Page 143 of Revenge
“But it doesn’t work for me.” This stops her. For a second, we fall into silence as we stand in front of each other. “Be my wife.” She closes her eyes.
“I don’t know if I can. It’s not that I don’t want to marry you. I just don’t want us to rush into anything. There are still a lot of unresolved issues between us.”
I pull her to me. “Do you love me?”
“It’s not about love.”
“Do you love me?” I ask again.
“You know the answer to that question.” She closes her eyes again and lets out a deep breath.
“I’m in love with you, Ava O’Brien. You’re the mother of our children. Marry me?” I see the battle in her eyes. “Just say yes. There’s no point fighting the inevitable.”
“Viktor—”
“I’m sorry for everything you’ve been through since we met. But you coming into my life has been the best thing that could have happened to me. You saved my life. Before you, I had nothing to lose. Now I have everything to lose. I lost you more times than I should have already. I don’t want a life without you and our kids. You’re my life, they’re my life,” I confess.
Ava begins to cry softly. “You broke my heart, and I barely made it out. I can’t do another heartbreak. I won’t survive it.”
I gently wipe the tears from her cheeks. “Tell me what you want me to do? How can I prove to you my commitment to our family? I’ll do anything.”
“Don’t break my heart. Come home every night. Above everything, don’t lie or keep secrets. For us to weather the storms, we have to trust each other.”
I kiss her, drowning whatever else she was going to say. We only break the kiss when we are gasping for air.
“Say it,” I demand.
“Yes.”
It’s the only word I need.
Waking up in an empty bed, I look at the time. It’s nearly eight a.m., and I realize I can’t remember the last time I slept in. I take a shower and enjoy how happy I feel. Ava saying yes is the last missing piece to the puzzle of my happiness.
I get dressed and search my bag for the new ring I got for Ava. One that doesn’t hold any sour memories. I got the ring shortly after Niko was born. It was only a matter of when I was going to propose. I didn’t think it would take almost eight months for me to ask her. The ring has been made specifically for her. It has a four-carat central diamond with our children’s birthstones on each side. Aisling’s birthstone was added shortly after Ava moved into the house, and I saw their bond. I know she’ll love it. I put the box in my pocket and make my way downstairs. The house is awake, and I hear the kids and people all around. I look for Ava, and I’m not surprised to find her in the kitchen.
“Blueberry pancakes will be fine for Aisling,” she tells the chef.
“Good morning,” I say from behind her.
“Good morning,” she turns. “Coffee?”
“Please.” She walks over to the pot. “I have something for you.”
“What is it?” I set the box on the counter. She spots it as she brings me a mug.
“What if I said no?” She smiles.
“It wasn’t an option.” I open the box.
“Is that a ring I see?” Oliver observes, entering the kitchen.
“Mind your business,” I say.
“You should make him wait,” Oliver says, laughing.
“Shut the fuck up. She already said yes.” I take the ring out of the box and grab her left hand.
“Am I not getting you on bended knee?” she comments, looking affronted.
