Zakhar

Chapter 12

Zakhar

"What have you done with her?"

The phone was on the bed in speaker mode while I dressed. Nikolai was not dealing well with the fact that his sweetheart was missing.

It was the following morning, and I was taking Tabitha to meet my dad. We had arrived late last evening and hadn't had time to meet anyone. Right now, Nikolai was busting my chops about his little girlfriend.

"The baby wasn't yours," I informed him. "I had to do what was best for the family."

He lowered his voice. "What do you mean it wasn't mine?"

"I had a paternity test done it's 99.9% accurate."

"Are you sure?"

Picking up my earpiece from the dressing table, I slipped it into my ear. I then walked over to the bed and turned off the speaker from the phone.

"Nikky, you know I'd never do anything to hurt you. I just want what's best for you."

"Then let me come home for a while. I need to see father."

"The jet is already on its way to pick you up. I think father's time has arrived."

"Okay Zakhar, see you in a bit."

That was different, he wasn't throwing a tantrum like I thought he would. I was just about ready to leave the room when Tabitha walked out of the bathroom looking like a million bucks. I couldn't believe my good fortune meeting her when I did. I perhaps would have ended up marrying some chick like the first date I had.

I knew she was stressed about getting pregnant, but frankly, it didn't matter now. I knew that she was my person the moment I walked into that hospital room. I wanted to let her know that I'd never let her go, but that promise – how could I break it if she wanted out? Nevertheless, we had two years to figure it out. Two years to spoil her, to get her to love me.

"I'm ready." She announced with a shy smile. "I hope your father likes me."

"Honey, my father is in a bad state, he might not even know you're there."

We left our bedroom and walked to the east wing which was my father's domain. I held on to Tabitha's hand because I knew she must be nervous. I wanted to reassure her that she'd be fine. When we were outside the door, I leaned over and kissed her.

"It's okay, there's nothing to fear."

"Okay."

I opened the door and was greeted by Dr. Ralsky who looked downcast.

"Mr. Mikhailov it might be too late."

I passed him and went into the large room with king sized bed. A forlorn figure was lying on top of the covers, his eyes closed and barely breathing. He was hooked up to a vital signs machine which gave off a beeping noise.

Tabitha and I moved closer to the bed. I hadn't let go of her hand and we both stood by my father's bedside. As I reached out and touched him, he didn't even stir as he labored to breathe. Tabitha pulled her hand out of mine and encourage me to tend to my father.

"I'll stay right here," she assured me. "Talk to him."

I picked up his frail hand and held between both of mine. "Father, if you can hear me, it's Zakhar. I'm sorry I couldn't come sooner but I was getting married like you wanted. She's right here with me and I am very happy."

"Zaaaa…" a faint voice whispered. "Is … that … you?" He paused between words to catch his breath.

"Yes father."

"Come … closer." His words were slow and controlled.

I leaned down my ear to his mouth. His breath fanned my ear as he spoke. "I … am … proud … of …y…"

His breath stopped and it was like the world around me stopped with it. The machine started droning, indicating that his vitals were non-existent. I stood up straight and cleared my throat before calling Dr. Ralsky over. Tabitha gripped my hand and leaned her head on my shoulder as if she knew what had just happened.

The doctor performed final declaration and made it official. My father was dead, and he didn't even get to meet my wife. At least he held on long enough for me to arrive home.

* * *

Although the arrangements had already been made, the funeral was held a few days later to accommodate the arrival of family members.

The day of the funeral was sunny and bright, yet quite a solemn occasion. Many people gave tribute to the patriarch of the Mikhailov's and showed love and support to us. I was thankful.

Kiev had made friend with Tabitha from the first day as she tried to comfort those around her. I didn't mind her offering words of kindness, but Kiev's closeness to her was making me uncomfortable. He'd basically abandoned his own wife and was clinging to mine for support.

I saw the way he was with Tabitha, the way he leaned into her when he spoke, and looks he gave her when he thought no one was looking. Da fuck!

Not wanting to make a scene with our family around I waited until after the repass and all the guests were gone. I took a bottle of whiskey in the den and invited Kiev to join me.

I poured the drinks and offered him one. "Take the edge off. I know you miss father as much as I do."

"Thanks Zakhar. You got married before he died, otherwise you would have felt guilty not fulfilling his wish for you."

"What about you, are you and Bethany getting on?"

He shrugged. "It's not that she isn't great, it's just that we aren't clicking."

I downed my drink in one shot and turned to him. "I see you clicking with my wife."

"You're a lucky man. Tabitha is different, she's…"

I advanced, coming to stand within inches from his face. "I know you're my brother, but if you even breathe near her, I will crush you like a bug."

He held up both hands in defensive mode. "Woah, no need to get all offensive, I'm not after your wife."

"Aren't you?"

"I admit she's one in a million, but I wouldn't. She's my sister-in-law, you're my brother. Moreover, it's your favorite you should keep an eye on, he's been following her around like a little puppy."

"He'll get over it."

Kiev knitted his brows. "I thought this was a contract marriage. But you're acting all pissed off because another man looked at her."

I didn't see the need to respond to that and Kiev made his own assumptions about it. What was between Tabitha and me were nobody's business, especially my rake of a brother.

"Ah, you're falling for her. I don't blame you. But what about her?"