Chapter 32

Chapter Thirty-Two

Viktor

S ix 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.

"I don't know where she is if that is what you're thinking. All I know is that she's well and safe."

"Have you spoken to her?"

"Oliver told me when I asked."

Is my mother lying to me? My head is spinning.

"I'll be back." I start to walk.

"Leave your brother alone, Viktor. He's doing right by Ava."

"It's not his place or his job." I leave the hospital room and dial Oliver.

"Hey, Viktor. How's everything?"

"I want to speak with Ava."

"Not this again. I told you I don't know where she is."

"Stop with the lies. You've been talking to her. Where is she?" He's quiet. "I want to know now," I bark. Nurses give me disapproving looks. I walk to the stairs.

"I'm sorry, I can't tell you," he finally confesses.

"I swear I'm going to put a bullet in your head if you don't speak."

"Do what you need to do, but the answer isn't going to change. I have to go." He ends the call.

Days have elapsed since my conversation with Oliver. We've kept our distance, using Angus as the middleman, which is probably for the best. I'm not sure how I'll react when we're in the same room again. The last time didn't work out so well.

I never imagined he would keep such a big secret even if he thinks he's doing the right thing. To keep Ava and my son from me is unacceptable. There's a knock at my door. I look at my screen.

"Come in, Mary."

"Mr. Manarch, I wanted to check in with you. Would you like some lunch?"

"No, thank you. Is Aisling's bedroom ready?"

"Yes. The final touches were done this morning."

"She should be home soon. My mother will be staying with us for a few days. Please prepare the bedroom upstairs."

"Very well."

I've spent weeks preparing the mansion to accommodate Aisling's needs. The doctors felt she should stay in the hospital as she continues to grow stronger. But Aisling will receive better care at home. My mother devised an elaborate plan with specialists to treat Aisling's conditions here, where she belongs. I can't stand seeing her in the hospital anymore. There's another knock at the door. Fiona barges in before I can tell her to go away.

"Viktor, we need to talk."

"What now?" I snarl.

"I don't understand why Aisling's bedroom is on the second floor while I'm still on the first. She needs both of her parents."

"I'm not having this argument again," I growl in exasperation.

She stands in front of my desk. "I'm her mother," she wheedles.

"Some mother you are. You've seen her twice since she was born."

"You know it's hard to see her in the hospital. It's too much, and I'm still recuperating from my surgery."

"That line is getting old. If there isn't anything else, get out. I have work to do."

"We're a family. We need to be together. I need to be with my daughter."

"Aisling will be living in this house upstairs. You can be with her anytime you want."

"I'm not going to take this," she tells me.

"My word is final."

"I'll leave with her."

I stand and walk around the desk.

" You aren't taking my daughter." I'm a few feet from her.

"Baby, don't be like this. We can finally be happy once she's home." She moves to touch me, and I grab her arm.

"Get the fuck out of my office."

"You'll regret this. I swear."

"Don't push me, Fiona." I walk back to my chair.

"Please, baby. I love you."

"Why do you continue to pester me?"

"That fucking whore and her bastard are gone. We're your family."

"Tread carefully, Fiona."

She stomps her foot and leaves.

All our arguments end the same. John is working on the divorce, but it can't come soon enough. It would have been already done if it weren't for Aisling being in the hospital. My focus was Aisling. But she's coming home, and there's no sense staying married to Fiona.

Fiona is a spoiled, useless woman. I've never seen a woman I'm more disgusted by. She doesn't care about Aisling, who should be the most important person in her life. Aisling is coming home, and instead of focusing on her, she's focused on making my life a living hell. She might be Aisling's mother, but she will never be her mom. There's not a bone in her body that will ever sacrifice anything for her daughter. But it doesn't matter because Aisling has me. Once all this mess is settled, I know she will have Ava too.

Because I'm bringing Ava and my son home.