I shrugged as I yawned again.

"And it's time for you to go to bed. It's late and you have a couple of interviews tomorrow if Abe doesn't cancel them."

"You're probably right. I think I'm tired enough to fall asleep this time," I said standing up. I started to walk off but stopped and went over to Butch. I leaned down as well as I could with my belly and gave him a hug. "Thanks for being my friend." I said softly then pulled away and started back towards my room. Then stopped and looked at him.

"Also, ask Steph out. Take the chance. It could change your life," I said before walking into the room.