Page 57 of Revenge
“She’s having my child.” I end the call as I enter the garage.
Oliver sees me enter but looks away. He knew Ava is pregnant and kept it from me. Is this what he has been hiding? What has him preoccupied?
“Who told you?” He finally asks.
“Did you know?” I ask, furious. He goes back to not saying anything. “I asked a question.”
He lets out a deep breath. “Yes.”
“And you kept it from me? Fuck you, Oliver. You know how I feel about her. A child changes things. She needs me.”
“I know you don’t want to hear this, but it changes nothing. At the moment, Ava doesn’t need you. She’s still at risk, probably more now than ever.” I want to grab him by the neck and rip him a new one.
“The address Oliver,” I repeat.
“Don’t cross a line you won’t be able to come back from. She’s fine where she is. She’s safe.”
“I won’t ask again.”
He exhales hard. “I’ll take you.” He takes a step toward me.
“It’s for the best if you don’t. Text me the address.” I leave the garage and walk to my SUV. I get in wanting to deck Oliver and destroy Fiona’s life. They’ve made a fool of me.
Oliver’s text arrives. The address tells me she’s been close to me the entire time, just on the other side of town. If I wasn’t enraged, I would probably laugh. How did I not know? Who else has been keeping this secret? I drive, and flashes of moments with her play in my mind like a montage. Every time I made her mine. Every moment we spent together. I’ve loved her from the moment I laid eyes on her. She is having my child.
Pulling up to the address, I find myself lost for words. I don’t know if she’s home, but I’m willing to wait as long as it takes. I won’t leave without speaking with her. Upstairs I ring the bell, and a young woman opens the door.
“Can I help you?” she asks.
“I’m looking for Ava.”
“She’s not here. But if you tell me your name, I’ll tell her you stopped by.” I don’t care for her tone.
“Do you know how long before she returns?”
“I don’t. But I’ll tell her you stopped by.” She’s cold and attempts to close the door. I stop the door with my hand.
“I’ll wait.” I push my way in.
“You can’t come in here.” She tries to stop me by getting in the way.
“Yet here I am,” I tell her walking inside.
“I’ll call the police.”
“Go right ahead.” I move deeper into the apartment. “Which one is her bedroom?”
“You need to leave. She doesn’t want to see you. She doesn’t need you in her life,” she says, apparently knowing who I am. I ignore her and open the first door, but it isn’t hers. Her scent isn’t here. “You have to leave. She’ll be home any minute.” I hear her say, but I ignore her and open the next door.
Immediately, I’m welcomed by her scent. A scent I’ve missed and know well. To one side of the room is her bed and on the other is a crib. On the dresser is a frame with a sonogram. I lift it, overwhelmed with sorrow. She’s been doing this alone. The crib is ready for our child. I sit on the bed holding a blanket that will keep our child warm.
“It’s crazy outside.” I hear Ava’s voice. “What’s wrong? Are you sure?” I can’t hear what the woman is telling her. Then I hear footsteps. “Viktor, what are you doing here?” she asks from the doorway, touching her swollen belly. I can’t believe it. She looks more beautiful than ever. She takes my breath away.
“Why didn’t you tell me?” I ask as I stand.
“You have to go. You shouldn’t be here.”
I walk toward her.
