Viktor She still and perhaps would always blame me for what I did, even though she would never hate me. I couldn't blame her. It was my decision to sink into drinking, breaking her heart by acting like the man I loathed. It was my decision to go against her, surrounding myself with a rapist and a conniving woman and pushing her away. That could never change. Yet she still let me hold her like I was a decade younger. It had to count for something. Hope that someday I could get her forgiveness in some way, whether it took months or even years down the line to forgive my actions, it was a price I was willing to pay. The same couldn't be said for Eva. I was a bastard to even consider doing so. How could I dare to beg for forgiveness after all I'd said and done? The names I've called her, the way I'd taken part in nearly humiliating her. How I'd thrown her out with only the clothes on her back. How I stood proudly beside the man who tried to assault her. A wave of nausea came t
Viktor FLASHBACK: SIX YEARS AGO ‘Viktor, I need to talk to you. It's about Joff.’I frowned as I reread Brienne's message over and over again. This had to be a joke…right?Why would she need to talk to me about him? Hell, why would she so much ass mention him? From the moment I heard what he'd done, I'd renounced him as my friend. I couldn't handle hearing his name, much less being around that bastard after what he'd tried to do to my girl.The memory of Eva's breakdown was still too vivid in my mind. After months of her sudden distance I'd grown frustrated with her actions. I was prepared for anything else, but not what she'd said.Geoffrey…he of all people tried to-I couldn't even say it in my mind. The thought alone revolted me but more than that was the aching pain from Eva's tears as she sobbed.She had been holding back the secret as some form of twisted self sacrifice. I knew it even before she said it. I’d already set her straight on that notion weeks ago. Why on earth woul
WARNING: IMPLIED DUBIOUS CONSENTViktor ONE MONTH LATER‘Just this once.’I stumbled across the room completely wasted. My mind was in a daze but it didn't matter to me.Looking around, the room felt cold. I had been a stranger to this place for the past few weeks, barely staying to bathe and dress up before leaving again. I didn't want to see her face or speak to her.Yet my traitorous heart had brought me back here, to our home. ‘More like her home’ I scoffed bitterly. Despite trying to resist it I needed to see her.Every time she looked at me with those saddened puppy-like eyes that made my guilt waver, but I always avoided her. Maybe it would be less painful if she stopped acting innocent.She must be happier now without worrying about me to keep an eye on her. Now she could cheat and go out with multiple men as she could.Did she bring some of them home? I'd asked the guards around the penthouse to keep an eye on her yet every time she came alone. There wasn't a trace of her
Viktor It was so jarring that I couldn't move for a moment. The instant I processed it my actions were swift. I pushed her away, stumbling back in turn.“What the hell?” left my lips. Shock and disbelief filled me as I looked at her. She'd just…kissed me?She didn't seem undeterred by it or shocked by her own actions. The look on her face could only be described as pleased.“You don't have to be afraid. I'm not going to eat you.” She shrugged amusingly looking more like the friend I knew if not for the amusement on her face.Why would she do this? “Viktor, can't you feel it? The sparks between us. Our chemistry. We belong.” She took a step forward and I was frozen in place.“You're my friend.” I said dumbly and her smile widened.“And?” She asked, leaning in “It doesn't mean that we can't do this.”“Brienne!” She stilled after I shouted, the smile on her face falling a fraction. I didn't get the chance to speak as she interrupted.“Tell me that you've never been attracted to me befo
Viktor As I entered the penthouse, I found the place empty. There was no trace of her.‘She’d gone to meet one of those men.’ the venomous thought slipped into my chest.Brienne was right behind me. My gut tightened at the thought of meeting Eva here. How confused she would be before it set in. Had she been here, would I have the will to go through with this?There was no time to think of anything else. Not when Brienne kissed me, pushing her breasts against me.“Let's see if she will be back by the time we're done.” Brianna coyly smiled.As it turned out, we weren't done by the time she returned and I met the face of the woman I once loved staring horrified at us.‘Are you surprised?’ I thought horribly. My chest twinged in rebellion but I suppressed it. Why should I be the one to feel ashamed after everything she'd done?She had no right to feel sad or betrayed. It was only payback.And it was only just the first thing My decision was on impulse yet it still felt like it was a lo
ONE WEEK AFTER THE REVEALEva“Mom! Mommy look!”The alarm in her voice brought me to action as adrenaline filled me. I didn't hesitate to drop the novel I'd only bought hours ago and get off the deck chair to run towards my baby girl's figure as fast as I could. The sight of her not far enough from the tides didn't help, yet as I stopped Anthea turned to me, no sign of great in her expression. She hopped excitedly, pointing at the sea.“Jellyfish mommy. I saw a jellyfish. It was just right here.” She squealed, turning back. I followed her gaze to find the ocean, no sign of any fishes around.“You didn't get to see it.” I met her pouting lightly, completely deflated as she looked at me.Any terror I had died already and all that was left was a warm fondness. Letting out a deep breath, I crouched to her level, placing my hands on her shoulders.“It's okay. I know we'll see another one in time.” I assured her, frowning slightly.“I hope you didn't try to touch it though. You shouldn't h
THREE WEEKS LATEREva‘LONG STANDING COMPANY FALLS: REYNOLDS FAMILY CORPORATION ON THE BRINK OF BANKRUPTCY?’I traced the headlines again and again, wondering if I was seeing things.Of course I had expected this, but seeing it in itself was…wow.Shutting my eyes, I dropped my phone on the bed.Only several hours ago we'd returned from the long needed vacation. Jonathan left shortly after dinner and the kids had school, leaving me free to finally turn on my phone after an eternity. After sifting through hundreds of emails and messages that came over the past few weeks, I grew tired and went online to read news.Things weren't going well on their end. Brienne and Geoffrey were both in jail, convicted of multiple sentences by their victims. I couldn't even feel a sliver of emotion reading those words on my screen.That was considered old news now, the trail becoming silent while they awaited trial. On the other hand, Reynolds' Family Corporation was in the news constantly from one new a
EvaMy blood turned to ice instantly. Now I completely understood her reaction and the reason for her hesitation. There was no way she would react that way, was it the other drunken waste of his father. Especially when she alongside everyone else was aware of our past.‘Viktor came. He came here to see me.’ The sentence alone left me reeling.Lucy's voice brought me out if my reverie but I couldn't identify what she'd said, “What?” I asked,“I couldn't dismiss him. Not directly at least, because of...” she bit her lip, cutting herself off but I already knew. She didn't need to complete her sentence. The answer was simple.Whether or not they were at their downfall, he was still a Reynolds and the name still held weight, at least for now.“I thought telling him you were away was enough but he kept on coming. I told him the truth that you left on a vacation and weren't going to be in the office in the near future. After that he stopped coming. He hasn't been here for the past four days
EvaShock rang over me in waves as her words rang through my mind. I could feel some people's eyes on mine but I couldn't care less. “Eva?”His voice snapped me back. Looking up I meet Viktor's eyes on mine. The concern clear on his face grounded me a little.Blinking frantically, I shook my head, trying to process.“Can you repeat that?” I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.“I've been arrested.”Julienne repeated through the line and my grip tightened . She didn't sound bothered, her voice completely neutral and dare I say, emotionless. But I knew better.The moment we became friends we'd opened up to each other. She constantly kept her exterior tough out of survival but I knew better than anyone how vulnerable one could be. She was already happy going through college what the hell could have changed?After a few more seconds of silence, a sound I recognized as a sigh came through.“Technically it's not really an arrest. It's the college security that detained me and now I neede
Eva“I'm sorry love, I have to stay here longer.” Jon's voice rang through the phone. “What do you mean? You promised the kids you'd be back for the festival,” I tried to keep my tone neutral even as irritation sprang through me.“I know. Something came up that's really important. I'll make it up to them, I promise.”My jaw clenched in response. “Jonathan, it's been a month. Nearly two since they've seen you.” I said as carefully as I could, yet it was hard to keep my frustrations away from the phone.He sighed, sounding exasperated, like he was the one frustrated.“What do you want me to tell you Eva?” he asked and I snapped.“I want answers!” My voice rose and I shut my eyes instantly to calm down. Once I reeled myself in I spoke again.“Everytime I asked, you constantly told me it was ‘okay’ yet you do this. You've constantly been out of the city doing Goodness knows what. What the hell is wrong with you?”“Nothing's wrong. I just need to work out some things.”“Things that you h
Viktor It took me a few more seconds to process it wasn't her room but ours, or what once used to be. The same room I hadn't touched in months.“It had been six years since I entered, yet the place looked how I remembered. Not a thing out of place,” she said, shaking her head,She took a step closer towards me and close up I saw the walls shift down, the neutral look replaced with something sadder that made my heart clench.“Seeing it made me realize something. I thought I was doing the best I could, keeping my distance. I was still holding you to the past. I thought I'd let go, but when it came to the kids. It reared its head the moment you found out about them." She continued “I’d forgiven but not fully. I was afraid to face that part of myself until last night in the same way I was afraid to face the present you. Even though I knew that you'd changed, a part of me was still holding you to those days wondering if you were going to do something else.”Those last words were like a p
Viktor Hell. That's where I felt like I was right now.I groaned against the blinding lights. Pain hammered through my head. I'd forgotten how bad times like this could be. As I sat up, my memories began to flood back.After leaving her home I had gone to the penthouse. I didn't even know how it started. First it was one drink without hesitation and then another and another until my mind became a blurry haze. Yet I could still recall why it started. I shut my eyes tightly for a different reason altogether. The last sight of Anthea, my daughter, choking because of the candy i bought her. Cory's scream and Eva's green eyes, wild with panic.“Get out.”Eva's words echoed in my mind.The familiar self-loathing and guilt washed over me, threatening to drown me under. Things were getting better, but like always I had ruined everything. Just like that I'd backslid, months of progress gone under the bottom of a bottle.‘Pathenic’ I scoffed to myself.A flash of a hazy memory stopped me in
EvaThe scent of antiseptic stung my nose as I waited in the hospital lobby.Penelope’s presence helped. She had come in a few moments ago, even while I was spaced out with Cory on my lap. The moment she hugged me, I couldn't stop myself from breaking down again.“Everything’s going to be okay.” She whispered to me. I closed my eyes in response. Goodness knew I wished I could believe it.I didn’t know what to feel. We had gotten her there in time, but I still couldn't get my mind off it. It was just like the second time that this happened. I was on my own, alone, scared.“Miss Greene?” The voice made me look up instantly to find the doctor there. All thoughts slipped by as I stood up carefully.“Doctor? How is my-”“Your daughter is fine,” he said, “you brought her in early so it was just a mild allergic reaction she suffered. She's still asleep but when she wakes up she'll be fully ready to discharge.”A sigh of relief left me instantly. She was fine. My baby was fine.Cory was sti
ONE MONTH LATEREva“When are you coming back?” I asked, rifling through clothes as frustration brewed up in me.“Soon.” Jon’s voice rang through terse and neutral. It made my brows furrow.“So, in a week? Cory and Anthea miss you.” I said, trying to ignore the coldness in his tone.“I…Eva I don’t know yet.” His words gave me whiplash, making me flinch.“Okay.” I said.Frustration brewed inside me but I kept silent.The moment the call ended I dropped the phone like a dead weight, clenching and unclenching my arms for control. What the hell? This wasn’t the first time, at least not within this month.After telling him of my decision to include Viktor and Grace into the children’s lives the day I'd made the decision, he was completely supportive. I still sensed displeasure, however no matter how much I tried to assure him, he said that it was fine. Although he was never present while Viktor and Grace were around, he still looked well.It happened so gradually. At first he wasn’t pr
Eva I was completely frozen under the scrutiny of my best friend’s stare as she flickered between us. Even if he wasn't touching me like before, his closeness was suspicious enough. For a moment everything was still…until the moment the twins slipped out beside her. “Mom!” they chorused and my gaze shifted to their innocent smiles. Without he's they rushed to greet me and I pushed my panic away, forcing a smile. “Hey, babies. Did you enjoy your time at Aunt Penelope?” I hugged them, ruffling their hair to make them giggle and nod in agreement. Looking back up to face Penelope felt sheepish. Her expression said plenty, a mix of disbelief and recognition. I could hear her unsaid words without thinking. I tried to pass a pleading one of my own to tell her that I'd explain after this. “Mom?” I tore my eyes away to meet Anthea’s stare but she wasn't looking at me but behind me, no doubt at Viktor. ‘Oh,’ I quickly stood up, looking at him before turning back to the chil
82EvaThe doorbell rang. I was ready, sucking in a breath before standing up.I tampered down any impulse to clean aside anything within the room more than necessary despite the urge to hide it away. He needed to see the reality of their natural environment.Passing by the strewn toys I left alone made me think back to Cory and Anthea.A swift call from them moved the sleepover Penelope spent with them to them staying with her for the entire day while I sorted things out. It was already evening and they were still with her. Considering it was evening she was no doubt also on her way to my home.She wasn't the one standing by the door at the moment however.I forced myself to relax before opening the door, his cerulean eyes meeting mine immediately.“Hi,” Viktor said.The air felt awkward yet I let him slip inside, murmuring a greeting before stepping back. He looked overwhelmed as he looked around and I couldn't blame him when I was the same way.If it wasn't for what happened earli
EvaI worked up to darkness and dim lighting engulfing me. My eyes felt heavy and my body ached but the smell of food woke me up further.It didn't take long for the past memories and pain to seep in. Swallowing hoarsely, I nearly broke down in tears again until“You're awake,”Jon's voice jolted me. I looked up to find him moving towards me, a plate in his hand along with the familiar aroma of pasta.Sitting up, I tried to smile when he reached. “Are you okay now?” He asked,“Yeah,” I nodded my voice hoarse from unuse.After crying for so long, I didn't know when I just…passed out. But looking around I was sure that a few hours had passed.I should have considered it a relief compared to holding it in, but looking at him only made more guilt swell into me.“I shouldn't have…I'm sorry for coming here unannounced.” I shifted uncomfortably. “It's okay.” Was all he said.“I'm sorry,” my voice cracked as I spoke. Even still I shouldn't have to use him as a crutch.“What happened? Or is