Page 70 of Revenge
“Very.”
He sits beside me. “Ava.”
I turn to look at him. “What?”
He takes my hands and gazes into my eyes. “I’m in love with you.”
I take my hands back but not before seeing the flash of hurt in his eyes.
“I see you as my friend. My heart belongs to Viktor,” I tell him before he can continue whatever he has in mind to tell me. But my confession doesn’t stop him.
“He isn’t good for you. He’s a married man. If you give me a chance, I can make you happy.”
I know Max believes that but only one person can truly make me happy, and he isn’t here.
“Max—”
“I see how much you suffer because of him. Marry me? I’ll raise your son as my own. I already love him like he’s ours.”
I close my eyes. It certainly would make my life easier if I married someone like Max. But it isn’t right. I don’t love Max.
“I know you mean well. But Viktor is the father of my son. Now that he knows, I can’t keep him away. I won’t. Besides, I can’t do this to you. I care too much about you to hurt you.”
“I can love you enough for the both of us. You’ll see. With time you can grow to love me. He’s married, and you deserve to be loved.” Everything he’s saying makes sense. Maybe if I were someone else.
“I’m going to take a shower,” I say, getting up, not wanting to continue with this conversation.
It doesn’t matter if Viktor lives the rest of his life with Fiona—I’ll never love another man. I’ll love him until my last breath. Viktor might be many things, and our lives might take many turns, but my love for him is unwavering. Our son is growing inside of me. There is no walking away, not anymore. This is the truth I need to accept.
I would never replace Viktor as a father. Maybe if I were a colder woman, I could walk away, marry Max, and disappear. But I love Viktor too much. We’ve been through too much. Our time together might have expired, but what we share will be for the rest of our lives. We will always be connected by our son.
Chapter Thirty-Two
Viktor
Six weeks since my daughter, Aisling, was born, and Ava disappeared. Oliver claims he hasn’t found Ava. I know he’s lying, and he knows I know it. But sitting here holding my daughter, I have to focus on her. I know Oliver won’t let anything happen to Ava. She’s safe wherever she is. While he protects Ava, I will focus on Aisling. She needs me. Fiona hasn’t even bothered to visit Aisling since she was discharged from the hospital.
It doesn’t mean I don’t wonder how Ava and my son are doing. It’s hard to not have them with me. How did Ava find out she was pregnant? When did she find out she was pregnant? Was she alone? Was she scared? I should have been holding her hand at the first sonogram. I would have given anything to feel my son’s first kick. I didn’t get to enjoy any of those things with Aisling, either. Fiona always tried to manipulate me to get what she wanted. Fiona made the pregnancy experience sour. But that doesn’t matter now. I’m holding the most beautiful little girl in the world.
“Sweetheart,” my mother greets me, making me look up.
“Hi, Mom.”
“How’s she doing?”
“Better. She’s a strong girl.”
“A true Manarch.” My mother moves closer, smiling. “Why don’t I take her? You look like you could use a break.”
“I can’t leave her.”
“You wouldn’t be leaving her. You need to take care of yourself, Viktor. Aisling needs her father healthy.” I stand and hand her over. Aisling’s face scrunches when I caress it. “She’ll be fine. Have you heard anything about Ava?” She sits.
“Oliver continues to say he hasn’t found her. But I know he’s lying.” My mother stays quiet. “What do you know, Mom?”
“Nothing you don’t already know.”
“I’ll not allow you to lie to me, too,” I say louder, making Aisling wail.
