Page 19 of Revenge
“I should ask the same. You should have disappeared. Gone far from here.” I move to the side to cover my growing belly.
“What do you want?” I ask defensively.
“I heard you worked here. I wanted to make sure you knew that Viktor and I are happy.” She smiles, but it’s not genuine. I don’t know how, but I know she’s lying. “Our bundle of joy is growing.” She places her hand on her belly. It is like a punch in the gut. A reminder of why Viktor and I aren’t together. I hate it.
“Fiona…” I take a deep breath. “I’m happy for you both.” She moves closer. I grab a few items to hide my belly. The last thing I need is for her to know my secret.
“Viktor and I are happy, and I expect things to continue that way.” She’s two steps from me. “What the fuck?” she yells, looking down. I know she’s spotted my belly, but I won’t confirm it. I can’t.
“I’m glad you’re happy. Thanks for stopping by.” I move away from her. She grabs my arm to stop me.
“You have to be shittin’ me.” She stares at my belly. I guess today was not a good day to wear leggings and a fitted blouse. I pull my arm back. “That better not be Viktor’s baby,” she hisses, her eyes narrowed.
“This is my baby,” I say, protecting my belly.
“That is not what I asked.”
“This is my baby, end of story,” I repeat. I veer around her to the front of the boutique. I need distance from her.
“If he ever finds out you’re pregnant, you’ll both die.” The venom in her voice makes my blood run cold.
I stop and turn. “Is that a threat?” I ask as I take a step toward her.
“A fact. If you and that bastard growing inside you want to live, you’ll not tell Viktor or any of his family that you’re pregnant.”
“Is that why you came here?” I’m confused. Do they know I’m pregnant? Is my secret out? That can’t be it, Fiona looked surprised and horrified when she saw my belly.
“Stay away from Viktor. He’s my husband.”
The chime at the door goes off again.
“Ava, is everything okay?” The concern in Maddie’s voice slices through the tension in the air.
“Yes, Mrs. Manarch was just leaving.” I look at Fiona and then pointed at the door.
“That’s right,” she sneers. “I’m Mrs. Manarch. You better remember that.” As she storms out of the door, she adds, “Stay away from my family.”
“Ava—” Maddie starts as Fiona leaves the boutique.
“I just need a minute.” I interrupt her and follow Fiona outside. “Fiona,” I call. She stops and turns to face me, disdain written all over her face. “I’ll stay away. I won’t tell anyone I’m pregnant. But I need your word that you won’t tell anyone either.”
“You don’t tell me what to do,” she spits venomously.
“Fiona—” I try again.
“Stay away from him and the Manarchs. I’ll only warn you once. If Viktor finds out, it’ll be the end of you and your bastard.”
I stay silent. There’s no point talking to her. Fiona won’t risk Viktor knowing because she knows he’ll find me if he does. I know that much. A few seconds pass before she heads for a parked car. I was naive to think that I could hide or get away from everything to do with Viktor. I thought moving to the other side of the city would be far enough, but it wasn’t. I should’ve left the state. Taking a deep breath, I enter the boutique, where Maddie is waiting with concern. I know she’s going to have questions, but I don’t have answers to give.
“Who was that?”
“Someone from my past.” I walk to the counter.
“Are you in some kind of trouble?”
“No. You don’t need to worry about her. She won’t be back.” I take the milkshake so I can ground myself.
“Are you sure?”
