Chapter 1

Chapter One

Ava

A week has passed since I left Viktor. I wish I could say I don't think about him, but I would be lying. He's rooted in my heart. I never imagined he would sleep with his ex, Fiona. She's apparently pregnant with his child, and the worst part is that I learned about it from her. Fiona cornered me and told me a truth that should have come from him. His father's constant insistence that he marry Fiona is now likely to work. I never imagined Viktor would be capable of hurting me, but he did. My heart is broken. Viktor calls and texts every day. It's getting harder not to answer.

Viktor: It's better for you to come to me. It will be easier. Otherwise, I'll show you what happens when you don't obey me.

How do I reply to that? I know he means it, I've experienced the repercussions firsthand, but I have to be strong. There is nothing he can say that will let me forgive him. What woman in her right mind would stay? But that's not even the worst of it. Fiona warned me if he didn't marry her, his father would kill him. I couldn't live with myself if something happened to Viktor because of me. One of us needs to be smart, and it will not be him. Left to his own devices, Viktor will always think of what he wants and damn the rest of the world.

"Good morning." Lisa greets me as she enters the kitchen.

"Good morning. There's coffee in the pot."

"Thanks. I can get used to this. My last roommate wasn't an early bird." She smiles.

"It's the least I can do. You've been so kind to me."

"You're sweet," she says, pouring herself a coffee. "Are you excited about your first day at work?"

"I am, but also a little nervous."

"Why?" Lisa tips her head to the side. "From what you shared with me, I see that you love fashion. Besides, you've worked in the industry before."

"I wouldn't say that. I used to work at a boutique, and it's been some time since I last worked. I feel out of practice." Viktor made me quit my job as part of our arrangement when I first went to live with him.

"You will be fine."

"I hope so." I take a sip of coffee. "What's your day looking like?"

"Fully booked." She laughs. "I have two classes and then work. Sometimes I wonder why I'm doing all of this." She sits beside me.

"Because you want more, something better. It's all anyone can want."

"I often need to remind myself of that." We laugh.

I look at her with a shy smile. "I made you some food for the road. It's nothing crazy."

"You didn't have to."

"When I can't sleep, I cook. I would hate for it to go to waste." I look at the floor, unsure if I've overstepped the mark. "But don't feel you have to take it."

"Are you kidding? I'm thrilled. I won't have to eat whatever I can get my hands on."

"I'm glad. I don't mind cooking. I can always set a plate aside for you."

"Please don't trouble yourself."

"I have to eat and cook for myself. It won't take much effort to add a portion for you."

She squeezes my hand. "You have no idea what this means to me."

Except I know exactly what she means. Having someone think of you and take care of you? Viktor did that for me. He took care of me. Thinking of him breaks me inside.

"It's in the plastic takeout container on the first shelf in the fridge. I couldn't find a better container. I'll pick some up on my way back from work." I say, trying to shake the thoughts of Viktor away.

"Ava—"

"No objections. I have to do it for myself anyway," I assure her with a smile.

"Right."

"I should get ready. Don't want to be late on my first day. I'll see you later. Have a good day."

"Thanks, you too."

I wash my mug, but she tells me to leave it. This roommate thing might not be bad. I check the time, it's barely seven, and I already feel drained. I can't sleep at night for dreaming of him. Tossing and turning, craving his heat, but I have to erase him from my mind. If I don't, whatever little sanity I have will disappear.

I'm excited about my first day at the boutique. It's part of the House of Beauty company. I love the way they stand for making all women feel beautiful. It's one of the reasons I'm excited about a position at one of their boutiques. I don't really need to work because Viktor wired money into my account the day I left him. But I need a distraction, so I don't spend all my time thinking of him. My cell beeps.

Tina: You can't ignore me forever. At least tell me you're alive.

Tina has been texting and calling nonstop since I left the night of the dinner. I know she won't give up, and I should answer. What happened between Viktor and me isn't her fault. But I don't want or need him to know where I am, and there's no guarantee she won't tell him. She is his cousin, after all.

Tina: You're being selfish, Ava. I'm just asking for a text. Please.

I take a deep breath.

Ava: I'm alive. Don't you think it is too early to text someone?

Bubbles…

Tina: Thank goodness. I was about to call 9-1-1 and file a missing person's report ??

Ava: No need.

Tina: Can we talk? If I call, will you answer?

I probably shouldn't answer. But Tina has always been good to me. She deserves that much.

Ava: I'm getting ready for work. I'll call you in fifteen.

Tina: Waiting patiently ??

She makes me laugh. It's the first time in days I feel an ounce of normality. A part of me feels like talking to her will make me feel closer to him. I finish getting ready and get my things. I was honest with Lisa when I said I was nervous about my first day at the boutique. Not so long ago, I lived in a mansion with everything at my disposal. As I lock the front door, I dial Tina, who answers after the second ring.

"Took you long enough."

"Barely fifteen minutes." I laugh. I didn't realize how much I missed hearing her voice. She was my only friend after I met Viktor.

"How are you? Where are you? Are you okay?"

"It's too early for an inquisition. What are you doing, writing a report for him?" I ask in a serious tone.

"Harsh. I'm just worried about my BFF. He doesn't even know I'm reaching out."

"I'm sorry. I really didn't mean to be harsh."

"You're forgiven, but only because I miss you."

"I miss you too. How are you?"

"This isn't about me. Answer my questions," she demands.

"You're a Manarch through and through." I giggle.

"Why do you say that?"

"You're demanding answers. Such a Manarch trait."

"Maybe. But seriously, how are you? Are you okay?"

"Taking it one day at a time."

"You would tell me if you weren't, right? How are you doing with money? Do you need anything?"

"I'm good, really. Your controlling, over-the-top cousin put money in my account."

"Good for him."

"Don't defend him. I don't want his money. I should give it to you, so you can take it back to him."

"I love you, but I'm not getting involved."

"Coward," I tease.

"Maybe, but you know how he is. You mentioned going to work. Where are you working? Since when have you been working?"

"It doesn't really matter. I'm excited about working again. After so long of not working, it feels nice to have the freedom to do so," I respond.

"Tell me where so I can go to see you."

Now it's my turn to set boundaries. "I love you, but I can't. He can't find me.

"I would never tell him anything. You should know me better than that."

"You wouldn't, but that doesn't mean he won't try to use you to get to me."

"At least don't ghost me. I don't want you to be alone. I'm here for you."

"I'm not alone. My bus is coming. Talk to you soon." I need to end the call. It's too hard talking to her without thinking of him.

"You better answer your cell and texts, or I'll come for you."

"I don't doubt it for a second." I try to sound light.

"Take care of yourself. I'm only a cell call away. If you need anything, and I mean anything, please call and let me know. I'll come to you, no matter where you are or the time."

"I know. Talk with you soon." I end the call, not letting her say anything else.

I would love to stay in touch with Tina. But it's a slippery slope. There are no guarantees with the Manarchs. Being with her means I'm only a moment from Viktor finding me, and I can't have that. As much as I hate it, I have to break all ties with all the Manarchs. Nothing will change my mind. All of this is Viktor's fault. He did this to us, ruined us, ruined me. There's no going back.