Chapter 13
Chapter Thirteen
Ava
I ’m sitting on the chair, taken aback by how different I look.
I barely recognize myself.
A lovely lunch was waiting for us when we arrived at the spa. It was followed by a full body massage and, just when I thought it couldn’t get any better, a mani-pedi. Anita has been such a delight to spend time with. I wonder if this is how it feels to have a mother in your life.
“Ava, what do you want done to your hair?” A distant voice brings me back.
“What?”
“What would you like me to do to your hair?” The stylist repeatedly moves my hair.
“I guess… cut it and… blow-dry it.”
“Just a trim. Not too much cutting.” Anita adds from the chair beside me with a wink. “You have beautiful hair. We wouldn’t want to ruin it.”
“Thanks.” My response feels inadequate . I have beautiful hair?
Being here feels unreal. It is like I’m holding someone else’s place. I still don’t understand why Viktor would want this arrangement. He wasn’t completely clear about what he’s gaining from this arrangement. I know nothing about him, so how am I supposed to play the part of his fiancée? There’s no way I can fool people because I’m a terrible liar. But I have to remember, this isn’t about me. It is about Dad. I won’t be able to live with myself if anything happens to him. As long as I can do something, I have to. I sometimes wonder how life would have been if Mom had never left or Dad wasn’t a gambler. Whenever I asked about Mom’s reasons for leaving, Dad always gave the same answer—she wasn’t ready to be a mother. I get it, my mother was twenty-three years old when she had me. I’m twenty-three now, and I’d lose my mind if I were a mother. I have thought about looking for her and asking why she left. But at this point, what is there to gain? She left me.
“All done,” the stylist says.
I was so deep in my thoughts that I wasn’t paying attention to what the stylist was doing. A glance at my hair in the mirror reveals subtle layers and relaxed waves. I look and feel beautiful. Never in a million years would I have ever imagined being at an elite spa pampering myself with Viktor’s mom. This feels like a dream. If this were a fairy tale, I’d say I’m playing Cinderella, and we all know what happens at the stroke of midnight. But I have a job to do, and that must be my focus.
“Thank you, it's perfect.”
“Don’t mention it. You have amazing hair, and it was my pleasure. From now on, only Paulo touches your hair.” The stylist tells me, referring to himself. I don’t even want to know how much it costs to get your hair done in this place.
“Of course,” I say with a smile.
“Sweetheart, you look beautiful,” Anita tells me as I get out of the chair.
“Thank you. You do as well.”
“You’re so sweet.” She smiles. “I told Viktor to meet us at the restaurant. He wasn’t happy. He wanted to pick you up himself, but I want to make a stop before we meet him.”
“Okay.” I have no clue why she’d want me to tag along, especially given how I’m dressed.
“Great. The car should be waiting.”
We leave for an unknown destination. Anita didn’t tell me where she wants to stop, but it doesn’t matter. My job is to play the fiancée. Keep my head down and do as I’m expected. If my days will be anything like this, spending the next year with Viktor won’t be hard at all. Our car stops in front of a boutique, and two women are waiting for us inside. One I recognize from last night in the restaurant.
“Hi, Auntie,” she greets Anita.
“Hi, Tina. Thanks for meeting us.”
“I was in the neighborhood. We weren’t formally introduced yesterday. I’m Tina, Viktor and Oliver’s cousin.”
“Nice to meet you. I’m?—”
“Ava, I know.” She has a sweet smile.
“Right.” I smile back.
“We don’t have much time, ladies. Viktor is expecting us in an hour. What are our options, Tina?” asks Anita.
I’m confused.
“I pulled out a few outfits. I’m sure you’ll find something you like, Ava.”
“Something I like?” I bite my lower lip as my gaze flips between them. They’re both looking at me like it should be obvious.
“I thought it would be perfect to end our spa day with a new outfit. I always love wearing something new after a spa day.” Anita winks.
“I’m… I’m okay,” I mumble, feeling out of my element.
“I want to spoil my future daughter-in-law. The closest I’ve got to a daughter is Tina. She won’t let me spoil her anymore.”
“Anita, I wouldn’t feel right,” I say.
“Lucky for you, I feel right for the both of us. So off you go. Try on what Tina has picked out for you.”
I want to argue with her and tell her she doesn’t have to spoil me. But I’m not going to lie—it feels good to have someone want to spoil me. I try on a few different outfits. Anita and Tina are really opinionated. Anyone else might find that annoying, but I think it’s nice. I look at the price tags as I try them on. The cost of one outfit could pay my rent for a month. This is a luxury I can’t get used to or shouldn’t. This is temporary. In a year, this will be a closed chapter of my life. A distant memory.
“That’s the one,” Tina says.
“Are you sure?” I ask, looking in the mirror.
“It’s perfect, sweetheart,” Anita adds tenderly.
I look in the mirror. I’m wearing an off-white knee-length dress and patterned stilettos. It’s a simple classic look, the perfect look for Viktor Manarch’s fiancée, well at least I think it is. They finish my look with soft makeup, making me look elegant. I feel like the imposter I am, but I can’t deny that I’ve never felt more beautiful. Tina passes me a pair of sunglasses and a Tory Burch purse. For now, I need to make myself feel comfortable. I need to play the role.
“You’re stunning,” Anita says, looking from behind me.
“Thank you.”
I swear I see Anita’s eyes water. But that could be me projecting.
“We need to get going. Tina, are you coming?” Anita asks.
“No. I need to finish some errands. I’ll be at the restaurant later. Ava, it was nice meeting you. I’m sure we will see more of each other.” She gives me a quick hug.
“I hope so.”
“You will,” Anita tells me.
“Bye, Auntie.”
“Bye, Tina. Ava, I’m sure you’re anxious to see Viktor. He’s going to be pleasantly surprised.” I smile because I don’t know exactly what to say, but I can agree with her on one thing.
I am also pleasantly surprised by how different I look.
I take my cell out while we drive. I don’t know why since no one has my number, but I do anyway, maybe out of habit. I have a few texts waiting.
Viktor: I hope you’re enjoying time with my mother. Call if you need anything
Viktor: It’s been a few hours since I’ve heard from you. I’m sure everything is going great. Relax and enjoy yourself
Viktor: My mother says there’s a stop you’ll be making and to meet at the restaurant. We’ll have to talk about you not answering texts. I expect updates on your whereabouts when you aren’t home
I’m surprised by his texts. Viktor has many moods, and I can’t keep them straight. One moment he’s sweet, then he’s controlling. I’m not sure how I feel about reporting every move I make when we aren’t together. I understand I have a debt to pay off, and these are his rules, but still.
It seems the more time I’m with him, the more rules he imposes. He’s forever changing, and I don’t appreciate it. It’s only been twenty-four hours—how will it be in a week? A month? The end of the year?
When the car pulls up to the restaurant, I’m suddenly nervous. What if he doesn’t like how I look? Is he going to be upset that I changed my hair and clothes without discussing it with him?
This is ridiculous. I’m not a child who has to ask permission. He’s not my father, my boyfriend, or my husband. I take a deep breath to steady my nerves. From the car, I see people inside the restaurant, which is to be expected since it’s almost time for dinner. But I don’t feel comfortable. Somehow, I feel all eyes will be on me.
“You look stunning. He’ll love it.” Anita squeezes my hand.
I smile and exit the car, standing tall. There’s no time like the present. There are a few men outside who greet Anita and smile at me. I don’t respond or linger. I don’t want Viktor to think I’m flirting with anyone by returning a smile. One of the men opens the door, and Anita enters first. I glance around the restaurant, searching for Viktor, but it’s crowded and loud. Then the kitchen door opens and Viktor walks out. Our eyes meet, and it’s like we’re alone. I’m no longer nervous, but I can’t explain why. He’s smiling, and I walk toward him, but he meets me halfway. If I didn’t know better, I’d say he ran to me. He kisses me. It isn’t one of those quick kisses, either. You know, the one you do out of habit? His fingers dig into my hair like he wants to consume me. Like he can’t get enough of me.
“Hello to you too, Viktor,” says Anita mockingly, forcing Viktor to let me go. I’m breathless, and my legs feel weak. I’ve never been kissed like that before.
“Hi, Mom. You look beautiful as always.”
“Thank you, sweetheart. But the real beauty is Ava, wouldn’t you say?” She winks at me.
“Besides you, she’s the most beautiful woman alive.”
Shit, did he just say that? His words are warm. They feel good coming out of his mouth, but I can’t get caught up, he’s just playing his part, and I need to play mine.
“Thank you.” I give him a sweet peck on the lips, just like a fiancée will do after being complimented by the man she’s marrying. The restaurant is loud again. When did it get quiet?
“Is your father here?” Anita asks.
“On his way.”
“Perfect. We’ll have our first of many family dinners. I’m going to check on things in the kitchen.”
“Would you like me to help?” I ask.
“Not in that dress.” She teases with good reason. My dress is white. “You have to keep Viktor busy.” She smiles.
“If you change your mind, I’m right here and ready to help.”
“She won’t. Let’s sit.” Viktor leads us to a nearby table.